Kathmandu— Tensions between Bangladesh and India have escalated following a news conference held in New Delhi by former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, convicted of crimes against humanity in her home country, which criticized the current government. The event prompted an immediate rebuke from Dhaka, jeopardizing plans for a visit to New Delhi by current Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman – the first such trip since he took office earlier this year. Bangladesh is seeking assurances that Hasina will not be allowed to engage in political activities while in exile in India and has also reiterated requests for her extradition, complicating efforts to reset what had been quietly progressing bilateral relations.

A Disputed Visit

New Delhi and Dhaka were preparing for Rahman’s visit when Hasina addressed the August 5th news conference via video link. Bangladesh swiftly responded, expressing outrage that Hasina was permitted to speak publicly from Indian soil after being ousted in August 2024. Dhaka had previously warned New Delhi against allowing any political activities originating from India that could impact their bilateral ties. As a result, Bangladesh stated that a “propitious environment” must be established before Rahman’s visit and requested action on existing extradition requests for Hasina and other fugitives.

Beyond Extradition: Political Activities in Exile

While the extradition request remains formally ‘under examination’ by India, interviews with Bangladeshi officials and analysts suggest the core of the dispute lies beyond simply securing Hasina's return. Faisal Mahmud, a former press minister at the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi, emphasized that extradition is a complex legal process, while the immediate issue is India allowing Hasina to conduct political activities from its soil. This concern predates Rahman’s government; even Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus appealed to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in April 2025 to prevent Hasina from making “incendiary statements” while in exile.

Dhaka's Demands and New Delhi's Position

Humaiun Kobir, deputy head of Bangladesh’s Foreign Ministry, stated Dhaka desires a relationship with India based on trust and mutual respect but finds it unacceptable that Hasina is able to “destabilise our country from India.” He described the former prime minister as a terrorist and called for her extradition. Kobir also requested India return other Bangladeshi nationals accused of crimes, including those suspected in the murder of Sharif Osman Hadi. Despite these demands, Kobir indicated Dhaka does not want the dispute to indefinitely halt high-level engagement, noting that a meeting between the two prime ministers is inevitable – though contingent on Bangladesh’s national interests.

Complexities and Interdependence

Analysts point to a potential contradiction in Bangladesh's demand for extradition, suggesting it may be partly aimed at appealing to domestic public opinion. David Bergman argues Dhaka knows India will likely never extradite Hasina but is using the request to demonstrate its resolve. Furthermore, bringing Hasina back could create significant political and legal challenges for Bangladesh, including how to handle a convicted capital offender. Despite the dispute, practical engagement continues; an Indian industry delegation visited Dhaka this month, and bilateral trade exceeds $12 billion annually. Both countries recognize their deep structural interdependence due to geography and shared interests.

Regional Dynamics at Play

Sreeradha Datta, a professor specializing in South Asian studies, notes that Bangladesh’s attempts to diversify its external relationships with nations like the United States and China have heightened New Delhi's concerns. China’s growing economic and strategic engagement with Bangladesh is particularly noteworthy. However, Datta argues these partnerships do not diminish India’s structural importance for Bangladesh, given their 4,096km land border and over seventy bilateral mechanisms in place.

India has stated that Rahman's invitation remains open, reiterating its desire for a positive relationship with Bangladesh based on mutual interest. The key to resolving the impasse likely lies in finding a compromise that addresses Dhaka’s concerns about political activities while navigating the legal complexities of extradition.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.