Bangladeshi authorities have confirmed that suspects in the assassination of prominent student activist Sharif Osman Hadi have fled to India, escalating diplomatic tensions between the neighboring nations. The development comes amid ongoing violent protests that have shaken the interim government in Dhaka.
Hadi, a vocal critic of Indian influence in Bangladesh and participant in last year’s pro-democracy uprising, was fatally shot by masked assailants in Dhaka on December 12th. Despite being transferred to a Singapore hospital for emergency treatment, the student leader succumbed to his injuries.
According to SN Nazrul Islam, a senior Dhaka Metropolitan Police officer, the investigation has determined the killing was premeditated. Two primary suspects—Faisal Karim Masud and Alamgir Sheikh—reportedly crossed into India through the Haluaghat border shortly after the attack. Indian citizens allegedly received the fugitives and escorted them into Meghalaya state before transferring them to accomplices.
Bangladeshi investigators confirm coordination with Indian counterparts, who have reportedly arrested two suspected accomplices in Meghalaya. However, senior Meghalaya police officials declined to comment when contacted by international media.
The assassination has triggered widespread unrest across Bangladesh, with protesters torching multiple buildings including two major newspapers perceived as pro-India and a prominent cultural institution. The violence has intensified pressure on the interim government to resolve the case, particularly since Hadi was expected to contest February’s general elections.
Diplomatic relations between the nations have deteriorated significantly since former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled to India following last year’s uprising. India maintains it is considering Dhaka’s extradition requests for Hasina, who received a death sentence in absentia for her alleged role in suppressing the pro-democracy movement.
The recent lynching of a garment worker by a mob on December 18th has further strained bilateral ties. Amid the deteriorating security situation, Khuda Baksh Chowdhury, special assistant to interim leader Muhammad Yunus overseeing home affairs, resigned on Wednesday.