Why is the Indian media so interested in Tarique Rahman’s visit to India?

 Why is the Indian media so interested in Tarique Rahman’s visit to India?

For the past few days, the Indian media has been busy with the possible visit of Tarique Rahman to India. The Times of India has written — “India and Bangladesh in talks for visit by PM Tarique Rahman next week.” The Hindu has said that discussions on the visit are ongoing. News18, ET Now, Moneycontrol — everywhere the same tone: the visit is happening, the dates are being finalised, relations are being reset.

The question is — why so much interest?

There are many unresolved issues between Bangladesh and India. The extradition of Sheikh Hasina, the handover of the killers of Shaheed Sharif Osman Hadi, border killings, water sharing, trade barriers — none of these issues have been resolved yet. On 5 August, a platform was given in New Delhi to Sheikh Hasina, who has been sentenced to death, to deliver anti-Bangladesh statements. This is an extreme violation of diplomatic etiquette.

In such a situation, what is the point of all this noise only about the dates of the visit? Putting pressure for a visit without resolving the issues — is this not a reflection of the old mindset?

The way the Indian media is presenting the visit as almost certain gives the impression that they think pressure will make it happen. But this Bangladesh is no longer like before. Questions of national interest and dignity are involved. No visit can take place without resolving the unresolved issues.

Bangladesh has made it clear — a suitable environment is needed. Extradition is needed. Handover of the killers is needed. There will be no visit before that.

Seeing so much interest from the Indian media raises the question — do they really want improvement in bilateral relations, or do they just want to push their own agenda by showing a visit?