Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has signaled that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s proposed bilateral visit to India depends on New Delhi creating a favorable diplomatic environment—specifically by expediting the extradition of ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina and other fugitive criminals.
Speaking at a press briefing today, AKM Shahidul Karim, spokesperson at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, delivered a direct assessment of ongoing diplomatic engagements between Dhaka and New Delhi, dispelling days of intense speculation regarding an imminent high-level visit.
“We are of the view that a propitious environment needs to be created for the visit,” stated AKM Shahidul Karim.
While officials from both nations had been in active contact for weeks regarding a potential bilateral trip to New Delhi by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, AKM Shahidul Karim noted that the momentum was disrupted following an open press interaction in New Delhi on August 5 by Sheikh Hasina, who stands convicted by the International Crimes Tribunal for crimes against humanity.
“We have made our position clear on this matter. We are awaiting their response,” the spokesperson added, linking progress on high-level bilateral optics directly to New Delhi’s handling of the convicted fugitive.
The Foreign Ministry’s statement firmly counters recent media reports across several Indian and Bangladeshi outlets that predicted an immediate visit by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman within the week. By making New Delhi’s hosting of Sheikh Hasina a core point of diplomatic accountability rather than treating it as an aside, Dhaka has signaled a shift toward an assertive bilateral posture.
AKM Shahidul Karim reiterated that Bangladesh will continue to pursue its “Bangladesh First” doctrine, establishing diplomatic ties on the principles of sovereign equality, national dignity, non-interference in internal affairs, and mutual accountability.
Dhaka has also formally requested the handover of accused killer Osman Hadi alongside other fugitives under the existing bilateral extradition treaty.
