Bangladesh PM seeks ‘conducive environment’ to reset ties with India

DHAKA: Bangladesh's Prime Minister Tarique Rahman urged India's envoy on Monday for a "conducive environment" to improve relations between the two nations. This follows Dhaka's persistent push for progress on the politically charged issue of ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's exile in India. Rahman's remarks reflect his administration's six-month-old commitment to stabilizing ties with India while addressing long-standing irritants stemming from Hasina's ouster in August 2024.

During his initial meeting with the new Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Dinesh Trivedi, Rahman emphasized the necessity of creating an environment that would advance bilateral relations. The Prime Minister's Office announced the meeting, stating that Rahman highlighted the need to improve the bilateral relationship between the two countries.

Bangladesh has also demanded expedited extradition proceedings for Hasina, who has been residing in India since her government's fall. Hasina, currently facing legal proceedings and sentenced to death in Bangladesh, was heard speaking to the media for the first time since her exile. She stated her intention to return to Bangladesh in December, which has once again brought attention to her continued presence and political activities in India.

The foreign ministry of Bangladesh strongly criticized the event, asserting that granting Hasina the opportunity to hold the media conference was deeply hurtful and deeply offensive. India, for its part, has said it is currently reviewing Bangladesh's extradition request in line with its legal and judicial procedures. The Indian High Commission also confirmed that Trivedi reiterated India's dedication to collaborating with Bangladesh in a "positive, constructive, and forward-looking manner".