Mamata's comments not Dhaka's matter: Shama Obaed

FE Team | Published: June 04, 2026 00:14:50

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam has said comments made by a defeated political leader in another country are not a matter for Bangladesh to discuss.
However, she said Bangladesh is working directly with the government of India through diplomatic channels to bring back the killers of Osman Hadi, report agencies.
"An election has taken place in another country, and a political leader has made certain remarks. That is not our matter to discuss," she told reporters when asked about remarks made by West Bengal's former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
Referring to the murder of Osman Hadi, the State Minister said Bangladesh would give due consideration to any official communication from the government of India regarding the issue.
She said both the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are actively and seriously engaged in the matter, adding that significant progress has already been made.
"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.
Shama Obaed emphasised that Bangladesh remains committed to pursuing the case through appropriate diplomatic and legal channels and is maintaining close engagement on the issue.
She also said it would not be appropriate to give a response based solely on comments made by an individual political leader in Kolkata.
Referring to the election of Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman as President of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly, she said the victory belongs to Bangladesh's 170 million people.
"I believe this victory belongs to the 170 million people of Bangladesh under the leadership of the Hon'ble Prime Minister, as it has secured a highly prestigious position for Bangladesh on the global stage and in the
international community," she said.
Shama Obaed said the landmark achievement reflected Bangladesh's growing international stature under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.
Bangladesh had also achieved significant successes at the United Nations during the tenure of BNP founder and former President Shaheed Ziaur Rahman, who pursued a "Bangladesh First" foreign policy based on maintaining relations with all countries, she said.
The state minister said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has advanced that policy further since assuming office.