Former Bangladesh premier Sheikh Hasina's presence in India remains a key sticking point in bilateral relations. Dhaka will reiterate its request for her extradition while ensuring that this issue doesn't affect the ongoing process of normalising ties.
Hasina, 78, has lived in India in self-exile since her government was toppled in August 2024. The erstwhile interim government led by Muhammad Yunus first sought her extradition in December 2024, and the request has since been reiterated by Dhaka several times.
India hasn't responded to the request, with officials contending the Bangladeshi side hasn't completed all the legal formalities. The matter is expected to come up during Bangladesh foreign minister Khalilur Rahman's engagements with Indian interlocutors, including external affairs minister S Jaishankar.
The people pointed to Hasina's conviction in criminal cases in Bangladesh and said this was reason enough to seek her extradition. They contended that the India-Bangladesh extradition treaty has to mean something in the context of this request.
The development of other aspects of the relationship will not be contingent on this issue, they said. The people made it clear that, in Dhaka's perception, India did not owe anything more to Hasina and had already done enough by giving her shelter after her government's ouster.
Bangladesh is keen to boost trade with India and desires the removal of restrictions on the use of Indian land and sea ports to bolster Bangladeshi exports. The people noted they were hopeful that the two sides would sort out this issue.
