Police provide update on Osman Hadi's killers after protesters' 24-hour ultimatum

Bangladesh Police on Sunday said they have no specific information on the whereabouts of the prime suspect in the killing of prominent youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi, a day after his political platform, Inqilab Mancha, issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the interim government demanding "visible progress" in identifying and arresting those responsible for the killing.

Speaking at an emergency press conference at the Ministry of Home Affairs, Additional Inspector General of Police (IGP) Khandaker Rafiqul Islam said law enforcement agencies were actively searching for Faisal Karim Masud, identified as the gunman in the attack, PTI reported, citing the UNB news agency.

"We do not have specific information about Faisal's last location. Our forces and intelligence agencies are working to obtain it," Islam said. He added that authorities had no credible information to suggest the suspect had fled Bangladesh.

POLICE WARN AGAINST SPECULATION

The senior police official warned against speculation, pointing to reports that the suspect had fled to India, and said criminals often spread false leads about their movements to evade arrest. He added that investigators have so far found no concrete evidence linking any political party to the murder.

"However, efforts are underway to gather accurate data," he said.

Detective Branch (DB) chief Shafiqul Islam said initial findings suggested the killing may have been politically motivated.

"Prima facie, there does not appear to be any personal motive," he said, adding, "We are examining all possible angles."

WHO IS FAISAL KARIM MASUD?

Faisal Karim Masud has been identified in media reports as a former leader of the now-banned Chhatra League, the student wing of the Awami League, the party of former Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina.

According to The Telegraph, he was present during Sharif Osman Hadi’s election campaign and was seen accompanying another suspect, identified as motorcycle rider Alamgir, in the period leading up to the shooting. A local journalist cited by media outlets said the two were involved in activities around the campaign before the attack took place.

Police records show that Masud was arrested roughly a year ago in connection with an armed robbery at a school in Dhaka. During that arrest, authorities recovered a foreign-made pistol from his possession.

Hadi, 32, was a prominent face of last year's student-led protests that culminated in the ouster of the Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League government. He later emerged as a key spokesperson of Inqilab Mancha and was contesting the February 12 general elections.

VIOLENCE FOLLOWING OSMAN HADI'S DEATH

He was shot in the head by masked gunmen on December 12 while campaigning in Dhaka's Bijoynagar area. Following the attack, Hadi was airlifted to Singapore for advanced medical treatment, where he succumbed to his injuries on Thursday.

Hadi's death sparked unrest in several parts of the country. Incidents of vandalism and attacks were reported, including stone-throwing at the residence of the Assistant Indian High Commissioner in Chattogram on Thursday.

Protesters vandalised and set fire to prominent media establishments, including buildings of The Daily Star and Prothom Alo.

Hadi's funeral was held on Saturday afternoon at the Dhaka University campus, amid heavy security. His burial took place beside the grave of Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam near the Dhaka University mosque.

- Ends

With inputs from PTI

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