Bangladesh Mourns Sharif Osman Hadi While Protests Erupt Nationwide
Bangladesh is currently in a period of national mourning for Sharif Osman Hadi, a key figure in the 2024 student-led uprising, following his tragic death. His passing sparked widespread demonstrations across the country.
Funeral and Mourning Observances
On Saturday, police equipped with body cameras patrolled the streets of Dhaka as Hadi’s funeral was scheduled to commence at 2 PM local time at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban, Bangladesh’s parliamentary building. In honor of the national day of mourning, flags were flown at half-mast atop public and private buildings.
Protests Following Hadi’s Death
While protests subsided by Saturday, reports continued to emerge detailing violent incidents from earlier in the week. Cultural institutions, media outlets, and political buildings experienced the aftermath of arson and mob assaults. According to Daily newspaper Prothom Alo, the residence of Anisul Islam Mahmud, the National Democratic Front party’s president and a leader within the Jatiya Party, faced vandalism and destruction late Friday night in Chattogram, Bangladesh’s second-largest city.
The Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, the country’s leading state-supported cultural hub, announced the suspension of all activities and exhibitions due to security concerns stemming from arson attacks earlier that week.
Attacks on Media and Institutions
Both Prothom Alo and The Daily Star found themselves under attack, causing employees to seek refuge on rooftops as flames engulfed parts of the latter building. Despite these challenges, the publications affirmed their commitment to continue online operations.
Sharif Osman Hadi’s Untimely Death
Sharif Osman Hadi, a 32-year-old spokesperson for Inquilab Moncho, also known as the Platform for Revolution, succumbed to his injuries in a Singapore hospital on Thursday. He was critically wounded when assailants shot him in the head more than a week earlier. The organization had previously rallied its followers on social media to participate in Hadi’s funeral while urging them to refrain from engaging in violence.
Political Aspirations
In addition to his role as spokesperson, Hadi intended to run for parliament representing the Dhaka-8 constituency in the upcoming 2026 elections. On December 12, he was attacked while riding in an auto-rickshaw, with two gunmen approaching on a motorcycle. After being treated for three days at Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Hadi was transported to Singapore for advanced care due to severe brain damage.
Rising Tensions and Anti-India Sentiments
The aftermath of Hadi’s death ignited mass protests across major cities including Dhaka, Rajshahi, Chittagong, and Gazipur. Demonstrators expressed outrage over speculation surrounding the attackers potentially fleeing to India, which heightened anti-India sentiments within the crowds. Police report suggested that many were frustrated with the perceived protection of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina by India.
Protests Turn Violent
Protesters set ablaze the residence of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Hasina’s assassinated father, demolished the Awami League party office, and obstructed highways. The Indian Assistant High Commission in Chittagong was also targeted, while media outlets like Prothom Alo faced backlash for their reported pro-India stance.
Government Response and Ongoing Struggles
Bangladesh’s interim government, under Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus since Hasina’s ousting in August 2024, condemned the violence, including reports of a Hindu man’s lynching in Mymensingh. As Hadi’s body was returned from Singapore, protesters congregated at Shahbag Square, demanding justice and the extradition of those connected to Hadi’s death, alongside calls for Hasina’s accountability.
Calls for Justice
With a previous death sentence imposed on Hasina for her role in a violent crackdown on the uprising, tensions are reaching a boiling point. Many families, like that of Sajjat Hosen Sojal, who lost their loved ones during the protests, share a deep yearning for justice, reflecting the collective sentiment in the streets.
Conclusion
The situation in Bangladesh remains precarious as the nation grapples with grief and calls for justice following the tragic loss of Sharif Osman Hadi. The protests led by his supporters highlight the long-standing frustrations within the populace and the complexities of their political landscape.
Key Takeaways
- Sharif Osman Hadi’s death has led to national mourning and widespread protests across Bangladesh.
- Major cultural institutions have suspended operations due to security concerns following violent incidents.
- The protests underscore rising anti-India sentiments linked to suspicions surrounding Hadi’s attackers.
- The interim government faces criticism and calls for justice for Hadi and other victims of political violence.