Home Adviser Jahangir Alam Chowdhury and Special Assistant to the chief adviser Khuda Baksh Chowdhury have yet to provide any update on the killing of Inqilab Moncho spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi, even as the 24-hour ultimatum issued by the platform has expired.
At a rally on Saturday, Inqilab Moncho demanded accountability from home ministry officials and warned that failure to show progress could prompt calls for their resignation. The group had issued the ultimatum demanding the immediate arrest of those responsible for the killing.
Meanwhile, police, the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), and the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) briefed journalists on Sunday regarding the ongoing investigation.
Faisal Karim’s whereabouts unclear
Additional Inspector General of Police (Crimes and Operations) Khondoker Rafiqul Islam told reporters on Sunday evening that reports claiming the main accused, Faisal Karim Masud, had fled to India may be part of a propaganda effort to divert attention.
“We are not certain about his whereabouts. Detectives are working on it, but there is no credible evidence that the suspect has left the country,” he said.
When asked whether the killing had political motives, he added, “We have not found any specific involvement of a political party. Investigations are ongoing to ascertain accurate information.”
Motive still unclear
DMP Additional Commissioner (Crimes and Operations) SN Md Nazrul Islam said the motive behind Hadi’s killing remains unclear, as the main accused has not yet been apprehended.
He confirmed that ten individuals have been arrested so far, and that a shotgun, a pistol, ammunition, and the motorcycle used in the crime have been recovered.
Additional Commissioner of the Detective Branch Md Shafiqul Islam said Faisal was identified as the principal suspect on the night of 12 December, immediately after the killing, and that a manhunt was launched at that time.
The press briefing at the Home Ministry was attended by senior police officials, BGB Mymensingh Sector Commander Sarker Mohammad Mostafizur Rahman, and RAB spokesperson MZM Intekhab Chowdhury.
Inqilab Moncho issues demands
On Sunday afternoon, Inqilab Moncho posted two key demands on Facebook to ensure justice.
First, the platform demanded the immediate arrest and prosecution of all conspirators and abetters involved in Hadi’s killing, and called on Home Adviser Jahangir Alam and Special Assistant Khuda Baksh to brief the nation on the steps they have taken since December 12.
Second, the group urged that supporters and abetters of what it described as the “fascist Awami League” who remain in civil, military, and intelligence positions be identified, apprehended, and brought to justice.
In a related development, Abdul Hannan, the owner of the motorcycle used in the killing, has secured bail from the court.
