In a dramatic twist to the high-profile murder case of Bangladeshi student leader Osman Hadi, the prime suspect has publicly declared his innocence. Faisal Karim Masud, identified by police as the main accused, has released a viral video message vehemently rejecting all allegations against him.
Viral Video Claims and Counter-Narrative
In the video, which has spread rapidly across social media platforms, Masud categorically denies any involvement in the fatal attack on Osman Hadi. He stated unequivocally that the case against him is false and built on a fabricated conspiracy. Masud pointed the finger of blame towards a radical political group, alleging they were the true perpetrators of the crime.
Offering a counter-narrative to the police's claims, Masud asserted he was not in the country at the time of the killing. He claimed to have been in Dubai when Hadi was shot, directly contradicting assertions from Bangladesh police that he was present in India during the incident. Mint has not been able to independently verify the authenticity or the timing of the video message.
The Fatal Attack and Masud's Alibi
The incident that sparked this controversy occurred earlier in December in Dhaka. Osman Hadi, who was launching his election campaign as an independent candidate, was shot in the head by masked attackers. According to a Reuters report, police authorities have stated they have identified the killers but have not yet made any arrests.
In his defense, Masud acknowledged a prior connection to the victim. He admitted to visiting Hadi's office before the shooting but maintained that his association with the Inqilab Moncho spokesperson was strictly professional. Masud explained that the false accusations forced him to leave Bangladesh and travel to Dubai, a move he described as difficult despite holding a valid five-year multiple-entry visa for the Emirates.
Unanswered Questions and Ongoing Investigation
The conflicting accounts from the suspect and the police have created a complex layer to the investigation. The key points of contention are:
- Masud's location at the time of the murder (Dubai vs. India).
- The alleged involvement of a radical political group, as claimed by Masud.
- The nature of Masud's relationship with the slain student leader.
With the suspect publicly refuting charges from a foreign location and the police yet to make arrests, the case remains in a critical phase. The viral video has added a new dimension of public scrutiny, putting pressure on investigators to provide concrete evidence. This is a developing story, and further updates are expected as the investigation progresses.