Bangladesh murder suspects fled to India, two arrests made for aiding escape

Bangladeshi authorities have disclosed that the prime suspects in the killing of a prominent political activist successfully fled across the border into India, with two individuals now arrested on the Indian side for allegedly aiding their escape. The update was provided by Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Additional Commissioner SN Nazrul Islam during a news conference in the capital on Sunday.

The Cross-Border Escape Route

According to the police account, the main shooter, identified as Faisal Karim Masud, and an accomplice, Alamgir Sheikh, are believed to have escaped to India following the December 12 attack on Sharif Osman Bin Hadi. The 32-year-old activist, a convener of the Inqilab Manch group and a vocal critic of what he termed Indian "imperialism," later died from his injuries in a Singapore hospital on December 18. Police detailed that after the shooting, the suspects traveled to the border city of Mymensingh, where two Bangladeshi nationals helped them cross illegally into India's northeastern state of Meghalaya.

Arrests and Ongoing Investigation in India

From Meghalaya, the suspects were reportedly handed over to Indian contacts. Indian police have since arrested two Indian nationals, named as Purti and Sami, for their alleged role in assisting the fugitives' movement after the border crossing. Nazrul Islam stated the murder was premeditated and that Dhaka police have already arrested 11 people in connection with the case within Bangladesh. He added that the investigation is nearing completion and a charge sheet is expected within seven to ten days.

Political Context and Public Outcry

The assassination has ignited significant public anger in Bangladesh. Thousands of supporters under the Inqilab Manch banner have been blocking the Shahbagh intersection in Dhaka, demanding the arrest of all those responsible and calling for justice. The protests have taken a political tone, with demonstrators criticizing India for allegedly harboring not only the suspects but also former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and members of her Awami League party, who fled during mass unrest earlier in the year. Hasina was convicted in absentia by a Bangladeshi tribunal for crimes against humanity related to the government's crackdown on protests.