Investigation Continues as Faisal Karim’s Whereabouts Remain Unknown

The whereabouts of Faisal Karim Masud, the principal suspect in the murder of Inquilab Manch leader Shahid Sharif Osman bin Hadi, remain unclear, according to senior law enforcement officials. Despite intensive investigations, authorities have yet to determine whether Faisal Karim is in Bangladesh or has crossed the border, police have confirmed.

Speaking at a press conference at the Secretariat this Sunday afternoon, Additional Inspector General (Crime & OPS) Khandakar Rafiqul Islam said that investigators are exerting maximum effort to track the fugitive. “We are receiving various pieces of information regarding the suspect,” he noted, “but there is no precise data confirming his location or movement.”

The press briefing, held at 5:30 pm, focused on Operation Devil Hunt Phase-2 and the overall law-and-order situation in the country. Representatives from the police, RAB, DB, and BGB provided updates. Among them were DMP Additional Commissioner (Intelligence) Shafiqul Islam, Additional Commissioner (Crime & Operations) S.N.M. Nazrul Islam, BGB Mymensingh Sector Commander Colonel M.M. Mostafizur Rahman, and RAB Legal & Media Wing Director Wing Commander M.Z.M. Intekhav Chowdhury.

Shafiqul Islam emphasised that the investigation is ongoing and that while several pieces of information are being collected from various sources, the exact location of Faisal Karim—whether inside or outside the country—remains unknown. He added that the motive behind the murder, whether personal or political, is still under investigation.

So far, ten individuals have been arrested in connection with the case, though none provide concrete leads on the main suspect. Reports circulating on social media, including claims that Faisal Karim has fled to a neighbouring country, are yet to be verified. Authorities are actively monitoring such misinformation and warned that action will be taken against those spreading unverified information.

BGB Commander Colonel Mostafizur Rahman revealed that another individual, identified as Philip, repeatedly linked to human trafficking, is being pursued in connection with the case. “We are deploying all available resources and intelligence tools to apprehend him,” he said.

Sharif Osman, a prominent figure in the July popular uprising, had been campaigning as an independent candidate in Dhaka-8 when he was shot on 12 December near Motijheel. He succumbed to his injuries six days later in a Singapore hospital. Faisal Karim, a former Chhatra League leader, has been identified as the primary suspect, but his current status remains unknown.

Table: Key Facts – Osman Hadi Murder Investigation