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Any improvement in Dhaka-New Delhi relations could remain stalled till December as Bangladesh has set a number of conditions ahead of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s proposed visit to India at the invitation of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
This apprehension has been expressed in the India media reports with The Times of India ran a story headlined “Bangladesh sets tough riders for PM Tarique Rahman’s visit to India,” while The Indian Express published a report titled “Send Sheikh Hasina back: Bangladesh’s ‘red line’ for PM Rahman’s visit.”
According to the reports, Dhaka has placed tough conditions on New Delhi amid growing pressure from hardline groups in Bangladesh and the National Citizens Party (NCP), which is described as an ally of Jamaat-e-Islami. The conditions reportedly include swift action on the extradition of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina and other fugitives accused of crimes, as well as assistance in creating a “conducive environment” for Tarique Rahman’s visit.
In the wake of the development, many in diplomatic circles view the Bangladesh government yielding to demands for “tough conditions” from its political opponents. The conditions appear difficult for India to accept immediately.
Multiple Indian government sources told The Times of India that the invitation extended to Tarique Rahman remains valid for both the BRICS summit and a bilateral visit. The timing of the visit, however, now depends on Dhaka’s decision.
India had proposed August 21 as a possible date for Tarique Rahman’s visit. Meanwhile, the BRICS summit is scheduled to be held in New Delhi on September 12–13. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has invited Tarique Rahman to attend the summit of the BRICS grouping of emerging economies.
The Times of India reported that Bangladesh’s latest statement from the Foreign Ministry this week has, in effect, ruled out the possibility of the planned bilateral visit for the time being, although discussions over the visit had been underway.
The report also said that when asked about Sheikh Hasina, sources in New Delhi recalled earlier statements by several BNP leaders that the issue would not stand in the way of efforts to strengthen broader Bangladesh-India relations, particularly on important issues such as trade, energy and water sharing.
Regarding Dhaka’s request for Sheikh Hasina’s extradition, Bangladeshi government sources said Indian authorities were examining the matter in accordance with applicable laws and established legal procedures.
Bangladesh Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Shahidul Karim said, “Sheikh Hasina, who has been convicted by the International Crimes Tribunal for crimes against humanity, spoke publicly at a press conference in New Delhi on August 5. This has disrupted the environment for the process. We have made our position clear on this matter.”
In its statement, Bangladesh also urged Indian authorities to take swift action on its request for Sheikh Hasina’s extradition and to hand over to Bangladesh, under the extradition treaty between the two countries, individuals accused of the killing of Shaheed Sharif Osman Hadi.
The Foreign Ministry spokesperson said, “We are waiting for their response.”
Quoting a political source, The Times of India reported that the Bangladesh government is under pressure over several domestic issues, including the energy crisis. At the same time, the extradition issue involving Sheikh Hasina remains unresolved.
As a result, the source said, progress in Bangladesh-India relations could remain stalled, potentially until December. Source Times of India and Indian Express.
