Dhaka: Shaheed Sharif Osman Hadi, a significant figure in the July Uprising and spokesperson of Inqilab Mancha, was laid to rest beside the renowned National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam near the Dhaka University Central Mosque. This solemn event took place in the afternoon following a large gathering of mourners.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Hadi’s burial occurred around 3:50 pm after his namaz-e-janaza, which was attended by hundreds of thousands at the South Plaza of the Sangsad Bhaban. The coffin, draped in the national flag, was transported to the burial site at approximately 3:18 pm. Attendees offered prayers and fateha for the eternal peace of Hadi’s soul. His family had requested that Hadi be laid to rest beside Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam on the Dhaka University campus.
Earlier in the day, the namaz-e-janaza took place at the South Plaza of the National Parliament Building following Zuhr prayers. The event drew participation from Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, advisers, senior government officials, political leaders, and countless individuals from various walks of life. Hadi’s elder brother, Mawlana Dr. Abu Bakar Siddique, led the janaza, while speeches were delivered by Prof Yunus and Religious Affairs Adviser A F M Khalid Hossain, who recounted Hadi’s biography. Abdullah Al Zaber, Inqilab Mancha Member Secretary, also addressed the gathering.
The South Plaza of the Sangsad Bhaban and Manik Mia Avenue echoed with scenes of grief and resilience, as mourners chanted against fascism and hegemony, demanding justice for Hadi’s death. The atmosphere was heavy with emotion, with many breaking down in tears.
Hadi was tragically shot on December 12 while traveling in a battery-run auto-rickshaw in Purana Paltan. Initially treated at Dhaka Medical College Hospital, he was later transferred to Evercare Hospital due to worsening health. On December 15, he was flown to Singapore for advanced treatment but succumbed to his injuries on Thursday night. Known as an “immortal soldier of the struggle against fascism and hegemony,” Hadi was also an aspiring independent candidate for Dhaka-8.
Hadi’s body was returned from Singapore, arriving at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 5:45 pm on Friday. With reinforced security, the coffin was moved through Hangar Gate No. 8 to the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases mortuary, where it stayed overnight.
The interim government declared Saturday a day of state mourning, with heightened security measures for the janaza. Law enforcement, including police and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), was deployed across key areas of Dhaka. Twenty BGB platoons, equipped with body-worn cameras and riot control gear, were stationed around the parliament complex. The Dhaka Metropolitan Police deployed a substantial force, including 1,000 body-worn cameras, and prohibited drones and bags in the vicinity.