Dhaka has put Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s possible visit to Delhi on hold, saying conditions must first be created for the trip. On Sunday, the Foreign Ministry said those conditions include India’s swift return of Sheikh Hasina and other fugitive offenders, as well as the handover to Bangladesh of suspects accused in the killing of Shaheed Sharif Osman Hadi.

A Foreign Ministry spokesperson said Bangladesh had requested Indian authorities to return Sheikh Hasina and other fugitives under the bilateral extradition treaty. Bangladesh has also sought the transfer of those accused in the Hadi killing and is awaiting India’s response. The government reiterated its “Bangladesh First” policy, citing sovereign equality, national dignity, non-interference in internal affairs and mutually beneficial friendly bilateral relations with neighbouring and other countries.

Bangladesh has already sent India the necessary legal documents seeking the return of suspects in the Hadi murder case. In July, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said extradition documents had been submitted for principal suspect Faisal Karim Masud and two other suspects. He said they were undergoing legal proceedings in India, while the treaty could allow transfer during trial if needed.