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The issue of Sheikh Hasina’s return to Bangladesh in December has emerged as another sensitive matter between the two neighbouring countries.
India-Bangladesh Ties: Dhaka Delays New High Commissioner’s Arrival In Delhi (Representational image)
Bangladesh has further delayed the arrival of its new High Commissioner to India, Asad Alam Siam, who was expected to take charge in New Delhi on November 16. The development comes at a time when relations between the two neighbouring countries remain strained, with several issues awaiting resolution, including the future of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina.
According to diplomatic sources, Siam had planned to travel to Delhi soon after handing over charge as Bangladesh’s Foreign Secretary on November 8. However, his visit has now reportedly been postponed, with November 21 or 22 being considered as the new dates for his arrival.
Siam has been tasked with addressing differences between the two countries and improving bilateral tieswhich have faced challenges since the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus took charge in Bangladesh.
New B’desh High Commissioner faces diplomatic challenges
Siam was scheduled to assume office as Bangladesh’s new High Commissioner in India on November 16. He will replace Riaz Hamidullah, who has taken charge as Bangladesh’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Geneva and Ambassador to Switzerland.
The appointment comes at a crucial time for India-Bangladesh relationswith several matters requiring attention. These include the renewal of the Ganga Water Treaty and efforts to improve ties between the two countries.
As the senior-most diplomat in the Bangladesh government, Siam faces the challenge of addressing differences that have emerged between New Delhi and Dhaka since the Yunus-led interim government took power.
At A Glance
Bangladesh has delayed the arrival of its new High Commissioner to India, Asad Alam Siam, from November 16 to November 21 or 22.
Asad Alam Siam is replacing Riaz Hamidullah, who is now Bangladesh’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Geneva.
Former prime minister Sheikh Hasina has been living in exile in New Delhi since fleeing Bangladesh on August 5, 2024.
India has set conditions for Hasina’s return, including that the Bangladesh Army take responsibility for bringing her back in a military aircraft.
India also requires a guarantee that Hasina will be given an opportunity to appeal her death sentence and face a fresh trial.
The relationship between the two countries has yet to regain the warmth and closeness that characterised ties before the Yunus government took charge. Siam’s appointment is therefore seen as important in efforts to smooth diplomatic relations and resolve outstanding issues.
Hasina’s return adds to bilateral concerns
Meanwhile, the issue of Sheikh Hasina’s return to Bangladesh has emerged as another sensitive matter between the two countries.
According to a BBC Bangla report, India has reportedly set two conditions for Dhaka to facilitate the return of the former prime minister, who has been living in exile in New Delhi since fleeing Bangladesh on August 5, 2024.
New Delhi wants the Bangladesh Army to take responsibility for bringing Hasina back, preferably in a military aircraft. This would mirror her arrival in India aboard a Bangladesh military aircraft after she left Dhaka.
India’s second condition is that the Bangladesh government guarantee Hasina an opportunity to appeal against her death sentence and face a fresh trial over allegations linked to the killings during the July 2024 uprising.
Hasina was sentenced to death by a Bangladeshi court over her government’s crackdown on protesters during the uprising. She has said she intends to return to Bangladesh in December 2026. The conditions come as Hasina could face arrest and imprisonment if she returns to the country.
Quick Answers
Ask News18Bangladesh has postponed the arrival of its new High Commissioner to India, Asad Alam Siam, amidst strained diplomatic ties and pending bilateral issues, with his new arrival date tentatively set for November 21 or 22.
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Anindya Banerjee, Associate Editor brings over fifteen years of journalistic courage to the forefront. With a keen focus on politics and policy, Anindya has garnered a wealth of experience, with deep …Read More
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