New details have surfaced regarding Faisal Karim Masud alias Daud Khan, the main suspect in the killing of Sharif Osman Hadi, also known as Osman Goni, the convenor of the radical group – Bangladesh’s Inquilab Mancha – raising serious questions about the circumstances surrounding his earlier arrest, release on bail, and possible institutional complicity, said a source in an intelligence agency active in Dhaka.
“Masud, who is accused of shooting Hadi, the figure at the centre of the current turmoil in Bangladesh, on December 12, 2025, had previously been arrested by Bangladesh police in November 2024 in connection with an extortion case and illegal arms possession. He remained in judicial custody until February 2025, when he was granted bail by the High Court and released later that month,” said an intelligence agency officer.
Controversy has arisen over the fact that Masud’s bail petition was moved by Jamaat-e-Islami advocate and electoral candidate Shishir Monir, along with senior BNP lawyer Kaisar Kamal. The political affiliations of the lawyers have prompted questions about the nature of support extended to the accused 10 months ago.
Hadi, who had emerged as a prominent figure in recent months, was initially promoted by Jamaat-e-Islami through the formation of Inquilab Mancha, a frontal platform allegedly aimed at mobilising anti-India public opinion. However, relations reportedly soured after Hadi decided to contest the upcoming general elections as an independent candidate from the Dhaka-8 constituency, a move that Jamaat-e-Islami did not approve. Jamaat subsequently fielded its own candidate from the same seat.
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“Against this backdrop, Jamaat-e-Islami stands to gain politically from Hadi’s death, intensifying suspicion over the possible motive behind the killing. Further scrutiny has fallen on Masud’s November 2024 arrest by Adabor police, particularly amid speculation over whether Bangladesh’s Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI) may have undertaken a coordinated operation months in advance,” said an officer of the intelligence wing.
A case was filed in November 2024 by Saiful Islam, a resident of Baitul Aman Housing Society in Dhaka, alleging that Masud forcibly extorted BDT 17 lakh from him. More than a year later, law enforcement agencies have yet to recover the allegedly looted money.
At the time, Masud was running an IT consultancy from flat number 3C on the fourth floor of Baitul Aman Housing Society. His tenancy was corroborated by Sharmin Rahman, principal of British Columbia School and College, which operated from another unit in the same building.
Intelligence sources said the flat had been sublet to Masud in February 2019 by Mohammad Kabir Hossein, proprietor of the school and a relative of former Bangladesh President Iajuddin Ahmed. The rental agreement fixed the monthly rent at BDT 19,680, excluding electricity charges.
Kabir Hossein told intelligence officials that he was unaware of Masud’s political affiliations but recalled that he was involved in IT and tender-related businesses. According to Kabir’s statement, Masud abruptly vacated the flat without notice after August 5, 2024, leaving behind outstanding dues of around BDT 15 lakh.
According to intelligence officials familiar with the Adabor police file, Masud was arrested on November 7, 2024, based on Saiful Islam’s complaint. He was then sent to judicial custody, where he remained until February 16, 2025, when the High Court granted him bail. He was released on February 21.
The case related to Hadi’s shooting was formally registered at Paltan police station on December 14, according to officials. A RAB spokesperson said the force has so far arrested seven people under Sections 54 and 307 of the Bangladesh Penal Code.
Those arrested include the original owner of the motorcycle used by Masud and his associate Alamgir Hossein during the December 12 attack, as well as Masud’s parents, his wife, and a woman described by investigators as his girlfriend.
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