National Citizen Party convener and parliament’s opposition chief whip Nahid Islam said Tarique Rahman would not be able to visit India until questions over Sheikh Hasina’s extradition and a redefinition of Bangladesh-India relations are resolved. He made the remarks on Thursday at an event in Shahbagh, Dhaka, marking the second founding anniversary of Inqilab Mancha, an organisation linked to slain Sharif Osman Hadi.

Nahid referred to Sheikh Hasina’s virtual appearance at an August 5 press conference in New Delhi. He alleged that the event had direct and indirect support from the Indian government. In his view, statements made by Hasina from Delhi should be treated not only as her own narrative but also as a message from Delhi to Bangladesh.

He said no statement had yet come from the Indian High Commission regarding the press conference, and argued that it should have expressed regret and apologised. Nahid described the event as being against Bangladesh’s sovereignty. He called on India to return Sheikh Hasina and Osman Hadi accused persons, ensure Bangladesh’s fair share of river water, and resolve border killings before speaking of friendship.