Bangladesh measles outbreak: Death toll crosses 600 as 7 children die in 24 hours
After the latest fatalities, the cumulative number of suspected and confirmed measles-related deaths in the South Asian country has reached 601 since March 15.
Days after the murder of Islamist student leader Sharif Osman Hadi, the Bangladesh Police on Tuesday said that it was driven by political hostility and planned outside the country.
Investigators claim the conspiracy was hatched in Singapore and carried out in Dhaka by people linked to banned political groups. The case, police say, is one of political revenge.
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The Dhaka Metropolitan Police’s Detective Branch has now filed a chargesheet against 17 people in a Dhaka metropolitan court. Twelve have been arrested. Five are still on the run.
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Police say murder stemmed from political rivalry
According to investigators, the killing was ordered by former Mirpur councillor Taizul Islam Chowdhury, also known as Bappi. Police say long-running political animosity was the motive.
Md Shafiqul Islam, Additional Commissioner of the Detective Branch, said Hadi’s activism had brought him into direct conflict with leaders of the now-banned Awami League and its student wing.
“Through public rallies and social media, Hadi had strongly criticised the past activities of the now-banned Awami League and Chhatra League. Hadi’s outspoken remarks angered leaders and activists of Chhatra League and its affiliated groups,” Islam said, as quoted by tbsnews.net.
The Bangladesh Chhatra League is the student organisation of the Awami League, led by former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, who was later removed from office.
Speaking after submitting the chargesheet, Islam added: “Considering the political identities of the accused and the victim’s previous political statements, the investigation has revealed that Hadi was shot dead due to political vengeance.”
Police also said some of the accused fled Bangladesh after the killing, allegedly crossing into India through the Meghalaya border.
Investigators link planning meeting to Singapore
Police claim a key meeting to plan the killing took place in Singapore.
Those present, investigators say, included former councillor Taizul Islam Chowdhury, former MP Elias Mollah, and the alleged shooter, Faisal Karim Masud. Masud is a former Chhatra League leader.
Another suspect, Alamgir Sheikh, is linked to the Youth League. A third individual, identified only as Philip, was also involved in the shooting. All three are currently absconding.
According to The Dhaka Tribune, Masud is named as the prime accused in the case.
Who was Sharif Osman Hadi
Hadi (32) served as a spokesperson for Inqilab Moncho and rose to national prominence during the July–August 2024 mass protests that eventually led to the fall of the Hasina-led government.
He was also a parliamentary candidate in the February 12 elections.
Hadi was known for promoting Islamist views and anti-India narratives in Bangladesh.
On December 12, he was shot in the head when attackers fired from a moving motorcycle at the rickshaw he was travelling in on Paltan Road in Dhaka.
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