Rahman will not visit India until Hasina extradited to Bangladesh
Bangladesh said on Sunday that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman would not visit India until New Delhi extradited Sheikh Hasina, the Bangladeshi former premier who fled during a 2024 uprising. The countries have had a strained relationship since deadly anti-government protests brought down Hasina’s government and prompted her to escape to neighbouring India, where she remains. She faces the death…
Bangladesh's Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has ruled out a visit to India until the extradition of Bangladesh's former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who is currently a fugitive. The two nations have struggled with a rocky relationship since Hasina's government was toppled in 2024, leading her to flee to India, where she remains.
She currently faces the death penalty in Bangladesh for crimes against humanity, and the Bangladeshi government has consistently sought her extradition. A statement from the Bangladeshi foreign ministry stated that a suitable atmosphere must be established for Rahman's visit, urging India to expedite the extradition process. India has acknowledged receiving Bangladesh's request for extradition and is currently reviewing it.
Rahman, who assumed office in February, has since visited Malaysia and China, diverging from the customary pre-India foreign trip for Bangladeshi leaders. Last week, India's High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Dinesh Trivedi, met with Rahman, sparking speculation about a potential breakthrough. Bangladeshi and Indian officials have been communicating in recent weeks about the likelihood of Rahman's visit, yet the process has been hindered by Hasina's persistent media appearances, despite her conviction for crimes against humanity.
Hasina, a former pro-democracy advocate who faced growing autocratic tendencies during her 15-year rule, declared her intention to return to Bangladesh in December, even if it meant facing imprisonment. Foreign Ministry spokesperson A.K.M. Shahidul Karim reiterated Bangladesh's commitment to a "Bangladesh First" foreign policy, emphasizing sovereignty and non-interference while seeking mutually beneficial relationships with India and other countries.
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