Sheikh Hasina Slams Tarique Rahman for Skipping Delhi BRICS Summit
Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has called Tarique Rahman's decision to skip the BRICS Summit in New Delhi “immature”. She questioned why her presence in India should prevent him from visiting, recalling that his father travelled to Delhi while she was living there in exile.
Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has criticised Prime Minister Tarique Rahman for skipping the BRICS Summit in New Delhi, calling the decision “immature” and contrary to Bangladesh's national interests.
In an interview published on October 14, Hasina questioned why her presence in India should prevent Rahman from visiting. She recalled that his father, former Bangladesh president Ziaur Rahman, travelled to New Delhi in 1979 while she was living there in exile.
Hasina argued that Bangladesh had missed opportunities for economic cooperation by staying away from the September 12–13 summit. Rahman's government had maintained that the invitation was extended to him as chair of BIMSTEC rather than specifically as Bangladesh's prime minister.
India said Rahman had been invited to the BRICS outreach session and for a separate bilateral visit. Dhaka, however, indicated that his first trip to India should take place when conditions were suitable.
Diplomatic tensions continued when Bangladesh Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed skipped the first BIMSTEC home ministers' meeting in New Delhi on October 13. Bangladesh instead sent a delegation led by a senior Home Ministry official.
Hasina has been living in India since August 2024, following the collapse of her government amid protests. Dhaka has sought her extradition, making her continued presence a contentious issue in bilateral relations.
In her latest remarks, Hasina urged Bangladesh's leadership to prioritise national interests over political considerations. Her comments come as both countries face challenges in restoring diplomatic engagement and cooperation.
