Fresh efforts have been initiated to bring back three fugitive accused in the murder case of Inqilab Mancha convener Sharif Osman Bin Hadi, officials said on Saturday, as the investigation continues under the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).
Officials said necessary legal and diplomatic procedures for extradition have already been completed through the Ministry of Home Affairs, while further coordination may be taken up with Indian authorities if required.
The development comes as the case has drawn renewed public and political attention following recent remarks by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and renewed demands from the accused’s organisation for a deeper probe into alleged cross-border links.
At a public rally in Kolkata, Mamata Banerjee claimed that she was aware of “who had the murder carried out in Bangladesh and through whom,” without naming anyone. She also referred to the alleged movement of an accused person into West Bengal via Meghalaya and subsequent police action. Her comments have since triggered reactions in Bangladesh.
Inqilab Mancha, the organisation led by Hadi, has renewed its demand for justice, alleging that the killing involved both domestic and foreign actors. In recent programmes, including torch processions, the organisation has also demanded the swift return of fugitive accused from abroad and a comprehensive investigation into what it describes as a broader conspiracy behind the murder.
Following Mamata Banerjee’s remarks, the organisation has reiterated its claim that the killing involved individuals linked to a wider network, arguing that the statement suggests the involvement of influential figures whose identities, if disclosed, could have significant political repercussions.
Officials at Police Headquarters said the CID would assess the relevance of the remarks to the ongoing investigation. They added that the investigation remains active and that any credible new information would be examined in accordance with legal procedures
CID officials, meanwhile, said bringing back three fugitive accused from abroad could help clarify several unresolved aspects of the case. They added that communication through appropriate channels has already been completed and further steps would depend on inter-governmental coordination.
Sharif Osman Bin Hadi, convener of Inqilab Mancha, was shot on December 12 last year on Box Culvert Road in the Purana Paltan area of Dhaka while travelling in a rickshaw. He sustained a gunshot wound to the head and was later taken to Singapore for treatment, where he died on December 18.
A case was filed at Paltan Police Station on December 14 by Inqilab Mancha’s Member Secretary Abdullah Al Jaber under sections 120(B), 326, 307, 109 and 34 of the Penal Code. Following Hadi’s death, the case was converted into a murder case.
The investigation was initially conducted by Dhaka Metropolitan Police’s Detective Branch (DB) and later transferred to the CID for further probe after objections were raised regarding the charge sheet.
On January 6 this year, the DB submitted a charge sheet against 17 individuals, stating that the killing was carried out out of political vengeance. The complainant later expressed dissatisfaction with the findings, prompting the court to order a further investigation by the CID.
Of the 17 accused named in the charge sheet, 11 are currently in custody while six remain fugitives. The absconding accused include Faisal Karim Masud alias Rahul alias Daud, Alamgir Hossain, former Dhaka North City Corporation ward councillor Taizul Islam Chowdhury Bappi, Philip Snal, Mukti Mahmud and Jesmin Akter.
Investigators allege that Faisal Karim Masud was the shooter and Alamgir Hossain drove the motorcycle used in the attack. According to the investigation, the two followed Hadi before opening fire while he was travelling in a rickshaw.
Police also allege that several members of the accused’s families and associates helped facilitate their escape, including close relatives and associates of the principal accused. Investigators say these individuals assisted in crossing the border and evading arrest.
Officials further said former ward councillor Taizul Islam Chowdhury Bappi allegedly played a role in facilitating the escape of the main accused. Several others are also accused of arranging transport and logistical support during the alleged escape.
The CID has also arrested two additional suspects, Md Rubel and Majedul, during the ongoing investigation. Both have reportedly provided confessional statements under Section 164 of the Code of Criminal Procedure. Investigators have also identified a man named Moinuddin Shuvo as the alleged owner of the motorcycle used in the attack and are working to arrest him.
CID Special Superintendent of Police (Media) Jasim Uddin Khan said substantial progress could be made if the two principal accused, Faisal Karim Masud and Alamgir Hossain, are brought back to Bangladesh for interrogation. He said necessary communications under the extradition treaty with India have already been completed and relevant agencies are working jointly on the matter.
The CID has faced repeated delays in submitting its further investigation report, with deadlines postponed 14 times. The most recent deadline was May 17, but the report was not filed, and the court has now set June 7 as the next date.
Meanwhile, Inqilab Mancha has announced fresh protest programmes, including torch processions and demonstrations, demanding justice for Hadi, the return of fugitive accused from India, and disclosure of alleged domestic and foreign conspiracies behind the killing.
The organisation’s Member Secretary Abdullah Al Jaber said various narratives have been used to obstruct justice in the case. He also alleged that individuals within Bangladesh who assisted in concealment or escape should also be held accountable.
He further said the organisation believes the involvement of powerful individuals or institutions cannot be ruled out and that it would continue its movement until justice is ensured in the case.