New Delhi, September 4:

India today stepped up pressure on Bangladesh seeking more information about a key suspect behind the twin blasts in Hyderabad, the capital of Andhra Pradesh state, last month even as Dhaka denied any link to either the blasts or the terror operative wanted by New Delhi.

India also reminded Dhaka about the list given to it by New Delhi last month about insurgents and terrorists operating from Bangladesh. Bangladeshi Mohammad Sharifuddin, alias Abu Hamza, a top suspect in the Hyderabad blasts of August 25 that killed 44 people, was detained by the Bangladesh police over the weekend, according to intelligence reports.

“We are seeking their cooperation,” External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee told reporters when asked whether he expected Bangladesh to hand over Hamza to India. “During the home secretary-level talks, we gave them the details of individuals like this who were indulging in insurgency and terrorist activities,” the minister said on the sidelines of a meeting of editors from the IBSA countries comprising India, Brazil and South Africa.

“We are asking Dhaka to confirm reports of his arrest. This has been taken on an urgent basis. Only then can we take appropriate steps to move ahead,” Central Bureau of Investigation Director Vijay Shankar said. Denying any involvement, Bangladesh Home Secretary Abdul Karim, however, told New Age newspaper: “We will verify the reports of different international and Indian media.

“Bangladesh does not have any involvement in the Hyderabad blasts. The foreign ministry will lodge its protest through diplomatic channels,” the daily today quoted him as saying.