Bangladesh says PM will not visit India until ex-premier Hasina extradited

Bangladesh's Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will not travel to India until New Delhi extradites former premier Sheikh Hasina, who fled the country during a 2024 uprising. Hasina, convicted of crimes against humanity and facing a potential death sentence, currently resides in India.

Foreign ministry official A.K.M. Shahidul Karim downplayed speculation of Rahman's upcoming visit to India, stating that a "propitious environment" must be created. He urged Indian authorities to expedite the extradition of Hasina and other fugitives. India has indicated that the extradition request is "under examination."

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We are of the view that a propitious environment needs to be created for the visit.

Rahman, who took office in February, has previously visited Malaysia and China, diverging from the tradition of Bangladeshi leaders making India their first overseas destination. Recent meetings between Indian High Commissioner Dinesh Trivedi and Rahman had fueled speculation about a potential breakthrough in relations.

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To this end, we have urged the Indian authorities to expedite their efforts to extradite Sheikh Hasina and other fugitives.

Karim noted that Hasina's public media interactions, despite her conviction, have complicated the process. Hasina, a former pro-democracy leader whose rule became increasingly autocratic according to critics, has declared her intention to return to Bangladesh in December, even if it means facing imprisonment.

The Bangladeshi government also affirmed its commitment to a "Bangladesh First" foreign policy, emphasizing sovereignty and non-interference while pursuing mutually beneficial relationships with India and other nations.

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But the process has been vitiated by Sheikh Hasina's open media interactions, despite her being a convict in crimes against humanity.