India Seeks Positive and Constructive Relations with Bangladesh, Says Ministry of External Affairs

New Delhi, August 19: The Indian Ministry of External Affairs reiterated its commitment to maintaining constructive relations with Bangladesh based on mutual interests and reciprocity. The ministry stated that requests for the extradition of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina are being examined under established procedures.

During a bi-weekly media briefing in New Delhi, spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal addressed questions related to a recent statement from the Bangladeshi Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He said, “India desires positive, constructive, and visionary relations with Bangladesh based on mutual interests and reciprocity. There is no need to reiterate our position on the former Prime Minister’s press conference. Our stance on the extradition issue has remained consistent, and you are aware of it. These requests are being investigated under our established procedures.”

In fact, Dhaka had urged India on Sunday to act promptly on their requests and assist in creating a conducive environment for Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s bilateral visit to India.

Bangladesh’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson A.K.M. Shahidul Karim stated, “We believe a favorable environment should be created for the visit.”

He mentioned that officials from both Bangladesh and India have been in contact regarding Prime Minister Rahman’s potential bilateral visit over the past few weeks, as reported by Bangladeshi media.

Karim added that Bangladesh has requested immediate action from Indian authorities regarding extradition requests related to Sheikh Hasina and other ‘fugitives,’ as well as the extradition of Sharif Osman, an accused in the murder of a Bangladeshi radical Islamic leader, under the terms of the bilateral extradition treaty.

The Bangladeshi spokesperson concluded, “We are awaiting their response.”

Last week, the Ministry of External Affairs stated that India is reviewing Dhaka’s appeal for the extradition of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina according to established procedures, reiterating that New Delhi’s position on the matter remains unchanged.

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