Dhaka seeks India's assurance to halt Hasina's political activities before Tarique's visit: BBC Bangla

Dhaka wants an assurance from India that ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina's political activities in the country will be stopped and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's proposed visit to New Delhi will be confirmed only once that assurance is received, according to several government sources in Dhaka, BBC Bangla reported yesterday (14 August).

The sources said India has already given a form of assurance on the matter, but Bangladesh wants a complete assurance before finalising the visit.

Hasina, who fled to India on 5 August 2024 and has been there since, has carried out political activities and made political statements from there at different times. 

Bangladeshi officials said her political statements are creating controversy inside the country and alleged that her objective is to destabilise the internal situation.

Against this backdrop, preparations are reportedly underway for Tarique's first visit to India since becoming prime minister. 

He may travel to New Delhi on 21-22 August for a two-day bilateral visit, although the dates could move forward or backwards by a few days, the sources said.

According to the BBC Bangla report, the proposal for the visit came from India, while Bangladesh has also indicated that Tarique will visit. 

An Indian media outlet has also reported that he may travel to India for two days around the middle of next week.

The visit would come as Dhaka and New Delhi seek to reset strained relations following the deterioration of ties after the Awami League government's ouster in August 2024 following the July Uprising.

India has also invited Tarique to the BRICS summit in New Delhi in September, in his capacity as the current chair of Bimstec. However, no decision has yet been made on whether he will attend the summit.

India will host the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi on 12-13 September.