Bangladesh National Security Advisor Khalilur Rahman met his Indian counterpart Ajit Doval in New Delhi on Wednesday, amid rising tensions over the extradition of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The meeting, which took place during the seventh NSA-level meeting of the Colombo Security Conclave, focused on key bilateral issues and the functioning of the conclave. Rahman extended an invitation to Doval to visit Bangladesh at his convenience.

This high-level engagement marks the first significant security dialogue since the interim government led by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus took office in Bangladesh in August 2024. The backdrop of the meeting is the recent death sentence handed to Sheikh Hasina by a Bangladeshi tribunal for alleged crimes against humanity during the July 2024 protests that led to her ouster. Following the verdict, Bangladesh's foreign ministry formally requested India to extradite Hasina, who has been in self-imposed exile in India since her ouster.

In a letter, the Bangladeshi government emphasized that providing refuge to Hasina and former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, both convicted of serious crimes, would be seen as a disregard for justice. The International Crimes Tribunal found Hasina guilty of incitement and failing to prevent violence during the protests, which resulted in numerous deaths.

While India has not publicly responded to the extradition request, the Ministry of External Affairs acknowledged the tribunal's verdict and reiterated India's commitment to the welfare of the Bangladeshi people, emphasizing peace, democracy, and stability in the region. The meeting between the two NSAs is crucial as Bangladesh approaches its general elections in three months, with India advocating for a free and fair electoral process.

The Colombo Security Conclave aims to enhance cooperation among member states on security issues, including counter-terrorism and maritime safety. Doval is set to host representatives from member states, including the Maldives, Mauritius, and Sri Lanka, in New Delhi on Thursday, further highlighting the ongoing collaboration between India and its neighbours despite current tensions over the extradition matter.