The Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus declared a one-day state mourning on Saturday following the death of Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of the Inqilab Mancha and a prominent figure in the July Uprising, who died while undergoing treatment in Singapore.
In a live telecast on Thursday, the chief adviser described Hadi as a “fearless fighter” and an “immortal soldier in the struggle against fascism and hegemony.”
Expressing deep grief over his death, he said Hadi’s passing was an irreparable loss to the country’s political and democratic landscape.
The chief adviser said he was personally informed of Hadi’s death by Singapore’s Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan.
He also expressed gratitude to the Singapore government for its sincerity, professionalism and efforts in providing medical treatment to Hadi.
As part of the state mourning, the national flag will be flown at half-mast at all government, semi-government and autonomous institutions, educational establishments, private buildings, and Bangladesh missions abroad.
Special prayers will be offered at mosques after Jumma prayers on Friday, while similar observances will be held at temples, churches, pagodas and other places of worship, seeking eternal peace for the departed soul.
The chief adviser said the government would take responsibility for Hadi’s wife and only child, and pledged that those involved in what he termed the “brutal murder” would be brought to justice with the maximum punishment, stressing that no leniency would be shown.
Calling Hadi an “icon of protest” who embodied patriotism, patience and unwavering determination, the chief adviser urged citizens to remain calm, united and vigilant.
He warned that attempts to silence democratic voices through violence would fail.
He said the nation must carry forward Hadi’s vision of building a new Bangladesh, adding: “This will be our true tribute to Shaheed Hadi.”
The chief adviser also urged people not to fall victim to propaganda or destabilization efforts, emphasizing the need to uphold unity and democratic values at this critical moment.
