Sharif Osman Hadi, a prominent student leader of Bangladesh and leader of the student-people’s movement of 2024, was laid to rest with state honours. His Namaz-e-Janaza was performed in the South Plaza of the National Parliament House in Dhaka at around 2.30 pm, in which lakhs of people participated. During the funeral, a crowd gathered on the streets and people were raising slogans demanding justice.
Usman Hadi’s elder brother Abu Bakr Siddiqui led the funeral prayers. Hadi was laid to rest near the mausoleum of national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam on the Dhaka University campus. This place was chosen as per the wishes of his family. Chief Advisor to the Interim Government, Professor Muhammad Yunus was present at the funeral and paid tribute. He said, “Hadi, you are in our hearts, your legacy will inspire generations to come.” Yunus described Hadi as the voice of the nation and termed his death as an irreparable loss.
Leaders of different political parties, Army Chief General Walker-uz-Zaman, student leaders and general public attended the funeral in large numbers. Tight security arrangements were made, in which Army, Police and Rapid Action Battalion personnel were deployed. There was a ban on flying drones and people were appealed not to carry bags or heavy items.
Osman Hadi died on 18 December in a hospital in Singapore. On December 12, he was shot at by motorcycle-borne assailants while campaigning in Dhaka’s Purana Paltan area. Critically injured Hadi was first admitted to Dhaka Medical and then to Evercare Hospital, later flown to Singapore for better treatment. As news of the death spread, demonstrations and violence broke out in many parts of the country.
The government declared a day of state mourning over Hadi’s death and the national flag flew at half mast. The interim government has promised to quickly punish the killers. Hadi was the spokesperson of Inquilab Manch and was campaigning as an independent candidate from Dhaka-8 seat in the upcoming elections. His death has created a new stir in the politics of Bangladesh.