From Dhaka Shooting to India Arrest: Timeline of the Osman Hadi Murder Case

The killing of Sharif Osman Bin Hadi, a political activist and convener of the Inqilab Moncho, shocked Bangladesh and triggered nationwide debate over political violence and law enforcement. The case began with a broad-daylight shooting in central Dhaka and quickly evolved into a high-profile investigation involving multiple arrests and cross-border developments.

From the moment Hadi was shot in Puran Paltan on 12 December 2025 to the eventual pursuit of suspects who fled abroad, the case has unfolded through several key stages. This timeline traces the major events that shaped the investigation and its aftermath.

Background: Who Was Osman Hadi?

Osman Hadi was a political activist, writer, and spokesperson for the Inqilab Moncho. Born in 1993 in Jhalakathi, he became known for his activism and involvement in youth-driven political movements in Bangladesh.

In the months before his death, Hadi had been engaged in political outreach and was considered a potential candidate for the Dhaka-8 parliamentary constituency. His public activities and political views had made him a prominent figure among activists and supporters.

However, his rising profile also brought controversy and threats, setting the stage for the tragic events that followed.

Timeline of the Osman Hadi Murder Case

12 December 2025: Shooting in Puran Paltan

The incident occurred on 12 December 2025, shortly after Friday prayers. Osman Hadi was travelling in a battery-powered rickshaw along Culvert Road in the Puran Paltan area of Dhaka when attackers approached on a motorcycle.

According to investigators, the gunman riding on the back of the motorcycle opened fire at close range, striking Hadi in the head. The attackers immediately fled the scene on the same motorcycle.

Hadi was rushed to Dhaka Medical College Hospital, where doctors confirmed he had sustained a critical gunshot injury. He was later transferred to Evercare Hospital for specialised treatment.

The brazen daytime attack sparked immediate concern about law and order in the capital.

13–15 December: Case Filed and Investigation Begins

Within days of the attack, a case was filed with Paltan Police Station accusing several individuals of involvement in the attempted murder.

Police identified Faisal Karim Masud, a former student leader, as the prime suspect. Investigators alleged that Masud fired the shots while riding on the back of the motorcycle driven by his associate Alamgir Sheikh.

Authorities also began analysing CCTV footage and tracking the motorcycle used in the attack. Law-enforcement agencies including the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), the Detective Branch, and Dhaka Metropolitan Police launched a joint investigation.

At the same time, several suspects and associates connected to the attackers were detained or questioned during the early stages of the probe.

15 December: Hadi Airlifted to Singapore

As Hadi’s condition deteriorated, doctors recommended advanced treatment abroad. On 15 December, he was airlifted to Singapore General Hospital for specialised medical care.

The move reflected the severity of his injuries, which included extensive brain damage caused by the gunshot wound. Despite intensive treatment, his condition remained critical.

Meanwhile, the investigation in Bangladesh continued, with authorities attempting to identify those who had planned and executed the attack.

16–18 December: Arrests and Border Escape

During this period, law-enforcement agencies arrested several individuals suspected of assisting the attackers. Associates and relatives linked to the prime suspect were detained, and firearms believed to be connected to the crime were seized.

Investigators also discovered that the main suspects had fled Dhaka shortly after the shooting. According to police findings, the attackers travelled to different locations and eventually crossed the border into India with the help of accomplices.

Two individuals accused of assisting the suspects in escaping across the border were later arrested and placed on remand for questioning.

These developments shifted the investigation into an international dimension, as authorities sought cooperation to track the fugitives.

18 December 2025: Osman Hadi Dies in Singapore

On 18 December 2025, six days after the shooting, Osman Hadi succumbed to his injuries at Singapore General Hospital.

His death intensified public anger and grief among supporters and activists. Demonstrations and protests erupted in several parts of Bangladesh, demanding justice and the arrest of those responsible.

Large crowds attended his funeral which held at the South Plaza of the National Parliament. He was buried at the Mausoleum of Kazi Nazrul Islam, near Dhaka University Central Mosque, reflecting the impact of his death on the political and social landscape.

Aftermath: National Protests and Unrest

The announcement of Hadi’s death triggered widespread unrest across the country. Demonstrators held protests and demanded swift action against the perpetrators.

In some cases, protests turned violent, with attacks on media offices and cultural institutions reported in Dhaka. Authorities deployed additional security forces to restore order and prevent further escalation.

The unrest highlighted the deep political tensions surrounding the case and the urgency of bringing those responsible to justice.

Investigation Expands Beyond Bangladesh

As the investigation progressed, authorities continued tracking the movements of the suspects believed to have fled abroad.

Investigators alleged that political associates and facilitators helped the attackers escape Bangladesh soon after the shooting.

This led to increased focus on cross-border law enforcement cooperation, as officials sought to identify and apprehend the fugitives.

Multiple arrests inside Bangladesh provided further leads about the planning and execution of the attack, indicating that the incident may have involved a broader network.

It was also known that the shot and killing was under the direction and planning of Taizul Islam Chowdhury (Bappi), the organisational secretary of Dhaka Metropolitan North Jubo League and former ward councilor of the Mirpur area.

Accused Arrested in India on March 8

The investigation into the killing of Osman Hadi took a major turn when law enforcement authorities tracked down the prime suspects outside Bangladesh. Faisal Karim Masud, the main accused in the case, along with his associate Alamgir Hossain, was arrested in Bongaon in West Bengal, India, near the Bangladesh border, according to the Special Task Force (STF) of the Indian police.

The arrests were carried out by Indian police following intelligence inputs about the suspects’ location. Authorities believe the two men crossed the border shortly after the shooting in Dhaka and had been hiding in India while trying to evade law enforcement agencies.

A Case That Shook Bangladesh

From a daylight shooting in Dhaka to an international manhunt for suspects, the Osman Hadi murder case has evolved into one of the most closely watched investigations in recent years.

The timeline from the 12 December shooting, to medical treatment in Singapore, to his death on 18 December, and the arrest of the suspects illustrates the complex chain of events surrounding the case.

It is yet to be seen if the Indian government would handover the accused to Bangladesh.