India agrees to hand over two accused in Hadi murder case

India has agreed to hand over two accused in the murder case of Sharif Osman Hadi, former spokesperson of Inqilab Manch, to Bangladesh, according to a foreign ministry statement on Wednesday, April 8.

Earlier, Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman held separate meetings with Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar and Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri in New Delhi. Prime Minister's Foreign Affairs Adviser Humayun Kabir and Bangladesh High Commissioner to India Riaz Hamidullah were present.

The statement said both sides emphasised advancing bilateral relations in various sectors. Khalilur Rahman thanked the Indian government for arresting the suspects in the Hadi murder case. Both sides agreed to follow the legal process under the existing extradition treaty between the two countries.

Bangladesh also reiterated its request to extradite Sheikh Hasina and former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, who have been sentenced to death by the International Crimes Tribunal.

Khalilur Rahman said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's new government will conduct foreign policy based on mutual trust and respect under the 'Bangladesh First' policy.

Jaishankar said steps would be taken to ease Indian visas for Bangladeshi citizens, particularly medical and business visas, in the coming weeks.

On energy cooperation, Khalilur Rahman thanked India for supplying diesel and requested an increase in supply. Hardeep Puri indicated a positive response.

Khalilur Rahman and Riaz Hamidullah also met Indian National Security Adviser Ajit Doval. He arrived in Delhi on Tuesday for a three-day visit and is scheduled to leave for Mauritius on Thursday.