Amid various speculations, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman may soon visit the Indian capital New Delhi. Diplomatic sources in Dhaka and Delhi say that the main goal of this visit is to establish the relations between the two countries on a positive, stable and people-centered basis. The visit may take place before the BRICS summit in September. There is even a possibility that the Prime Minister will visit Delhi this August.

Diplomatic analysts believe that Tarique Rahman’s visit can play an important role in overcoming the tensions that have arisen between the two countries in the last two years. It will be possible to discuss various issues related to the interests of the two countries in a direct meeting and find a solution.

After the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government on August 5, 2024, there was a major change in the relations between Bangladesh and India. After Sheikh Hasina took up residence in India, political and diplomatic tensions between the two countries increased further. Later, the cooling of relations around the border, visas, trade and various political statements came to light.

Bangladesh has also been vocal in its demand to return Sheikh Hasina. On the other hand, Sheikh Hasina’s presence in India and her various political statements from there have become a source of discomfort for Dhaka.

Recently, there has been renewed tension over this issue. On August 5, Sheikh Hasina gave a virtual speech at a private event in New Delhi. In addition to some Awami League leaders, Sajeeb Wazed Joy and Shakib Al Hasan spoke at the event. Bangladesh expressed its anger over the issue and reiterated its demand to return Sheikh Hasina. India, however, said that its government was not involved in organizing the event in any way.

Indian High Commissioner Dinesh Trivedi met Prime Minister Tarique Rahman in Dhaka on Monday. Later, he went to New Delhi and also met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It is learnt that discussions were held on further strengthening the relations between the two countries in these meetings.

Diplomatic sources say that various issues including the Ganges Water Sharing Agreement, Teesta, trade barriers, facilitating people-to-people contact and Sheikh Hasina’s extradition may gain importance during the possible bilateral visit.

After assuming office as Prime Minister last February, Narendra Modi called Tarique Rahman to congratulate him and invited him to visit India. Since then, discussions have been ongoing to improve relations between the two countries. High-level contacts have also increased recently between India and Bangladesh.

The 18th BRICS summit is scheduled to be held in New Delhi on September 12 and 13. Bangladesh is not a member of BRICS; however, India has invited the Prime Minister to an outreach event as the Chairman of BIMSTEC.

A final decision has not yet been made on whether the Prime Minister will personally attend the BRICS summit or send a representative. However, according to diplomats, a separate bilateral visit could be more effective in rebuilding trust between the two countries.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman first visited Malaysia and then China after taking office.