In a significant yet unannounced diplomatic development, Parag Jain, secretary of India’s external intelligence, the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), visited Dhaka as part of a high-level Indian delegation, sources in Dhaka-based intelligence establishments said. The visit, reportedly made at the invitation of Bangladesh’s Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI), comes at a sensitive juncture in bilateral relations.
Jain, who also serves as Special Secretary of the Special Protection Group (SPG), arrived in Dhaka as part of a small delegation, which includes Ashwin Mukund Kotnis, Rahul Neri and Saibal Roy Chowdhury. They landed at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on Sunday via an Air India flight, though neither New Delhi nor Dhaka has officially acknowledged the visit.
The development follows a visit to New Delhi in March by DGFI Chief Kaysar Rashid Chowdhury, who held extensive discussions with India’s Chief of Military Intelligence, RS Raman, in what was seen as an effort to revive bilateral security cooperation after political changes in both nations. Against this backdrop, India’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Dinesh Trivedi, is scheduled to meet Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Monday.
The meeting assumes significance amid fresh tensions triggered by a recent press conference by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in New Delhi and Dhaka’s request for additional diesel supplies to address its ongoing fuel crisis. During the meeting, India is also expected to reiterate its invitation to Rahman to attend the upcoming BRICS Summit 2026 in New Delhi and extend an invitation for a bilateral visit.
Parallel to these diplomatic engagements, senior intelligence officials from both sides are holding closed-door discussions in Dhaka focusing on issues of mutual security concern. Central to these deliberations is the question of Hasina’s return to Bangladesh. Currently in New Delhi since August 2024 after seeking refuge, Hasina has repeatedly expressed her intention to return, most recently indicating a possible timeline in December. However, sources suggest that her return could take place earlier, potentially after Prime Minister Rahman’s proposed visit to New Delhi for the BRICS summit, though uncertainty remains over his attendance.
The four-member Indian security team that arrived in Dhaka on August 9 is engaged in detailed discussions with Bangladeshi officials regarding the modalities of Hasina’s return, including possible dates and security arrangements. Two senior members of the delegation met Rahman at the Secretariat, while other officials held separate meetings with counterparts from Bangladesh’s foreign ministry and intelligence agencies at locations including Gulshan’s Westin Hotel and the Padma State Guest House. These consultations have intensified in recent weeks as Hasina, in exile, renewed her call to return on multiple occasions.
Dhaka has maintained a firm stance on seeking Hasina’s extradition, insisting that she be arrested and handed over as a convicted individual. India, however, has reiterated that such a move is not feasible under the existing extradition framework, emphasising that Hasina entered the country as a guest facing potential threats and not as a fugitive. New Delhi has instead conveyed that her return should be voluntary and facilitated by Bangladesh through the issuance of travel documents, guarantees of safety, and assurance of due legal process upon her arrival.
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The timing of the RAW chief’s visit is also being viewed in the context of evolving regional dynamics. Bangladesh’s growing engagement with countries such as Pakistan, China, Turkey and Saudi Arabia, along with recent military cooperation agreements among some of these nations, has raised concerns in New Delhi. Frequent visits by Pakistani and Turkish military officials to Bangladesh are being closely monitored, with Indian officials viewing these developments with caution.
In addition to intelligence sharing, the Rohingya issue is expected to feature prominently in the discussions. India has consistently raised concerns over the movement of Rohingya refugees from camps in Cox’s Bazar into its territory, viewing the situation as a potential security challenge. Broader issues, including the political and security landscape of India’s northeastern region, are also likely to be part of the ongoing talks.
By Pranab Mondal
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