DHAKA — Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman told India’s new High Commissioner Dinesh Trivedi on Monday that the two countries needed to create a “conducive environment” to advance bilateral relations, as Dhaka continues to press New Delhi over the extradition of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina.
The meeting, the first between Rahman and Trivedi since the envoy took up his post, comes as Bangladesh seeks to reset relations with its largest neighbour while addressing several issues that have strained ties since Hasina’s government was ousted in August 2024.
Rahman’s office said the prime minister emphasised the need for conditions that would allow bilateral relations to move forward. Bangladesh also urged India to expedite its request for Hasina’s extradition, according to the statement.
Hasina has been living in India since leaving Bangladesh after mass protests forced her government from power. Bangladesh has sought her return to face legal proceedings and has continued to raise the issue with New Delhi.
The extradition request has become a particularly sensitive issue after Hasina recently engaged with the media from India, drawing strong criticism from Bangladesh’s Foreign Ministry. Dhaka said the event was deeply hurtful and objected to what it regarded as her continued political activity from Indian territory.
India has said it is examining Bangladesh’s extradition request in accordance with its legal and judicial procedures. New Delhi has also reiterated its intention to maintain constructive relations with Dhaka.
Following Monday’s meeting, the Indian High Commission said Trivedi had reaffirmed India’s commitment to working with Bangladesh in a “positive, constructive and forward-looking manner”.
The meeting comes amid efforts by Rahman’s government to stabilise ties with India after a period of diplomatic tension. The two countries have longstanding economic, security, cultural and geographical links, while disputes over political developments, border issues and water resources have periodically complicated relations.
Trivedi, a senior Indian political figure, assumed the post of high commissioner in Bangladesh earlier this year, replacing Pranay Verma. His appointment followed a political transition in Dhaka and has been viewed as part of New Delhi’s effort to engage with Rahman’s new government.
Monday’s talks did not produce any publicly announced agreement on the extradition issue. Both sides, however, reaffirmed their stated interest in maintaining engagement, with Bangladesh continuing to seek progress on outstanding bilateral concerns and India stressing a constructive approach to relations.
