Bangladesh Says PM Will Not Visit India Until Hasina Extradited
Bangladesh has stated that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will not travel to India unless New Delhi extradites former premier Sheikh Hasina, who fled to India following a 2024 uprising. The announcement came on Sunday (August 16, 2026) amid ongoing tensions between the two neighbouring countries.
The relationship between Bangladesh and India has remained strained since deadly anti-government protests led to the collapse of Hasina's administration in 2024. Hasina, who governed for 15 years, escaped to India, where she continues to reside. Her critics have accused her of growing increasingly autocratic during her tenure, though her supporters maintain she was a pro-democracy leader.
Bangladesh has repeatedly sought Hasina's extradition. She faces the death penalty after being convicted of crimes against humanity by a Bangladeshi court. Dhaka has urged India to act on the request, but New Delhi has said the matter is "under examination."
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Foreign Ministry official A.K.M. Shahidul Karim dismissed media speculation about an imminent trip by Rahman to India. "We are of the view that a propitious environment needs to be created for the visit," Karim said. "To this end, we have urged the Indian authorities to expedite their efforts to extradite Sheikh Hasina and other fugitives."
Rahman assumed office in February 2026. Since then, he has visited Malaysia and China, breaking from the tradition of Bangladeshi leaders making India their first overseas destination. This shift has been interpreted by analysts as a signal of Dhaka's desire to recalibrate its foreign policy.
Last week, India's High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Dinesh Trivedi, met with Rahman, fueling speculation about a possible diplomatic breakthrough. Karim acknowledged that officials from both countries have been in contact in recent weeks regarding a potential visit. However, he noted that "the process has been vitiated by Sheikh Hasina's open media interactions, despite her being a convict in crimes against humanity."
Hasina, who has remained in India since fleeing, vowed earlier this month that she would return to Bangladesh in December, even if it meant imprisonment. Her statement has added further complexity to bilateral ties.
Karim also outlined the government's approach, describing a "Bangladesh First" foreign policy rooted in sovereignty and non-interference. He said Dhaka seeks mutually beneficial relations with India and other countries, while maintaining its independent course.
The extradition issue remains a central obstacle to normalizing relations. India's response has been cautious, with no clear timeline for a decision. As both nations navigate this diplomatic impasse, the prospect of a visit by Bangladesh's Prime Minister to India appears uncertain.
