Bangladesh's chief adviser, Muhammad Yunus, delivered a poignant eulogy at the funeral of slain youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi on Saturday, pledging that the nation would forever remember him and work tirelessly to realize his vision. The funeral, held at the Sangsad Bhaban in Dhaka, drew massive crowds under tight security, reflecting the profound impact of Hadi's death.
A Nation's Promise to Its Fallen Son
Addressing the solemn gathering, Yunus emphasized that while millions had assembled at the venue, crores of Bangladeshis both at home and abroad were united in grief and anticipation. He framed the moment as a collective vow from the people to their departed leader. "We have come to make a promise to you—that what you told us, we will fulfill," Yunus stated, as reported by The Daily Star.
He described the message left by Hadi as a guiding mantra for the nation. "You have given us such a mantra that this nation will never forget. It will echo in our ears forever," Yunus said. He stressed that this ideal would instill dignity and resilience in every citizen, serving as a perpetual reminder that "our heads will never bow down." Concluding his address, Yunus reaffirmed, "Today, on behalf of all of us, we make a promise to you that we will move forward imbued with your mantra."
The Tragic Attack and Escalating Unrest
The incident that plunged the nation into mourning occurred on December 12. Sharif Osman Hadi was attending an election campaign event in the Bijoynagar area of central Dhaka when masked gunmen shot him in the head. Despite being rushed abroad for advanced medical treatment in Singapore, Hadi succumbed to his injuries on Thursday.
His funeral was held in Dhaka on Friday, preceding Yunus's address. The event was marked by a heavy security presence. However, the killing has ignited widespread protests and violent unrest across the country. Thousands took to the streets of Dhaka late Thursday and early Friday, demanding justice for Hadi.
The demonstrations rapidly spread beyond the capital. Protesters targeted symbols of authority, including attempts to march toward Indian diplomatic sites and vandalizing properties associated with the former ruling Awami League. Notably, offices of major media houses like The Daily Star and Prothom Alo were attacked. Anger was also directed at the partially demolished home of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
Official Response and Calls for Restraint
In the wake of the violence, the government has placed law enforcement on high alert. Officials confirmed that investigations into both the assassination and the related security lapse are actively ongoing.
The government issued a statement on Friday framing the upcoming elections and referendum as a "solemn national commitment." It directly linked this process to Hadi's sacrifice, stating, "this promise is inseparable from the dream for which Shaheed Sharif Osman Hadi gave his life. Honouring his sacrifice demands restraint, responsibility, and a firm commitment to reject hatred."
Amid the turmoil, social media posts added to the tense atmosphere. A late-night Facebook post by Inquilab Monchi on Thursday warned, "Through destruction and fire, certain groups aim to render Bangladesh an ineffective state... You must understand -- 32 and 36 are not the same."
As Bangladesh grapples with this tragedy, the words of Muhammad Yunus at Hadi's funeral underscore a nation at a crossroads—torn between grief and anger, but clinging to the promise of fulfilling a fallen leader's dream.
