Bangladesh Seeks Better Diplomatic Climate Before India Visit

Bangladesh said on Sunday that a more favourable diplomatic environment must be established before Prime Minister Tarique Rahman makes a high-level visit to India, highlighting continued tensions between the neighbouring countries.

Dhaka and New Delhi have been discussing a possible visit by Rahman for several weeks as both sides seek to repair relations that deteriorated sharply following the political upheaval in Bangladesh in 2024.

Bangladesh's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Shahidul Karim said the proposed visit remained under discussion but stressed that the right conditions needed to be in place.

"A propitious environment needs to be created for the visit," Karim said.

A key issue complicating relations is Bangladesh's demand that India extradite former prime minister Sheikh Hasina and other individuals wanted by Bangladeshi authorities.

Hasina fled to India in 2024 after a student-led uprising against her government brought an end to her long rule. She was subsequently sentenced to death in absentia in November 2025 over allegations that she ordered a violent crackdown on protesters.

Hasina has rejected the accusations, describing the case as politically motivated.

Karim said Bangladesh was still waiting for India's response to its extradition request.

"We are awaiting their response," he said.

Rahman also said last week that a "conducive environment" would be necessary for Bangladesh and India to rebuild their relationship.

India's Foreign Ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment. New Delhi has previously said it was examining Bangladesh's extradition requests in accordance with its legal procedures.

Tensions rose further this month when Hasina told journalists that a ban on her Awami League party should be lifted and that she intended to return to Bangladesh in December.

Bangladesh's Foreign Ministry condemned those remarks, describing them as an affront to the country's sovereignty. It also criticised India's decision to allow Hasina to make such a public statement, calling it "deeply hurtful."

The dispute over Hasina remains one of the most sensitive issues between Dhaka and New Delhi, with Bangladesh seeking assurances that its concerns will be addressed before relations can move towards a broader reset.