By SM Najmus Sakib and Ahmad Adil
DHAKA, Bangladesh / NEW DELHI – Bangladesh’s transitional government head, Muhammad Yunus, on Friday raised the extradition issue of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina during his first meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi since taking office in August.
The leaders met on the sidelines of the BIMSTEC summit in Bangkok.
Hasina has been in India since fleeing during mass protests against her government on Aug. 5.
Yunus’ press secretary, Shafiqul Alam, said the interim leader also raised concern over “incendiary comments” Hasina has made while staying in India.
Hasina has accused Yunus of “illegally” forming the interim government and “violating” the constitution.
Hundreds of charges have been filed against Hasina and her allies, including allegations of crimes against humanity, mass killings, enforced disappearances of political opponents, and sedition. A Dhaka court has also issued arrest warrants against her.
Hasina’s ouster, despite her long-standing ties with India, strained relations between Dhaka and New Delhi.
In recent months, both sides have taken steps toward rapprochement.
The leaders discussed a range of issues, including border killings, renewal of the Ganges Water Treaty, and the long-delayed Teesta River sharing deal, according to Alam.
“The discussions between the two top leaders were constructive, positive, and fruitful,” he said.
Meanwhile, India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said Modi reaffirmed New Delhi’s “support for a democratic, stable, peaceful, progressive, and inclusive Bangladesh.”
Modi also emphasized India’s “desire to forge a positive and constructive relationship with Bangladesh based on the spirit of pragmatism.”
"Any rhetoric that vitiates the environment is best avoided," Misri quoted Modi as saying to Yunus at the meeting.