Bangladesh said on Sunday (August 16, 2026) that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman would not visit India until New Delhi extradited Sheikh Hasina, the Bangladeshi former premier who fled during a 2024 uprising.
The countries have had a strained relationship since deadly anti-government protests brought down Ms. Hasina’s government and prompted her to escape to neighbouring India, where she remains. Mr.
Karim also said the government would pursue a “Bangladesh First” foreign policy rooted in sovereignty and non-interference while seeking mutually beneficial ties with India and other countries.
Ms. Hasina, a former pro-democracy leader whom critics said grew increasingly autocratic during her 15-year rule, vowed this month that she would return to Bangladesh in December even if it meant imprisonment.
Speaking to reporters on Sunday (August 16, 2026), Foreign Ministry official A.K.M. Shahidul Karim played down media speculation about a possible trip by Mr. Rahman to India next week. Officials from Bangladesh and India have been in contact in recent weeks about the possibility of a visit by Mr. Rahman, Mr.
India has said Bangladesh’s extradition request is “under examination”. Karim said. “But the process has been vitiated by Sheikh Hasina’s open media interactions, despite her being a convict in crimes against humanity.”
