• Source:JND

Osman Hadi Killing: Faisal Karim Masud, accused of fatally shooting student leader Osman Hadi in Dhaka earlier this month, has denied any involvement in the killing, claiming that Hadi was murdered by “Jamaati elements.” In a video message released from Dubai, Masud insisted that his relationship with Hadi, the spokesperson of Inqilab Moncho, was strictly professional.

“I am Faisal Karim Masud. I want to state clearly that I am not involved in the murder of Hadi in any way. This case is completely false and based on a fabricated conspiracy,” Masud said. He added that due to the allegations, he was forced to leave Bangladesh and travel to Dubai, despite holding a valid five-year multiple-entry visa.

Family Harassment Claims

Masud also claimed that his family was being unjustly harassed. “They have no involvement whatsoever. This kind of inhumane treatment of my family is unjust and unacceptable, and I strongly protest against it,” he said.

On his ties with Hadi, Masud said he had visited Hadi’s office in Dhaka regarding a business matter. “I am a businessman; I own an IT firm and was previously employed at the Ministry of Finance. I went to meet Hadi about a job opportunity. He promised to arrange the job and asked for an advance payment. Accordingly, I gave him 500,000 taka,” Masud explained. He added that he also contributed funds to Hadi’s various programmes upon request, including one as recently as last Friday.

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Accusing Jamaat Of Murder

Masud reiterated his claim that Jamaat was responsible for Hadi’s murder. “Neither I nor my younger brother was on that motorcycle. This incident is the work of Jamaat. My family is suffering unjustly. This level of harassment is deeply disturbing and unacceptable.”

Bangladesh authorities have presented a different story. Police allege that Masud and his accomplice, Alamgir Sheikh, fled the country after the December 12 shooting that left Hadi critically wounded; he later died at a hospital in Singapore on December 18. Investigators said the suspects crossed into India via the Haluaghat border, where they allegedly received assistance from local contacts.

Indian Officials Challenge Claims

The claim has been challenged by Indian authorities. The Border Security Force (BSF) in Meghalaya stated there is no evidence of Masud or Sheikh entering Indian territory.

Hadi, 32, a political activist known for his anti-India stance who rose to prominence during the 2024 uprising against then-premier Sheikh Hasina, was shot in Dhaka, sparking widespread public protests and political tensions across Bangladesh.

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