Veena Sikri claims Bangladesh government fears Sheikh Hasina's return

Former Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Veena Sikri, has stated that the government of Prime Minister Tarik Rahman is fearful following Sheikh Hasina’s announcement that she intends to return to the country by December.

Sikri suggested that the current administration in Dhaka is using the issue of Sheikh Hasina to avoid engaging with India, noting that the government has not responded to Indian invitations for six months. She highlighted that while extradition is a complex legal matter, the Rahman government appears to be distancing itself from India due to the rising popularity of the Awami League.

According to Sikri, Tarik Rahman previously expressed support for political parties remaining active and did not support bans on the Awami League while living in London. However, since assuming power, his stance has shifted. She noted that India extended an invitation to Rahman upon his swearing-in in February 2026, and a subsequent invitation was sent regarding the BRICS summit, both of which remain unanswered.