Tensions are escalating between India and Bangladesh over the alleged escape of suspects in the killing of Sharif Osman Hadi, a prominent Bangladeshi student leader and vocal critic of India. Bangladeshi police have asserted that the suspected killers fled across the border into India, seeking refuge in the northeastern state of Meghalaya. However, Indian officials are denying these claims, further straining the relationship between the two nations.
Sharif Osman Hadi, a key figure in the 2024 mass uprising and an aspirant for the Dhaka-8 constituency in the upcoming February 2026 elections, was shot by masked assailants in Dhaka on December 12 and died later in a Singapore hospital. His death sparked widespread protests across Bangladesh, with angry mobs targeting buildings and media outlets perceived to be pro-India. The interim government in Bangladesh is facing mounting pressure to apprehend Hadi's killers.
According to Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), the primary suspect, Faisal Karim Masud, and his accomplice, Alamgir Sheikh, crossed the Haluaghat border into India shortly after the attack on December 12. Additional Commissioner of DMP, S.N. Nazrul Islam, stated that the suspects were allegedly received by two Indian citizens at the border, who then escorted them to Meghalaya before handing them over to additional accomplices. Islam also noted that two individuals, Purti and Sami, who allegedly assisted the suspects, have been detained by Indian authorities. He added that Bangladeshi investigators are communicating with their Indian counterparts to ensure the arrest and extradition of the suspects.
However, Indian officials have refuted these allegations. Indian official sources denied that the suspects in Hadi's killing had crossed over to Meghalaya. The Border Security Force (BSF) in Meghalaya also rejected the claims, stating there was no evidence of any cross-border movement. BSF Inspector General in Meghalaya, OP Opadhyay, dismissed the claims as "unfounded and misleading," asserting that the border is under constant surveillance and any illegal crossing would be detected. Meghalaya Police also denied having any intelligence corroborating the presence of the suspects in the Garo Hills region.
The conflicting statements have further complicated the already delicate relationship between India and Bangladesh. Hadi was known for his strong stance against Indian "imperialism," and his death has ignited anti-India sentiment in Bangladesh.
The Indian foreign ministry has rejected "false narratives" about New Delhi's involvement in Hadi's killing. Relations between the two countries have been strained since ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina sought refuge in India. New Delhi is still considering Dhaka's request to extradite Hasina.
As both countries investigate the matter, the focus remains on whether concrete evidence will emerge to support either side's claims. The resolution of this issue is crucial to prevent further deterioration of diplomatic relations between India and Bangladesh.
