The funeral served as a powerful statement of the interim government’s alignment with the “July Uprising” movement.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!- National Mourning: Chief Advisor Yunus declared a day of national mourning, with flags flown at half-mast across the country.
- Symbolic Burial: In a move that has sparked debate, Hadi was buried at the Dhaka University Central Mosque, immediately adjacent to the grave of the National Poet, Kazi Nazrul Islam.
- Yunus’s Address: Yunus hailed Hadi as an “immortal soldier” and a “teacher of democracy,” vowing that the government would take full responsibility for his family.
Who was Sharif Osman Hadi?
A 32-year-old spokesperson for the Inqilab Manch (Platform for Revolution), Hadi was a central figure in the student-led movement that ousted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in 2024.
- The Assassination: Hadi was shot in the head by masked gunmen in Dhaka on December 12. He was later airlifted to Singapore, where he succumbed to his injuries on December 18.
- Political Stance: Hadi was notorious for his fierce anti-India rhetoric. He had recently sparked controversy by releasing a map of “Greater Bangladesh” that included Indian territories and calling for a ban on organizations like ISKCON, labeling them “Indian agents.”
- Election Ambitions: Before his death, he was campaigning as an independent candidate for the February 12, 2026, national elections.
Rising Tensions and the “India Factor”
Hadi’s death has triggered a wave of anti-India sentiment across Bangladesh, with supporters claiming the assassins fled to India.
- Diplomatic Siege: Protesters have surrounded Indian diplomatic missions, demanding their closure until India “hands over” the suspects.
- Mob Violence: In the wake of his death, mobs attacked the offices of major newspapers like The Daily Star and Prothom Alo, accusing them of being “pro-India.”
- Indian Response: New Delhi has categorically rejected allegations of any involvement or sheltering suspects, urging the interim government to ensure the safety of Indian missions and personnel.
Summary of Key Details
| Feature | Details |
| Official Presence | Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus, Army Chief, and top officials. |
| Location | South Plaza of the Parliament (Janaza); Dhaka University (Burial). |
| Date of Event | Saturday, December 20, 2025. |
| Political Group | Inqilab Manch (Radical student-led platform). |
| Impact | National mourning; surge in anti-India protests; security alert for missions. |
