No hurry over PM’s India visit, national interests to guide decision: Humaiun Kobir

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will visit India at an appropriate time after progress in ongoing discussions, with Bangladesh's national interests taking priority, newly appointed State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir said today (22 August).

"The government wants to maintain a positive and effective relationship with India, but Bangladesh cannot move forward with relations with any country by compromising its national interests," he told journalists after paying homage to Liberation War martyrs at the National Memorial in Savar.

"We want a positive relationship with India. Why wouldn't we? They are our neighbours. We should have an effective relationship," Kobir said. However, he said Bangladesh would not compromise its national interests in dealing with India or any other country.

"There are no compromises on our national interests. Not only with India, but with no country can we do anything by compromising our national interests," UNB reports citing Kobir.

Asked about the extradition of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, Kobir said Bangladesh has an extradition treaty with India. "So, these are not new conditions or a new kind of engagement; these are ongoing issues," he said.

"There are more criminals who have fled to India. This is a natural demand of the people of Bangladesh and a matter of their sentiment. We want to engage with India by giving priority to this process," he added.

Kobir said there was no urgency over Tarique's India visit. "If we reach an agreement based on our national interests tomorrow, we can go [to India] next week, or the week after. There is no rush."

He added, "There are issues to discuss and preparations to make. A prime ministerial-level visit is not something that can just happen suddenly. This is not a game."

He said the two sides needed to establish the necessary groundwork before a meeting between the heads of government. "We are doing exactly that," he said.

The state minister said Bangladesh had received indications of a positive attitude and goodwill from India. "Now let us see whether there is some progress in the remaining discussions. Based on the discussions and our national interests, we will certainly visit India when the time is appropriate."

Efforts continue for Tarique's India visit this month: HT

Hindustan Times reported yesterday that although plans for Tarique's possible visit to India early next week have fallen through, the two sides remain in contact to explore the possibility of a visit later this month. 

According to the report, backchannel contacts between the two sides, involving Kobir, are continuing to explore the possibility of arranging Tarique's visit later this month.

Asked about the uncertainty surrounding the visit at a regular media briefing, Indian External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, "I have nothing to say on this matter. If there is an update, I will share it with you."

Preparations had begun for a possible 23-24 August visit, including a ceremonial welcome and banquet at Rashtrapati Bhavan, followed by official meetings on the second day. However, sources said the visit was no longer going ahead as planned.