Trivedi meets PM Tarique as Bangladesh pushes India on Sheikh Hasina extradition
Former Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina’s recent press conference from New Delhi has sparked fresh diplomatic tensions between Bangladesh and India, with Dhaka once again pressing New Delhi to expedite her extradition during Indian High Commissioner Dinesh Trivedi’s first meeting with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Monday.
The meeting, which lasted around half an hour, covered a range of bilateral issues, including Hasina’s extradition and the return of suspects wanted in the murder of student leader Shahid Osman Hadi, according to Bangladesh’s Prime Minister’s Office.
“Bangladesh hopes that India will expedite the process of extraditing Sheikh Hasina,” the PMO said in a statement, adding that Rahman stressed the need to create a “suitable environment” to further strengthen bilateral relations. Hasina, who fled to India after being ousted in August 2024 following violent student-led protests, virtually addressed the press on August 5 from New Delhi. She said she remained determined to return to Bangladesh in December to put the country back on the “right track” and restore democracy, despite the possibility of imprisonment or a death sentence.
The comments triggered an angry reaction in Dhaka. Bangladesh said the media interaction had hurt public sentiment and could undermine efforts to improve ties with India. The Government has described Hasina as an “absconding, convicted genocider.”
India’s Ministry of External Affairs, however, said on August 7 that it had no role in the media event and did not endorse statements made there concerning the Bangladesh Government.
During Monday’s meeting, Rahman also raised the issue of three suspects accused in the December 2025 murder of Osman Hadi.
The suspects were arrested in India in March and remain in judicial custody in West Bengal. India has agreed to extradite them to Bangladesh following due legal process.
Trivedi, who assumed office more than six weeks ago, also met Home Affairs Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Monday and Foreign Affairs Minister Khalilur Rahman on Sunday. Security cooperation and bilateral relations were among the issues discussed.
