Tarique Rahman’s India Visit Still Uncertain, Bangladesh Says No Decision Yet

Bangladesh has not yet decided whether Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will visit India, with the proposed trip remaining uncertain amid diplomatic differences over Dhaka’s demand for the extradition of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina.

Rahman’s press secretary AAM Saleh Shibly said on Friday that “no decision has been made yet” on the visit. He said Dhaka was awaiting New Delhi’s response to its request for the extradition of Hasina and other fugitives currently in India.

The uncertainty comes after reports that Rahman could travel to New Delhi between August 23 and 25 for talks with Indian leaders and in connection with the BRICS summit. However, people familiar with the matter said preparations for the early visit had been put on hold, while India and Bangladesh continue back channel discussions on a possible trip later this month.

The issue of Hasina has emerged as a major obstacle in efforts to improve ties between the two neighbours. Dhaka has repeatedly sought Hasina’s extradition, while India has acknowledged receiving the request and said it is examining the matter under its legal framework. Hasina has been living in India since fleeing Bangladesh in August 2024 following mass student led protests that ended her long tenure in power.

Bangladesh’s foreign ministry has said a “propitious environment” needs to be created before Rahman undertakes a high level visit to India. Dhaka also said diplomatic preparations were complicated by Hasina’s virtual press conference on August 5.

At the same time, India has signalled that it wants continued engagement. Indian High Commissioner Dinesh Trivedi recently said Rahman’s visit should take place despite differences, stressing that issues between the neighbours can only be resolved through dialogue. He also indicated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi wants Rahman to receive a warm and memorable welcome in India.

The uncertainty was heightened on Friday when the Indian President’s Secretariat briefly issued and later withdrew a notice saying a ceremonial welcome rehearsal for the Bangladeshi prime minister would take place at Rashtrapati Bhavan. The withdrawal fuelled speculation over the status of the proposed visit.

Bangladesh’s Leader of the Opposition and Jamaat-e-Islami chief Shafiqur Rahman said Rahman was free to visit any country, including India, but maintained that relations with New Delhi should be based on equality, mutual respect and friendship.