A senior aide to Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has indicated that the likelihood of his visit to India before the upcoming Brics Summit is “very slim.” The aide emphasized that any potential visit hinges on a necessary “change in the mindset” of Indian leadership. This statement reflects ongoing diplomatic tensions and the complexities of bilateral relations between the two nations.
“It is necessary to be sure what kind of relationship India wants to build with the elected government in Bangladesh with a mandate of two-thirds of the people. “Relations between the two countries and the high-level visit of the head of the Bangladesh government depend on the change in the mindset or perspective of the current leadership of India. Bangladesh has reiterated its request for her extradition, with the Indian side saying the matter is being examined in line with legal processes.
The neighbouring country must correctly understand the reality of the July mass uprising in Bangladesh that resulted in the sacrifice of more than 1,500 people,” he said, referring to the student-led protests in July-August 2024 that unseated the Sheikh Hasina government. Hasina has lived in self-exile in India since she fled Dhaka in August 2024 and her presence in India, as well as her comments from Indian soil attacking the BNP government, have emerged as a key irritant in bilateral ties.
Humayun Kabir, the foreign affairs adviser to the PM, said in an interview with state-run BSS news agency that Bangladesh will show a “positive attitude” towards participating in the Brics Summit if a “suitable environment is created based on consensus” between the two countries. There is no justification for a hasty summit visit beyond national interests,” he said in the interview published in Bengali. Kabir referred to what he described as “rumours” in the Indian media about Rahman’s visit before the Brics Summit to be held in New Delhi during September 12-13, and said Bangladesh has “adopted a policy of not rushing things at the moment, maintaining specific national interests”.
“Unless a suitable environment is created based on consensus between both countries on specific issues and a respectful invitation, the chances of the Prime Minister’s visit to India before the upcoming BRICS summit are very slim.
“Also, it cannot be justified under any circumstances on the pretext of freedom of expression. The government has already lodged a diplomatic protest with New Delhi, reminding it of its bilateral and international legal obligations in this regard. Diplomatic pressure will continue to stop any anti-Bangladesh activities in the future.”
