Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on Monday said the whereabouts of the killers of Osman Hadi remain unknown, adding that law enforcers would have arrested them had their location been known.

Speaking to reporters at the Secretariat, he said authorities are yet to confirm whether the suspects are inside the country or have fled abroad.

The adviser said significant progress has been made in the investigation into the Hadi murder case and that law enforcement agencies are making all-out efforts to arrest the prime accused, Faisal.

He said Faisal’s parents, wife, brother-in-law and the motorcycle rider involved in the incident have already been arrested. Members of a broker gang linked to the crime were also detained from the border areas, he added.

Referring to the ongoing “Devil Hunt Phase Two”, Jahangir Alam Chowdhury said a total of 6,998 people have been arrested so far. He added that fresh instructions have been issued to intensify arrests of terrorists and miscreants under the drive.

The home adviser also said gunmen have been deployed for the security of the editors of The Daily Star and Prothom Alo, while security at their residences has been strengthened.

He said security measures, including gunmen, have been provided to many individuals facing threats, noting that around 20 people have so far been given gunmen. Adequate security will also be ensured for BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman if he returns to the country, he added.

Responding to questions about rumours of his resignation, Jahangir Alam Chowdhury said, “Had I resigned, I would not have been sitting here.”