State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam -File photo

DHAKA, June 3, 2026 (BSS) – Bangladesh is working through diplomatic channels with the Indian government to bring back those accused in the murder 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 brought to trial swiftly. We are working toward that goal," she said while speaking to reporters at the foreign ministry this afternoon. 

Shama said both the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs were treating the Hadi murder case with utmost importance and significant progress had already been made.

The state minister said Bangladesh would continue to pursue the matter through appropriate diplomatic and legal channels while maintaining close engagement with the Indian government.

"To bring back Hadi's killers, we will have to 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 public rally in Kolkata on Tuesday, Shama said Bangladesh would give due consideration to any official communication received from the government of India regarding the repatriation of Hadi’s killers. 

"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 added.

Meanwhile, replying to another question, the state minister said the decision on whether Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman would continue in his ministerial role after being elected President of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) rests entirely with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.

"It is entirely the Prime Minister's decision. I believe the matter will be decided through discussions between the Prime Minister and the Foreign Minister," she said.

Shama noted that if Khalilur Rahman is to dedicate himself fully to his responsibilities as President of the UN General Assembly, he would need to spend considerable time in New York, though that does not necessarily mean he cannot continue as foreign minister.

Asked about speculation that Khalilur Rahman may remain in New York for a year and that an acting foreign minister could be appointed, she said she was not aware of any such decision.

"Under the Prime Minister's strong leadership, we achieved this victory. He will decide how the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will operate," she added.

When asked whether she could be assigned additional responsibilities, Shama Obaed replied, "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 after securing 99 votes against Cyprus' candidate Andreas Kakouris, who received 91 votes in a secret ballot at the UN Headquarters in New York.

The election marks Bangladesh's return to the presidency of the UN General Assembly after four decades.