Bangladesh has said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will not visit India until Sheikh Hasina is extradited.
The former Bangladeshi prime minister has remained in India since leaving her country during the 2024 uprising.
Relations between Dhaka and New Delhi have remained strained since Hasina’s government was removed following deadly anti-government protests.
Bangladesh Links India Visit to Hasina Extradition
Foreign ministry official A.K.M. Shahidul Karim addressed the issue while speaking to reporters on Sunday.
He played down media reports suggesting Rahman could travel to India next week.
Karim said a suitable environment must first be created before such a high-level visit can take place.
He said Bangladeshi authorities had urged India to accelerate efforts regarding Hasina’s extradition.
Dhaka is also seeking the return of other individuals it considers fugitives.
India has previously said the extradition request concerning Hasina remains under examination.
Sheikh Hasina Remains in India
Hasina fled to neighbouring India after the 2024 political upheaval ended her government.
She was later convicted of crimes against humanity in Bangladesh and faces the death penalty.
Dhaka has repeatedly requested that Indian authorities extradite the former prime minister.
The issue has since become an important point of disagreement between the two neighbouring countries.
Hasina has also continued making public statements while staying outside Bangladesh.
Karim said her media interactions had complicated efforts to improve the environment surrounding bilateral engagement.
Hasina recently said she intended to return to Bangladesh in December, even if she faced imprisonment.
Tarique Rahman Breaks With Diplomatic Tradition
Rahman took office as prime minister in February.
He has since travelled to Malaysia and China but has not made an official visit to India.
His travel pattern differs from the tradition of Bangladeshi leaders making India an early overseas destination.
However, diplomatic contacts between the two countries have continued.
India’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh Dinesh Trivedi met Rahman last week.
The meeting prompted speculation that an official visit to India could be under consideration.
Karim confirmed that officials from both countries had recently discussed the possibility of such a visit.
However, the extradition dispute remains a significant obstacle.
Government Outlines ‘Bangladesh First’ Foreign Policy
Karim also outlined the government’s broader approach to international relations.
He said Dhaka would follow a “Bangladesh First” foreign policy based on sovereignty and non-interference.
At the same time, the government intends to maintain mutually beneficial relations with India and other countries.
The position suggests Dhaka wants continued engagement with New Delhi while pressing its extradition demands.
For now, Bangladesh has made clear that conditions must improve before Rahman travels to India.
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The unresolved Hasina extradition issue is expected to remain central to relations between the two South Asian neighbours.
