Bangladesh says PM will not visit India until Hasina extradited

Bangladesh has announced that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will not make a visit to India until Sheikh Hasina, the former premier currently facing the death penalty in Bangladesh, is extradited. The strained relations between the two nations have been ongoing since Hasina's government was overthrown in anti-government protests, leading her to flee to India and remain there.

Hasina is currently convicted of crimes against humanity and has been a fugitive since the uprising in 2024. Bangladesh has repeatedly requested her extradition to the country.

A spokesperson from Bangladesh's foreign ministry, AKM Shahidul Karim, dismissed rumors of a possible visit by Rahman to India next week, stating that a suitable environment for the visit needs to be established. He urged the Indian authorities to expedite their efforts to extradite Sheikh Hasina and other fugitives.

India has acknowledged Bangladesh's extradition request, but has not yet made a decision. Rahman, who took office in February, has visited Malaysia and China since assuming office, deviating from the tradition of Bangladeshi leaders visiting India on their first overseas tour. India's High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Dinesh Trivedi, met with Rahman recently, fueling speculation about a potential breakthrough.

Despite the extradition request, Hasina has openly interacted with the media, vowing to return to Bangladesh in December even if it means imprisonment. Karim also highlighted the government's commitment to a "Bangladesh First" foreign policy centered on sovereignty and non-interference, while exploring mutually beneficial ties with India and other nations.