Widespread unrest has gripped Bangladesh as citizens react to the passing of Sharif Osman Hadi, a key figure in recent political movements. The 32-year-old activist succumbed to injuries at Singapore General Hospital on Thursday, weeks after being targeted in Dhaka.
Details of the Incident
Hadi sustained gunshot wounds during an attack on December 12 in Bangladesh's capital. After initial treatment at Dhaka Medical College Hospital, he was transferred to Singapore on December 15 for specialized neurosurgical care. Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed his death, stating medical efforts were unsuccessful.
In a Facebook post, Hadi's organization Inqilab Mancha declared: "In the struggle against Indian hegemony, Allah has accepted the great revolutionary Osman Hadi as a martyr."
Political Background
The deceased was a spokesperson for Inqilab Mancha and planned to contest the Dhaka-8 constituency in upcoming elections. He gained prominence during 2024 student protests against job quota systems and was known for criticizing India's influence in Bangladeshi affairs.
Official Responses
Interim government leader Muhammad Yunus expressed condolences, calling the loss "irreparable" for the nation. "The country's march towards democracy cannot be halted through fear, terror, or bloodshed," he stated in a televised address.
Security forces including the Rapid Action Battalion launched investigations immediately after the shooting, releasing CCTV images and offering rewards for information. Authorities have detained numerous individuals in connection with the case.
Escalating Demonstrations
Since Thursday, protesters have taken to streets in Dhaka and other urban centers. Al Jazeera correspondent Tanvir Chowdhury reported from the capital: "It's mostly students, but also people from all walks of life, with some political party elements as well. Their main slogan is 'We want justice' for the killer of Osman Hadi."
Demonstrators have targeted media offices perceived as pro-India, with some buildings set ablaze. At least 28 journalists were reportedly trapped in one burning structure for hours before rescue.
Regional Tensions
Many protesters accuse India of sheltering both the attackers and former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who fled there after being ousted. Hasina was recently convicted in absentia for crimes against humanity related to her crackdown on 2024 protests.
Activist Nadim Hawlader told Al Jazeera: "We have come to protest his killing and what we see as Indian aggression." He claimed perpetrators escaped to India and demanded their return along with Hasina's extradition.
Youth party leader Sarjis Alam warned: "The interim government, until India returns assassins of Hadi Bhai, the Indian High Commission to Bangladesh will remain closed. Now or Never. We are in a war!"
Continuing Unrest
As Hadi's body was expected to return to Dhaka on Friday evening, mourners gathered in central neighborhoods. Security forces monitor protests but haven't intervened to disperse crowds. The situation remains volatile with demands for ministerial resignations and justice for the slain leader.
