The killing of Bangladeshi student leader Sharif Osman Hadi has sparked serious political controversy. His brother has accused a section of the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government of orchestrating the murder to derail the upcoming national elections.
Shot in Dhaka, Dies in Singapore
Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of Inquilab Moncho, was shot at close range in Dhaka on December 12. He later received treatment in Singapore. However, doctors could not save him, and he died on December 18.
Inquilab Moncho emerged from the July 2024 uprising, which led to the removal of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Violent Protests After Death
Following Hadi’s death, protests erupted in several parts of Dhaka. Demonstrators attacked offices of newspapers and cultural organisations. The violence added pressure on the interim government ahead of the February elections.
Brother Targets Interim Government
At a protest in Shahbagh, Hadi’s brother Sharif Omar Hadi directly blamed the government. He alleged that authorities killed his brother to disrupt the election process.
“You had Osman Hadi killed and now want to use this issue to derail the polls,” Omar said. He added that his brother strongly supported holding elections by February.
Demand for Speedy Trial
Omar demanded swift action against the killers. He urged authorities to complete the trial quickly and protect the election environment.
He criticised the lack of progress in the investigation. “If justice is denied, you may also be forced to flee the country one day,” he warned, referring to former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s exit after last year’s protests.
Claims of Larger Conspiracy
According to The Daily Star, Inquilab Moncho leader Abdullah Al Jaber called the killing part of a deep conspiracy. He alleged involvement of international intelligence agencies and internal “fascist forces.”
Jaber demanded an international-standard probe. He warned of intensified protests if the government fails to identify the killers within a fixed timeline.
Protests to Continue
Protest leaders said they will stay on the streets until justice is delivered. Inquilab Moncho also announced it will not hold any programmes on December 25, when BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman is set to return to Bangladesh.
The group expressed hope that Tarique Rahman would support their demand for justice as political tension continues to rise.