National Security Adviser Khalilur Rahman arrived in New Delhi earlier than planned to participate in a regional meeting hosted by his Indian counterpart Ajit Doval. Leading the Bangladeshi delegation at the two-day Colombo Security Conclave starting on November 19, his visit occurs amid strained relations between Dhaka and Delhi. Bangladesh has urged India to extradite deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal following their death sentences by the International Crimes Tribunal. Despite residing in India since the Awami League government’s downfall on August 5 last year, India has not responded to Bangladesh’s extradition request for Hasina. Foreign Adviser Touhid Hossain mentioned that Khalilur Rahman may address the extradition matter with India through official channels if necessary but did not want to interfere with his agenda. The possibility of bilateral discussions during the regional forum remains uncertain, with the focus expected to be on regional security, maritime issues, and cybersecurity at the Colombo Security Conclave. Joining as the fifth member last year, Bangladesh aims to enhance maritime cooperation within the forum alongside India, Sri Lanka, Mauritius, and the Maldives. Khalilur’s attendance at the conclave aligns with the interim government’s commitment to promoting mutually beneficial regional collaboration. Previously leading the Bangladesh delegation at the China-Indian Ocean Region Forum in Kunming, China, Khalilur also met with Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma to discuss the upcoming Colombo Security Conclave. This marks the second visit by a government adviser to India under the interim administration, following Energy Adviser Muhammad Fauzul Kabir Khan’s attendance at India Energy Week in February. Notably, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged during the BIMSTEC summit, while Foreign Adviser Touhid Hossain and Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had meetings at the UN General Assembly and the 8th Indian Ocean Conference in Oman.
