Dhaka: The proposed India visit of Prime Minister Tariq Rahman remains uncertain, but a fresh statement from Bangladesh has once again brought tensions between the two countries into focus.
Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has said that an “appropriate and favorable atmosphere” needs to be created for Rahman’s visit to India. The statement comes as Rahman is expected to attend the BRICS Summit in New Delhi on September 12 and 13.
Dhaka’s remarks are being linked to its demand for the extradition of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who is currently in India.
Uncertainty Remains Over Tariq Rahman’s India Visit
Tariq Rahman met Indian High Commissioner Dinesh Trivedi last week. During the meeting, Bangladesh also raised the issue of bringing Sheikh Hasina back from India.
However, there is still no clear confirmation on whether Rahman will travel to India in September.
Bangladesh Foreign Ministry spokesperson Shahidul Karim told The Daily Star that Dhaka had already made its position clear and believes that an appropriate atmosphere needs to be created for the proposed visit.
Bangladeshi news outlet bdnews24 reported that Karim’s reference to an “appropriate atmosphere” was linked to Bangladesh’s demand for Sheikh Hasina’s extradition.
Tensions Rose After Sheikh Hasina’s Statement
Sheikh Hasina’s online address from India has been one of the recent sources of tension between New Delhi and Dhaka.
During the August 5 event in New Delhi, Hasina said she remained committed to returning to Bangladesh in December and restoring democracy in the country. She also said she was prepared to face imprisonment or even a death sentence if necessary.
The Bangladesh government strongly objected to her remarks. Dhaka said the statement had hurt the sentiments of people in Bangladesh and could make efforts to improve relations with India more difficult.
India Distanced Itself From Hasina’s Programme
Following Bangladesh’s objection, India’s Ministry of External Affairs clarified its position on August 7.
The ministry said the Indian government had no role in the media programme involving Sheikh Hasina. It also made clear that India did not endorse any remarks made about the Bangladesh government during the event.
With Tariq Rahman’s possible India visit approaching, Bangladesh’s call for an “appropriate and favorable atmosphere” has once again brought the Sheikh Hasina extradition issue to the forefront.
If Rahman travels to New Delhi for the BRICS Summit, the issue could become an important part of discussions between India and Bangladesh. For now, both sides are yet to provide final clarity on the proposed visit.
