Bangladesh says PM won't visit India until Hasina extradited

Bangladesh said Sunday that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman would not visit India until New Delhi extradited former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, who fled during a 2024 uprising.

Foreign ministry official A.K.M. Shahidul Karim played down media speculation that Rahman could travel to India next week. He said Bangladesh believed a suitable environment had to be created for a visit and had urged India to speed up efforts to extradite Hasina and other fugitives.

Relations between Bangladesh and India have been strained since deadly anti-government protests brought down Hasina's government and she fled to India, where she remains. Hasina has been convicted in Bangladesh of crimes against humanity and faces the death penalty. Dhaka has repeatedly requested her extradition.

India has said Bangladesh's extradition request is “under examination.”

Rahman took office in February and has since visited Malaysia and China, breaking with the tradition of Bangladeshi leaders making India their first overseas destination. India's High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Dinesh Trivedi, met Rahman last week, adding to speculation about a possible breakthrough.

Karim said officials from the two countries had been in contact in recent weeks about a possible visit, but said the process had been affected by Hasina's media appearances. Hasina said this month that she would return to Bangladesh in December even if that meant imprisonment.

Karim also said the government would pursue a “Bangladesh First” foreign policy based on sovereignty and non-interference while seeking mutually beneficial ties with India and other countries.