Bangladesh seeks better environment for India visit amid fugitive row

Bangladesh signaled on Sunday that a more conducive diplomatic atmosphere is necessary before it can agree to a top-level visit to India, as Dhaka continues to press New Delhi for the extradition of its ousted former leader, Sheikh Hasina, and other fugitives.

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A propitious environment needs to be created for the visit.

Relations between the two neighboring countries deteriorated significantly in 2024 when Sheikh Hasina, then prime minister of Bangladesh, sought refuge in India during an uprising against her government. For weeks, officials from both nations have been discussing a potential visit to India by Bangladesh's current Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, aimed at mending bilateral ties. However, the visit remains under discussion, according to Bangladesh's foreign ministry spokesperson, Shahidul Karim.

"A propitious environment needs to be created for the visit," Karim stated, emphasizing the need for improved conditions. As part of the ongoing efforts to resolve outstanding issues, Bangladesh has formally requested India to respond to its extradition request for Hasina. Karim confirmed, "We are awaiting their response."

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We are awaiting their response.

Hasina was sentenced to death in absentia in November 2025 for allegedly ordering a violent crackdown on a student-led protest. She has consistently denied the charges, dismissing them as politically motivated. Last week, Prime Minister Rahman echoed the sentiment, stating that a "conducive environment" was essential for strengthening bilateral ties. India's foreign ministry has not yet provided an immediate comment, stating that New Delhi is reviewing Bangladesh's requests in accordance with its legal procedures. Hasina herself told journalists on August 5 that the ban on her Awami League party should be lifted and expressed her intention to return to Bangladesh in December. Dhaka's foreign ministry at the time called her statement an affront to the country's sovereignty and described the decision to allow her to make such a public declaration as "deeply hurtful."

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a "conducive environment" was needed to strengthen ties.