Osman Hadi’s Group Issues Ultimatum to Bangladesh Government, Demands Cancellation of Indian Work Permits

Anti-Indian sentiment in Bangladesh has intensified following the killing of Sharif Osman Hadi, a student activist known for his strong anti-India stance. In the wake of his death, his organization, Inqilab Moncho, has issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the Bangladeshi government, outlining four key demands—one of which calls for the immediate cancellation of work permits granted to Indian citizens.

The extremist group has also insisted that authorities complete the trial of everyone involved in the murder of its leader within a strict timeframe. The ultimatum was announced on Sunday night by Abdullah Al Jaber, member secretary of Inqilab Moncho’s Shahbagh unit in Dhaka.

In a statement posted on Facebook, the group declared, “The trial of the entire killing squad—including the shooter, mastermind, accomplices, those who facilitated their escape, and those who provided shelter—must be completed within the next 24 days.”

The statement, titled “Inqilab Moncho’s Four Demands”, further intensified political pressure on the government amid ongoing protests across the country.

The demands coincide with claims by the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) that two prime suspects in Osman Hadi’s murder allegedly fled to India through the Haluaghat border area in Mymensingh’s Meghalayan region.

Meanwhile, Inqilab Moncho continues to organize nationwide demonstrations, road blockades, and protests, vowing not to retreat until justice is delivered for their slain leader.

Did the Killers Flee to India?

Bangladesh Police claims that the alleged killers of Sharif Osman Hadi escaped into India via the Meghalaya border were firmly denied by India’s Border Security Force (BSF). Officials in Meghalaya stated on Sunday that there was no evidence to support claims of cross-border movement.

“These allegations are baseless and misleading,” said OP Upadhyay, Inspector General of the BSF in Meghalaya.

The clarification came after a senior officer of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police claimed that two key suspects entered the Garo Hills region of Meghalaya “with the help of local associates.”

Tensions between India and Bangladesh have further escalated following reports of lynchings of two Hindu men during protest-related unrest in Bangladesh.

India expressed serious concern over the killings and called for strict action against those responsible. On Friday, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that New Delhi was deeply disturbed by the incidents.

“It is deeply concerning that minorities in Bangladesh continue to face hostility. We condemn the brutal murder of a young Hindu man and expect the perpetrators to be brought to justice,” Jaiswal said.

However, Bangladesh’s foreign ministry pushed back against India’s remarks, downplaying concerns about targeted attacks on minorities.

“We note systematic attempts to portray isolated criminal incidents as systemic persecution of Hindus, which are then maliciously used to spread anti-Bangladesh sentiment in parts of India,” the ministry said in a statement. It added that selective amplification and misrepresentation of events were being used to incite public opinion against Bangladesh and its institutions.

Sharif Osman Hadi, a vocal anti-India and anti-Hasina activist, died on December 18—nearly a week after being shot in the head in Dhaka. His death triggered violent unrest, with supporters vandalizing multiple properties, including media offices, and taking to the streets to demand justice.

The unfolding developments highlight rising political tensions within Bangladesh and growing strain in India–Bangladesh relations amid allegations, counterclaims, and escalating street protests.