A significant development has emerged in the murder case of Inqilab Mancha spokesperson Shahid Sharif Osman Hadi, as Rubel Ahmed, a close associate of the prime accused shooter Faisal Karim Masud, also known as Rahul or Daud, has confessed to his involvement before the court. Following two phases of police remand totaling nine days, Rubel Ahmed was produced before the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Court in Dhaka on Saturday, where he voluntarily admitted his role in the incident and agreed to provide a confessional statement. Acting on the application submitted by the investigating officer, Metropolitan Magistrate Md. Ismail recorded Rubel’s confession and subsequently ordered that he be sent to jail. Earlier, on January 22, the Dhaka Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate had granted a six-day remand for interrogation, followed by an additional three-day remand approved on January 28, during which investigators reportedly obtained crucial information related to the crime. According to case records, on December 12, 2025, at approximately 2:20 pm, while returning home after Friday prayers, Osman Hadi was shot by assailants on Box Culvert Road under Paltan Police Station. The attackers fled the scene immediately after the shooting, leaving Hadi critically injured. He was initially treated at a local hospital and later transferred abroad for advanced medical care, but despite prolonged treatment, he succumbed to his injuries on December 18. A case was filed on December 14 by one of his colleagues, initially under charges of attempted murder and conspiracy, which were later amended to include murder after his death was confirmed. As part of the investigation, a charge sheet accusing 17 individuals was submitted on January 6; however, the complainant expressed dissatisfaction with the investigation and filed a petition challenging its findings. The court accepted the petition and ordered a further investigation by the Criminal Investigation Department. The CID is currently handling the case, focusing on identifying the full scope of the conspiracy, the planning process, and those who financed or facilitated the killing. Of the 17 accused named in the charge sheet, 11 are currently in custody, while six remain at large, prompting continued efforts by law enforcement agencies to apprehend the fugitives. Legal observers view Rubel Ahmed’s confession as a critical breakthrough in the case, as it is expected to shed light on the chain of command behind the killing, clarify the roles of various individuals involved, and strengthen the prosecution’s case as the investigation progresses toward trial.