Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of Inqilab Mancha, whose death has shaken the nation, was laid to rest beside the grave of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam near the Dhaka University Central Mosque on Saturday, following his namaz-e-janaza at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad.
As the day was declared a state mourning day, people from across society—from the highest state authorities and senior political leaders to students, activists, and ordinary citizens—joined Hadi’s family in mourning his passing.
While Chief Adviser to the interim government Dr Muhammad Yunus pledged that “the people of Bangladesh will carry that responsibility” of what Hadi stood for, thousands from all walks of life paid tribute to the young leader.
Hadi’s platform, Inqilab Mancha, announced a 24-hour ultimatum yesterday afternoon, shortly after his burial near the Dhaka University Central Mosque. Member Secretary Abdullah Al Jaber said the platform would return to Shahbagh if the government failed to respond regarding the arrest of Hadi’s killers by 5:15pm on Sunday.
A prominent youth leader and vocal advocate for democratic rights, Hadi had emerged as a symbol of resistance among young activists and university students. As the face of Inqilab Mancha, he led movements against social and political injustices, championed anti-fascist causes, and mobilised youth engagement in civic activism.
Hadi was fatally shot last week, a day after the Election Commission announced that the next national election would be held on February 12. He was airlifted to Singapore for emergency treatment, but succumbed to his injuries despite medical efforts. News of his death reached Dhaka on Thursday night, triggering widespread outrage.
The namaz-e-janaza of Inqilab Mancha spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi was held yesterday afternoon at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban, with thousands in attendance.
The funeral prayers, led by Hadi’s elder brother Abu Bakar Siddique, began at around 2:30pm.
Among those present were Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus, members of the advisory council, and senior leaders of various political parties, including the BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, and the National Citizen Party.
Paying tribute at the funeral, Dr Yunus said Hadi would never be forgotten and would continue to inspire the nation.
“Hadi, you will not be lost. No one will ever forget you. You will remain with us for generations,” he said.
Dr Yunus said the gathering was not meant to bid farewell but to make a collective commitment. “Today, we have come to promise you that we will fulfil what you stood for. Not just us, but the people of Bangladesh will carry that responsibility,” he added.
He highlighted Hadi’s values, including his love for humanity, conduct, engagement with people, and political ideals, saying these would remain a guiding force for the nation.
Referring to Hadi’s oft-quoted slogan, Dr Yunus said it would continue to resonate across the country. “You gave us the mantra. Our heads will never bow. We will carry this spirit in all our work and walk with dignity before the world,” he said.
Religious Affairs Adviser AFM Khalid Hossain and Inqilab Mancha Member Secretary Abdullah Al Jaber also spoke at the program.
Following the funeral, Hadi’s body was taken to Dhaka University, where he was laid to rest beside the grave of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam near the Dhaka University Central Mosque at 3:48pm on Saturday.
Present at the burial were Hadi’s family members, advisers and former advisers to the interim government, senior Dhaka University officials, leaders of the National Citizen Party, Dhaka University Central Students’ Union leaders, Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir leaders, and media personnel.
Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Prof Niaz Ahmad Khan said: “Martyr Sharif Osman Hadi has become part of history. May Allah accept his sacrifice for the country.”
He added: “His family is part of the extended Dhaka University family. To pay our ultimate respects, we have buried him next to our national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam. We believe Dhaka University has embraced its son. The mother—the university—has accepted her child.”
Amar Desh editor Mahmudur Rahman said he attended Hadi’s funeral prayers alongside ordinary citizens. “The Chief Adviser called me today, but I did not go. Allah has accepted Hadi with the spirit of martyrdom. Allah has accepted him as the third martyr so far against Indian hegemony,” he said.
Hadi’s elder brother later led prayers at the burial site.
After the burial on Saturday afternoon, Inqilab Mancha Member Secretary Abdullah Al Jaber took position at the Shahbagh intersection and reiterated that the platform would stage another sit-in if the government failed to respond by 5:15pm on Sunday regarding the arrest of Sharif Osman Hadi’s killers.
