Bangladesh’s National Security Adviser (NSA) Khalilur Rahman will arrive in New Delhi for a two-day visit beginning November 19, at a time when former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has notably refrained from blaming the United States for her 2024 ouster—signalling a subtle recalibration in her political messaging.

Rahman is travelling to the Indian capital at the invitation of India’s NSA Ajit Doval to attend the seventh meeting of the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC), scheduled for November 19–20.

He is also expected to hold a bilateral meeting with Doval, following their last interaction during the BIMSTEC summit in Bangkok on April 4.

Bangladesh sources confirmed that Rahman will be accompanied by another senior official, whose identity has not yet been disclosed.

Indian concerns over Pakistan’s growing military outreach

Beyond CSC deliberations, Indian officials are expected to raise concerns about the increasing frequency of high-level Pakistani military visits to Dhaka.

Recent visits by Pakistan Navy Chief Admiral Naveed Ashraf and Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee Chairman General Sahir Shamshad Mirza have drawn attention within New Delhi’s security establishment.

Indian agencies regard these engagements as strategically sensitive, especially during Bangladesh’s volatile political transition.

Rahman’s influence and controversies

Since assuming office, Rahman has made several visits to Doha and the United States, where he met senior State Department officials. He played a key role in shaping the contentious “humanitarian corridor” proposal—initially intended to deliver aid to the Arakan Army and later reframed as a repatriation route for Rohingya refugees to Maungdaw and Buthidaung in Myanmar.

The initiative drew strong resistance from the Bangladesh Army. At one point, Rahman was reportedly barred from entering Dhaka Cantonment due to objections from Army Chief General Waker-uz-Zaman.

Security officials also allege that Rahman covertly encouraged elements within the Bangladesh Army and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) to push armed ARSA and RSO fighters into Rakhine State to counter the Arakan Army—further straining civil-military relations.

A visit shaped by political uncertainty

Rahman’s visit comes as Bangladesh navigates a turbulent political phase under the Mohammad Yunus-led interim government.

While the administration has pledged elections in February 2026, the Election Commission has yet to announce a firm date.

The BNP has expressed willingness to participate in the polls, but parties such as Jamaat-e-Islami, the National Citizens Party, and several smaller groups remain hesitant. Discussions are also underway about holding a national referendum alongside the general election.

Hasina’s shift in tone toward Washington

In recent interviews to international and Indian media, Sheikh Hasina has conspicuously avoided criticising the United States—a departure from earlier claims of American involvement in her removal.

Political analysts suggest that Hasina may be signalling openness to rebuilding ties with Washington as part of a broader strategy for the Awami League’s political revival.

Although the interim government has hinted that the Awami League might be barred from contesting the 2026 elections, BNP leaders have recently refrained from taking a confrontational stance on the party’s participation.

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