Bangladesh sets tough riders for PM Tarique Rahman’s visit to India

Tarique Rahman’s govt attached tough conditions for New Delhi prior to his possible bilateral visit to India

DHAKA/DELHI: Amid mounting domestic pressure from hardliners and opposition Jamaat-e-Islami ally NCP, PM Tarique Rahman’s govt Sunday attached tough conditions for New Delhi prior to his possible bilateral visit to India at PM Modi’s invitation – “act expeditiously on extradition of Sheikh Hasina and other criminal fugitives, and help create a ‘propitious environment’ for him to make the visit”.The development is being seen by many in diplomatic circles as “surrendering” to opposition forces’ call to put forward some “tough conditions” that are apparently impossible for the Indian side to accommodate immediately.According to Indian govt sources, the invitation to Tarique for both Brics and the bilateral visit stands and it’s for Dhaka to decide about the timing of the visit.However, the latest statement has effectively ruled out a bilateral visit this week that was under discussion.Asked about the issue related to former Bangladesh PM Hasina, sources in Delhi recalled remarks by governing BNP functionaries earlier that it will not come in the way of Dhaka’s efforts to pursue broader relations with India, particularly on issues it considers crucial like trade, energy and water-sharing.On Hasina’s extradition request, official sources in Dhaka reiterated it is being examined by Indian authorities in accordance with applicable laws and established legal procedures.

Near Impossible To Fulfil Immediately, Say Officials

Reading out a statement, ministry of foreign affairs spokesperson AKM Shahidul Karim said, “Officials of Bangladesh and India have been in touch…on the possibility of a bilateral visit by PM to India. We are of the view that a propitious environment needs to be created for the visit.”“This process was vitiated by the open press interaction in New Delhi on Aug 5 by Sheikh Hasina, who has been convicted by International Crimes Tribunal for committing crimes against humanity,” he said, “We have made our position clear on this matter.”“…Bangladesh requested Indian authorities to expeditiously act on its request to extradite Sheikh Hasina and to hand over to Bangladesh the accused killers of Shaheed Sharif Osman Hadi in compliance with their bilateral extradition treaty. We are awaiting their response,” he said.“Govt is under pressure on a number of domestic issues, including energy crisis while Hasina’s extradition issue remains unresolved…the relations may even get stalled until Dec….” a political source said.