Bangladesh student leader Sharif Osman Hadi was laid to rest on Saturday in the capital Dhaka as a massive crowd gathered to bid him a final farewell. The funeral was held under tight security, just days after the country witnessed violent protests following his death.
The janaza of the 32-year-old spokesperson of the ‘Inqilab Mancha’ organisation took place at the South Plaza of the Parliament complex on Manik Mia Avenue. Thousands of people lined the streets as Hadi’s body was taken for burial, reflecting the deep emotional impact his death has had across the nation.
The funeral was attended by the chief adviser of Bangladesh’s interim government, Muhammad Yunus, along with members of his advisory council and Army chief General Waker-uz-Zaman. Addressing the gathering, Yunus delivered an emotional tribute, saying, “You are in our hearts and you will remain in the heart of all Bangladeshis as long as the country exists.”
Sharif Osman Hadi had emerged as a prominent political figure during last year’s student-led uprising that eventually led to the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. He was actively campaigning for the general elections, which were scheduled to be held earlier this year, when he was shot by unidentified assailants on December 12. Following the attack, he was taken to Singapore for medical treatment, where he succumbed to his injuries on December 18.
His death sent shockwaves across Bangladesh and triggered widespread unrest. On Thursday night, violent protests erupted in Dhaka, during which several buildings were set on fire, including the offices of leading newspapers Prothom Alo and The Daily Star.
After the funeral prayers, conducted by his elder brother Abu Bakar, Hadi’s body was taken to the Dhaka University campus for burial. His grave was dug next to the mausoleum of Bangladesh’s national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam, a location symbolically significant for many supporters.
According to police officials, Hadi’s body was not kept for public viewing, and the burial was witnessed only by select individuals amid heightened security arrangements. The authorities continue to maintain a strong security presence in the capital as tensions remain high following his killing.