Bangladeshi NSA meets Ajit Doval amid Sheikh Hasina extradition row

National Security Advisor (NSA) of Bangladesh Khalilur Rahman met NSA Ajit Doval in the national capital on Wednesday, the Bangladesh High Commission said. According to the statement, the two NSAs discussed the functioning of the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) and key bilateral issues. Rahman also invited Doval to visit Bangladesh. Rahman is heading the Bangladesh delegation for the seventh NSA-level CSC meeting.

The meeting comes amid strained ties following Sheikh Hasina’s ouster and death sentence. It marks the highest-level security engagement since the interim government, led by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, assumed office in Bangladesh in August 2024. A major point of friction remains Bangladesh’s formal request for India to extradite Sheikh Hasina, who has been sentenced to death by a Bangladeshi tribunal.

The timing of the NSA-level engagement is crucial, with Bangladesh set to hold a general election in about three months. India has publicly called for a free, fair, inclusive and participatory election. The meeting underscores continued engagement between the two neighbours despite current tensions — India has expressed its commitment to Bangladesh’s stability and democracy, while Bangladesh seeks cooperation on security and economic matters.

According to the MEA, Doval will host representatives from member states including the Maldives, Mauritius, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. Seychelles will participate as an Observer State, and Malaysia has been invited as a Guest.