Key suspect Faisal’s ‘associate’ Rubel to be grilled again in inquiry over Hadi murder

The fresh remand follows the expiry of the initial six-day remand period

A Dhaka court has granted police three more days to interrogate Faisal Rubel Ahmed, an "associate" of Faisal Karim Masud -- the prime suspect in the murder of Inqilab Moncho leader Sharif Osman bin Hadi.

Dhaka Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Jashita Islam passed the order on Wednesday, confirmed Sub-Inspector Rokonuzzaman.

Rubel, 33, was arrested on Jan 21 in Ati Noyabazar in South Keraniganj, in a joint operation by the Criminal Investigation Department and Detective Branch.

The next day following arrest, he was remanded for six days in connection with the murder.

CID Assistant Police Superintendent Abdul Qadir Bhuiyan had sought court permission to interrogate Rubel in custody for a week.

Hadi, convenor of the Inqilab Moncho and a prospective candidate, rose to prominence during the July Uprising and the movement to ban the Awami League.

On Dec 12, while campaigning in Bijoynagar, he was shot by attackers on a motorcycle.

Gravely wounded, Hadi was airlifted to Singapore for advanced treatment, where he died on Dec 18.

Inqilab Moncho’s member secretary filed the case over Hadi’s murder.

On Jan 6, police submitted the chargesheet in the murder case accusing 17 suspects, including former Chaatra League activist Faisal, who alongside four others are on the run.

Police said Hadi's murder was “politically motivated”.

The murder was meant to disrupt the parliamentary polls and create fear among voters ahead of the polls, according to police.

Inqilab Moncho is not happy with the investigation carried out by the detectives.