India did not invite Bangladesh PM Rahman for BRICS; invite was for BIMSTEC Chair: Dhaka
Bangladesh clarified that its Prime Minister, Tarique Rahman, was invited to the 2026 BRICS summit by India in his capacity as the head of BIMSTEC, not as the Prime Minister of Bangladesh. This explanation from Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir aimed to quell speculation about Bangladesh's official representation.
Why it matters
This clarification highlights diplomatic protocols and the distinct roles of regional organizations in international summits, impacting perceptions of bilateral relations between India and Bangladesh and the broader significance of BRICS and BIMSTEC.
Bangladesh will not be represented at the BRICS summit in any official capacity, said Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh Humaiun Kobir on Thursday (September 10, 2026). Speaking to reporters in Dhaka, Mr. Kobir said that India had invited Prime Minister Tarique Rahman in his capacity as the head of BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) and not as the Prime Minister of Bangladesh.
Mr. Kobir’s explanation came as speculation continued on whether Bangladesh would send any representative to the BRICS summit for which India had extended an early invite to Bangladesh Prime Minister Rahman in August 2026.
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