Faisal Karim Masud, named by Bangladeshi authorities as the prime suspect in the killing of anti-India radical leader Sharif Osman Hadi, has released a second video within 24 hours denying any involvement in the murder. Claiming he is currently in Dubai, Masud said the allegations against him are false and politically motivated. He rejected police claims that he fled to India after the killing and insisted he had no role in Hadi’s death. The video was shared by Bangladeshi journalist Salah Uddin Shoaib Choudhury and comes amid intense scrutiny of Masud’s links to the slain leader.
In the video, Masud described himself as a software engineer and businessman whose ventures suffered losses after the student-led uprising that toppled Sheikh Hasina’s government in August 2024. He said he had approached Hadi for help in securing government-linked IT work under the Muhammad Yunus-led interim administration. According to Masud, Hadi demanded five lakh taka for lobbying on his behalf, which he paid. He claimed the money was strictly for securing contracts and had no connection to any criminal activity.
Masud further alleged that his association with Hadi later expanded to logistical assistance for political programmes. He said Hadi had asked him to arrange volunteers and funding for events connected to the interim government, including a programme scheduled for December 16. Masud maintained that all interactions were professional and routine, and that there was no dispute between them that could have led to violence. He reiterated that he had no motive to harm Hadi and that the allegations were fabricated.
This was the second time Masud released a video denying the charges. In an earlier message, he claimed he had gone to Dubai for his own safety and accused members of Jamaat-Shibir of being behind Hadi’s killing. He also alleged that he was being framed due to his previous political associations and business dealings. Masud said he had known Hadi in a professional capacity and had made political donations in exchange for assurances of government contracts.
Masud also spoke about his business background, including his association with YCU Technology, which developed the video game “Battle of 71” based on Bangladesh’s Liberation War and Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. He previously held a position in the Chhatra League, the student wing of the Awami League, both of which have since been banned by the Yunus-led interim government.
Sharif Osman Hadi was a prominent anti-India radical leader and spokesperson of the student group Inqilab Mancha. He played a visible role in the July 2024 uprising and had announced plans to contest the February 12 general election from Dhaka’s Bijoynagar constituency. He was shot by masked assailants outside a mosque in Dhaka and later died in a Singapore hospital on December 18. His killing triggered widespread unrest, including attacks on the Indian High Commission and media offices in Bangladesh.
Masud’s latest video has added a new dimension to the investigation, raising questions about political funding, lobbying, and the role of various actors within the Yunus administration. Authorities have yet to respond publicly to his claims, while the case continues to draw intense attention due to its political and diplomatic implications.
