Osman Hadi MurderFrom “Jhut Bappi” to “Councilor Bappi”

From “Jhut Bappi” to “Councilor Bappi”—this is the rise of Taijul Islam Chowdhury Bappi. The investigation agency of the case, the Detective Branch (DB) of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police, has identified Taijul Islam Chowdhury Bappi—Organizing Secretary of Dhaka North Jubo League and former councilor of Mirpur Ward No. 6—as the mastermind and directive authority behind the murder of Sharif Osman Hadi, convener of Inqilab Mancha. Bappi has been named as the third accused in the FIR of the sensational Hadi murder case.

Once out of public discussion for a long time, Bappi’s rise, influence, and extensive criminal network have once again come to light through the investigation into the Hadi murder.

According to the DB, a charge sheet has been prepared against a total of 17 accused, including Bappi. Several suspects, including the shooter Faisal Karim Masud and his associate, remain absconding. The investigation has revealed that political vengeance was the primary motive behind the killing.

DB Chief Additional Police Commissioner Md. Shafiqul Islam stated that Sharif Osman Hadi had repeatedly criticized the past activities of the now-banned Awami League and Chhatra League—both publicly and on social media. These statements angered Awami political activists, leading to a premeditated plan to murder him.

Investigators found that the shooter, Faisal Karim Masud, was affiliated with the banned Chhatra League. He was assisted in escaping by motorcycle rider Alamgir Sheikh, and both were helped to flee the country by Bappi himself.

The DB investigation established Bappi’s direct involvement based on political affiliations, confessional statements, CCTV footage, forensic reports on firearms and bullets, and analysis of mobile phones and electronic devices.

Of the 17 accused, 12 have been arrested. The five absconding suspects are Faisal Karim Masud, Alamgir Sheikh, directive authority Taijul Islam Chowdhury Bappi, human trafficker Philip Snal and Faisal’s sister Jasmine. Authorities believe all five have fled abroad.

On 12 December 2025, Faisal Karim Masud shot Osman Hadi in broad daylight while he was riding a rickshaw in the Paltan area of Dhaka. Hadi was first admitted in critical condition to Evercare Hospital and later transferred to Singapore for advanced treatment, where he died on 18 December. Following news of his death, unruly individuals vandalized and set fire to the offices of Prothom Alo and The Daily Star, creating widespread chaos.

“Jhut Bappi” to Councilor Bappi

Rupnagar's permanent resident Jamshed Ali stated that during the army-backed caretaker government period on 11 January 2007, journalist and politician Ferdous Ahmed Qureshi formed the Progressive Democratic Party (PDP). Bappi’s father, Nazrul Islam Chowdhury, popularly known as “Jhut Montu,” joined the party. Before joining PDP, Montu was active in Awami League politics.

Toward the end of the caretaker government, he rejoined the Awami League. On 26 May 2009, Montu was shot dead by rival gangster groups near Nannu Market in Mirpur-11. After his father’s death, Bappi took over his path.

Investigations shows that Bappi initially worked as a lineman at CNG and tempo stands in Purabi, Rupnagar, and Shialbari areas before becoming involved in extortion. He entered politics under former councilor Haji Razzab Ali, later becoming close to former Pallabi MP Ilias Uddin Mollah.

Capitalizing on rivalries among local Awami League leaders, Bappi established dominance in the Pallabi area. In July 2012, he became General Secretary of the Ward Jubo League, and in February 2014, President of Pallabi Thana Jubo League.

Neighbors revealed that after Montu’s death, Bappi—at just 26—assumed responsibility for a large family. Montu had 17 marriages and 22 children. Bappi arranged jobs for many siblings and provided monthly allowances to 17 wives.

Within a short time, Bappi took control of garment waste (jhut) businesses across more than 50 factories in Mirpur and Pallabi, including Harun Knit, Snowtex, Epyllion, Evince, Azmat, Max-2000, Alana Apparels, Deco International, and Ima Cloth. For nearly 15 years, he maintained monopoly control over this trade, allegedly under the protection of SM Mannan Kochi.

Business owners reported being forced to supply garment waste at nominal prices, facing violence for filing complaints, and paying large sums as extortion. According to them, Bappi-controlled operations generated monthly revenues of BDT 200–300 million, much of which had to be distributed among various parties.

Once known as “Jhut Bappi,” his dominance over garment waste paved the way for political power. In the 2020 City Corporation election, he defeated Awami League-backed candidate Salahuddin Robin to become councilor of Ward No. 6. Robin later challenged the result in court, alleging vote rigging.

Following this victory, Bappi allegedly became increasingly reckless, facing accusations of extortion in transport, internet, dish connections, auto-rickshaws, land grabbing, footpaths and temporary markets.

After the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government during the July 2024 movement, Bappi disappeared from public view but allegedly continued controlling operations from hiding.

Warnings from Crime Analysts

Crime analysts warn that banned Awami League and its affiliated organizations may attempt further assassinations ahead of upcoming elections.

They stress the need for heightened vigilance by authorities, warning that failure to act could result in repeated targeted killings and widespread instability.