Hasina’s stay in Delhi clouds ties

The continued presence of deposed former prime minister Sheikh Hasina in India remains a major point of contention in Bangladesh-India relations, casting uncertainty over Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s proposed first visit to New Delhi since taking office.

Bangladesh has yet to take a decision on the visit, Tarique’s press secretary A A M Saleh said on Friday, following reports in Indian media that the prime minister would travel to New Delhi from 23 to 25 August.

The two South Asian neighbours have been holding discussions for weeks over Tarique’s proposed visit as they seek to repair relations strained by the ouster of Hasina in 2024.

“No decision has yet been made on the visit,” Saleh told Reuters, adding that Dhaka was waiting for India’s response to its request for the extradition of Hasina and “other fugitive criminals”.

Hasina fled to India after student-led protests brought an end to her long rule and has remained there since. Dhaka has repeatedly asked New Delhi to extradite her, while India has said it is examining the request.

The Indian foreign ministry offered no comment on the proposed visit. “We have no comments to make,” spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal told reporters at a regular media briefing.

Tarique’s six-month-old government has sought to maintain constructive relations with India since taking office, but Dhaka indicated last week that a more favourable diplomatic environment would be needed for the visit.

The position came days after Hasina addressed journalists from India, an action that drew strong criticism from the Bangladesh government.

Her continued political activities from Indian soil have remained a sensitive issue between the two countries, with Dhaka repeatedly objecting to statements and activities that it considers detrimental to Bangladesh’s interests.

Hasina fled Bangladesh following a mass uprising against her government. In November, she was sentenced to death in absentia over charges related to a deadly crackdown on the student-led protests.

Hasina has denied the allegations, describing the case as politically motivated. She has also told reporters that she intends to return to Bangladesh in December.

The uncertainty over Tarique’s proposed visit highlights the wider diplomatic challenges facing Dhaka and New Delhi as they seek to reset bilateral relations.

While both sides have maintained communication, the extradition request for Hasina and her continued presence in India remain among the most sensitive issues in the relationship.