Politics · India Bureau
Bangladesh PM's India visit hinges on mutual trust, says adviser
Bangladesh's Foreign Affairs Adviser has signalled that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is unlikely to attend India's BRICS summit next month unless New Delhi creates an environment of mutual trust and extends a formal invitation. The statement reflects rising tensions between Dhaka and New Delhi over extradition demands.
LSN India ·
The prospect of Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman visiting India for the BRICS summit scheduled for September 12-13 appears increasingly uncertain, according to his Foreign Affairs Adviser Humaiun Kobir. Speaking to the state-run Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha on Thursday, Kobir stressed that such a high-level visit would only be viable if an appropriate environment based on "mutual trust" is established alongside a "dignified invitation" from New Delhi.
Kobir made clear that Bangladesh will not rush into a top-level diplomatic engagement without clear national interests at stake. "There is no justification for rushing into a top-level visit by going beyond the national interest," the adviser stated, underscoring Dhaka's cautious approach to bilateral relations.
The remarks come against the backdrop of strained India-Bangladesh ties, particularly over Dhaka's calls for the extradition of deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina, who is currently in India. This contentious issue has created fresh headwinds in bilateral relations and cast doubt over Rahman's participation at the BRICS gathering in New Delhi.
The adviser's comments suggest that Bangladesh intends to condition any high-level visit on a demonstrated improvement in the diplomatic relationship and clearer assurances from India on matters of mutual concern.