World ( The cow news digital )
DHAKA — The government of Bangladesh has officially clarified that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will not undertake an official visit to India until former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is extradited back to Dhaka.
Addressing journalists, Bangladesh Ministry of Foreign Affairs official A.K.M. Shahidul Karim dismissed rumors regarding an impending trip to New Delhi next week. He emphasized that establishing a favorable diplomatic environment is essential before any high-level bilateral visit can take place.
“To ease ongoing tensions, we strongly urge Indian authorities to expedite the return of Sheikh Hasina and other fugitive individuals,” Karim stated, adding that while New Delhi has acknowledged the request, it remains under consideration.
Diplomatic friction between the neighboring nations escalated following Hasina’s ouster in July 2024, when a massive nationwide student-led uprising forced her to flee to India after a 15-year tenure. Since then, Bangladesh courts have convicted her of crimes against humanity and sentenced her to death over violent crackdowns on political opponents and protesters.
Karim noted that while bilateral channels have remained active in recent weeks—including a meeting last week between Indian High Commissioner Dinesh Trivedi and Prime Minister Rahman—relations continue to be strained. Dhaka has expressed deep frustration over Hasina’s continued public statements and media appearances from abroad despite her criminal convictions, arguing that such rhetoric severely hinders bilateral reconciliation.
Reaffirming Dhaka’s diplomatic stance, Karim stated that the administration prioritizes a “Bangladesh First” foreign policy centered on national sovereignty and non-interference, while remaining open to mutually beneficial cooperation with India and regional partners.
Traditionally, newly elected Bangladeshi prime ministers chose India as the destination for their inaugural foreign tour. However, following his assumption of office in February 2026 after general elections managed by the interim administration of Dr. Muhammad Yunus, Prime Minister Rahman chose China and Malaysia for his initial official visits, marking a notable shift in regional diplomacy.
