What’s Next for Bangladesh-India Relations Amid Sheikh Hasina's Extradition Demands?

Bangladesh Seeks Extradition of Sheikh Hasina

Dhaka: On Monday, Bangladesh reiterated its request for the extradition of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from India during a meeting between High Commissioner Dinesh Trivedi and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman in Dhaka, amidst growing tensions between the two nations.

The Prime Minister's office stated that the discussions encompassed various significant bilateral matters.

Trivedi, representing India, extended greetings from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and expressed India's commitment to collaborate with the Bangladeshi government and its citizens in a "positive and constructive" manner, as noted in a post on X by the Indian High Commission in Dhaka.

In addition to Rahman, Trivedi also met with Bangladesh's Home Affairs Minister Salahuddin Ahmed and Foreign Affairs Minister Khalilur Rahman.

High Commissioner Dinesh Trivedi paid a courtesy call on Hon'ble Prime Minister of Bangladesh, H.E. Tarique Rahman on 10 August 2026.

High Commissioner conveyed greetings from Hon’ble Prime Minister of India and the intent to work together with the Government and the people of… pic.twitter.com/hkTmUYb1Bs

— India in Bangladesh (@ihcdhaka) August 10, 2026

These meetings occurred amid speculation that Rahman might not attend the upcoming BRICS summit in New Delhi, scheduled for September 12-13.

Ties between India and Bangladesh have soured following Hasina's virtual press conference on August 5 in New Delhi, where she expressed her determination to return home in December to restore democracy, despite the potential risks of imprisonment or a death sentence.

Bangladesh reacted strongly to her remarks, claiming they offended the sentiments of its citizens and could hinder efforts to mend relations with India, labeling Hasina as an "absconding, convicted genocider."

In response, India's Ministry of External Affairs clarified on August 7 that it had no involvement in the media event concerning Hasina and does not endorse any statements made about the Bangladeshi government.

The Prime Minister's office in Bangladesh stated on Monday, "Bangladesh hopes that India will expedite the process of extraditing Sheikh Hasina."

The meeting addressed various crucial bilateral issues, with Rahman emphasizing the importance of fostering a conducive environment to enhance relations between the two nations.

Trivedi's meeting with Rahman marked his first official visit since assuming the role of India's High Commissioner in Dhaka over six weeks ago, making him the first politician to hold this diplomatic position.

During the discussions, Rahman also raised concerns regarding the extradition of suspects involved in the murder of student leader Osman Hadi last year.

"Bangladesh reiterated its request to India to return the individuals responsible for the murder of Shahid Osman Hadi," the statement indicated.

Hadi, a notable figure during the student-led movement that led to Hasina's ousting in 2024, was killed in an attack in December 2025, which reignited political tensions in Bangladesh.

This issue gained prominence as three suspects were arrested in India in March and are currently in judicial custody in West Bengal. India has agreed to extradite these suspects back to Bangladesh following due legal processes.

Hasina was removed from power in August 2024 after violent protests and subsequently fled to India. In November 2025, she was sentenced to death in absentia by a special tribunal in Bangladesh for alleged "crimes against humanity" during the crackdown on demonstrators.

Since then, Dhaka has been pursuing her extradition from India, maintaining that she must face justice upon her return.

Following his meeting with the Prime Minister, Trivedi also met with Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, where discussions focused on enhancing bilateral relations and security cooperation between the two countries.

Ahmed previously cautioned that India could not maintain friendly relations with Dhaka while providing refuge to Hasina.

Details of Trivedi's meeting with Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman were not disclosed by either party.

This latest diplomatic engagement occurs against the backdrop of a cautious reset in India-Bangladesh relations following the Bangladesh Nationalist Party's rise to power in February, which followed a period of strained ties under the interim government over issues including Hasina's extradition, border disputes, and Dhaka's foreign policy leaning towards China.

Trivedi expressed optimism that a meeting between Rahman and Modi could help resolve ongoing issues in bilateral relations, stating, "When two leaders meet, many problems can be addressed. I am confident that this meeting will lead to resolutions."