Dbarta24 Desk Report — The Bangladesh government has laid down several key conditions ahead of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s proposed visit to India, demanding immediate action on the extradition of deposed leader Sheikh Hasina and other fugitives, alongside establishing a conducive diplomatic environment for bilateral talks.
The high-stakes trip follows weeks of diplomatic back-and-forth triggered by an invitation from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
New Delhi had originally proposed August 21 as a tentative window for bilateral meetings, while also inviting Prime Minister Rahman to attend the upcoming BRICS Summit scheduled for September 12–13 in New Delhi.
Foreign Ministry Spokesperson A.K.M. Shahidul Karim emphasized that a favorable climate is essential for the high-level visit to proceed smoothly.
He noted that diplomatic relations faced strain following Sheikh Hasina’s public press conference in New Delhi on August 5, where the former leader—convicted of crimes against humanity by Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal—addressed the media.
Alongside the extradition request for Hasina, Dhaka has formally asked New Delhi to hand over suspects linked to the murder of Shahid Sharif Osman Hadi under the bilateral extradition treaty.
Bangladesh is currently awaiting a formal response from India regarding both matters.
Indian official sources maintained that invitations for both the bilateral visit and the BRICS summit remain valid, adding that the final timeline rests on Bangladesh’s decision.
Meanwhile, Bangladeshi officials stated that Indian authorities are evaluating the extradition request in accordance with applicable legal frameworks. The original request was filed in 2024 under the interim government led by Professor Muhammad Yunus and was subsequently reaffirmed by the BNP administration after taking office in February.
During her August 5 press conference, Sheikh Hasina expressed plans to return to Bangladesh in December, while claiming she would face severe threats to her life upon return.
The Indian government has since distanced itself from the event, stating it had no role in organizing the briefing and does not endorse her statements.
While both South Asian neighbors continue diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions, officials concede that resolving these complex legal and political issues ahead of the proposed trip timeline remains a formidable challenge.