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

DHAKA: Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman urged India's envoy to foster a "conducive environment" for enhancing bilateral ties, as Dhaka continues to push for India's involvement in addressing politically sensitive issues such as the exile of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in India. Rahman's remarks highlighted his government's six-month-old efforts to stabilize relations with India while addressing longstanding irritants since Hasina's removal in August 2024.

During the first meeting with the newly appointed Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Dinesh Trivedi, Rahman stressed the necessity of creating a conducive environment to further advance bilateral relations between the two nations, according to a statement from the prime minister's office.

Bangladesh has been urging India to expedite Hasina's extradition, which she has been residing in India since the fall of her government. Hasina is currently facing legal proceedings in Bangladesh and was sentenced to death in November. The request for extradition came days after Hasina made her first media appearance since leaving Bangladesh, stating that she intends to return to the country in December, thereby reigniting discussions about her continued presence and political activities in India.

The Bangladesh foreign ministry strongly condemned the event, expressing deep hurt and outrage over allowing Hasina to hold an event, which they deemed disrespectful to Bangladesh. India has stated that they are reviewing Bangladesh's extradition request in accordance with their legal and judicial procedures. In response, the Indian High Commission expressed Trivedi's commitment to working with Bangladesh in a positive, constructive, and forward-looking manner.