Meghalaya in Spotlight as Bangladesh Accuses India of Harboring Hadi Suspects

Confusion and contradiction have emerged over the whereabouts of two prime suspects in the high-profile murder of Bangladeshi political activist Osman Hadi, after Indian and Bangladeshi authorities issued sharply differing accounts of their alleged escape route into India.

Meghalaya Police and the Border Security Force (BSF) have firmly rejected claims made by Bangladesh Police that the accused—Faisal Karim Masud and Alamgir Sheikh—crossed into India through the Haluaghat border in Bangladesh’s Mymensingh district and are currently hiding in Meghalaya.

Indian Authorities Reject Bangladesh Police Claims

Dismissing the allegations, a senior Meghalaya Police official told Hindustan Times that no information had been shared by Bangladeshi authorities.

“No formal or informal communication has been received from Bangladesh police. None of the accused named in the report have been traced in Garo Hills, and no arrests have been made,” the official said.

Echoing this position, BSF Meghalaya Frontier Inspector General OP Upadhayay categorically denied any breach along the Haluaghat sector.

“There is no evidence whatsoever of these individuals crossing the international border from the Haluaghat sector into Meghalaya. No such incident has been detected or reported by the BSF. These claims are baseless and misleading,” Upadhayay stated.

The Indian agencies’ outright denial has raised questions about the accuracy of the information being circulated by Dhaka authorities.

Bangladesh Police Maintain Escape-to-India Theory

In contrast, Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) officials have maintained that the suspects fled Bangladesh soon after the murder.

Addressing a press briefing, Additional Police Commissioner (Crime and Operations) S N Md Nazrul Islam claimed the duo crossed into India with assistance from local contacts.

“According to our information, the suspects entered India via the Haluaghat border. After crossing, they were initially received by an individual named Purti. Later, a taxi driver named Sami transported them to Tura city in Meghalaya,” Nazrul Islam said, as quoted by The Daily Star.

Bangladeshi media outlets Prothom Alo and PTI further reported that two Indian nationals allegedly helped the suspects escape and were later detained by Indian authorities—claims that have been flatly denied by Meghalaya Police.

The Meghalaya Director General of Police told The Indian Express:

“There has been no communication on this matter, and no arrests have been made.”

Who Was Osman Hadi?

Osman Hadi, 32, was a prominent critic of India and the ruling Awami League, and a leader of Inquilab Moncho. He was shot in the head on December 12 while campaigning for the upcoming parliamentary elections in Dhaka.

Hadi was airlifted to Singapore for advanced medical treatment but succumbed to his injuries on December 18. He had also been nominated as a candidate for the February 12 parliamentary elections.

Widespread Violence After the Killing

Hadi’s murder triggered violent unrest across Bangladesh, including attacks on media offices and cultural institutions. Tensions escalated further when a Hindu factory worker was beaten to death by a mob in Mymensingh, deepening communal and political anxieties in the region.

Investigation Nearing Completion

According to state-run Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS), the investigation is nearing completion, with a charge sheet expected within seven to ten days.

Nazrul Islam said 11 people have been arrested so far, and six have given confessional statements under Section 164 of the Criminal Procedure Code. Police believe the killing was premeditated.

Investigators have recovered:

• Two pistols allegedly used in the murder

• The motorcycle used by the attackers

• A cheque worth Tk 218 crore, suggesting substantial financial backing

“A large amount of money was spent on carrying out the murder,” Nazrul Islam said.

Earlier Remarks and Government Response

Earlier, DMP Commissioner S M Sazzat Ali described the killing as “mysterious,” indicating the involvement of multiple actors.

“All law enforcement agencies—including police, Border Guard Bangladesh and RAB—have been tasked with identifying those responsible,” he said during a sit-in organised by Inquilab Moncho at Shahbagh.

Speculation Amid Diplomatic Silence

While Bangladesh authorities insist the suspects are in India, the absence of official communication, corroborative evidence, or confirmed arrests on the Indian side has left the narrative unresolved.

The conflicting claims underline the fragile nature of cross-border investigations and raise concerns over information leaks, intelligence accuracy, and diplomatic coordination at a time when regional political sensitivities are already high.

As Bangladesh prepares to file its charge sheet, clarity on the suspects’ whereabouts—and credible cooperation between the two countries—may prove crucial in preventing further unrest and speculation.

Also Read: Why Were Media Houses Attacked as Bangladesh Mourned Sharif Osman Hadi?