DHAKA: Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of the Bangladeshi student organization Inquilab Mancha, was killed in an assassination attack, sparking widespread protests and violent demonstrations across the country.
According to foreign news agencies, enraged protesters took to the streets in Dhaka, setting fire to offices of the Awami League and media organizations, vandalizing property, and blocking key roads. Clashes with security forces were also reported in some areas.
During the protests, demonstrators chanted slogans in support of Osman Hadi and vowed to continue their protests until justice is served, demanding the immediate arrest and trial of those responsible for the attack.
In Rajshahi, protesters reportedly set fire to the residence of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Authorities have tightened security in several areas in response to the unrest. Osman Hadi had been a key leader of the student movement that opposed Prime Minister Hasina Wajed’s government and served as the spokesperson for the political platform established by student leaders, Inquilab Mancha.
Sharif Osman Hadi was critically injured last Friday in a shooting incident in Dhaka. He underwent emergency surgery at a local hospital before being transferred to Singapore for further treatment, where he succumbed to his injuries today.
Bangladeshi officials identified the gunman as Faisal Karim Masud and the motorcycle driver as Alamgir Sheikh. Both suspects reportedly entered Bangladesh illegally from the Indian border and fled back to India.
On the other hand, the body of Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of the Bangladeshi student organization Inquilab Mancha, has been brought to Dhaka from Singapore.
According to Bangladeshi media, the flight carrying Hadi’s body arrived this evening, with his remains draped in the national flag of Bangladesh.
The press wing of Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser announced that Hadi’s funeral prayer will be held tomorrow at 2:00 pm at the South Plaza of the Bangladeshi Parliament.
Attendees have been instructed not to bring bags or heavy items, and drone flights over the Parliament House and its vicinity have been completely banned.
In a separate statement, Chief Adviser Mohammed Yunus declared a one-day national mourning on Saturday to honor Sharif Osman Hadi’s passing.
