Bangladesh said on Sunday that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman would not travel to India until New Delhi extradites former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, who fled to India following the 2024 uprising.
Relations between Dhaka and New Delhi have remained strained since Hasina’s government was overthrown amid deadly anti-government protests. Hasina, who remains in India, was convicted of crimes against humanity in Bangladesh and faces the death penalty. Dhaka has repeatedly called for her extradition, while India says the request is still “under examination”.
Bangladeshi Foreign Ministry official A.K.M. Shahidul Karim dismissed speculation that Rahman could visit India next week, saying, “We are of the view that a propitious environment needs to be created for the visit.”
He added, “To this end, we have urged the Indian authorities to expedite their efforts to extradite Sheikh Hasina and other fugitives.”
Rahman, who took office in February, has already visited Malaysia and China, breaking with the usual practice of Bangladeshi leaders making India their first foreign destination.
Recent diplomatic contacts between the two countries had raised hopes of improved ties. India’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Dinesh Trivedi, met Rahman last week, while officials from both sides have discussed the possibility of a visit.
However, Karim said the situation had been complicated by Hasina’s public media appearances. “But the process has been vitiated by Sheikh Hasina’s open media interactions, despite her being a convict in crimes against humanity.”
Hasina has said she plans to return to Bangladesh in December, even if doing so results in imprisonment.
Karim also said Bangladesh’s foreign policy would follow a “Bangladesh First” approach focused on sovereignty and non-interference, while maintaining mutually beneficial relations with India and other countries.
