Hadi murder: Dhaka steps up bid to extradite killers
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed on Monday said that government has sought consular access from the Indian authorities to confirm the identities of the killers of Sharif Osman Hadi, a spokesperson of the Inqilab Moncho.
“Our Deputy High Commission in Kolkata has been in contact with Indian authorities. We have requested consular access.
Once we confirm their identities and verify the details, we can then take the necessary legal steps,” Minister Obaed Islam remarked while talking to the journalists at the Foreign Ministry.
She has confirmed that Faisal Karim Masud, the prime suspect in the murder of Sharif Osman Hadi, along with his accomplice Alamgir Hossain, have been arrested in India.
Speaking to journalists, State Minister Shama Obaed provided further details on the arrest, revealing that the Kolkata police had apprehended the duo on suspicion of their involvement in the Hadi murder case and they are currently under a 14-day remand.
The Foreign Ministry, through the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission in Kolkata, has already requested consular access from the Indian authorities to confirm the identities of the suspects and verify the information before proceeding with any legal action.
On the issue of extraditing the suspects back to Bangladesh, the State Minister explained, “We have an existing prisoner exchange agreement with India. We all want justice for Hadi’s murder.”
“We must follow the legal and diplomatic procedures of the courts in other countries. We are optimistic that India will cooperate in this regard,” she added.
Addressing a question regarding the potential return of Bangladesh’s former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who was ousted from power, Shama Obaed said, “This is an ongoing process.
Our government has just come into power. Of course, we want justice for the killings of children in July, including those that occurred under Sheikh Hasina’s leadership.”
“The BNP government is working to bring her back, and this process will continue,” he added.
When asked about fuel imports from India, the state minister stressed the importance of strong relations with India on multiple fronts.
“There are several issues we are discussing with India. We are seeking diesel, water, and an end to border killings.
The Indian government wants to maintain good relations with the new government of Bangladesh. Now that Bangladesh has a new government, they want to restart and strengthen the relationship,” she said.
“They are keen to move forward with mutual respect, and we must keep their suggestions in mind as we continue diplomatic efforts,” she added.
The Minister reiterated that the current process of diplomacy and negotiation remains active, and the government remains committed to engaging with India to resolve outstanding issues, including those related to energy and border security.
