Amid Sheikh Hasina extradition row, Bangladesh PM Tarique Rahman’s India visit likely next week

New Delhi experienced a flurry of activity on Friday as the Rashtrapati Bhavan announced the cancellation of the Change of Guard ceremony planned for the following day, citing full rehearsals. The Ministry of External Affairs, which is typically responsible for coordinating such visits, later withdrew a communique about Sultan's impending trip.

Both Dhaka and New Delhi remained tight-lipped about the visit's date. The uncertainty over Tarique Rahman's visit highlighted the strained ties between the two nations, which were already tense following Sheikh Hasina's ouster and subsequent refuge in India. Hasina's public appearance via an audio link on August 5, marking two years since her ouster, had angered Dhaka.

The Indian government had invited Rahman, and the two nations had been in discussions to agree on a suitable date. Hasina's extradition to Bangladesh remains a contentious issue, with Dhaka seeking her transfer for facing a death sentence there. New Delhi has stated that the extradition request is being reviewed. Despite the hurdles, both sides recognize the importance of a robust relationship, with discussions covering connectivity, energy, water sharing, infrastructure, border management, and people-to-people contacts.

Delhi has also extended an invitation for Rahman to attend the BRICS leaders' summit next month, should he be unable to proceed with an India stand-alone visit.