Bangladesh police have formally filed a chargesheet against 17 people in connection with the murder of student leader Sharif Osman Hadi, stating that he was killed as part of a “political vengeance” orchestrated by leaders and activists linked to the Awami League and its student wing, the Chhatra League.

Hadi, 32, a spokesperson of Inqilab Moncho and a parliamentary candidate for the upcoming February elections, was shot in the head on December 12 during an election campaign in Dhaka. He was airlifted to Singapore for treatment but succumbed to his injuries on December 18, police said.

The chargesheet identifies prime suspect Faisal Karim Masud, directly linked to the Chhatra League, along with Taizul Islam Chowdhury Bappi, who allegedly helped Masud and another suspect, Alamgir Sheikh, flee after the killing. Bappi is the president of Pallabi Thana Chhatra League and an Awami League-nominated ward councillor.

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Police said that 12 of the 17 accused have been arrested so far, while five remain at large. Additional Commissioner Md Shafiqul Islam emphasized that Hadi’s outspoken criticism of the Chhatra League and Awami League on public platforms had angered the accused, triggering the politically motivated killing.

The case has sparked public outrage in Dhaka. Following Hadi’s death, mobs set fire to offices of leading newspapers Prothom Alo and The Daily Star, along with progressive cultural organisations Chhayanat and Udichi Shilpi Goshthi. A Hindu factory worker was also lynched by a mob in Mymensingh.

Home Affairs Adviser Jahangir Alam Chowdhury said the final chargesheet, submitted earlier than scheduled amid protests demanding justice, confirmed the allegations after thorough investigation. Authorities continue efforts to apprehend the remaining suspects and prevent further unrest.

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