New Delhi, August 18: Uncertainty surrounds Bangladeshi Prime Minister Tariq Rahman’s upcoming visit to India, following a press release from Dhaka that has sparked controversy. Former Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Veena Sikri, stated that Sheikh Hasina wishes to return to her country in December, while the Rahman government is requesting her extradition from India.
Speculation is rife regarding Rahman’s trip to India. Meanwhile, the Bangladeshi Foreign Ministry issued a press note that did not confirm the visit. Sikri described this press release as ambiguous, noting, “The release from Bangladesh does not confirm Rahman’s visit to India. It appears to be directly related to Sheikh Hasina’s extradition, which is highly controversial. Everyone knows extradition cases can take time. Sheikh Hasina has expressed her desire to return.”
She further explained, “Bangladesh set a condition. We extended invitations to PM Tariq Rahman twice, initially suggesting he would visit India first, but he opted for China and Malaysia instead. Suddenly, Bangladesh issued a strict note stating that the environment is not conducive for Rahman to visit India until Sheikh Hasina returns. This is completely wrong. Extradition cases can take over two years. It is clear that he does not want to come to India. Hasina has stated her intention to return this December. What is the issue? She wants to go back, but the Bangladeshi government insists on her extradition.”
The former High Commissioner highlighted the dire economic situation in Bangladesh. “The economy is in shambles. When Muhammad Yunus’s government came to power, it altered trading patterns, severely impacting Bangladeshi companies. Many businesses and factories failed to fulfill orders when land routes were closed, leading to widespread unemployment among women working in ready-made garment factories. The situation is dire. They realize that collaborating with India could improve conditions. The finance minister himself has acknowledged our dire circumstances, stating that our banks and treasury are empty. They are blaming Sheikh Hasina for this, despite her government having been out of power for two years, and the Rahman government presenting budgets.”
Veena Sikri also commented on U.S. President Donald Trump’s support for the ‘Save America Act,’ referencing India’s electoral system. “President Trump made some commendable remarks, praising the Indian Election Commission for creating voter ID cards for a population of 1.4 billion. We take pride in the efficiency of our Election Commission,” she noted.
She added that there are concerns in the U.S. about non-citizens voting, which has led to dissatisfaction among the public. Recent allegations regarding the New York mayoral election involving Joharan Mamdani have also surfaced from the Republican side.
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