Rashtrapati Bhavan hints at Bangladesh PM Tarique Rahman's visit, retracts

India and Bangladesh are in ongoing discussions regarding Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's potential visit to Delhi, but the specific dates have not been finalized, according to diplomatic sources. The Rashtrapati Bhavan released a statement indicating that the change of guard ceremony at its forecourt would be suspended for the ceremonial welcome of Rahman, but this press release was subsequently retracted.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that they have no further updates on the matter, leaving the situation unclear. Rahman's press secretary, A A M Saleh, emphasized that there is still no decision on the PM's visit, reiterating that Dhaka is waiting for India's response regarding the extradition of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and other fugitive criminals.

While a visit by Rahman in early September is not entirely ruled out, the invitation from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a bilateral visit and participation in the Brics summit in September as Bimstec chair has not yet been solidified. The talks to finalize the summit dates in September have been complicated by Bangladesh's stance on Sheikh Hasina's Aug 5 virtual news conference, which they consider a hurdle in their discussions.

Dhaka has now hardened its position, linking the visit to a clear commitment from India on Hasina's extradition proceedings. The country also expects India to address concerns related to border killings and water sharing, including the 1996 Ganges Water Sharing Treaty, which is set to expire at the end of 2026. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal clarified that while the treaty's termination is under discussion, the Joint Rivers Commission continues to meet at the technical level to discuss river-related issues between the two nations.