Vast Turnout in Dhaka to Honor Activist Sharif Osman Hadi

Post by : Mina Rahman

A staggering number of mourners gathered in central Dhaka on Saturday to pay their respects to the esteemed activist Sharif Osman Hadi, whose tragic murder this month has escalated political unrest in Bangladesh as the national elections approach.

From dawn, crowds began to converge on Manik Mia Avenue, located near the Parliament building. By morning, the area was overflowing with individuals from various backgrounds. Many donned the national flag, while others chanted slogans calling for justice and accountability surrounding Hadi’s assassination. The ambiance was both poignant and politically charged.

In light of security concerns, stringent measures were implemented for the funeral service at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban. Numerous police officers, some equipped with body cameras, were deployed throughout Dhaka. Additionally, Border Guard Bangladesh and other security forces were on hand at multiple strategic locations to ensure order. In observance of a national mourning day, flags were flown at half-mast on government and private buildings across the country.

The funeral prayers, presided over by Hadi’s elder brother, Abu Bakar, were accompanied by restrictions on entry to the burial site. However, tens of thousands were permitted to attend the janaza prayers. Officials had previously announced no public viewing of the body would take place, limiting burial attendees to a selective group only.

Following the prayers, Hadi’s body was securely transported to the Dhaka University campus. Burial arrangements had been made overnight, and he was laid to rest near the mausoleum of Bangladesh’s national poet, Kazi Nazrul Islam. Police confirmed that the burial proceeded quietly, adhering to security protocols.

Despite imposed restrictions, the crowd was vociferous. Many mourners raised political chants, declaring, “Dhaka belongs to Dhaka,” and insisted that Hadi’s death would not go unpunished. Supporters hailed him as a significant symbol of defiance and a prominent voice within recent political mobilizations in Bangladesh.

Sharif Osman Hadi was a spokesperson for the Inqilab Moncho cultural platform and emerged as a pivotal figure during the political upheaval that concluded former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s 15-year regime last year. He was shot in Dhaka on December 12 and subsequently taken to Singapore for advanced medical care, passing away in the hospital earlier this week. His body was returned to Bangladesh late on Friday.

Authorities have reported identifying suspects related to the shooting, who may have fled to India, where former PM Sheikh Hasina is living in exile. This situation has prompted a diplomatic standoff, with both Dhaka and New Delhi summoning their diplomats for discussions in recent days.

The extensive turnout for Saturday’s funeral reflected the rising political uncertainty as Bangladesh readies for parliamentary elections set for February 12. The overwhelming public engagement underscored the profound impact of Hadi’s death and the tense atmosphere enveloping the nation.