Bangladesh has ruled out Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s participation in the BRICS Summit in New Delhi this weekend, saying India’s invitation was extended to him as chair of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation, or BIMSTEC, and not in his capacity as Bangladesh’s prime minister.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humayun Kabir said Dhaka had received no separate invitation for the Bangladesh government or for Rahman to attend the September 12-13 summit as prime minister. He added that Bangladesh would instead prefer Rahman’s first visit to India after taking office to take place as a dedicated bilateral engagement.

Dhaka Draws Distinction Over India’s Invitation

India invited Rahman to the BRICS Summit as chair of BIMSTEC, the seven-nation regional grouping currently headed by Bangladesh. Dhaka, however, has drawn a clear distinction between an invitation to the chair of the regional organisation and one extended to the head of the Bangladesh government.

Kabir said there was therefore no basis for Rahman to travel to New Delhi as Bangladesh’s prime minister.

“How can we go? Have they invited anyone from the Bangladesh government? They have simply invited the BIMSTEC chair. Therefore, there is no scope for a visit now,” Kabir said on Thursday.

The BRICS Summit is scheduled to be held in New Delhi on September 12 and 13. Rahman’s attendance could otherwise have marked his first visit to India since assuming office as Bangladesh’s prime minister.

Bangladesh Prefers Dedicated Bilateral Visit

Kabir indicated that Dhaka would prefer Rahman’s first trip to India as prime minister to be organised as a bilateral visit rather than as part of his responsibilities as BIMSTEC chair at a multilateral gathering.

“We are working on a bilateral visit when the environment will be positive,” he said, indicating that the timing of such a visit would depend on the broader atmosphere between India and Bangladesh.

The remarks come as New Delhi and Dhaka navigate a new phase in bilateral relations following political changes in Bangladesh and Rahman’s assumption of office.

While Rahman has been invited to New Delhi in his capacity as BIMSTEC chair, Bangladesh’s position makes clear that the invitation will not be treated as an official invitation for the country’s prime minister to attend the BRICS Summit.

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