Following the death of student movement leader Sharif Usman Hadi, violence has erupted in Bangladesh. Protests have taken place in several cities, including Dhaka. The government has appealed for calm, while security forces have been deployed in tense areas.
Dhaka: Bangladesh has once again been gripped by political violence and instability. The situation in several cities across the country has deteriorated following the death of Sharif Usman Hadi, a prominent leader of the 2024 student movement and spokesperson for the Inkhelab Manch (Revolution Platform). Hadi passed away while undergoing treatment at a hospital in Singapore. His death sparked protests and heightened tensions in Dhaka and surrounding areas.
Death During Treatment in Singapore
Sharif Usman Hadi was shot by unidentified assailants in Dhaka a few days ago. He sustained a critical head injury. He was initially admitted to Dhaka Medical College Hospital, and later transferred to Evercare Hospital for better treatment. When his condition did not improve, he was sent to Singapore. He died at the hospital in Singapore on Thursday.
An official statement issued by the Singapore Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that Sharif Usman Hadi died as a result of severe injuries sustained in the shooting. Arrangements are currently underway to bring his body back to Dhaka from Singapore.
How the Attack Occurred in Dhaka
The incident took place on December 12th. Sharif Usman Hadi was traveling in a battery-powered auto-rickshaw on Calvert Road in the Paltan area of Dhaka when unidentified attackers suddenly opened fire on him. The bullet struck him directly in the head. The attack caused chaos in the area. Police arrived at the scene, but the attackers fled. This attack further inflamed an already tense political atmosphere.
Who was Usman Hadi?
Sharif Usman Hadi was a well-known figure in the July 2024 student movement in Bangladesh. He was the spokesperson for the Inkhelab Manch, a platform opposing the current government. The Inkhelab Manch gained prominence during the large-scale uprising in July 2024, which is considered the best popular movement against Sheikh Hasina’s government and ultimately paved the way for her removal from power.
Hadi was known as a fearless and outspoken leader among young people. He consistently criticized government policies and advocated for the rights of students and citizens. This is why his support base grew rapidly.
Important Role in Upcoming Elections
Sharif Usman Hadi was also a candidate in the upcoming general elections in February. He was campaigning as an independent candidate from the Dhaka-8 constituency. He was meeting with people in connection with this at the time of the attack. Political analysts believe that his growing popularity and open opposition to Hasina may have been a major reason for the attack.
Worsening Situation After Death
As soon as the news of Hadi’s death broke, protests erupted in several cities across Bangladesh. Supporters took to the streets in Dhaka, Chattogram, and other major cities. Clashes were reported in several places. Protesters are demanding the immediate arrest of the perpetrators. Security forces have been deployed in several areas to maintain control of the situation.
Muhammad Yunus’s Message to the Nation
Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus addressed the nation, expressing his deep sorrow over the death of Sharif Usman Hadi. He said, “Today, I bring very sad news before the country. Sharif Usman Hadi, the fearless frontline fighter of the July Revolution and the spokesperson of the Inkhelab Manch, is no longer with us.”
Yunus announced a day of national mourning in his memory. He assured that those responsible for the shooting would be apprehended and strict action taken against them.
Appeal for Restraint
Muhammad Yunus also appealed to citizens to remain peaceful and exercise restraint. He said, “I humbly request all citizens to be patient and not take the law into their own hands.” Hadi was an enemy of defeated forces and fascist terrorists. This statement is seen as a sharp criticism of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the now-dissolved Awami League.
Experts believe that the murder of Sharif Usman Hadi has once again pushed Bangladesh’s politics towards violence. The country had not fully stabilized after the July 2024 movement. Now, this incident has reopened old wounds. Opposition groups are calling it a political assassination, while the government is refraining from reaching any conclusions until the investigation is complete.
