Senior Correspondent, Dhaka: Bangladesh has asked India to help create a “conducive atmosphere” for Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s proposed visit.
The request suggests that unresolved diplomatic and political issues could affect the timing of the trip.
A.K.M. Shahidul Karim, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said Sunday that Bangladesh and India have been in contact for several weeks about the proposed visit.
“We are of the view that a propitious environment needs to be created for the visit,” he said.
The remarks show that Dhaka remains interested in closer engagement with New Delhi. At the same time, Bangladesh wants some outstanding issues addressed before the visit takes place.
The proposed trip has become more complicated following former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s open press interaction in New Delhi on August 5. Bangladesh has already conveyed its concerns to India, according to the spokesperson.
Dhaka has also urged India to act quickly on its request for the extradition of Sheikh Hasina and other fugitives. Bangladesh has separately sought the handover of people accused of killing Shaheed Sharif Osman Hadi. Dhaka has cited the bilateral extradition treaty in both matters.
Bangladesh is now awaiting India’s response.
The developments highlight the political sensitivity surrounding any high-level engagement between Dhaka and New Delhi. The two countries have strong economic, geographic, and security interests. Both also have an interest in maintaining stable relations.
However, differences over political and legal issues could slow the process of improving ties.
Dhaka’s position does not mean it wants to step back from engagement with India. Instead, the government appears to be seeking a relationship based on its stated “Bangladesh First” policy.
The policy emphasizes sovereign equality, national dignity, non-interference in each other’s internal affairs, and mutual benefit.
Against this backdrop, Tarique Rahman’s proposed India visit could become an important test for Bangladesh-India relations under the new government.
For now, Dhaka appears to be signaling that more diplomatic groundwork is needed before the visit can move forward.
