Bangladesh Foreign Affairs Adviser Says PM Tarique Rahman's India Visit Unlikely Without Change in Environment

Humayun Kabir, the foreign affairs adviser to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, stated that the chances of the Prime Minister visiting India before the BRICS Summit on September 12 to 13 are very slim. In an interview with the state run BSS news agency, Kabir said that any top level visit would depend on the creation of an appropriate environment based on mutual trust, respect for sovereignty, and a dignified invitation. He emphasized that Bangladesh would not rush into a visit that goes beyond its national interests.

Kabir described reports in Indian media speculating about the visit as baseless and assumption driven. He noted that the future of bilateral relations depends on a change in the mindset of India's current leadership and a proper understanding of the July uprising in Bangladesh. While he stated that Dhaka would show a positive attitude toward participating in the BRICS Summit if a consensus is reached, he maintained that a visit remains unlikely under current conditions.

One source provided additional context regarding the tension, noting that the presence of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in India is a key irritant. Kabir expressed deep anger over the use of Indian territory to provide space to convicted individuals and argued that allowing Hasina to speak politically from India violates democratic etiquette. He added that the government has lodged a diplomatic protest with New Delhi over these issues.