Bangladesh says PM Tarique Rahman will not visit India until Hasina extradited

Bangladesh has announced that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will not visit India until New Delhi extradites Sheikh Hasina, the former Bangladeshi premier who fled the country during a 2024 uprising. The two nations have had a tense relationship since Hasina's government fell to violent protests, leading to her escape to neighboring India where she currently resides.

Facing the death penalty in Bangladesh for crimes against humanity, Dhaka has persistently sought her extradition. Foreign ministry official A.K.M. Shahidul Karim dismissed media conjectures about a potential visit by Rahman to India next week, stating, "We are of the view that a propitious environment needs to be created for the visit."

Karim added that urging the Indian authorities to speed up their extradition efforts was crucial. India has acknowledged that Bangladesh's extradition request is being reviewed. Rahman assumed office in February and has since traveled to Malaysia and China, deviating from the customary practice of Bangladeshi leaders visiting India first.

Dinesh Trivedi, India's High Commissioner to Bangladesh, met with Rahman last week, sparking discussions of a possible breakthrough. Diplomatic talks between Bangladesh and India have been ongoing about the prospect of Rahman's visit, according to Karim. However, the process has been complicated by Hasina's ongoing media activities, despite her conviction for crimes against humanity.

Despite serving 15 years as a pro-democracy leader, Hasina has vowed to return to Bangladesh in December, even if it means serving time. Karim also emphasized that Bangladesh will pursue a "Bangladesh First" foreign policy based on sovereignty and non-interference while aiming for mutually beneficial relations with India and other countries.