‘Propitious environment needs to be created’: Bangladesh says PM Tarique Rahman will not visit India until Hasina’s extradition

Dhaka's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) revealed on August 16, 2026, that India and Bangladesh have been engaged in discussions for a possible visit by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. The MoFA spokesperson, A.K.M. Shahidul Karim, emphasized the necessity of a "propitious environment" for Mr. Rahman's visit. He urged India to "extradite" Sheikh Hasina, the ousted Prime Minister, and the suspected killers of radical student leader Osman Hadi.

Karim stated that Dhaka is awaiting a response from India regarding these requests. Hasina sought refuge in India on August 5, 2024, following a popular uprising against her government. The murder of Hadi in December 2025 sparked violence in Bangladesh, with some attacks targeting India's diplomatic missions and minority Hindu community members.

Dhaka attributes the incident to perpetrators who escaped to India, while New Delhi has not provided a definitive response. Diplomatic sources had earlier reported that talks had progressed after India distanced itself from Hasina's press conference in Delhi. Karim confirmed ongoing consultations and reiterated Dhaka's "Bangladesh first" foreign policy, which prioritizes fostering friendly bilateral relations, including with neighbors, based on principles of sovereign equality, national dignity, non-interference, and mutual benefit.