Dhaka witnessed a significant protest march as activists and community members demanded justice for the killing of Sharif Osman Hadi. The demonstrators also called for a stringent ban on issuing work permits to Indian nationals in Bangladesh, linking their demands directly to the case.
March for Justice and Key Demands
The protest, held on January 6, 2026, saw participants voicing their anger and grief over the death of Sharif Osman Hadi. Organizers of the march stated that the killing highlighted broader security concerns. Their primary demand was for a complete and immediate halt to providing work permits to citizens of India within Bangladesh. They argue that such a measure is necessary for national security.
India's Official Response
In a related development, authorities in India have formally addressed allegations circulating in Bangladesh. Indian officials have dismissed claims that the individuals responsible for Hadi's killing crossed the border from India. Their statement, released around the same time as the protests, clarified that there is no evidence of any illegal border movement connected to this incident. The Indian side has firmly rejected any suggestion that the perpetrators entered Bangladesh from Indian territory.
Rising Tensions and Diplomatic Context
This incident has added a layer of complexity to the bilateral relations between the two neighboring countries. The protesters' specific demand to ban Indian work permits points to underlying economic and social tensions. While Indian authorities have provided a counter-narrative regarding border security, the activists in Bangladesh remain unconvinced, pressing their government for decisive action. The situation remains sensitive, with calls for a thorough and transparent investigation into Hadi's death continuing to grow.
The case of Sharif Osman Hadi has thus transformed from a local crime into a focal point for wider political and diplomatic discourse between India and Bangladesh.
