Published: 12:15 AM, 02 September 2026
Tarique Rahman to visit India when PMs' schedules align: State Minister
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will visit India once the schedules of both countries' prime ministers align, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humayun Kabir said on Tuesday.
"Of course, the Prime Minister will go to India," Mr Kabir told reporters during a press briefing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sept 1. "Discussions regarding the Prime Minister's visit to India are ongoing again. A date has not been set yet."
He added: "We are having discussions to fix a date based on ongoing talks. When the timing aligns, the Prime Minister will undertake the visit."
While official sources confirmed that the final agenda and itinerary remain under draft, the upcoming high-level visit is expected to focus on bilateral relations, regional cooperation, and mutual security and economic interests.
Commenting on regional security matters, Mr Kabir noted that Bangladesh views India's decision on Aug 29 to cancel a meeting of exiled Awami League leaders following local police intervention-as a positive gesture.
He reaffirmed Dhaka's firm stance against harboring fugitives. "Bangladesh will not harbor any miscreants or fugitives who have fled from India. Likewise, we hope India will not harbor individuals who have fled Bangladesh," he said, emphasizing that strong bilateral cooperation is essential to ensure neither nation becomes a safe haven for criminals.
Addressing queries regarding defense and commercial aviation plans, Mr Kabir dismissed assertions that Bangladesh is buying Boeing aircraft from the United States due to external pressure.
"The decision to acquire Boeing aircraft is being made strictly based on national requirements and commercial demand," he said.
He explained that the procurement forms part of a broader vision to position Bangladesh as a key regional aviation hub, support long-term fleet expansion, and enhance international connectivity.
On the occasion of the ruling Bangladesh Nationalist Party's (BNP) founding anniversary, the State Minister highlighted the party's growing international profile.
He remarked that the BNP has consistently played a vital role in safeguarding state sovereignty and stepping forward whenever democratic institutions faced challenges.
