Hundreds of Thousands Attend Funeral for Slain Activist Hadi in Dhaka

Hundreds of thousands of mourners gathered in Dhaka on December 16, 2023, for the funeral of prominent activist Sharif Osman Hadi, who succumbed to injuries from a gunshot attack earlier this month. Hadi had been a significant figure in the political unrest that led to the ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and was a vocal critic of both the current government and the neighboring Indian administration.

Hadi was shot on December 12 during a violent clash in Dhaka, where political tensions have been escalating ahead of national elections scheduled for February 2024. He died on December 14 in a hospital in Singapore, prompting widespread outrage and protests across the nation. Following his death, police have identified suspects linked to the shooting, with reports indicating that the assailant may have fled to India.

As the funeral proceedings unfolded, security was heightened around the Parliament complex in Dhaka. Hadi’s body returned on the evening of December 15, and the government declared December 16 a national day of mourning. He was a spokesperson for the Inqilab Moncho culture group and was laid to rest on the campus of Dhaka University, alongside the grave of national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam.

Mourners carried flags and chanted slogans that expressed their determination to continue Hadi’s fight for justice. One chant resonated through the crowd: “We will be Hadi, we will be fighting decades after decades.” This outpouring of grief and anger has been met with violence; reports indicate that protesters have attacked and set fire to the offices of two major newspapers in response to the news of Hadi’s death.

In the wake of these events, Muhammad Yunus, the interim leader and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, has called for calm and urged citizens to remain peaceful. The political landscape in Bangladesh is precarious, with the legitimacy of the upcoming elections being questioned amidst ongoing strife.

Hadi had intended to run as an independent candidate in a significant electoral district in the forthcoming elections. His death not only highlights the current political turmoil but also raises questions about the future direction of the country. Bangladesh is undergoing a critical transition as it seeks to re-establish democratic governance, with Yunus at the helm attempting to navigate the challenges posed by the ongoing power struggle.

The political battleground is dominated by Hasina’s Awami League party and its main rival, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party led by former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. Additionally, the Jamaat-e-Islami party, known for its controversial history, is forming alliances in a bid to gain more political influence during this turbulent period.

As tensions mount, the Yunus-led government has appealed to India for the extradition of Hasina, who has been in exile since August 5, 2024, following her conviction on charges of crimes against humanity. Despite repeated requests, India has yet to respond, exacerbating diplomatic relations between the two nations.

The events surrounding Hadi’s funeral and the escalating political crisis underscore the fragile state of democracy in Bangladesh. As the nation prepares for elections, the call for justice and the demand for accountability resonate strongly among its citizens.