Dhaka, August 16, 2026: Bangladesh has said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will not visit India until New Delhi takes steps to extradite former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who fled to India following the 2024 uprising.

Bangladesh Foreign Ministry official A.K.M. Shahidul Karim said on Sunday that a “propitious environment” needed to be created for Mr. Rahman’s proposed visit to India.

“We are of the view that a propitious environment needs to be created for the visit,” Mr. Karim told reporters, adding that Bangladesh had urged Indian authorities to expedite the extradition of Sheikh Hasina and other fugitives.

Relations between India and Bangladesh have remained strained since deadly anti-government protests brought down Ms. Hasina’s government in 2024. She subsequently fled to India, where she continues to remain.

Sheikh Hasina has been convicted of crimes against humanity in Bangladesh and faces the death penalty. Dhaka has repeatedly requested her extradition, while India has said that the request is “under examination.”

Visit Plans Remain Uncertain

Mr. Karim played down speculation about a possible visit by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to India next week. He confirmed that officials from the two countries had been in contact in recent weeks regarding the possibility of such a visit.

However, he said the process had been affected by Sheikh Hasina’s public media interactions, despite her conviction in Bangladesh.

The speculation over Mr. Rahman’s visit intensified after Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Dinesh Trivedi met the Bangladeshi Prime Minister last week.

Tarique Rahman assumed office in February 2026 and has since visited Malaysia and China. His decision not to make India his first overseas destination marked a departure from the traditional pattern followed by Bangladeshi leaders.

Bangladesh First Foreign Policy

Mr. Karim also outlined the government’s foreign policy approach, saying Bangladesh would pursue a “Bangladesh First” policy based on sovereignty and non-interference.

At the same time, Dhaka, he said, remained committed to developing mutually beneficial relations with India and other countries.

Sheikh Hasina, who led Bangladesh for around 15 years, has said she intends to return to Bangladesh in December, even if doing so results in imprisonment.