Bangladesh’s foreign ministry says Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is not invited to attend the BRICS summit in New Delhi in his capacity as Prime Minister. Foreign Affairs Minister Humaiun Kobir tells reporters that the invitation extended by India is instead for the Chair of BIMSTEC, the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation.
Kobir’s remarks, as reported by Bangladeshi media, emphasize that no invitation was issued to Rahman as head of government, and that the relevant invitation concerns BIMSTEC leadership. India is hosting the summit and invited Rahman to participate in an outreach event in his role as BIMSTEC Chair, according to PTI. Other reporting also notes that bilateral engagement between India and Bangladesh is being discussed, including plans for Rahman’s visit when timing allows.
The outlets agree that BIMSTEC is the basis for the invitation and that Rahman’s BRICS participation is being framed through his BIMSTEC position rather than his premiership.
