New Delhi: The diplomatic relations between India and Bangladesh are facing a fresh hurdle as Dhaka has placed strict conditions on Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s upcoming visit to India. The Bangladesh government has made it clear that the highly anticipated bilateral trip and his participation in the BRICS summit in New Delhi will only happen if India expedites the extradition of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and other wanted fugitives.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had extended an official invitation to Tarique Rahman for a bilateral meeting and to attend the BRICS outreach session scheduled for September 12 and 13 in the Indian capital. The invitation was also a nod to Bangladesh’s current leadership role as the chair of BIMSTEC. However, recent political events have cast a thick shadow over the proposed diplomatic engagement.
The friction visibly intensified after Sheikh Hasina held a public press conference in New Delhi on August 5, 2026. This move strongly displeased the ruling administration in Dhaka. On Sunday, Bangladesh Foreign Ministry spokesperson AKM Shahidul Karim stated that creating a favourable and propitious environment is absolutely necessary for such a crucial diplomatic visit.
Karim emphasized that Bangladesh has formally requested Indian authorities to take immediate action regarding their demand to extradite Sheikh Hasina. The former leader was recently convicted by the International Criminal Tribunal in Bangladesh for severe crimes against humanity. Additionally, Dhaka has strongly demanded the handover of the individuals accused in the murder of political activist Sharif Osman Hadi under the existing bilateral extradition treaty. Two suspects linked to this high profile murder were previously arrested by the Special Task Force of the West Bengal Police from Bongaon in the North 24 Parganas district in March 2026.
The Bangladesh Foreign Ministry firmly reiterated that the country will continue to follow its comprehensive Bangladesh First policy, promoting friendly ties based on sovereign equality and strict non interference in internal matters. Meanwhile, the Indian government has officially distanced itself from Hasina’s recent public event, clarifying that New Delhi had zero involvement in organizing it. Indian officials have also noted that the formal legal request for Hasina’s extradition is currently under thorough examination.
Sheikh Hasina has been residing in India since she was ousted from power and fled Bangladesh following a massive student led uprising in 2024. As both neighbouring nations engage in tough diplomatic negotiations, the final confirmation of Tarique Rahman’s visit remains completely uncertain, keeping international political circles on edge.