Bangladesh FM Presses for Sheikh Hasina’s Extradition in Talks With Jaishankar, India Pitches ‘Constructive’ Ties With BNP Govt

9th April 2026 at 4:48 PM

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Bangladesh FM Presses for Sheikh Hasina's Extradition in Talks With Jaishankar, India Pitches 'Constructive' Ties With BNP Govt

New Delhi: Bangladesh Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman flew into New Delhi on Wednesday and sat down with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar the most senior face-to-face contact between the two countries since BNP swept to power.

Dhaka came with a clear ask: send back Sheikh Hasina. Bangladesh formally repeated its demand for the extradition of the former Prime Minister and her ex-Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal. India, characteristically, did not say yes or no. Jaishankar’s response was that New Delhi wants to “engage constructively” with the new government and strengthen ties the kind of line that keeps doors open without walking through them.

Pleased to host FM Khalilur Rahman of Bangladesh and his delegation this afternoon.

We discussed strengthening our bilateral relationship in its various facets. Also exchanged views on regional and global developments.

Agreed to remain in close touch.@BDMOFA

🇮🇳 🇧🇩 pic.twitter.com/qAf87w2cvr
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) April 8, 2026

Bangladesh’s foreign ministry framed the BNP government’s approach as “Bangladesh First” — built on mutual trust and reciprocal benefit. Tarique Rahman, son of the late Khaleda Zia, became Prime Minister after BNP won the February 12 elections by a wide margin.

India’s readout was short. Jaishankar met both Rahman and Foreign Affairs Adviser Humayun Kabir. The two sides agreed to explore proposals for deeper cooperation through existing bilateral channels. Follow-up official meetings are expected. Rahman also separately called on National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri.

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The relationship has been tense since Hasina was forced out in August 2024, with interim leader Muhammad Yunus doing little to smooth things over. India had been reading the writing on the wall for a while, though. Modi sent Khaleda Zia a “get well soon” message when she was ill. Jaishankar attended her funeral in Dhaka and met Tarique Rahman there. When Rahman was sworn in, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri made the trip too. Wednesday’s meeting didn’t resolve anything big. But it happened and that, for now, is the point.