The body of prominent Bangladeshi activist Sharif Osman Hadi will be laid to rest beside the grave of the country's national poet, Kazi Nazrul Islam. This decision was announced on Friday following a request from Hadi's family, as confirmed by Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (Ducsu) leader Fatima Tasnim Zuma.
Final Journey and Funeral Arrangements
Fatima Tasnim Zuma informed the media about the funeral plans for the Inqilab Mancha spokesperson. A janaza (funeral prayer) will be held on Saturday after Zuhr prayers at Manik Mia Avenue in Dhaka. Subsequently, the procession will bring his body to the central mosque of Dhaka University for burial. Hadi passed away in Singapore on Thursday night, local time, after a six-day struggle for life.
The Fatal Attack and Medical Efforts
The sequence of events leading to his death began on December 12. According to investigators, Hadi was shot in the head while campaigning in central Dhaka. An assailant on a motorcycle opened fire at him as he was travelling in a battery-powered rickshaw for electioneering.
He was immediately rushed to Dhaka Medical College Hospital, where doctors performed emergency brain surgery, describing his condition as extremely critical. As his health worsened, he was shifted to Evercare Hospital and later airlifted to Singapore on December 15 for advanced treatment. Medical professionals stated the bullet caused severe damage to his brain stem. The Singapore Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed his death in a press release.
Nationwide Protests and Political Fallout
Hadi's death has ignited massive protests across Bangladesh. Thousands of demonstrators took to the streets of Dhaka late Thursday and early Friday, demanding justice. The agitation quickly spread to other parts of the country.
Protesters attempted to march toward Indian diplomatic premises and attacked properties linked to the former ruling party, the Awami League. The demonstrations saw participation from members of the National Citizen Party (NCP), a major offshoot of the group Students Against Discrimination (SAD), which led last year's protests.
During these protests, anti-India slogans were raised, with allegations that Hadi's assailants had fled to India after the killing. In a significant escalation on Wednesday, hundreds gathered outside Indian diplomatic locations, including the residence of India’s deputy high commissioner in Dhaka, prompting police to use tear gas to disperse the crowds. Protest leaders have urged the interim government to shut down the Indian High Commission until the suspects are returned.
Sharif Osman Hadi was a key figure in the recent Bangladesh protests that led to the ouster of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina. His burial beside the revered poet Kazi Nazrul Islam signifies the high regard he held among his supporters, even as his death plunges the nation into a fresh wave of political unrest.
