Bangladesh PM seeks 'conducive environment' to reset ties with India

Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman told India's envoy on Monday that a "conducive environment" was needed to boost ties between the neighbors.

Dhaka continues to press New Delhi over the politically sensitive exile of ousted premier Sheikh Hasina. Rahman made the remarks during his first meeting with India's new High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Dinesh Trivedi.

What is the major issue between Bangladesh and India?

The central irritant is Sheikh Hasina's presence in India since her government fell in August 2024. Bangladesh wants her extradited to face legal proceedings at home, where she was sentenced to death in November.

India has said it is examining the extradition request under its legal and judicial procedures.

What did Rahman say about ties with India?

Rahman "emphasized the need to create a conducive environment to further advance the bilateral relations between the two countries," Bangladesh's Prime Minister's Office said in a statement after the meeting.

It marks his first comment stressing the need to improve conditions for better ties, even as he has sought good relations with India since taking office six months ago. Bangladesh also used the meeting to urge India to expedite Hasina's extradition.

Why is Bangladesh's request for Hasina's extradition back in focus?

Dhaka's renewed push came days after Hasina addressed the media for the first time since fleeing the country, in an online audio conference. She reiterated plans to return to Bangladesh in December alongside party colleagues.

Bangladesh's foreign ministry strongly criticized the event, calling it deeply hurtful and saying the country was outraged.

How has India responded to Bangladesh's push for reset ties?

In a post on X, the Indian High Commission said Trivedi reiterated India's commitment to working with Bangladesh in a "positive, constructive and forward-looking manner."

India has not committed to a timeline on the extradition request, saying only that it is under legal review. The exchange reflects both sides' attempt to stabilize relations that have remained strained since Hasina's ouster in August 2024.