Bangladesh has introduced a new complication into discussions over Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s proposed visit to India, with Dhaka asking New Delhi to address its extradition requests before the trip can move forward.

Bangladesh Foreign Ministry spokesperson Shahidul Karim said Sunday that diplomatic officials from the two countries had been discussing a possible visit by Rahman for several weeks. He said, however, that the situation changed after former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina spoke to the media in New Delhi on August 5.

Dhaka has objected strongly to Hasina’s continued presence in India. Karim referred to her as a fugitive who has been convicted by Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal in connection with crimes against humanity.

Dhaka wants extradition issue addressed

Bangladesh now wants India to respond to requests involving Hasina and other people wanted by its authorities.

Karim said his government had asked New Delhi to move quickly on the extradition requests. Dhaka has also sought the transfer of individuals accused in the killing of Sharif Osman Hadi, saying the matter should be handled under the existing extradition agreement between India and Bangladesh.

The spokesperson indicated that Bangladesh was waiting for an official response from India.

He said the government believed the circumstances surrounding Rahman’s proposed trip needed to be conducive before the bilateral engagement could take place.

'Bangladesh First' remains Dhaka's stated policy

Karim also used the briefing to underline Bangladesh’s broader foreign-policy position.

He said Dhaka would continue pursuing what it describes as a “Bangladesh First” approach in its dealings with other nations, including neighbouring countries.

According to him, Bangladesh wants its relations with other countries to be guided by equal sovereignty, national dignity, non-interference in domestic matters and mutual interests.

The latest comments indicate that the proposed Rahman visit is now intertwined with wider diplomatic issues between New Delhi and Dhaka, particularly Bangladesh’s demands concerning Hasina and other accused fugitives.