No decision yet on PM’s India visit: Press secretary tells Reuters

Dhaka has clarified its position on speculation over Prime Minister Mr Tarique Rahman’s possible visit to New Delhi. After Indian media reported that Mr Rahman could visit India from August 23 to 25, his Press Secretary Saleh Shibli told Reuters on Friday that the Bangladesh government had not yet made any final decision on the visit. Mr Saleh Shibli told Reuters, “No decision has been taken yet regarding the visit.” He also said Bangladesh was awaiting India’s formal response on its request to return former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and other fugitives convicted in connection with the deadly crackdown on the student-led mass movement.

Diplomatic relations between Dhaka and New Delhi have remained strained since the ouster of Sheikh Hasina, who was sentenced to death in 2024 for crimes against humanity. Hopes for improved relations emerged after the newly elected government took office in Bangladesh in February, and discussions had been underway for weeks over Mr Tarique Rahman’s first visit to New Delhi as part of efforts to improve ties. However, relations between the two neighbours have become complicated again over Sheikh Hasina’s political activities while staying in India. Recently, Sheikh Hasina, who was sentenced to death by the International Crimes Tribunal, addressed journalists online from New Delhi and announced that she would return to Bangladesh in December.

Dhaka has indicated that a more favourable diplomatic environment is needed for the prime minister’s high-level visit. Sheikh Hasina’s recent remarks have largely complicated the atmosphere surrounding the proposed trip. Meanwhile, Indian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said at a regular briefing in New Delhi that there was no new information to share about the visit. Regarding Bangladesh’s extradition request for Sheikh Hasina, he said India was examining the matter.