Law enforcement agencies in Bangladesh are investigating large and unusual financial transactions linked to Faisal Karim Masud, the prime suspect in the shooting of independent candidate and Inquilab Monch spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi. Faisal, a former leader of the now-banned Chhatra League, reportedly maintained close ties with exiled political figures and was seen with Hadi days before the attack. Authorities have announced a reward of 5 million taka for information leading to his arrest.

Investigators found that Faisal’s bank accounts received significant deposits from both domestic and foreign sources shortly after the July political upheaval. Intelligence officials are examining whether these funds were transferred through legal channels and if they were connected to any political patronage. Faisal, who owns an IT firm and holds membership in the Bangladesh Association of Software and Information Services (BASIS), is also under scrutiny for his rapid political rise and alleged links to banned political networks.

The case has raised concerns about political violence ahead of the 13th parliamentary elections and renewed debate over the integrity of the justice system following Faisal’s earlier bail in an arms case.