Several organisations staged protests in Baitul Mukarram mosque area of the capital on Friday, demanding justice for the killing of Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of Inqilab Mancha.
The demonstrations began after Jumma prayers under banners calling for the arrest and speedy trial of those responsible for Hadi’s killing, the recovery of illegal firearms, and the arrest of what protesters described as “League-backed terrorists.”
Leaders and activists of Bangladesh Khelafat Chhatra Majlis chanted slogans condemning the killing and the rise of political violence, vowing to continue their movement until the perpetrators are brought to justice.
At the same time, the Dhaka South unit of Khelafat Majlis held a protest at the mosque, echoing similar demands.
The Bangladesh Muslim Student Federation and Sammilita July Jote also joined the demonstrations, demanding justice for Hadi.
Speakers at the rallies alleged that Hadi’s murder was a planned political assassination aimed at silencing anti-government and anti-hegemonic voices. They claimed that anti-hegemonic forces in the country are often suppressed through targeted killings.
Raising concerns over national sovereignty, speakers criticised foreign influence, specifically highlighting India’s role, and asserted that there would be no place for foreign dominance or its agents in Bangladesh.
A representative from Bangladesh Khelafat Chhatra Majlis drew parallels with historical events, citing the assassination of martyred President Ziaur Rahman as an example of attempts to suppress anti-hegemonic forces.
The protesters issued a 24-hour ultimatum to authorities to ensure visible progress in the judicial process for Hadi’s murder, warning that failure to comply would prompt announcements of further programmes from their side.
Following the rally, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis led a procession from the mosque’s north gate, passing through the Bijoynagar intersection, while other groups marched towards Shahbagh.
Hadi was shot on 12 December, a day after the national election schedule was announced, while travelling in a rickshaw on Box Culvert Road in Purana Paltan.
He was campaigning as a prospective independent candidate for the Dhaka-8 constituency. Witnesses said two assailants on a motorcycle shot him at close range before fleeing the scene.
Hadi was rushed to Dhaka Medical College Hospital in critical condition, where doctors said the bullet entered the right side of his head and exited through the left.
At his family’s request, he was later transferred to Evercare Hospital and subsequently flown to Singapore General Hospital on 15 December for advanced treatment. He died there on Thursday night.
