Dhaka, August 11: Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Dinesh Trivedi held talks with Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman in Dhaka on Monday, in a significant diplomatic engagement aimed at improving bilateral relations between the two neighbours.

According to the Bangladesh Prime Minister’s Office, Rahman stressed the need to create a “conducive environment” to further advance India-Bangladesh relations. The meeting came amid renewed diplomatic friction over former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who has been staying in India since leaving Bangladesh in 2024.

Hasina Extradition Issue Takes Centre Stage

One of the key issues discussed was Bangladesh’s request for the extradition of Sheikh Hasina. Dhaka has urged New Delhi to expedite the process, while India has maintained that the request is being examined in accordance with its legal and judicial procedures.

The issue has emerged as a major point of friction after Hasina recently participated in a media interaction from India, drawing a strong reaction from the Bangladesh government.

India Signals Positive Approach

Following the meeting, the Indian High Commission said Trivedi reiterated New Delhi’s commitment to engaging with Bangladesh in a “positive, constructive and forward-looking manner.”

The engagement comes after Trivedi had earlier said that India was eagerly looking forward to welcoming Tarique Rahman to India, with New Delhi hoping that his visit would take place soon. Rahman has also been invited by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend the BRICS Summit in New Delhi on September 12-13 as a special guest.

Focus on Restoring Bilateral Engagement

The latest meeting is being seen as an effort to maintain high-level communication despite outstanding differences between the two countries.

India and Bangladesh have significant interests in trade, connectivity, energy, border management and regional security, making sustained diplomatic engagement important for both sides.

The meeting between Trivedi and Rahman could therefore provide an opportunity for New Delhi and Dhaka to address sensitive issues through direct dialogue and work towards stabilising bilateral relations.

**For now, the key message from both sides is clear: despite differences, diplomatic channels remain open and both countries are looking for a way forward.**