Linking Tarique Rahman’s India Visit to Hasina Extradition Is ‘Extremely Rude and Arrogant’: Veena Sikri

Bangladesh’s intention to connect Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s planned diplomatic visit to India with the extradition demand of ousted leader Sheikh Hasina has shocked former Indian diplomat Veena Sikri. In an interview with Indian news agency ANI, Ms. Sikri stated that a recent social media post by Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs was ‘extremely rude’ and ‘arrogant’, saying that such remarks are completely unacceptable and indicate a lack of seriousness regarding high-level diplomacy between the two neighbouring countries.

Ms. Sikri mentioned that both administrations are actively involved in talks to finalise the schedule as part of the continuing preparations for the trip. Ms. Sikri said, ‘It’s shocking that the Bangladeshi government is attempting to link Sheikh Hasina’s extradition request to the prime minister’s visit. Last Wednesday, the Foreign Ministry published a disrespectful Facebook post. Such a position is totally inappropriate’. She also added, ‘Extradition is a legal process that can take years’, emphasising that it is improper to associate a normal diplomatic visit with a drawn-out judicial procedure. Does this mean that for the next two to three years, PM Tarique Rahman would not be travelling to India?

The remarks come after Dhaka made a public statement restating its demand for Sheikh Hasina’s extradition. Hasina has been living in India since she resigned from her position in August 2024 due to concerns regarding human rights. In the meantime, formal talks between New Delhi and Dhaka on PM Tarique Rahman’s possible trip- his first official visit to India since assuming office in February- continue. Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the Indian External Affairs Ministry, made it clear that New Delhi is still dedicated to bilateral communication as both parties endeavour to settle recent diplomatic disputes and set final dates for the visit.