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Published : 19 Dec 2025, 12:32 AM
Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus has urged citizens to remain patient and exercise restraint following the death of Sharif Osman bin Hadi, convenor of the Inqilab Moncho.
He made the remarks in an address to the nation on Thursday night, shortly after news of Hadi’s death arrived from Singapore, where he was being treated after being shot in Dhaka.
Declaring Saturday a day of state mourning, Yunus called on the nation to transform grief into strength.
He pledged swift legal action against all those involved in the crime.
Yunus said the state would take responsibility for Hadi’s wife and only child. He disclosed that he had received confirmation of Hadi’s death from Singapore’s Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan.
“I pray that [God] accepts this immortal soldier of the anti-fascist and anti-hegemonic struggle as a martyr,” Yunus said.
The news of Hadi’s death in Singapore emerged at around 10pm on Thursday. Within an hour and a half, the chief advisor delivered his speech.
Expressing deep sorrow, Yunus described Hadi’s death as an irreparable loss to the country’s political and democratic landscape. He conveyed heartfelt condolences to Hadi’s bereaved family members, relatives and colleagues, and termed the killing “brutal”.
“All those involved in this murder will be brought swiftly under the law, and the highest punishment will be ensured,” he said, adding that there would be no leniency in the process.
Yunus said Hadi had embodied not only resistance but also patriotism, patience and resilience, and appealed to citizens to remain calm. He stressed that law-enforcing agencies were conducting the investigation professionally and that the state remained fully committed to upholding the rule of law.
He also urged people not to fall for rumours or disinformation and to refrain from any rash actions.
“Let us not fall into the traps of those who seek to destabilise the country,” Yunus said. “Instead, let us move forward together on the path of democracy, justice and the rights of the people. That will be our true tribute to [martyred] Hadi.”
STATE MOURNING
On Saturday, national flags will fly at half-mast across all government, semi-government and autonomous institutions, educational establishments, and official buildings, as well as Bangladesh missions abroad.
The chief advisor also announced special prayers and supplications for Hadi’s soul at mosques across the country after Friday prayers.
Arrangements will be made for similar observances in places of worship for other religions.
SHAHBAGH, DHAKA UNIVERSITY
Supporters and activists of the July Moncho gathered in Shahbagh, demanding justice for Hadi.
Protests also spread to Dhaka University after news of his death reached the capital from Singapore.
By 10:30pm, demonstrators had assembled at the intersection, shouting slogans and calling for the perpetrators to be held accountable.
Students from different halls marched to the TSC under the Anti-Imperialist Students banner, staging a demonstration.
DUCSU Social Welfare Secretary AB Zubair said, “After two thousand lives lost, why did we have to lose Hadi? Police and intelligence agencies were aware the attackers were close by. If they didn’t know, why are they paid?”
He led the crowd in an oath: “We will all become Hadi and continue the struggle, generation after generation.”
Jatiya Chhatra Shakti also held a procession near the shouting: “Delhi or Dhaka, Dhaka, Dhaka”, “Resist Indian aggression” and “One Hadi has fallen, a hundred thousand Hadi will rise.”
PROTESTS OUTSIDE INDIAN MISSION
A group of protesters staged a sit-in outside the Indian Assistant High Commission in Chattogram.
The demonstrators gathered at the mission’s Khulshi office around 11pm. Police intervened and dispersed those assembled outside, while another group had taken position at Gate No. 2, authorities said.
HADI’S HOME TOWN MOURNS
Neighbours and relatives gathered at the family home of Hadi in Nalchity Upazila of Jhalakathi following news of his death.
A visit to the house in the Khasmahal area around 10:30pm on Thursday found a crowd of grieving locals, many of them in tears.
Several relatives and neighbours demanded the immediate arrest and exemplary punishment of those responsible for the killing.
Most members of Hadi’s family had travelled to Dhaka soon after he was attacked. Relatives said a theft had also taken place at the house during that period.
One of Hadi’s sisters was at the home, where law enforcers have been deployed for security. Family members declined to speak to the media.
A 30-year-old woman from the area said the entire neighbourhood was in shock. She described Hadi as a source of pride for Nalchity, warning that without justice, voices like his would be silenced. She called for unity in protest, similar to the July Uprising.
Another neighbour, aged 50, said Hadi had spoken out for faith and principle, adding that his family was well regarded in the community. He said justice must be served on Bangladeshi soil.
A 45-year-old woman said Hadi was “a son of Khasmahal” who had spoken the truth and paid for it with his life. She also demanded strict punishment for those behind the killing.
