Bangladesh responds to India’s Tarique Rahman invite, puts Sheikh Hasina issue on table

New Delhi: India’s efforts to strengthen engagement with Bangladesh prime minister, Tarique Rahman are facing a fresh diplomatic test, with Dhaka seeking a propitious environment before the proposed visit to New Delhi. Bangladesh has urged India to expedite the extradition of former prime minister, Sheikh Hasina and other fugitives, while also seeking the handover of suspects accused in the murder of Shaheed Sharif Osman Hadi.

New Delhi has invited Tarique Rahman for a bilateral visit and has also invited him to the BRICS outreach session, signalling India’s intention to maintain high-level engagement with the new government in Dhaka. The proposed visit comes as India seeks to build a working relationship with the new political establishment while navigating the unresolved Hasina issue.

Bangladesh foreign ministry spokesman, AKM Shahidul Karim said Dhaka and New Delhi had been in contact for several weeks over the possibility of the visit and that Bangladesh was awaiting India’s response. “We are of the view that a propitious environment needs to be created for the visit,” Karim said.

Karim also stated that Dhaka had asked Indian authorities to “expeditiously act” on its request to extradite Hasina and other fugitives under the bilateral extradition treaty and hand over those accused in the murder of Shaheed Sharif Osman Hadi. He added that Dhaka would continue to pursue its “Bangladesh first policy” based on sovereign equality, national dignity, non-interference and mutual benefit, Prothom Alo reported.

The demand comes days after Hasina made a public appearance from New Delhi on August 5. RNA Media reported that the former leader addressed a news conference through an audio link, discussing her political future and saying she intended to return to Bangladesh. Her son, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, who also participated remotely, warned that Bangladesh could turn into “another Pakistan”.

India has sought to distance itself from the event. MEA spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal said the programme had been organized by a private media organization and that the Indian government had “no involvement whatsoever”. New Delhi also made clear that it did not endorse the views expressed at the event.

Hasina has remained in India since fleeing Bangladesh in August 2024 after the fall of her government following a student-led uprising. Dhaka has since sought her extradition, while Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal has convicted her in absentia of crimes against humanity. Her presence in India has remained one of the most sensitive issues in ties between the two neighbours.

The issue has also drawn a sharp response from Dhaka’s political leadership. Bangladesh home minister, Salahuddin Ahmed, in remarks reported by RNA Media, said India’s handling of the Hasina issue was inconsistent with its stated desire for friendly relations.

“You [India] will play the Hasina card while seeking a friendly relationship with Bangladesh. Those two things are contradictory,” Salahuddin said.

For New Delhi, the proposed visit by Bangladesh prime minister, Tarique Rahman offers an opportunity to establish direct engagement with the new government while keeping the wider bilateral relationship insulated from the Hasina dispute. India’s invitation for a bilateral visit and the BRICS outreach reflects its effort to keep diplomatic channels open despite differences with Dhaka.