Bangladesh awaits India’s response on consular access to Hadi murder suspects held in Kolkata

Bangladesh is awaiting India’s response to its request for consular access to three suspects arrested in Kolkata over the killing of Sharif Osman bin Hadi, a leader of the Inqilab Moncho.

Speaking to reporters at the foreign ministry on Monday afternoon, Shama Obaed Islam, state minister for foreign affairs, said Dhaka had formally sought consular access for the detainees, bdnews24.com reports. 

“We are in communication with Kolkata and with India. Our government is making every effort to obtain consular access to those arrested and bring them back,” she said.

She added that the home ministry was also involved in the process.

“The home ministry has work to do in this regard and they are carrying it out. We had earlier requested consular access for the first two who were arrested. Now we have also sought access for the third person detained,” the minister said.

She said further details could be provided after access was granted and investigations progressed.

“We are trying our best from our side. We hope India will fully cooperate,” she added.

According to officials, the Kolkata Police Special Task Force announced on Mar 7 that the key suspect, Faisal Karim Masud, and his associate Alamgir Hossain had been arrested from Bongaon in North 24 Parganas district of West Bengal.

The following day, a court placed them on a 14-day remand.

On the day their arrest was announced, the Bangladesh deputy high commission in Kolkata said it had requested consular access from the Indian authorities.

A week later, on Mar 14, Kolkata police said a third suspect, Philip Sangma, accused of helping the two cross the border, had also been arrested.

Bangladesh’s mission in Kolkata subsequently sought consular access for him as well.

Asked whether Dhaka had received access so far, the minister said the process was “under way”.

Middle East Situation and Energy Supply

Responding to questions about Bangladeshis living in the Middle East amid ongoing conflict in the region, the minister said arrangements would be made for those wishing to return home.

“Our brothers working in different Middle Eastern countries who want to return will be assisted through our missions so they can travel safely, either on regular or chartered flights,” she said.

She added that efforts were also under way to ensure the safety of those who could not leave due to work commitments.

On the issue of possible oil imports from Russia amid volatility in global energy markets, she said Bangladesh currently faced no immediate fuel shortage.

“The energy ministry has informed us that there is no fuel crisis at this moment,” she said.

However, she added that the government was discussing future energy plans with different countries.

“We understand the energy ministry is talking to different countries. Besides energy, there are many issues Bangladesh discusses with Russia,” she said, referring to recent interactions with Alexander Khozin, Russia’s ambassador to Bangladesh.