Bangladesh: Police claim Hadi’s killer fled to India

The main suspect has been identified as Faisal Karim Masud.

Addressing a press conference, DMP Additional Commissioner Nazrul Islam said Faisal and his associates initially went to Aminbazar immediately after the murder, according to the Dhaka Tribune.

“They then travelled to Kalampur in Manikganj and later crossed the border through Haluaghat in Mymensingh in a private car,” he said.

Nazrul added that 11 people have been arrested so far, and investigators are confident about the case based on evidence and information obtained from those in custody.

He further stated that the killing was premeditated and politically motivated.

Political Fallout and Blame on Interim Government

Last week, the brother of the slain Inqilab Moncho convenor, Sharif Omar bin Hadi, directly blamed the Mohammad Yunus-led interim government for the murder, asserting that the administration cannot evade accountability for a killing that occurred under its watch.

The murder has triggered sharp political accusations, street protests in Dhaka, and renewed scrutiny of the interim government’s ability to maintain law and order, according to reports by bdnews24 and The Daily Star.

Speaking to bdnews24, Omar Hadi said the interim government must take responsibility, emphasising that state power carries both legal and moral accountability.

He added that the administration would ultimately face trial for failing to protect his brother, regardless of whether justice is delivered immediately or years later.

Allegations of Election Sabotage

Omar Hadi also alleged that the killing was being used to destabilise Bangladesh’s electoral process.

According to him, Osman Hadi had been a strong advocate for holding elections in February and was actively mobilising support at the grassroots level.

Protests Erupt in Dhaka

Following the killing, Inqilab Moncho organised a protest rally at Shahbagh in Dhaka, demanding swift justice.

Earlier, the organisation issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the government, calling for the immediate arrest and prosecution of those responsible.

The group insisted that the perpetrators must be brought to justice before Bangladesh’s 13th national election and the proposed referendum, warning that failure to do so would further inflame public anger.

Government Promises Speedy Trial

Responding to growing pressure, Law Adviser Asif Nazrul said the case would be transferred to the Speedy Trial Tribunal to ensure swift justice.

According to The Daily Star, Nazrul confirmed that the proceedings would be conducted under the Speedy Trial Tribunal Act, 2002.