Bangladesh Lists 2 Riders for PM Rahman’s India Visit, Including Hasina’s Return

Bangladesh has indicated that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s proposed visit to India may not take place unless.

New Delhi takes steps towards the extradition of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina and other fugitives wanted by Dhaka.

Bangladesh’s Foreign Ministry said on Sunday that officials from both countries have been discussing the possibility of Rahman’s bilateral visit to New Delhi for several weeks.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson AKM Shahidul Karim said the discussions had been complicated by a public interaction involving Hasina in New Delhi on August 5. He said Dhaka believes that a favourable atmosphere must be created before the visit can proceed.

Bangladesh has asked India to expedite its extradition request for Hasina and other fugitives and to hand over individuals accused in the killing of political activist Sharif Osman Hadi, citing the bilateral extradition treaty between the two countries.

Two people accused in Hadi’s killing were arrested by the West Bengal Police Special Task Force in March from Bongaon in North 24 Parganas district, according to Bangladeshi authorities.

Dhaka also reiterated its commitment to its “Bangladesh First” policy, saying it wants to maintain friendly relations with neighbouring countries based on sovereign equality, national dignity, non-interference and mutual benefit.

The Bangladeshi government said the process surrounding Rahman’s proposed visit had been affected by Hasina’s public interaction in New Delhi. Hasina was convicted by Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal in a case involving crimes against humanity.

India, however, has maintained that the event involving Hasina and Bangladeshi officials was not connected to the Indian government. New Delhi has also previously said that Dhaka’s request for Hasina’s extradition remains under examination.

Hasina was ousted from power in August 2024 following a student-led movement that developed into a wider anti-government uprising. She subsequently left Bangladesh for India, where she has remained since then.