The extradition of former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, sentenced for crimes against humanity and corruption, is a prerequisite for Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's visit to India, as stated by Bangladesh's foreign ministry official AKM Shahidul Karim.
The strained relations between Bangladesh and India, which began in July 2024 due to massive student-led protests against a controversial quota scheme and later escalated into broader agitation against the government of Sheikh Hasina, have been further complicated by the current standoff over her extradition. According to AFP, Bangladesh's International Crimes Tribunal sentenced Hasina to death for crimes against humanity in November 2024 and she was also sentenced to 10 years' imprisonment in two corruption cases in February 2025. Dhaka has repeatedly demanded her extradition and expressed concerns about her addressing supporters from Delhi. Despite previous statements suggesting Hasina’s autonomy in deciding her return to Bangladesh, India has maintained a neutral stance on the matter. On Sunday, Karim played down media speculation about Rahman's possible visit to India next week, stating that a propitious environment needs to be created for the visit, with the extradition of Sheikh Hasina and other fugitives being a key concern.
Bangladesh's foreign ministry official AKM Shahidul Karim also stated that the process of Rahman's possible visit has been vitiated by Hasina’s open media interactions, despite her being a convict in crimes against humanity. He was referring to Hasina’s remarks on August 5 during an audio-only virtual press conference at the Foreign Correspondents’ Club, where she expressed her determination to return home in December to put the country on the 'right track'. After her event, Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it was 'outraged' by Hasina being allowed to speak to the media in Delhi, and called such events detrimental to relations with India. Dhaka also expressed its regret that the programme had been allowed despite conveying concerns about the 'likely ramifications of this event on the reset' of bilateral relations.
Source:
Scroll.in
