Complainant Objects to Charge Sheet in Hadi Murder Case, Says ‘Masterminds Shielded’

The complainant in the murder case of Inquilab Mancha convener Sharif Osman bin Hadi has raised objections to the charge sheet, alleging that the real masterminds behind the killing have been deliberately shielded.

On Thursday, lawyers representing the complainant, Abdullah Al Jaber, submitted a petition of objection during a hearing before the court of Dhaka Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Jashita Islam.

During the hearing, the complainant’s lawyers argued that it would not be possible for a ward-level political figure alone to plan such a murder. They claimed that both local and foreign networks were involved and alleged that the charge sheet concealed the identities of the main planners.

They told the court that Hadi was assassinated in broad daylight, yet the shooters and key planners have still not been arrested. The investigation officer, they alleged, submitted a superficial report. The complainant’s side requested that the case be handed over to another agency for further investigation.

After hearing the arguments, the court said it would pass an order at a later date.

Earlier, on January 6, the investigation officer submitted a charge sheet against 17 accused, including the prime suspect Faisal Karim Masud, also known as Daud. Of the 17 accused, 11 are currently in custody.

Those in jail include Faisal Karim Masud’s parents, wife, girlfriend, brother-in-law, a rent-a-car businessman, several close associates, and another accused arrested with firearms in Narsingdi.

Six accused, including the prime suspect Faisal Karim Masud, remain absconding. The other fugitives include several alleged associates, a former ward councillor, and additional individuals named in the charge sheet. The investigation officer has sought arrest warrants against the absconding accused.

According to the case records, Sharif Osman bin Hadi was shot on December 12 after completing Friday prayers and election campaigning in Motijheel. At around 2:20 pm, as the auto-rickshaw carrying him reached the Box Culvert area under Paltan Model Police Station, assailants on a motorcycle opened fire with intent to kill and fled the scene.

Hadi was initially taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital in critical condition and later transferred to a private hospital. He was subsequently flown to Singapore for advanced treatment on December 15, where he died on December 18 while undergoing treatment.