Bangladesh is engaging with India through diplomatic channels to bring back those accused in the murder case of political activist Sharif Osman bin Hadi, said State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam.
“We want justice for Hadi’s murder. Those arrested in India must be brought back to Bangladesh and tried swiftly. We are working towards that goal,” she told reporters at the foreign ministry on Wednesday afternoon.
She said both the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are treating the case with utmost importance, and significant progress has already been made.
The state minister said Bangladesh will continue efforts through diplomatic and legal channels while maintaining close contact with the Indian government.
“To bring back Hadi’s killers, we must proceed through diplomatic channels with the Government of India. We are sincerely working on this matter, and progress has already been made,” she added.
Responding to a question on remarks made by former West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee at a rally in Kolkata on Tuesday, Shama Obaed Islam said Bangladesh will consider any official communication from the Indian government regarding repatriation of the accused.
“An election has taken place in a neighbouring country, and a political leader has made certain remarks directed at their government. I do not think Bangladesh should comment on that. This is not a matter for our discussion,” she said.
On the question of whether Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman would continue in office after being elected President of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), she said the decision rests with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.
“It is entirely the Prime Minister’s decision. The matter will be decided through discussions between the Prime Minister and the Foreign Minister,” she said.
She added that if Khalilur Rahman takes up the UNGA presidency full-time, he would need to spend significant time in New York, though that does not necessarily require him to step down as foreign minister.
Asked about speculation that an acting foreign minister may be appointed while he remains in New York, she said she was not aware of any such decision.
“I am not aware of such a decision. Under the Prime Minister’s strong leadership, we achieved this victory. He will decide how the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will operate,” she said.
When asked whether she could be given additional responsibilities, Shama Obaed Islam said, “I do not know anything about that. I am happy serving as the State Minister for Foreign Affairs.”
Khalilur Rahman was elected President of the 81st Session of the UN General Assembly on Tuesday, securing 99 votes against Cyprus candidate Andreas Kakouris, who received 91 votes in a secret ballot at UN Headquarters in New York.
The election marks Bangladesh’s return to the UNGA presidency after four decades.
