Bangladesh Sets Sheikh Hasina Extradition as Condition for Tarique Rahman's India Visit

Bangladesh has made the extradition of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina a key condition for Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s proposed visit to India, adding fresh uncertainty to efforts by Dhaka and New Delhi to improve their strained bilateral relationship.

The issue has emerged as a major sticking point in discussions surrounding Rahman’s possible trip to India. Bangladesh has been pressing New Delhi to act on its request for Hasina’s extradition, while India has maintained that the matter is being examined through the appropriate legal process.

Hasina has been living in India since leaving Bangladesh in August 2024 following the fall of her government amid widespread protests. Bangladesh later initiated legal proceedings against the former leader and formally sought her return from India. Hasina has rejected the allegations against her and described the proceedings as politically motivated.

The extradition dispute has remained one of the most sensitive issues between the two neighbouring countries. Dhaka has repeatedly urged New Delhi to hand over Hasina, while India has not committed to granting the request. Bangladesh’s Foreign Ministry has indicated that a favourable environment is needed for Rahman’s India visit to take place. Officials have also raised the issue of other individuals wanted by Bangladeshi authorities who are believed to be in India.

The development comes at a time when both countries are seeking to manage a difficult phase in their relationship. India and Bangladesh have strong economic, security and geographical ties, with cooperation involving trade, border management, transport connectivity, energy and regional security.

Rahman’s proposed visit could therefore be significant for both sides. A high-level meeting with Indian leaders would give Dhaka and New Delhi an opportunity to discuss several outstanding bilateral issues and potentially begin rebuilding political trust.

The Sheikh Hasina extradition issue could make that process more complicated. For Bangladesh, bringing Hasina back remains a politically important demand. The request involves legal considerations as well as broader diplomatic consequences. The timing of Rahman’s visit has not been firmly settled, and the latest developments suggest that the extradition dispute could influence when or under what circumstances the trip takes place.

The situation also highlights the broader challenge facing India-Bangladesh relations. While both sides have significant reasons to maintain cooperation, disagreements over political and legal matters continue to create friction. Dhaka appears determined to keep Sheikh Hasina’s extradition at the centre of its discussions with New Delhi. Whether the two governments can find a way to address the dispute without allowing it to derail wider bilateral engagement will be closely watched in the coming weeks.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from AP.