Bangladesh says its relationship with India will not be hindered by Dhaka’s extradition request for convicted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Adviser Touhid Hossain affirms ongoing cooperation on Teesta water sharing, border issues and broader regional diplomacy.
Bangladesh’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain has firmly stated that the longstanding and strategic relationship between Bangladesh and India will not be obstructed by the issue surrounding the extradition request for convicted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Speaking at a ‘DCAB Talk’ event held at the Jatiya Press Club on Sunday, he emphasised that bilateral relations between the two neighbouring countries are broader than any single point of contention.
Addressing diplomatic correspondents, Adviser Hossain clarified that the government of Bangladesh has officially requested India to return Hasina following her conviction in a case tried by the International Crimes Tribunal-1. “Since she is convicted, we surely want her extradition to implement the punishment. I do not think other issues will get stuck for this issue,” he said. He reiterated that Dhaka’s diplomatic engagements with New Delhi span multiple areas and are not conditional upon the extradition matter.
Hossain also mentioned that Dhaka has been informed that former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal is currently in India, although there has not been any official notification from the Indian authorities regarding his presence. The Adviser said he was not aware of whether any extradition process would begin with Kamal’s possible return.
The event, titled “Bangladesh’s Foreign Policy: Charting a Relevant Role in a Changing World”, was organised by the Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB), with DCAB President AKM Moinuddin and General Secretary Md Arifuzzaman Manun also present.
Continuity in Bangladesh-India Cooperation
Emphasising Bangladesh’s commitment to regional harmony, Adviser Hossain said, “We always want a good working relationship with India based on mutual respect and interests. We remain stuck in this position.” He noted that while there had been “warm relations” between the previous Bangladeshi government and India, critical issues such as the Teesta water-sharing agreement and the halting of border killings remained unresolved for more than 15 years.
He stressed that Dhaka would continue its diplomatic efforts on these longstanding issues, asserting that “one issue is not dependent on another.” According to him, even though New Delhi may need some time to adjust to the political realities ushered in by Bangladesh’s July mass uprising, the two countries are expected to restore regular diplomatic momentum soon.
Dhaka’s Broader Regional Diplomacy
Responding to questions on Bangladesh’s relations with Pakistan, Adviser Hossain explained that ties had previously been kept tense due to deliberate political decisions. The new government, however, intends to maintain a “normal relationship” with Pakistan, particularly to ensure economic benefits such as diversified sources for essential imports including cotton and onions.
The Adviser highlighted that Bangladesh’s foreign policy approach seeks to balance strategic interests with economic necessities, especially in a rapidly changing regional landscape.
India Confirms Receipt of Extradition Request
Meanwhile, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has confirmed receiving Bangladesh’s latest request for Hasina’s extradition. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated in New Delhi, “Yes, we have received the request and this request is being examined.” He emphasised that India remains committed to supporting the broader interests of the people of Bangladesh, including stability, peace, democratic governance, and political inclusion.
The MEA also reiterated that India would continue engaging constructively with all stakeholders in Bangladesh. According to diplomatic sources, Bangladesh expects a formal response to the extradition request soon. The latest diplomatic note was sent through the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi. Hossain acknowledged that India had not responded to Dhaka’s initial request made last year.
Background to the Tribunal Verdict
On November 17, the International Crimes Tribunal-1 sentenced Sheikh Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal to death over crimes against humanity committed during the July–August mass uprising of the previous year. Former Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, who served as a state witness, received a five-year prison sentence.
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The verdict has stirred significant political debate and intensified Dhaka’s diplomatic engagements. Despite the sensitivity of the issue, Adviser Hossain made it clear that Bangladesh’s foreign policy priorities remain pragmatic, forward-looking, and committed to preserving regional stability.
