Highlights:
- Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma summoned to convey Bangladesh’s serious concerns over Osman Hadi shooting.
- Bangladesh urges India to arrest and extradite suspects who may have fled across the border.
- Interim government expresses alarm over provocative statements by exiled former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in India.
- Bangladesh seeks India’s cooperation to ensure a fair and peaceful upcoming election.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh has once again convened Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma to discuss serious cross-border security concerns following the shooting of Sharif Osman Hadi, leader of the Inquilab Mancha. Authorities have urged India to take immediate action to arrest and extradite any perpetrators who may have fled into Indian territory.
The summons comes amid ongoing tensions in Bangladesh-India relations since the July uprising, after which exiled former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina took refuge in India. The interim government conveyed its concern over Hasina’s repeated provocative statements from Delhi, which it believes are inciting her supporters to engage in violent activities aimed at disrupting the upcoming elections.
Sharif Osman Hadi, a prominent leader supporting the July uprising, was shot by unidentified assailants in Dhaka last Friday and remains in critical condition at a local hospital.
Rumors indicate that the attackers may have escaped to India. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs formally requested India’s cooperation to prevent any suspects from entering Indian territory and, if they do, to ensure their immediate arrest and extradition to Bangladesh.
Since the July uprising, Bangladesh has summoned the Indian ambassador at least five times regarding incidents related to political violence and cross-border interference.
The interim government has repeatedly asked New Delhi to restrain Hasina from making statements that could incite unrest, but these requests have gone largely unanswered.
Following the announcement of the 13th parliamentary elections and national referendum schedule, concerns escalated, prompting the Ministry to summon the Indian High Commissioner again.
Read More: Osman Hadi’s Shooter Praised as ‘Protector of India’s Interests’”
During the meeting at the state guesthouse Padma, Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam conveyed the government’s deep concern over the situation.
The Ministry highlighted that Hasina’s supporters in India are allegedly planning violent activities to sabotage Bangladesh’s elections.
Additionally, Bangladesh requested India to facilitate the return of Hasina and her Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan, who have been convicted of crimes against humanity.
The Ministry expressed hope that India, as a neighboring country, would support justice and protect democratic processes, standing alongside the people of Bangladesh.
The Indian High Commissioner responded by affirming India’s expectation of a peaceful election in Bangladesh and reiterated his country’s readiness to provide full cooperation.
Source: Prothom Alo
