Bangladesh’s interim government chief, Muhammad Yunus, described Hadi as a fearless frontline fighter of the uprising.
Bangladesh has once again been gripped by tension following the death of Sharif Osman Hadi, a prominent leader of the July Uprising and spokesperson of the Inqilab Manch, who was shot last week.
Hadi, who sustained a gunshot wound to the head from unidentified assailants, passed away on Thursday night while receiving treatment at a hospital in Singapore.
Protests in Bangladesh
According to local media reports, supporters and activists of the July Moncho gathered at Shahbagh in Dhaka, demanding justice for the killing of Inqilab Moncho convenor Sharif Osman bin Hadi.
“If Osman Hadi answers the call of his Creator and joins the ranks of martyrs, the oppressed and freedom-seeking people of Bangladesh are urged to gather at Shahbagh to safeguard sovereignty,” the Inqilab Mancha said.
Students demand justice for Hadi
Several student groups have also taken to the streets across Dhaka, including the Dhaka University campus, to protest his death.
A student organisation named Jatiya Chhatra Shakti held a mourning procession on the Dhaka University campus and marched from Shahbagh to join the demonstration at the intersection.
Chhatra Shakti members burned an effigy of Home Adviser, retired Lieutenant General Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, demanding his immediate resignation over the failure to arrest those responsible for attacking Hadi.
Newspaper office attacked
A group of people attacked the office of the mass-circulation Bangla daily Prothom Alo at Karwan Bazar in the capital, near the Shahbagh intersection.
According to reports, the attackers vandalised multiple floors, while several journalists and staff members were trapped inside as the mob set a fire in front of the building.
“Several hundred demonstrators arrived at the Prothom Alo office around 11 pm and later surrounded the building,” a witness told PTI.
Muhammad Yunus announces national mourning
Bangladesh’s interim government chief, Muhammad Yunus, described Hadi as a fearless frontline fighter of the uprising.
“Today, I come before you with deeply heartbreaking news. Sharif Osman Hadi, the fearless frontline fighter of the July Uprising and spokesperson of the Inqilab Mancha, is no longer with us,” Yunus said while addressing the nation.
Yunus assured swift action to apprehend Hadi’s killers and announced a one-day state mourning.
He also declared Saturday as a day of national mourning, pledged to bring the perpetrators to justice, took responsibility for the welfare of Hadi’s wife and only child, and urged the public to exercise restraint.
“I sincerely call upon all citizens – keep your patience and restraint,” he said.
