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Bangladesh is witnessing widespread unrest following the killing of youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi, with authorities intensifying efforts to apprehend the main accused. The government has issued travel bans and lookout notices amid rising protests across the country.
Authorities have identified Faisal Karim Masud as the prime suspect in Sharif Osman Hadi killing.
UPDATED: Dec 22, 2025 07:44 IST
Bangladesh has intensified its crackdown in the killing of youth leader and activist Sharif Osman Hadi, with authorities identifying the alleged shooter, issuing a nationwide lookout notice and imposing a travel ban on the prime accused as violent protests spread across the country.
A Dhaka court on Sunday barred Faisal Karim Masud from leaving Bangladesh after investigators identified him as the main accused in the case linked to Hadi’s killing.
Police confirmed that a lookout notice has been issued for Masud as well as other assailants involved in the attack.
Security agencies believe Masud is still inside Bangladesh but is frequently changing locations to evade arrest. Officials said multiple investigative teams have been deployed and surveillance has been stepped up to track his movements.
Hadi, 32, died last week after succumbing to gunshot injuries sustained in an assassination attempt in Dhaka. Authorities in Singapore and leaders of Inqilab Mancha confirmed his death on Thursday.
The attack took place on December 12, when two assailants on a motorcycle pulled up beside the battery-powered auto-rickshaw Hadi was travelling in and shot him in the head, according to media reports. He was initially rushed to Dhaka Medical College Hospital, where doctors found severe brain stem damage.
Due to the seriousness of his condition, Hadi was transferred to Singapore General Hospital on December 15 and admitted to the neurosurgical intensive care unit. Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said he died despite extensive medical efforts.
A prominent figure in Bangladesh’s 2024 student-led uprising, Hadi served as spokesperson for Inqilab Mancha, or Platform for Revolution. He was also preparing to contest the Dhaka-8 constituency in Bijoynagar in the next general elections, expected in February 2026.
Hadi was known for his sharp criticism of India and its role in Bangladesh’s domestic politics, particularly after former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled to India following last year’s uprising.
His death has triggered unrest across Bangladesh, with protests erupting in several cities as supporters and student groups demanded swift arrests and justice. Authorities have warned against violence while promising firm action against those responsible for the killing.
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Published By:
Sonali Verma
Published On:
Dec 22, 2025
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