Diplomatic efforts intensify as Bangladesh seeks extradition of two Hadi murder accused
Bangladesh seeks consular access to the two suspects
Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed and State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam confirmed today (9 March) that Bangladesh is actively working to bring back the two suspects in the murder of Inquilab Mancha spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi, who were recently arrested in West Bengal, India.
Speaking to reporters in Cox's Bazar, Salahuddin Ahmed said the home ministry has taken all necessary steps to secure their return under the existing extradition treaty with India. "The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been requested to take the required measures to bring them back in line with the extradition agreement," he stated, adding that Bangladesh is committed to ensuring all terrorists and criminal actors are brought under the law.
Shama Obaed Islam, addressing the press at the foreign ministry in Dhaka, said the government has formally sought consular access to the two main suspects, who are currently on 14-day police remand in India.
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"Our Deputy High Commission in Kolkata is in contact with Indian authorities. We are gathering detailed information and will proceed following due process once adequate details are available. We hope India will assist us in this regard," she said.
Meanwhile, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Md Ali Hossain Fakir at a press briefing at the Police Headquarters said, "We are coordinating closely with the foreign ministry through diplomatic channels. We hope they can be brought back after completing the necessary procedures."
Indian police register case over trespassing
Indrajit Sarkar, superintendent of Police (Operations), West Bengal Police Special Task Force (STF), today said a case of illegal entry into India has been registered against Faisal and Alamgir.
"The case was registered under the Foreigners Act. A Bangaon court sent them to police custody," Indian media report quoting Indrajit.
West Bengal Director General (Bengal STF) Jawed Shamim said, "We will act according to court directives."
On 12 December at around 2:20pm, assailants on a motorcycle opened fire on Hadi, leaving him critically injured with gunshot wounds to the head and below the right ear.
He was initially taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital and later shifted to Evercare Hospital, Dhaka. As his condition worsened, he was flown to Singapore by air ambulance on 15 December for advanced treatment. He died there on 18 December, about a week later, while undergoing treatment.
Following the shooting, a case was filed with the Paltan Police Station on 14 December on charges of attempted murder, which was later converted into a murder case after Hadi's death.
According to a senior intelligence officer of the West Bengal Police, Faisal and Alamgir fled Dhaka immediately after the shooting and sneaked into India through the Meghalaya border
Law enforcement agencies have identified Faisal as the shooter in the attack on Hadi. Faisal's associate, Alamgir Hossain, was riding the motorcycle used in the attack.
