Bangladesh has tied the proposed visit of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to India to its demand for the extradition of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, saying a “propitious environment” must be established before the bilateral trip can take place.
Speaking at a press briefing in Dhaka on Sunday, Bangladesh Foreign Ministry spokesperson Shahidul Karim said officials from Bangladesh and India had been discussing the possibility of Rahman making a bilateral visit for several weeks.
However, he said the process was disrupted following Hasina’s open press interaction in New Delhi on August 5.
Karim said officials from both countries had been engaged over the proposed visit, but the situation was affected by Hasina’s public interaction. He noted that Hasina had been convicted by Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal for crimes against humanity and said Dhaka had already conveyed its position on the matter.
BANGLADESH AWAITS INDIA’S RESPONSE
Karim said Bangladesh believes favourable conditions must be established before Rahman’s visit can proceed and urged India to respond to Dhaka’s extradition requests.
He said Bangladesh had asked Indian authorities to urgently act on its request to extradite Hasina and other fugitives. Dhaka has also sought the handover of individuals accused in the killing of Shaheed Sharif Osman Hadi, citing the bilateral extradition treaty between the two countries.
Karim said Bangladesh was now waiting for India’s response.
The statement effectively links Rahman’s proposed visit to two key demands from Dhaka — the extradition of Hasina and other fugitives, and the transfer of those accused of killing Sharif Osman Hadi.
Bangladesh has maintained that India should act on these requests in accordance with the extradition agreement between the two countries.
‘BANGLADESH FIRST’ POLICY
The Foreign Ministry spokesperson also reiterated Dhaka’s broader foreign policy approach towards other nations, including neighbouring countries.
Karim said Bangladesh would continue pursuing its “Bangladesh First” policy while seeking friendly bilateral relations based on sovereign equality, national dignity, non-interference in domestic affairs and mutual benefit.
The remarks come as Dhaka and New Delhi continue discussions over Rahman’s proposed visit, with Bangladesh awaiting India’s response to its extradition requests.
