Bangladesh’s foreign ministry said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s possible visit to Delhi has been put on hold for now because a favorable environment is needed. Ministry spokesperson A K M Shahidul Karim announced the position at a press briefing in Dhaka on August 16. Indian media had earlier suggested that Rahman might travel to India for two days in the third week of August.

Karim said the two countries had remained in contact for several weeks over the potential trip. However, Bangladesh said the process was undermined after Sheikh Hasina, described by the ministry as convicted by the International Crimes Tribunal for crimes against humanity, spoke at a public news conference in New Delhi on August 5. The government said it had made its position clear.

Bangladesh has asked Indian authorities to promptly return Hasina and other fugitive offenders under the bilateral extradition treaty, and to hand over those accused in the killing of Sharif Osman Hadi. It is awaiting India’s response. Rahman had received a formal India visit invitation on behalf of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and another invitation to a BRICS summit in New Delhi in September as BIMSTEC’s current chair.