New Delhi/Dhaka: Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is reportedly unlikely to attend the BRICS Summit in New Delhi in September, amid renewed diplomatic friction between India and Bangladesh following former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s recent media interaction in Delhi. However, Dhaka has not formally announced a decision to skip the summit, and the situation remains fluid.
India has invited Rahman to the 18th BRICS Summit, scheduled to be held in New Delhi on September 12–13, as a special guest. Bangladesh is not a BRICS member; the invitation was extended in connection with Bangladesh’s role as BIMSTEC chair and New Delhi’s outreach to partner countries.
Hasina’s Delhi Appearance Triggers Fresh Tensions
The reported rethink over Rahman’s participation comes days after Sheikh Hasina, who has been living in India since leaving Bangladesh in 2024, appeared at a media event in New Delhi.
Her remarks reportedly angered the Bangladesh government, which accused India of allowing an event that it viewed as hostile to Bangladesh and its government. Dhaka has also been seeking Hasina’s extradition, while India has said the request is being examined through its legal process.
The latest episode has complicated efforts by New Delhi and Dhaka to rebuild bilateral relations following the change of government in Bangladesh.
Dhaka Had Earlier Kept Decision Open
Bangladesh had previously said that no final decision had been taken regarding Rahman’s participation in the BRICS summit.
On July 28, Bangladesh’s Information Adviser Zahed Ur Rahman said the government had yet to decide whether the Prime Minister would attend. Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman subsequently said Dhaka was reviewing the invitation.
Recent Bangladeshi media reports, however, now suggest that the possibility of Rahman’s participation has substantially diminished following the latest diplomatic tensions.
India Signals Willingness for Direct Engagement
At the same time, there are signs that both sides are attempting to prevent the relationship from deteriorating further.
Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Dinesh Trivedi met Prime Minister Tarique Rahman in Dhaka on August 10. Following the meeting, Rahman reportedly stressed the need for a “conducive environment” to improve India-Bangladesh relations.
The meeting could provide an avenue for addressing the issues surrounding Sheikh Hasina, bilateral cooperation and Rahman’s possible participation in the BRICS summit.
BRICS Visit Could Have Provided Diplomatic Opportunity
If Rahman attends the New Delhi summit, it could provide an important opportunity for his first direct meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi since taking office and could potentially open a channel for high-level discussions on bilateral concerns.
On the other hand, a decision to stay away would underline the extent of the current diplomatic strain.
For now, Rahman’s absence from the BRICS Summit should be described as a possibility rather than a confirmed decision, as Dhaka has yet to make a formal announcement. The final decision could depend on how India-Bangladesh relations evolve in the coming weeks.