Bangladesh's National Security Advisor (NSA) Khalilur Rahman is set to visit India on November 19. His Delhi visit comes at a time when the political atmosphere is tense regarding the Bangladeshi elections scheduled for 2026.
Dhaka: Bangladesh's National Security Advisor (NSA) Khalilur Rahman is visiting India on November 19. His two-day visit to New Delhi comes at a time when former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has refrained from speaking about the United States in several interviews given to Western and Indian media. Last week, Sheikh Hasina gave multiple interviews in which she avoided blaming the US for the violent protests against her government last August. This raises the question of whether Sheikh Hasina is changing her perspective towards the United States.
NSA Khalilur Rahman's India Visit
According to reports, Khalilur Rahman is visiting India at the invitation of NSA Ajit Doval and will participate in the seventh meeting of the Colombo Security Conclave, scheduled to be held in Delhi on November 19-20. During this visit, he is expected to meet Ajit Doval. The last meeting between the Bangladeshi NSA and Ajit Doval took place on April 4, 2025, during the fourth BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok. Khalilur Rahman will be accompanied by his supporting officers, whose identities have not yet been made public.
What Could Be on the Meeting Agenda?
During his Delhi visit, Khalilur Rahman and Indian officials are likely to discuss several key issues:
- Regional Security: Security cooperation and border management between India and Bangladesh.
- Pakistani Military Activities: Discussion on India's security concerns regarding the recent Dhaka visit by Pakistan's Naval Chief Admiral Naveed Ashraf and Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff General Sahir Shamshad Mirza.
- Regional Power Dynamics: Stability and counter-terrorism cooperation in the South Asian region.
NSA Khalilur Rahman has previously visited Doha and the United States, where he met with foreign officials to discuss Bangladesh's security and diplomacy.
Elections and Political Instability in Bangladesh
Khalilur Rahman's Delhi visit comes at a time when uncertainties regarding the 2026 elections have increased. Mohammed Yunus had promised to hold elections in February 2026, but due to incomplete preparations, the elections are likely to be postponed. BNP leader Begum Khaleda Zia has already warned of protests if the elections are not held.
In recent interviews, Sheikh Hasina refrained from targeting the US and its ‘deep state’. Analysts believe this indicates that Sheikh Hasina is attempting to forge new equations with Washington.
