Can Tarique Rahman Mend India-Bangladesh Ties? Will Sheikh Hasina’s Extradition Be A Sticking Point?

Last Updated:February 15, 2026, 15:23 IST

Tarique Rahman’s win could prompt reset of India-Bangladesh ties, but BNP's demand of Hasina’s extradition may be hurdle. Extradition complications to other factors, explained

Among the tasks ahead for Tarique Rahman, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chief who secured a sweeping victory in the election, will be resetting of the country’s ties with India.

Bangladesh has invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several other regional leaders to attend the swearing-in ceremony of the country’s next prime minister, Tarique Rahman, on February 17, according to a BNP statement on Saturday.

How India responded to Tarique Rahman’s win

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a telephonic conversation with Tarique Rahman and congratulated him on his party’s sweeping victory in the country’s parliamentary elections.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), PM Modi said, “Delighted to speak with Mr. Tarique Rahman. I congratulated him on the remarkable victory in the Bangladesh elections. I conveyed my best wishes and support in his endeavour to fulfil the aspirations of the people of Bangladesh."

The BNP on Saturday thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for congratulating Tarique Rahman following the party’s decisive victory in Bangladesh’s parliamentary elections, stating that it looks forward to constructive engagement with India to further strengthen bilateral ties. In a response posted on social media platform X, the BNP expressed appreciation for the Prime Minister’s message and highlighted the significance of the electoral mandate received by the party.

BNP’s plans

Bangladesh wants to reset ties with India on a fresh footing now that ousted premier Sheikh Hasina and her Awami League party no longer hold power, Humayun Kabir, adviser to Tarique Rahman, has said, asserting that the two nations should work together for “mutual benefit".

In an interview to PTI, Kabir stressed that the onus lies on India to recognise the changed political reality in Bangladesh after the BNP’s resounding electoral mandate. “The change has to come from the mindset in India. Sheikh Hasina and Awami League don’t exist in today’s Bangladesh anymore. The people have given a clear verdict in favour of BNP," Kabir said.

“What we want is balanced relations. We’re not going to have relations with one country specific, and we’re not going to have any disclosures on any agreements," Kabir said. On minority safety, particularly Hindus, Kabir dismissed concerns of communal violence in Bangladesh. “Even during the five days without a government after the August uprising, an unprecedented situation, no one attacked minorities. That shows communal harmony here. The problem doesn’t exist in the way it’s sometimes projected."

India has been expressing concerns over attacks on minorities, especially Hindus, in Bangladesh.

Sheikh Hasina’s extradition a sticking point?

A major point of contention is former PM Sheikh Hasina’s presence in India.

Kabir described Hasina, who fled to India after 2024’s August uprising, as a “terrorist" responsible for the deaths of over 1,500 people. Kabir urged the Indian government to ensure that its territory is not used by Hasina or other Awami League figures in ways that could affect stability in Bangladesh. “India must not be seen as complicit in any activities that undermine Bangladesh’s sovereignty. Once that is addressed, normal diplomatic cooperation can resume. We are neighbours and should work together for mutual benefit," he added.

India on November 26, 2025, said it is examining a request by Bangladesh’s interim government to extradite Hasina and asserted that it is committed to ensure the best interests of the people of that country. “We remain committed to the best interests of the people of Bangladesh, including peace, democracy, inclusion and stability in that country and will continue to engage constructively in this regard with all stakeholders," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said.

Why the extradition may not be easy

2013 Treaty: Although the 2013 Extradition Treaty (amended in 2016) streamlines the process, it contains critical “safeguard" clauses that India can invoke. Article 6 allows refusal if the offence is of a “political character". While serious crimes like murder are typically excluded from this definition, India can argue the charges are politically motivated. Under Article 8, extradition can be denied if it is deemed “unjust or oppressive" due to the passage of time or if the request is not made in good faith.

Human Rights and the Death Penalty: Hasina was sentenced to death in absentia by Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal (ICT).

Indian Legal Precedent: Indian courts generally prohibit extradition to countries where the accused faces the death penalty, unless the requesting state provides a sovereign guarantee that the sentence will not be carried out. Extradition in India is not a purely executive decision; it involves a lengthy judicial process. Hasina can challenge an extradition order in an Indian Magistrate’s court, then appeal to the High Court and eventually the Supreme Court. Section 29 of the Indian Extradition Act empowers the central government to stay or cancel extradition proceedings at any time if they are deemed trivial or politically motivated.

Fair Trial Concerns: International bodies like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have questioned the fairness and impartiality of the ICT proceedings. India can refuse extradition if there is a risk of a biased trial.

Domestic factors: India must balance its legal obligations with its long-term regional interests. Handing over a 15-year strategic partner could damage India’s reputation as a reliable protector for other regional allies. India is cautious about the potential rise of anti-India forces in Bangladesh’s interim or future governments.

India has a long tradition of providing shelter to political figures, such as the Dalai Lama and various leaders from neighbouring countries, which sets a precedent for its current stance.

Indo-Bangladesh ties: Other challenges ahead

Influence of Jamaat-e-Islami: Although the BNP won a two-thirds majority, the Jamaat-e-Islami emerged as the second-largest party. India remains wary of this alliance due to its history of anti-India activities and radicalism.

Public Sentiment: Rahman must balance diplomatic repair with a skeptical domestic public, particularly “Gen Z" voters, many of whom harbor anti-India sentiment following the 2024 unrest.

China and Pakistan: New Delhi is closely watching how the new government balances its relations with Beijing and Islamabad, especially after Rahman’s aide mentioned building “balanced ties" that don’t treat any country as a “master".

Ultimately, the potential for a “reset" exists, but success depends on how Rahman manages security concerns and whether India can navigate the complex issue of Sheikh Hasina’s asylum.

With PTI, ANI Inputs

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