Who Is Behind the Killing of Student Activists Sharif Osman Hadi & Muhammad Md Motaleb Sikder?
As Bangladesh is witnessing severe unrest these days, concerns are rising over the killings of young student leaders in the country.
The protests have turned violent, raising serious concerns over the Yunus-led interim government.
Earlier, Sharif Osman Hadi, a prominent leader of Bangladesh’s 2024 student-led uprising, died from gunshot injuries sustained during an assassination attempt in the capital, Dhaka, on December 12.
He was a spokesperson for Inquilab Mancha, or the “Platform for Revolution,” and was a strong critic of India.
Two assailants, riding a motorcycle, fired at him, hitting him in the head. He was rushed to Dhaka Medical College Hospital.
Later, he was transferred from Dhaka to Singapore General Hospital’s neurosurgical Intensive Care Unit (ICU) on December 15 for advanced treatment after brain stem damage was detected.
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Although Bangladeshi authorities say an investigation is underway into the killing of the student leader, his death is being described as an irreparable loss to the nation.
The counterterrorism unit, the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), is also investigating the matter, and police have announced a reward of five million taka for anyone who provides information.
As nationwide protests shook Bangladesh following Hadi’s death, another student leader, Muhammad Md Motaleb Sikder, a leader of Jatiya Sramik Shakti, the labour wing affiliated with the National Citizen Party (NCP), was killed in broad daylight in Khulna city.
Sikder had spearheaded the July uprising that led to the ouster of Sheikh Hasina.
The attack appears reminiscent of Hadi’s killing and has led to renewed demands for the resignation of the Home Adviser.
Finding and the Indian & Pakistani Angle
Some users on social media have started discussing the possible involvement of Indian and Pakistani intelligence agencies behind the killings of the young leaders.
As former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled to India after the uprising and violent protests, some Bangladeshi social media users have hinted at the involvement of India’s intelligence agency, RAW, in the killings of top leaders of the National Citizen Party (NCP).
However, Bangladesh is a close neighbour and partner of India. India is making efforts to improve ties even after the uprising. The two countries share Bengali culture, and India cannot afford losses in investment or damage to stability in Bangladesh, especially if it affects the Indian diaspora.
Turning to Pakistan, some believe the involvement of Pakistan’s intelligence agency, ISI, is more likely and that it could be behind the killings of leaders of the National Citizen Party (NCP).
Following the change in government after the ouster of Sheikh Hasina, Pakistan may be seeking to create a two-front challenge for India. This could require strong control, potentially achievable only if the Bangladeshi military takes charge.
In other words, it appears that the Bangladeshi military may move to control politics, with the political setup acting as a puppet. Recent visits by Pakistani leadership to Bangladesh to improve ties, along with the current situation, are being seen by some as a reflection of Pakistani military influence through the Bangladeshi military to control politics in the country.