DHAKA: Bangladesh said on Sunday that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman would not visit India until New Delhi extradited Sheikh Hasina, the Bangladeshi former premier who fled during a 2024 uprising. The countries have had a strained relationship since deadly anti-government protests brought down Hasina's government and prompted her to escape to neighbouring India, where she remains. She faces the death penalty in Bangladesh after being convicted of crimes against humanity, and Dhaka has repeatedly requested her extradition.
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, foreign ministry official A K M Shahidul Karim played down media speculation about a possible trip by Rahman to India next week. "We are of the view that a propitious environment needs to be created for the visit," Karim told reporters. "To this end, we have urged the Indian authorities to expedite their efforts to extradite Sheikh Hasina and other fugitives." Officials from Bangladesh and India have been in contact in recent weeks about the possibility of a visit by Rahman, Karim said. "But the process has been vitiated by Sheikh Hasina's open media interactions, despite her being a convict in crimes against humanity." Karim also said the government would pursue a "Bangladesh First" foreign policy rooted in sovereignty and non-interference while seeking mutually beneficial ties with India and other countries. — AFP
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