Bangladesh to Seek Hasina’s Return in Talks With India

Ousted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. File photo

Bangladesh will strongly raise the issue of bringing back ousted former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal and Faisal, an accused in the murder case of Sharif Osman Hadi, during the upcoming fifth consular dialogue with India.

The meeting will be the first formal diplomatic dialogue between the two countries since the July 2024 mass uprising in Bangladesh.

According to diplomatic sources, Bangladesh had proposed holding the meeting in late October. India, however, expressed interest in arranging the dialogue in early November due to the Durga Puja celebrations.

Dhaka first formally requested Hasina’s extradition through a diplomatic note in December 2024. Bangladesh subsequently renewed its request after the relevant tribunal delivered its verdict.

Diplomatic sources said the director-general-level dialogue is expected to take place before a possible visit to India by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.

Alongside a range of bilateral issues, the return of the three individuals is expected to receive particular attention during the meeting.

The upcoming dialogue is considered significant amid the current state of relations between Bangladesh and India. New Delhi’s position on the extradition requests and the progress of discussions could have important implications for ties between Dhaka and New Delhi.