Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman, following high-level meetings with Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, confirmed that Bangladesh has reiterated its demand for the extradition of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina under the existing bilateral treaty.
According to a report by The Hindu, the Foreign Minister shared these details with journalists on Friday (April 10) while en route to Mauritius to attend the Indian Ocean Conference.
"We have already requested the return of Sheikh Hasina under the extradition treaty. That demand was reaffirmed in Delhi," the Foreign Minister stated.
He added, however, that further specifics could not be disclosed at this time.
Diplomatic Ties and Prime Ministerial Visits
Addressing questions regarding Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s upcoming visit to India, Khalilur Rahman confirmed the trip is in the works.
"The visit will certainly take place, though the dates are yet to be finalized," he said.
He noted that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi have already exchanged letters and held telephone conversations, underscoring that both nations are keen to advance bilateral relations.
Key Agenda Items
The discussions in Delhi also covered several critical functional issues:
Visa Normalization: Efforts to return visa operations to full capacity.
Energy Security: Cooperation to mitigate fuel crises sparked by ongoing conflicts in the Middle East.
Regional Cooperation: Rahman emphasized revitalizing SAARC and BIMSTEC. He remarked that if member states resolve existing disputes, there should be no obstacle to holding a SAARC Summit.
India’s Response
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) did not comment directly on the request for Sheikh Hasina’s extradition. In an official statement, the MEA noted that both sides agreed to deepen their partnership through bilateral mechanisms, with follow-up meetings expected shortly.
This visit marks the first high-level bilateral meeting between Bangladesh and India since the new government assumed office last February.
