Bangladesh has communicated a clear condition for the potential state visit of Prime Minister Tariq Rahman to India. The proposed visit is currently on hold, contingent upon tangible progress from New Delhi concerning the extradition of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and other individuals sought by Dhaka.
For several weeks, diplomatic channels between Bangladesh and India have been active, discussing the feasibility of Rahman’s journey to the Indian capital. AKM Shahidul Karim, spokesperson for the Bangladesh Foreign Ministry, highlighted that these ongoing discussions were significantly impacted by a public gathering in New Delhi on August 5, which featured Sheikh Hasina.
Karim emphasized the necessity of establishing a conducive environment for such a high-profile visit. He confirmed that Bangladesh has formally requested Indian authorities to expedite action on the extradition applications pertaining to Hasina and other individuals considered fugitives by Dhaka.
Furthermore, Bangladesh has specifically demanded the handover of those accused in the murder of Shahid Sharif Osman Hadi, citing the existing bilateral extradition treaty. Dhaka awaits a formal response to these requests. Indian officials, in their defense, have clarified that the press conference involving Hasina and other Bangladeshi representatives was an independent event and not affiliated with or sanctioned by the Indian government.
