West Bengal Police Apprehends Two Bangladeshi Nationals Linked to Activist's Murder
Arrests Made in Connection with Activist's Death
On Sunday, the Special Task Force of the West Bengal Police announced the detention of two Bangladeshi nationals believed to be involved in the murder of activist Sharif Osman Hadi.
The individuals, identified as Rahul, also known as Faisal Karim Masud, and Alamgir Hossain, were apprehended in the Bongaon border region for allegedly entering and residing in India unlawfully.
Reports indicate that Masud is considered the main suspect in Hadi's murder, while Hossain is thought to be his accomplice.
According to the Special Task Force, both men entered India through the Meghalaya border and traveled across various locations before heading to Bongaon, intending to return to Bangladesh.
Following their arrest, Masud and Hossain were presented in court, where they were remanded to police custody.
West Bengal police STF arrested two Bangladeshi nationals - Rahul alias Faisal Karum Masud and Alamgir Hossain near Bongaon border area for illegal entry and stay in India. These two people are connected with the murder of political activist Sharif Osman Hadi in Bangladesh. pic.twitter.com/8ZWrwZzhhl
— Media Channel (@MediaChannel) March 8, 2026
Sharif Osman Hadi was a notable figure in the 2024 student protests that resulted in the removal of the previous Bangladeshi government led by Sheikh Hasina of the Awami League.
He was shot on December 12 while exiting a mosque in Dhaka and succumbed to his injuries on December 18 in a Singapore hospital.
The circumstances surrounding Hadi's death sparked unrest in Bangladesh, including violent incidents targeting minority groups.
Bangladesh Police have accused Masud and Hossain of entering Meghalaya with assistance from local residents and seeking refuge there, although the Border Security Force has denied these allegations.
Inspector General OP Upadhyay of the Border Security Force stated that the claims made by the Bangladesh Police were entirely unfounded and misleading.
Authorities in Bangladesh have asserted that Hadi's murder was orchestrated by individuals affiliated with the Awami League and its student faction, the Chhatra League, labeling it as a politically motivated act.