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Plans for a visit by Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to India earlier this week have collapsed, according to officials close to the discussions. However, both nations remain engaged in talks to potentially reschedule the trip for late August, according to sources familiar with the situation. The proposed visit had initially been scheduled for August 23–24, with detailed arrangements already underway, including a ceremonial welcome and banquet at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, the official residence of the Indian president. These preparations included a planned "Change of Guard Ceremony" at the presidential palace on August 22, which was briefly announced but later withdrawn. The initial announcement of the ceremony had sparked speculation about the imminent visit, but the withdrawal of the notice left many questions unanswered. According to insiders, the cancellation of the ceremony was linked to the preparations for Rahman’s potential visit. Officials confirmed that invitations for the banquet at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on August 23 had also been issued and subsequently revoked. Despite these changes, the Indian government has reaffirmed its interest in hosting Rahman, emphasizing that it has taken all necessary steps to facilitate the visit and advance bilateral relations. Humayun Kabir, the foreign affairs adviser to Rahman, continues to engage in back-channel communications with Indian counterparts to explore the feasibility of scheduling the visit later in August. Kabir, who is expected to assume a new role as minister of state for foreign affairs following a cabinet reshuffle, stated recently that the likelihood of Rahman attending the BRICS summit in September remains low unless specific conditions are met. These include reaching a consensus on key issues and ensuring a proper invitation is extended. The proposed visit comes amid heightened tensions between India and Bangladesh, which have escalated since the ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in a student-led uprising in August 2024. Her government was replaced by an interim administration led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus. Since fleeing to India, Hasina has used Indian territory to criticize the current Bangladesh government, particularly targeting the ruling Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). This has become a major point of contention in bilateral relations. Recent developments have further complicated the situation. On Friday, Bangladesh’s foreign ministry reportedly made Hasina’s extradition a prerequisite for Rahman’s visit, a move that drew sharp reactions from diplomatic observers. The demand underscores the sensitivity of the issue and highlights the deep divisions between the two nations. While India has not officially commented on the demand, it has consistently emphasized the need for dialogue and mutual respect in resolving outstanding disputes. The potential visit by Rahman is viewed as critical to restoring normalcy in bilateral relations. Issues likely to be discussed include Hasina’s presence in India, development cooperation, trade liberalization, energy supply requests from Bangladesh, and the renewal of the Ganga Waters Treaty. These topics reflect broader concerns about regional stability and economic collaboration between the two South Asian neighbors. As negotiations continue, both sides appear cautious but committed to finding a resolution. The Indian government has reiterated its willingness to host Rahman and work towards addressing shared challenges. Meanwhile, Bangladesh’s leadership is reportedly weighing its options carefully, balancing domestic political pressures with the need for improved relations with its largest neighbor. With the BRICS summit approaching, the timing of any agreement could prove pivotal in shaping the future trajectory of Indo-Bangladesh ties.