Two conditions set by Dhaka ahead of PM's Delhi visit

The Bangladesh government has outlined two conditions for India to establish a favorable environment ahead of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s prospective visit to India. Speaking at a Foreign Ministry briefing, Ministry Spokesperson AKM Shahidul Karim stated that Dhaka is currently awaiting a formal response from India on Sunday.

The government's first condition is to expedite the extradition process for Sheikh Hasina and other fugitive accused individuals under the bilateral extradition treaty. As the second condition, Dhaka has requested the handover of the accused in the murder case of Inquilab Mancha spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi.

The spokesperson noted that discussions regarding the visit had been ongoing between the two countries for several weeks. However, that process was impacted following Sheikh Hasina's virtual press conference in New Delhi on August 5. In his words, ensuring a "favorable environment" is necessary prior to any potential visit.

Sheikh Hasina is currently residing in India. The International Crimes Tribunal has sentenced her in crimes against humanity cases, and an extradition request has been submitted to bring her back. Meanwhile, the government stated that necessary documentation has also been sent to India to repatriate the three accused in the Sharif Osman Hadi murder case.

Under the 2013 extradition treaty between India and Bangladesh, individuals convicted by court verdicts are subject to extradition. While offenses of a political nature are generally excluded from the treaty, certain crimes such as murder, homicide, and the use of firearms are not considered political offenses.

Although diplomatic sources previously indicated preparations for Tarique Rahman's visit to Delhi in late August, the introduction of these two new conditions has created uncertainty regarding the scheduling of the visit. Nonetheless, the Foreign Ministry stated that Dhaka remains committed to advancing a friendly and mutually respectful relationship with India based on a "Bangladesh First" policy.