Sharif Osman Hadi’s Body Returns to Bangladesh Amid Nationwide Unrest
Dhaka, Bangladesh: The body of Sharif Osman Hadi, a prominent student leader and spokesperson for Inquilab Mancha (Platform for Revolution), returned to Bangladesh on Friday, sparking nationwide protests and calls for justice. Hadi, 32, was shot in the head by masked assailants last week while launching his election campaign in Dhaka and later died in Singapore after six days on life support.
Flight Arrival and Funeral Plans
A Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight carrying Hadi’s remains landed at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 5:48 pm local time, after departing from Singapore, where he had been receiving advanced medical treatment.
The funeral prayers were scheduled for 2 pm outside the National Parliament building on Manik Mia Avenue. The US Embassy in Dhaka issued warnings about heavy traffic and potential violence, urging citizens and foreign nationals to exercise caution and avoid demonstrations.
Nationwide Protests and Demonstrations
Despite some calm returning to the country earlier in the day, protests continued in Dhaka and other cities, with demonstrators carrying national flags and placards, chanting slogans, and demanding accountability for Hadi’s killing.
- Around 100 protesters gathered in Chowhatta, demanding the resignation of Dhaka’s home affairs adviser if justice was not served.
- Protesters alleged the killing was carried out “at the behest of India” and blamed the Awami League and its student wing Chhatra League.
- Nearly 1,500 people gathered at the national mosque in Dhaka after Friday prayers for a rally called by the Khelafat Majlis, a religio-political party.
Videos circulating on social media showed mobs vandalizing the offices of The Daily Star and Prothom Alo in Dhaka. Firefighters, assisted by troops, rescued journalists trapped inside, and the fire was later brought under control.
Violence and Anti-India Sentiment
Unrest spread to several cities, including Chittagong, where protesters attacked the Indian Assistant High Commission. The demonstrations followed recent anti-India protests, as ties between Bangladesh and India have deteriorated since Sheikh Hasina fled to Delhi last year.
Authorities also condemned the lynching of a Hindu man in Mymensingh, emphasizing that such violence would not be tolerated in the new political landscape.
Government Response
Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, head of the interim government, condemned acts of arson and mob violence. In a public statement, he said:
“This is a critical moment in our nation’s history when we are making a historic democratic transition. We cannot and must not allow it to be derailed by those few who thrive on chaos and reject peace.”
Yunus stressed that upcoming elections were inseparable from Hadi’s vision and called for restraint, responsibility, and rejection of hatred. He also assured journalists that justice would be served for attacks on media outlets.
International Reaction
The UN human rights chief Volker Türk expressed alarm at Hadi’s killing and urged a swift, impartial, and transparent investigation. He called for calm, warning that retaliation would only deepen divisions and undermine the rights of all citizens. Türk emphasized the importance of safe participation in public life, freedom of expression, and security of journalists ahead of the February parliamentary elections.
Political Context
Bangladesh has been under the interim administration led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus since August 2024, following a student-led uprising that forced Sheikh Hasina to flee to India. With parliamentary elections scheduled for February 12, the government has faced protests over delayed reforms and warnings of unrest from the barred Awami League.
Authorities blamed the violence on a “few fringe elements”, while urging citizens to avoid mob actions and maintain peace during the sensitive political transition.
State of the Nation: Bangladesh remains tense as citizens mourn the death of Sharif Osman Hadi, protest against perceived injustices, and await a fair electoral process amid escalating political and communal tensions.
