Bangladesh ties PM's India visit to Hasina's extradition

Bangladesh has declared that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will not visit India until New Delhi extradites former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who fled the country during a 2024 uprising.

Hasina is currently in India and faces the death penalty in Bangladesh after being convicted of crimes against humanity. Dhaka has repeatedly requested her extradition.

“

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

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

“

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

India has indicated that Bangladesh's extradition request is "under examination." Rahman's premiership, which began in February, has seen him visit Malaysia and China before India, breaking with the tradition of Bangladeshi leaders prioritizing India for their first overseas trip.

Hasina, a former pro-democracy leader whose rule became increasingly autocratic, has vowed to return to Bangladesh in December, regardless of potential imprisonment. Karim also affirmed a "Bangladesh First" foreign policy focused on sovereignty and non-interference.

“

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