In a dramatic development in the murder case of Bangladeshi Islamist radical Sharif Osman Hadi, a prime suspect has surfaced in a video message from Dubai, directly contradicting the interim government's claim that he escaped to India after the killing.
Suspect Denies Allegations from Dubai
The key suspect, Faisal Karim Masud alias Daud (37), has categorically denied any involvement in the murder. In his video statement, Masud asserted that he was forced to leave Bangladesh due to the false implication and is currently in the United Arab Emirates. "I, Faisal Karim Masud, want to state clearly that I am not involved in Hadi's murder in any way. This case is completely false and based on a fabricated conspiracy," he said.
He further explained his travel, stating he entered Dubai using a valid five-year multiple-entry visa, despite facing great difficulty. This claim directly challenges the narrative presented by authorities in Dhaka.
Bangladesh's Claim and India's Rebuttal
The controversy began when Bangladeshi authorities made a significant claim on December 28. They alleged that two primary suspects in the Hadi case – Masud and Alamgir Sheikh – had "fled Bangladesh and crossed into the Indian state of Meghalaya with the help of local associates".
This assertion prompted a swift and strong rebuttal from Indian security agencies. Indian officials termed the Bangladeshi statement as "fabricated and malicious," firmly denying that the suspects had entered Indian territory. The cross-border claim had briefly stirred diplomatic unease between the neighboring nations.
The Murder and Ongoing Investigation
The core case revolves around the killing of Sharif Osman Hadi, a known Islamist radical figure in Bangladesh. Hadi was shot in the head on December 12 and succumbed to his injuries six days later on December 18.
The investigation took a complex turn with the cross-border escape theory, which now stands disputed by the suspect's own testimony from Dubai. Masud's video message raises critical questions about the initial investigation's claims and the whereabouts of the other accused, Alamgir Sheikh.
The key facts of the situation are:
- Sharif Osman Hadi was murdered in December after a shooting.
- Bangladesh named Faisal Karim Masud and Alamgir Sheikh as primary suspects.
- Dhaka claimed the suspects fled to Meghalaya, India, a claim India rejected.
- Masud has now appeared in a video from Dubai, denying all charges and the India escape story.
This new twist adds another layer of intrigue to the high-profile murder case, putting the spotlight back on the Bangladeshi investigation and its international claims. The authorities are now expected to verify Masud's location and pursue legal channels for his potential repatriation, while also re-examining the evidence that led to the India escape narrative.
