Trinamool Congress (TMC) Chief and former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday made a startling claim that she is aware of those behind a high-profile murder in Bangladesh, triggering reactions from Dhaka and fresh political speculation. Speaking at a protest rally in Kolkata’s Dharmatala, Mamata alleged that she possesses crucial information about the killing of a Bangladeshi political activist, but chose not to disclose details, citing potential unrest.
She further claimed that Union Home Minister Amit Shah had personally requested her to keep information regarding the arrest of suspects confidential in the “national interest.”
“I know who carried out the murder. Even if the government changes today, I still know everything,” Mamata said, adding that revealing names could lead to turmoil in Bangladesh.
Reacting to her remarks, Bangladesh’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Shama Obaed, on Wednesday said Dhaka would not comment on statements made by a political leader in another country, emphasising that the matter is being handled through official diplomatic channels.
“An election has taken place in another country, and a political leader has made certain remarks. That is not our matter to discuss,” Obaed told the media. She added that Bangladesh remains focused on securing justice in the murder case and is actively engaging with the Government of India.
Obaed confirmed that both Bangladesh’s Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of Foreign Affairs are working closely on the matter and that “significant progress” has been made. She reiterated Dhaka’s request for the accused individuals arrested in India to be extradited so that legal proceedings can take place in Bangladesh.
“We want justice for Hadi’s murder. Efforts are underway, and we expect those arrested in India to be returned,” she said.
Mamata’s comments appeared to refer to the killing of Bangladesh’s Inquilab Mancha spokesperson Sharif Osman bin Hadi, a case that sparked unrest. Earlier this year, West Bengal Police arrested suspects linked to the case.
According to police sources, the main accused, Faisal Karim Masud alias Rahul and Alamgir Hossain, had entered West Bengal through Meghalaya before being apprehended. Another accused, Philip Sangma, was later arrested near Shantipur in Nadia district. The Detective Branch of Dhaka Metropolitan Police had earlier identified Faisal as the principal suspect in the case.
While Mamata did not explicitly name the case, her references to the arrests and subsequent developments have intensified speculation regarding her claims.
Her remarks have added a new dimension to the ongoing investigation, raising questions about cross-border coordination and the handling of sensitive information related to the case. Authorities in both countries continue to pursue the matter through legal and diplomatic channels.
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