Bangladesh police on Sunday said they do not yet have any specific information regarding the whereabouts of the prime suspect in the killing of prominent youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi, even as investigations continue.
The statement came a day after Hadi’s party, Inqilab Mancha, issued a 24 hour ultimatum to the interim government, demanding visible progress in arresting those responsible for the murder.
Addressing 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 involved in the shooting, according to the UNB news agency.
“We do not have specific information about Faisal’s last known location. Our law enforcement and intelligence agencies are working to obtain accurate details,” the IGP said, adding that there was no credible evidence indicating the suspect had fled the country.
He cautioned against misinformation, noting that criminals often circulate false rumours regarding their whereabouts. Mr. Islam also stated that investigators have not yet found concrete evidence linking any political party to the killing.
Detective Branch (DB) chief Shafiqul Islam said preliminary findings suggest the murder may have been politically motivated, as there appeared to be no personal dispute involved. “However, all possible angles are being examined,” he added.
Hadi, a key figure in last year’s student-led protests that resulted in the ouster of the Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League government, was a candidate in the general elections scheduled for February 12. The 32-year-old Inqilab Mancha spokesperson was shot in the head by masked assailants during an election campaign event in Dhaka’s Bijoynagar area on December 12. He later succumbed to his injuries while undergoing treatment in Singapore.
His death sparked widespread protests, attacks, and vandalism across parts of Bangladesh, including an incident involving stone-pelting at the Assistant Indian High Commissioner’s residence in Chattogram.
Hadi was laid to rest on Saturday under heavy security near the grave of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam, close to the Dhaka University mosque.