Sharif Osman Bin Hadi, a prominent frontline leader of the July Mass Uprising and the Convener of Inqilab Manch, was laid to rest today with state honors and profound public mourning. He was buried at 3:48 PM adjacent to the grave of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam, near the Dhaka University Central Mosque.
State Funeral at National Parliament South Plaza
Earlier, at 2:30 PM, a massive funeral prayer (Janaza) was held at the South Plaza of the National Parliament. The prayer was led by his elder brother, Dr. Maulana Abu Bakr Siddique. The Janaza saw a historic turnout, attended by Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus, members of the Advisory Council, and the Chiefs of the three Armed Forces.
Top leaders from the BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, National Citizens' Party (NCP), and various political organizations joined hundreds of thousands of citizens to pay their final respects. From early morning, Manik Mia Avenue was flooded with people from all walks of life. Security was heightened, with participants entering the venue through archway gates under strict supervision.
Final Journey to Dhaka University
The ambulance carrying the casket arrived at the Dhaka University campus around 3:00 PM. Student leaders, including Hasnat Abdullah and Sadik Kayem, accompanied the body. Shortly after, the Vice-Chancellor of Dhaka University, Professor Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan, arrived to oversee the proceedings. The burial took place in a solemn atmosphere, marking the end of a journey for a leader who became a symbol of the recent democratic movement.
Brother’s Plea for Justice
In an emotional address before the Janaza, Dr. Abu Bakr Siddique, the martyr's elder brother, expressed his grief and frustration. “My brother desired martyrdom, and perhaps Allah has granted it. But it is a matter of profound shame that even after 7 to 8 days, the killers who shot him in broad daylight remain at large,” he stated. He questioned how the perpetrators could potentially flee across the border within hours and demanded an immediate public trial on Bangladeshi soil.
Ultimatum from Inqilab Manch
Following the burial, thousands of protesters gathered at the Shahbagh intersection, causing a total suspension of traffic. Abdullah Al Jaber, Member Secretary of Inqilab Manch, issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the government. He declared that if no official update regarding the arrest of the killers is provided by 5:15 PM tomorrow, the group will resume a mass sit-in at Shahbagh. Protesters also demanded that the Shahbagh intersection be renamed “Hadi Chattar” in honor of the fallen leader.
Background of the Incident
Sharif Osman Bin Hadi, who was a candidate for the Dhaka-8 constituency in the upcoming national elections, was critically injured after being shot by miscreants in the capital's Paltan area on December 12.
After receiving initial treatment at Dhaka Medical College Hospital and Evercare Hospital, he was flown to Singapore on December 15 as his condition deteriorated. He passed away last Thursday night while undergoing treatment at Singapore General Hospital. His body arrived in Bangladesh yesterday, triggering a nationwide wave of mourning.