Usman Hadi, known for his strong criticism of India and his role in last year’s mass uprising, was shot by masked attackers in Dhaka earlier this month. He later died from his injuries at a hospital in Singapore.
His killing triggered violent protests across the country. Angry crowds burned several buildings, including two major newspapers seen as pro-India and a well-known cultural institution.
Protests have continued almost daily, increasing pressure on Bangladesh’s interim government to arrest those responsible. Hadi was also preparing to contest the general elections scheduled for February next year.
“The killing was premeditated. Those behind it have been identified,” said Nazrul Islam, a senior Dhaka Metropolitan Police officer, during a news conference.
He said the suspects crossed into India through the Haluaghat border shortly after the attack on December 12. “They were received at the border by two Indian citizens, who escorted them into the northeastern state of Meghalaya before handing them over to two accomplices.”
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Islam said Bangladeshi investigators are in contact with Indian authorities and that two suspected accomplices have been arrested. “We are communicating with Meghalaya police, who have confirmed the arrest of two Indian nationals.”
However, two senior Meghalaya police officers did not respond to requests for comment. Earlier, India’s foreign ministry rejected what it called “false narratives” about New Delhi’s involvement in the killing.
Relations between the two countries have worsened since former prime minister Sheikh Hasina fled during the pro-democracy uprising and took refuge in India. India says it is still reviewing Dhaka’s request to extradite Hasina, who was sentenced to death in absentia.
Tensions have also increased after the lynching of a Hindu garment worker on December 18. Amid growing security concerns, Khuda Baksh Chowdhury, a senior aide overseeing the home department, resigned earlier this week.
The case is turning political and sensitive. Claims of cross-border escape can raise tensions. Clear investigation and cooperation are now crucial.
