Bangladesh NSA attends Colombo Security Conclave meeting in Delhi amid rising political tension back home
Khalilur Rahman, the National Security Adviser of Bangladesh and a close aide to interim leader Muhammad Yunus, arrived in New Delhi just days after former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was handed a death sentence by a Bangladeshi court. His visit has drawn significant attention due to its sensitive timing and the shifting political landscape in Dhaka.
Why Rahman Is in India
Rahman is in Delhi to participate in the 7th National Security Advisers’ Meeting of the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) — a regional platform focused on security cooperation.
The invitation to Rahman was personally extended by India’s NSA Ajit Doval, signalling New Delhi’s intention to maintain high-level engagement with the interim government.
Political Turmoil in Bangladesh
Rahman’s arrival in India comes at a time of:
- Sheikh Hasina’s death sentence, following her ouster and subsequent exile in India
- A growing divide between Hasina’s supporters and the Yunus-led interim administration
- Rising questions over political stability and governance in Bangladesh
The verdict against Hasina has intensified tensions, with observers closely watching the interim government’s relationship with India.
Strategic Importance of the Visit
Rahman’s visit is being viewed through a geopolitical lens, especially after several developments in Bangladesh:
- The interim administration has taken decisions that raised concerns in New Delhi, including the reopening of a border airbase near India
- India remains a key security and economic partner for Dhaka
- Rahman attending the CSC indicates Bangladesh’s willingness to continue regional security cooperation, despite political turbulence
This signals that both countries aim to keep crucial channels open and stable during a delicate moment.
What the CSC Meeting Focuses On
The Colombo Security Conclave brings together India, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Mauritius, Bangladesh and Seychelles to collaborate on:
- Counterterrorism
- Maritime security
- Cybersecurity
- Transnational crime
- Intelligence sharing
Bangladesh’s participation is seen as important for regional alignment.
What the Visit Suggests
- Diplomatic Continuity: India is engaging the Yunus administration despite the dramatic political shift.
- Security Priorities: Both nations appear committed to cooperation on high-stakes security matters.
- Political Messaging: The presence of a Yunus aide in India shortly after Hasina’s sentence sends a deliberate diplomatic signal of openness.
- Regional Stability: India is closely monitoring developments in Dhaka, given their direct impact on regional balance.
