Bangladesh says PM will not visit India until Hasina extradited
Dhaka Blocks PM India Trip Pending Sheikh Hasina Extradition
Bharatmorningnews.com – Bangladesh confirmed on Sunday that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will forgo any planned trip to India until New Delhi hands over Sheikh Hasina, the former premier who fled the country amid a violent 2024 uprising.
Hasina's Legal Status Fuels Diplomatic Tension
The former leader escaped to neighbouring India after deadly anti-government protests toppled her administration. She now faces a death sentence in Bangladesh following a conviction for crimes against humanity, and Dhaka has pressed repeatedly for her return.
This month, Hasina — once regarded as a pro-democracy figure but later accused of drifting toward autocratic rule over a 15-year tenure — declared she would come back to Bangladesh in December, even at the cost of going to prison.
Foreign Ministry Clarifies Position
A.K.M. Shahidul Karim, a foreign ministry official, addressed reporters on Sunday to dampen speculation that Rahman might travel to India the following week.
"We are of the view that a propitious environment needs to be created for the visit," Karim told reporters.
"To this end, we have urged the Indian authorities to expedite their efforts to extradite Sheikh Hasina and other fugitives."
Karim added that bilateral officials had been in dialogue over recent weeks regarding a potential trip, but noted complications arising from Hasina's continued public appearances.
"But the process has been vitiated by Sheikh Hasina's open media interactions, despite her being a convict in crimes against humanity."
A Departure from Diplomatic Tradition
Rahman assumed office in February and has already made visits to Malaysia and China — a notable break from the long-standing practice of Bangladeshi leaders choosing India as their inaugural foreign destination.
Last week, India's High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Dinesh Trivedi, held talks with Rahman, which stoked speculation about a possible thaw in relations.
"Bangladesh First" Policy Framework
Karim further outlined the government's broader diplomatic posture, describing a "Bangladesh First" approach anchored in national sovereignty and non-interference, while still pursuing mutually advantageous partnerships with India and other nations.
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