Bangladesh on Sunday summoned Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma and urged New Delhi to arrest and extradite the attackers involved in the shooting of Inqilab Mancha convener Sharif Osman Hadi if they cross into Indian territory.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Verma was called in on Sunday morning, when Bangladesh also conveyed its concern over what it described as continued provocative statements by ousted former prime minister Sheikh Hasina from India during the tenure of the interim government.

This marks at least the fifth time the Indian envoy has been summoned since the interim government took office.

Sharif Osman Hadi, a supporter of the July uprising, was shot by assailants in Dhaka last Friday and remains in critical condition at a hospital.

There is widespread speculation that those responsible for the attack may have fled to India.

In a statement, the foreign ministry said Bangladesh sought India’s cooperation to prevent the suspects from escaping across the border. It added that if the suspects have already entered India, Dhaka expects their immediate arrest and handover to Bangladesh.

Bangladesh–India relations have remained strained since Sheikh Hasina was removed from power in the July uprising and fled to India on August 5 last year.

Supporters of the uprising have long alleged that New Delhi backed Hasina’s continued rule through a series of controversial elections.

Despite repeated requests from the interim government, India has not acted to stop Hasina from issuing political statements from Delhi.
Following her conviction and death sentence by Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal on November 17 over crimes against humanity committed during the suppression of the July movement, Dhaka formally requested her extradition, but has received no response.

After the announcement of the schedule for the 13th parliamentary election and a national referendum, Hasina’s statements reportedly continued, prompting the latest diplomatic move.

Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam conveyed Bangladesh’s concerns to the Indian envoy at the state guest house Padma.

Bangladesh told the high commissioner that Hasina was being allowed to make inflammatory remarks that could incite her supporters to engage in violence and disrupt the upcoming election.

Dhaka also alleged that fugitive leaders and activists of the now-banned Awami League are plotting acts of sabotage from India and called for their arrest and extradition.

The ministry reiterated its demand for the return of Sheikh Hasina and her former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan, both convicted of crimes against humanity.

Bangladesh expressed hope that India, as a neighbouring country, would stand with the Bangladeshi people in upholding justice and safeguarding democratic processes.

In response, the Indian high commissioner said India expects Bangladesh to hold a peaceful election and is ready to extend full cooperation in that regard.