Bangladesh Seeks Extradition of Two Murder Suspects Arrested in India

Two Bangladeshi nationals have been arrested in India in connection with the killing of activist Sharif Osman Hadi, whose death sparked nationwide protests. Bangladesh police are now working through diplomatic channels to bring the suspects back for prosecution.

DHAKA, Bangladesh — Two men wanted in connection with the murder of a Bangladeshi activist have been captured in India, with diplomatic negotiations now underway to bring them back to face charges.

Indian authorities apprehended the two Bangladeshi citizens, identified as Faisal Karim Masud and Alamgir Hossain, during a police operation in Bongaon, located in West Bengal state’s North 24 Parganas district on Sunday.

A judge in India has ordered the pair to remain in custody for interrogation, according to reports from PTI news agency.

Bangladesh’s top police official, Inspector General Mohammed Ali Hossain Fakir, announced Monday that the country’s Foreign Affairs Ministry is pursuing the suspects’ return using the existing extradition agreement between Bangladesh and India.

The case centers on the December 12 shooting death of Sharif Osman Hadi in Bangladesh’s capital city of Dhaka. Following the attack, Hadi was transported to Singapore for advanced medical care but succumbed to his injuries on December 18.

Hadi had played a significant role in the 2024 political movement that toppled former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government after 15 years in power. He served as both a student organizer and spokesman for Inquilab Mancha, a youth organization focused on cultural transformation.

The activist’s death triggered widespread demonstrations throughout Bangladesh. Angry crowds gathered in Dhaka and targeted the headquarters of two major national newspapers during the unrest.

Those supporting Hadi have pointed fingers at both India and the former prime minister for his death. The activist had been an outspoken critic of both India and Hasina, who sought refuge in India following the August 2024 uprising that forced her from office. However, some liberal voices in Bangladesh had criticized Hadi for what they viewed as extremist rhetoric that resonated with young people and Islamic groups.

Bangladesh law enforcement had previously confirmed they had identified the shooting suspects but believed the men had escaped across the border. Indian officials reported that the arrested individuals had been hiding near the Bongaon border crossing while planning their return to Bangladesh.