Bangladesh PM's proposed India visit conditional on Hasina extradition, officials say

Bangladesh's Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is contemplating a visit to India, but its success hinges on the extradition of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, according to foreign ministry officials. Bangladesh has been urging India to expedite the extradition process for Hasina and other fugitives. A.K.M. Shahidul Karim, a foreign ministry official, downplayed reports suggesting Rahman's imminent visit, stating that the necessary conditions for such a trip must first be established.

Bangladesh has requested India to expedite its efforts to extradite Hasina and other fugitives, as per the foreign ministry official's statement. The visit's timing is speculated to fall between August 20-25, with discussions ongoing between the two governments. This proposed visit holds significance due to the strained India-Bangladesh relations since Hasina's forced departure from power in August 2024 and her subsequent relocation to India, where she is serving a death sentence for crimes against humanity.

Hasina continues to make public statements from India, a move Dhaka objects to. The issue of Hasina's extradition has been a topic in recent diplomatic contacts, with Bangladesh expressing the hope that India would expedite the extradition process during a meeting between Rahman and the Indian high commissioner. Both India and Bangladesh are exploring a broader reset in bilateral ties, covering areas such as border management, trade, visa normalization, and water-sharing, while India is expected to raise concerns regarding security, minority protection, and Dhaka's growing ties with China and Pakistan.

Rahman, since assuming office, has visited Malaysia and China but not India. His government has adopted a "Bangladesh First" foreign policy, prioritizing sovereignty and non-interference, while seeking mutually beneficial relations with India and other countries.