‘Cancel work permits for Indians: Osman Hadi’s student group gives ultimatum to Yunus govt
This has intensified anti-India sentiment and fueled widespread demonstrations, demanding accountability and justice for Hadi's death amidst growing turmoil.
The fragile diplomatic ties between Bangladesh and India are facing a new firestorm. Following revelations that the alleged assassins of activist Osman Hadi have escaped into Indian territory, the student-led platform Inqilab Moncho has issued a high-stakes ultimatum to the Yunus-led interim government demanding suspension of work permits of all Indian nationals in Bangladesh or face a nationwide protest. The student organisation threatened that they will intensify the protest if the attackers are not returned to Bangladesh within 24 hours.
The tension reached a boiling point after a briefing by Senior Dhaka Metropolitan Police officer SN Nazrul Islam. According to police intelligence, the primary suspects, Faisal Karim Masud and Alamgir Sheikh, successfully crossed the Haluaghat border into India shortly after the December 12 attack.
The escape appears to have been a coordinated cross-border operation. Police report that the suspects were met at the border by two Indian citizens who escorted them into the state of Meghalaya, where they were handed over to local accomplices.
The Four-Point Ultimatum
In response to the suspects' flight, Inqilab Moncho has laid out a 24-day deadline for the completion of trial proceedings. However, their immediate demands are much more aggressive:
Work permit revocation: If India does not return the fugitives or provide an official statement on their whereabouts within 24 hours, the group demands the immediate cancellation of all work permits for Indian citizens currently employed in Bangladesh.
International legal action: The group is calling for a formal case to be filed against India at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) if the suspects are not repatriated.
Military purge: Identification and prosecution of any "moles" within Civil Military Intelligence who may have facilitated the killing or the escape.
Trial deadline: A total 24-day window to finalize the legal proceedings against those responsible for Hadi's death.
A nation in turmoil
Osman Hadi, a prominent figure in last year’s mass uprising and a fierce critic of Indian influence, died in Singapore after being shot by masked gunmen on December 13. His death has catalyzed a wave of unrest in the country.
Protestors have occupied the iconic Shahbagh intersection daily from 2 PM, with organizers creating dedicated spaces for women and children. Beyond peaceful sit-ins, the country has seen protesters torching buildings and targeting media outlets and cultural institutions perceived as having pro-India leanings. Similar blockades and demonstrations have paralyzed divisional cities like Sylhet.