Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Bangladesh State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam said her government would not respond to comments made by a political leader from another country, particularly one who is not currently in office.
“An election has taken place in another country, and a political leader has made certain remarks. That is not our matter to discuss,” Obaed Islam said.
Her comments came a day after Banerjee made allegations during a political event in Kolkata concerning the investigation into Hadi's killing.
Mamata claims she knows suspects
Addressing a gathering in Kolkata on Tuesday, Banerjee alleged that Union Home Minister Amit Shah had urged her not to reveal the identities of individuals allegedly linked to the murder of a Bangladeshi political activist.
Although she did not directly name Hadi, Banerjee claimed she was aware of the people responsible for the killing.
However, she refrained from identifying them publicly, stating that doing so could create instability and unrest in Bangladesh.
Her remarks quickly drew attention on both sides of the border amid ongoing investigations into the high-profile murder case.
Her remarks quickly drew attention on both sides of the border amid ongoing investigations into the high-profile murder case.
Dhaka 'focused on legal process, extradition efforts'
Responding to questions about the case, Obaed Islam said Bangladesh's Home Ministry and Foreign Ministry were working closely on the matter and had already achieved significant progress.
“We want justice for Hadi’s murder. Efforts are underway, and we expect those arrested in India to be returned to Bangladesh so that the legal process can proceed here,” she said.
The minister emphasised that Bangladesh was engaging directly with the Indian government through established diplomatic channels rather than responding to political statements.
According to Dhaka, discussions regarding the return of suspects are continuing as authorities seek to advance the legal proceedings connected to the murder investigation.
According to Dhaka, discussions regarding the return of suspects are continuing as authorities seek to advance the legal proceedings connected to the murder investigation.
Who was Osman Hadi?
Sharif Osman bin Hadi, spokesperson for Bangladesh's Inquilab Mancha, emerged as a prominent figure during the July-August 2024 uprising that ultimately led to the removal of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from power.
On December 12, unidentified gunmen shot Hadi in Dhaka. He was later transferred to Singapore for medical treatment but died from his injuries six days later.
His death triggered widespread protests and unrest across Bangladesh, with supporters demanding accountability and swift action against those responsible.
On December 12, unidentified gunmen shot Hadi in Dhaka. He was later transferred to Singapore for medical treatment but died from his injuries six days later.
His death triggered widespread protests and unrest across Bangladesh, with supporters demanding accountability and swift action against those responsible.
Bangladesh seeks return of suspects held in India
Bangladesh authorities believe that two suspects linked to Hadi's murder are currently in Indian custody.
Dhaka has been pursuing their extradition and has repeatedly expressed its intention to bring them back to Bangladesh to face legal proceedings.
The case remains a politically sensitive issue in Bangladesh, where investigators continue efforts to secure justice for the slain activist while coordinating with Indian authorities through diplomatic channels.
Dhaka has been pursuing their extradition and has repeatedly expressed its intention to bring them back to Bangladesh to face legal proceedings.
The case remains a politically sensitive issue in Bangladesh, where investigators continue efforts to secure justice for the slain activist while coordinating with Indian authorities through diplomatic channels.
Complaint lodged against Mamata
A complaint has been filed against Mamata Banerjee over controversial remarks she made regarding Union Home Minister Amit Shah and the killing of Bangladeshi student leader Osman Hadi.
The complaint has been lodged in Siliguri Cyber Crime Police Station by advocate Rinky Chatterjee Singh of the Calcutta High Court's Jalpaiguri Circuit Bench.
The complaint has been lodged in Siliguri Cyber Crime Police Station by advocate Rinky Chatterjee Singh of the Calcutta High Court's Jalpaiguri Circuit Bench.
However, no FIR has been registered in connection with the case so far.