Bangladesh has signalled that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s visit to India is still possible, but not on a fixed schedule. State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir said on Monday that Dhaka never ruled out the trip and that discussions are underway to finalise it.
What Dhaka Said
Kobir said the visit “will be bilateral” and should take place within a proper bilateral framework and in a conducive environment. He admitted there are challenges in relations but said they can be overcome through dialogue. Asked whether the visit could happen this year, he gave no timeframe.
How the Visit Got Stalled
Prime Minister Narendra Modi invited Rahman in February, soon after the BNP’s election win, in a letter delivered through Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. Dhaka later said the atmosphere had been “vitiated” by a virtual press interaction held in New Delhi by Sheikh Hasina in August, and asked India to help create a “propitious environment.” India said it remains hopeful and has extended a cordial invitation.
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The Hasina Extradition Issue
Dhaka has been seeking Hasina’s extradition, while India says the request is under examination under applicable law and legal procedure. This remains the biggest irritant in the relationship.
Other Friction Points
- Bangladesh said it would not have official representation at the BRICS Summit after an invitation was extended to Rahman as BIMSTEC chair
- India’s push to fence the 4,096 km border has strained ties
- Anti-Bangladesh rhetoric by some ruling party officials has also angered Dhaka
What It Means
The statement reads as a sign that Dhaka wants talks to continue but not at any cost. It prefers a visit that produces results, rather than a symbolic one. India’s foreign minister has said ties must meet the “test of mutual interest,” which suggests both sides want concrete outcomes. Contacts have continued, including Bangladesh’s foreign minister visiting New Delhi in April.
