Dhaka Sets Four Conditions for India Ahead of PM’s Delhi Visit

Bangladesh has placed four conditions before India ahead of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s possible visit to New Delhi. Among them are the extradition of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who has been convicted of crimes against humanity, and the handover of suspects accused in the killing of Shaheed Sharif Osman Hadi.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson A.K.M. Shahidul Karim disclosed the information at a briefing at the ministry on Sunday morning, August 16. He said officials from Bangladesh and India have been in communication for several weeks regarding the possibility of the prime minister’s visit.

However, he said the process of arranging the visit has become complicated following Sheikh Hasina’s public media interaction in New Delhi on August 5 after being convicted of crimes against humanity by Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal.

Shahidul Karim said Bangladesh is prioritizing the creation of a suitable and favorable environment ahead of the visit. In this regard, Dhaka has urged India to take swift steps toward extraditing Sheikh Hasina and other convicted fugitives.

Bangladesh has also requested India to hand over the suspects accused in the killing of Shaheed Sharif Osman Hadi under the existing extradition treaty between the two countries. Dhaka is still awaiting New Delhi’s response on the matter.

Although officials from both countries are continuing discussions over the visit schedule and other related issues, the date of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s visit to New Delhi has not yet been officially finalized.

Ashik/M.