Bangladesh Demands Extradition of Sheikh Hasina to India Ahead of Tarique Rahman’s Visit

Bangladesh’s Foreign Ministry announced Saturday that it will only consent to arrangements for the visit of former Vice‑President Tarique Rahman if the ex‑Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is extradited to India.

In a statement issued on the same day, officials said that the extradition request would be the deciding factor in approving logistics for Rahman’s extended stay in India. The ministry added that the demand reflects Bangladesh’s position on the political exploit of judicial proceedings.

Political Context

Tarique Rahman, the son of former Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leader Khaleda Zia Wahid, has been in exile since the 2016 arrest of his father. His anticipated return to India is seen by critics as an attempt to revitalize opposition activity, though the visit is also framed by officials as a diplomatic outreach.

Reactions

Bangladeshi opposition parties condemned the extradition demand as politically motivated, accusing the ruling government of attempting to use judicial mechanisms to silence dissent.