New Delhi, August 24, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Bangladesh should remain firm on its demand for the extradition of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina but avoid making it an absolute condition for Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s proposed visit to India, a leading Bangladeshi newspaper has argued.
In an opinion article, Prothom Alo said a policy of “no extradition, no visit” could restrict important diplomatic channels and weaken Dhaka’s ability to pursue its own objectives. It argued that the extradition demand should remain on the bilateral agenda while Rahman’s visit could be used to discuss the broader relationship.
Bangladesh has formally sought Hasina’s extradition under the 2013 India-Bangladesh extradition treaty. New Delhi has acknowledged receiving the request and said it is examining the matter under its legal framework.
The issue has become a major point of contention over Rahman’s proposed India visit. Dhaka has said a “propitious environment” needs to be created for the trip and has sought action on Hasina’s extradition, while discussions between the two countries have continued.
Prothom Alo maintained that Dhaka had legitimate reasons to pursue the extradition demand, particularly in the context of judicial accountability and the rule of law. However, it said making extradition a prerequisite for every aspect of bilateral relations would be strategically counterproductive.
The article argued that high-level visits are themselves instruments of diplomacy and can provide opportunities to negotiate contentious issues. It cited former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s 1999 Lahore visit and then US President Richard Nixon’s 1972 visit to China as examples of dialogue continuing despite unresolved disputes.
It further said Bangladesh should not allow the extradition issue to overshadow other long-term bilateral concerns, including water sharing, trade, energy, connectivity and border management.
The newspaper concluded that Hasina’s extradition should remain part of bilateral talks, but progress on other areas of Bangladesh-India relations should not be made entirely dependent on it.
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