Slain Bangladesh activist Hadi laid to rest next to national poet’s grave

DHAKA: With thousands in attendance, the spokesperson for Inqilab Moncho and a frontline figure of the July uprising, Sharif Osman Hadi, was laid to rest Saturday beside the grave of national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam near the Dhaka University Central Mosque. Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus attending Hadi’s funeral and paying tribute to the slain activist, widely known for his strong anti-India stance, is being seen as a signal to India.

Before Hadi’s burial, Taslima Nasrin, who is known for her writings on feminism, wrote on her verified Facebook page, “Should Hadi, an obscene and abusive anti-India activist, be buried next to the grave of India’s rebel poet Kazi Nazrul Islam? Shouldn’t he be buried without disrespecting Kazi Nazrul Islam?”


In remarks that are sure to raise concerns in India, Yunus said martyr Hadi would never be forgotten, emphasising that he would live on through the lessons he had left for the nation.

Addressing mourners, Yunus said, “Dear Hadi, you wanted to take part in the election. By expressing your desire to contest, you also taught us how elections should be conducted. Let us all accept that process.”

“By embracing the lessons you gave us, we’ll ensure that you remain alive in our memories. Hadi, you will never be lost. No one will ever be able to forget you. You’ll remain with us for decades,” he said.

Thousands of people from all walks of life attended the funeral. Many arrived in processions, chanting slogans demanding justice and vowing that Hadi’s death would not go in vain. Thousands later gathered at the Shahbagh intersection, chanting slogans such as “Inquilab Inquilab—Zindabad Zindabad” and “Delhi Na Dhaka—Dhaka, Dhaka.” The protesters called for renaming Shahbagh intersection Hadi Chattor.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) urged the nation to remain vigilant so that Hadi’s murder is not exploited by conspirators to delay elections or gain political advantage. Speaking after the funeral prayer, BNP standing committee member Salahuddin Ahmed warned that “some fallen fascist forces and those conspiring against the elections may attempt to use this incident for political gain.”

Abu Bakar Siddique, the elder brother of Hadi, questioned the failure to arrest the killers even seven to eight days after the shooting.

Meanwhile, leaders of Udichi Shilpi Gosthi, a social and cultural organisation, have accused the interim govt of failing to prevent an attack and arson at its central office, despite clear threats from anti-liberation and fundamentalist forces nearly 24 hours earlier. “The govt has moved away from the spirit of the July uprising and is effectively appeasing fundamentalist forces,” said Udichi general secretary Amit Ranjan Dey.