Bangladesh Conditions Prime Minister's India Visit on Hasina Extradition

The government of Bangladesh has conditioned a proposed bilateral visit to India by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on the creation of a propitious environment. This demand specifically includes the extradition of deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and other fugitives, including suspects involved in the killing of activist Sharif Osman Hadi who are currently in Indian custody.

Foreign Ministry Spokesperson A.K.M. Shahidul Karim stated that the planning process for the visit was vitiated by a virtual press interaction held by Hasina in New Delhi on August 5. Dhaka maintains it will pursue a Bangladesh First foreign policy based on sovereign equality and non-interference in internal affairs.

The Ministry of External Affairs of India has denied any role in Hasina's media event, with spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stating the event was organized by a private media entity. While Indian officials confirmed that extradition requests are under legal examination, the diplomatic tension creates uncertainty regarding whether Prime Minister Rahman will attend the BRICS summit in New Delhi on September 12-13.