Photo Credit:: Arab News
DHAKA – Bangladesh police announced on Sunday that suspects in the murder of student leader Sharif Osman Hadi have fled to India, a development expected to further strain already tense relations between the two neighboring nations.
Hadi, a prominent critic of India and a participant in last year’s pro-democracy protests, was fatally shot by masked attackers in Dhaka earlier this month. He later died from his injuries at a hospital in Singapore.
The killing triggered widespread unrest, with demonstrators setting fire to several buildings—including two major newspapers perceived as pro-India and a well-known cultural center. Protests have continued almost daily across Bangladesh, increasing pressure on the interim government to solve the case. Hadi had been preparing to run in the general elections scheduled for February next year.
Senior Dhaka Metropolitan Police officer SN Nazrul Islam stated at a press briefing, “The killing was premeditated. Those responsible have been identified.”
According to Islam, suspects Faisal Karim Masud and Alamgir Sheikh crossed into India via the Haluaghat border shortly after attacking Hadi on December 12. They were allegedly met by two Indian nationals who escorted them into Meghalaya before transferring them to two accomplices.
Bangladeshi authorities confirmed they are in contact with Indian counterparts, who have arrested the two alleged accomplices. “We are communicating with Meghalaya police, who have verified the arrest of two Indian nationals,” Islam added.
However, two senior Meghalaya police officials declined to comment when reached for confirmation.
India’s foreign ministry has previously dismissed what it called “false narratives” regarding New Delhi’s involvement in Hadi’s assassination.
Bilateral ties have deteriorated since former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled Bangladesh during the pro-democracy uprising and sought refuge in India. India states it is still reviewing Dhaka’s requests for her extradition; Hasina was sentenced to death in absentia for her alleged role in a violent crackdown on protesters.
Relations have also been affected by the recent lynching of a Hindu garment worker by a mob on December 18, adding another layer of complexity to the diplomatic rift.