Dhaka — In a major reversal, Bangladesh has said it cannot confirm the whereabouts of the alleged killers of youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi, days after previously asserting that the suspects crossed into India. This new statement adds confusion to a high-profile murder case that has ignited protests, strained India-Bangladesh relations, and sparked political tensions across the region.
Bangladesh’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain said on Saturday that authorities cannot say with 100% certainty where the suspects are. His comments contradicted an earlier statement made by a senior Dhaka Metropolitan Police officer who claimed the murder suspects had fled to the Indian state of Meghalaya with help from local contacts.
Meanwhile, one of the key accused has publicly denied involvement and claimed to be in Dubai, further complicating the narrative and raising questions about investigative accuracy and cross-border claims.
Dhaka Backtracks on India Claims
In late December, S N Md Nazrul Islam, additional commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (crime and operations), had asserted that the two prime suspects in the Sharif Osman Hadi murder case — Faisal Karim Masud and Alamgir Sheikh — crossed into Meghalaya from Bangladesh with help from local associates.
However, in a marked shift, Dhaka’s foreign affairs adviser acknowledged that authorities no longer have evidence to confirm whether the suspects are in India, Bangladesh, or elsewhere. “We cannot say with 100% certainty where the suspects are,” he told the press.
The statement came as both countries manage increasingly sensitive diplomatic ties. Earlier claims had prompted sharp reactions from Indian security officials, who labelled the crossing allegation as false and misleading, with the Border Security Force dismissing reports of such a movement.
The contradictory information has raised concerns about investigative coordination between Dhaka and New Delhi. It has also fueled political speculation within Bangladesh about whether local crime figures or external factors influence public statements.
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Accused Denies Involvement, Claims to Be in Dubai
Adding further uncertainty, Faisal Karim Masud — named as a prime accused — posted a video message claiming that he is not involved in Hadi’s murder and that he is currently in Dubai. Masud said he was falsely implicated and left Bangladesh due to pressure, not to evade arrest.
In his viral video, Masud claimed his relationship with Hadi was strictly professional and business-related, and he denied any role in the activist’s killing. He also blamed political rivals for spreading misinformation.
Local media in Bangladesh and online social platforms have widely circulated Masud’s statements, although authorities in Dhaka have not verified the video’s authenticity. The conflicting narratives have heightened public skepticism about the direction of the investigation.
Fallout From Hadi’s Death and Cross-Border Tensions
Sharif Osman Hadi, a well-known youth activist and spokesman for Inqilab Moncho, was shot in Dhaka on December 12, 2025, and later died in Singapore from his injuries. His assassination triggered widespread protests and violence, including attacks on media houses, cultural institutions, and diplomatic missions.
After Hadi’s death, political unrest spread across Bangladesh, with demonstrators decrying what they called a failure by authorities to apprehend those responsible. The situation escalated as some groups fueled anti-India rhetoric, partially based on earlier claims that suspects had fled into Indian territory.
The Inqilab Moncho and allied supporters also staged road blockades and issued ultimatums to the government for swift justice in Hadi’s case. Some factions even demanded the cancellation of work permits for Indians in Bangladesh and other punitive measures against perceived external interference.
India, for its part, has responded with diplomatic restraint. Officials categorically denied that the suspects entered Indian soil, with Meghalaya security agencies calling Bangladesh’s earlier claims “misleading” and unsupported by evidence.
Impact on Bangladesh Domestic Politics
The confusion over the suspects’ location has become a contentious issue in Bangladesh’s domestic political landscape. Critics say the inconsistent messaging undermines public trust in law enforcement and judicial processes. Some observers have noted that the debate has also been leveraged by various political factions ahead of the February 2026 general elections.
Meanwhile, the Bangladeshi police continue efforts to trace the suspects. Authorities have issued lookout notices and travel bans on individuals linked to the Hadi murder case, even as the narrative around their whereabouts fluctuates.
The government’s latest position of uncertainty may reflect the complexities of cross-border investigations and the challenges of managing public perception in a politically charged environment.