The political landscape in Bangladesh has been thrown into deeper turmoil following the assassination of prominent youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi, whose death has sparked nationwide protests and violent
clashes.
Hadi, a 32-year-old activist, poet and spokesperson of the Inqilab Manch movement, was shot in Dhaka on December 12 during an election campaign event. He was later flown to Singapore for treatment but succumbed to his injuries on December 18, triggering widespread unrest across the country.
At Hadi’s funeral in central Dhaka, his elder brother, Abu Bakar, delivered an impassioned address to the crowds, directly confronting political leaders and the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus over what the family sees as a failure to deliver justice. Abu Bakar warned the authorities, saying, “If you can’t give justice then you have to flee.” He accused those in power of being responsible for his brother’s killing and called on them to take responsibility for the death of Osman Hadi. “You have killed Osman Hadi and you want to cancel election showing him,” he asked, reflecting widespread distrust in the current political process. “If Hadi does not get justice, you also have to leave this country.”
The funeral was marked by heavy security and tens of thousands, many of whom chanted slogans such as, “Hadi’s blood will not go in vain.” Hadi rose to prominence during the July 2024 uprising that contributed to the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and was widely seen as a potential voice in the upcoming February parliamentary elections.
Abu Bakar urged the authorities to “bring all murderers who killed Hadi” to justice, reflecting a broader call among supporters for accountability and transparency. He reiterated that his brother “never bowed down,” a phrase that resonated with many in the crowd as a testament to Hadi’s defiance and spirit.
