“I Did Not Kill Osman Hadi”: Key Suspect Speaks Out in Bangladesh Murder Case

Dhaka: Faisal Karim Masood, one of the main suspects in the high-profile murder of Osman Hadi that shook Bangladesh, has come forward publicly for the first time. In a video message shared on social media on Tuesday, Masood denied any involvement in Hadi’s assassination, claiming that he is currently in Dubai. He suggested that members of Jamaat-e-Islami and its student wing, Chhatra Shibir, could be responsible for the killing.

Masood Claims Business Ties with Hadi
Masood acknowledged his association with Hadi but said it was purely for business purposes. “I provided Hadi with funds, but not for any criminal activity. It was related to government contract promises. I did not kill Hadi. My family and I are being framed. Hadi was affiliated with Jamaat, and they could be behind this,” he said. He added that he met Hadi for promotional reasons linked to his IT firm and had provided political funding in exchange for government contract commitments.

The Osman Hadi Case
Osman Hadi, a prominent leader of the anti-Hasina student movement, was shot in Dhaka on 12 December 2024. Critically injured, he was flown to Singapore for treatment but succumbed to his injuries on 18 December. His death sparked widespread unrest in Bangladesh, including attacks on major media offices and stone-pelting incidents at the Indian mission. The unrest led to the temporary closure of Indian visa centers in Bangladesh.

Bangladesh Police Allegations and Indian Response
Earlier, Bangladeshi authorities alleged that Faisal Karim Masood and another suspect, Alamgir Sheikh, had crossed into India, reportedly assisted by two Indian nationals and escorted to Meghalaya. However, the BSF Inspector General O.P. Upadhyay rejected these claims, stating, “There is no evidence to suggest that anyone crossed the Haluaghat sector into Meghalaya. BSF has neither witnessed nor received any reports of such an incident.”