Inkilab Manch Spokesman Osman Hadi Dies After Targeted Shooting

The political arena was plunged into mourning on Thursday night following the death of Sharif Osman bin Hadi, widely known as Osman Hadi, spokesperson of the Inkilab Manch. His death was confirmed through a post published on his verified Facebook page late on 18 December, bringing an abrupt and tragic end to a case that had already sent shockwaves through the country.

The post described Hadi as a “great revolutionary” who had been accepted as a martyr, framing his death within the broader political narrative championed by his supporters. Messages of grief and condemnation quickly flooded social media, with many calling for swift justice and heightened political security.

Hadi had been actively involved in political campaigning until shortly before the attack. On 12 December, he concluded his election campaign after offering Jumma prayers in Motijheel. At approximately 2:20 pm, while travelling towards Suhrawardy Udyan, the autorickshaw carrying him reached the Box Culvert area under Paltan Model Police Station. At that moment, assailants riding a motorcycle opened fire with the apparent intent to kill before fleeing the scene.

Critically injured, Hadi was rushed to Dhaka Medical College Hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery. Due to the severity of his condition, he was later transferred to Evercare Hospital. As his health failed to improve, doctors recommended advanced treatment abroad, and he was flown to Singapore on Monday. Despite intensive medical care, Hadi succumbed to his injuries while undergoing treatment there.

Investigators have since revealed that the attack was not spontaneous. Law enforcement agencies found evidence suggesting that Hadi had been under surveillance for several months prior to the shooting. His daily movements, residence, office routes, and security arrangements were closely monitored, indicating a carefully orchestrated assassination attempt.

According to joint investigations by the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and the Detective Branch (DB), one of the key suspects, former Chhatra League leader Faisal Karim Masud, also known as Daud Khan, sought refuge at his sister’s residence in Agargaon after the shooting. Subsequently, the alleged shooter Faisal and motorcycle driver Alamgir Sheikh fled the country.

A significant cache of weapons and ammunition used in the attack has been recovered. On 16 December, investigators seized magazines and bullets from a residence in Agargaon, followed by further recoveries from Narsingdi. A case of attempted murder was filed at Paltan Police Station by Inkilab Manch member secretary Abdullah Al Jaber, and the investigation is now being led by the Dhaka Metropolitan Police’s Detective Branch.

So far, nine individuals have been arrested jointly by RAB and police. They have been placed on varying remand periods as investigators continue to unravel the network behind the killing.

Key Facts at a Glance

The investigation remains ongoing as authorities pursue remaining suspects and seek to establish the full political and criminal motives behind the killing.