Protests erupt nationwide after Hadi's death
Protests erupted across the country, including Dhaka, on Thursday night, December 18, following the death of Inqilab Mancha's spokesperson, Sharif Osman Hadi, after being shot by assailants in Dhaka a week ago.
Students and activists from various political organisations staged demonstrations demanding justice and the arrest of those responsible for the killing of Hadi, an independent candidate for the Dhaka-8 constituency.
Hadi succumbed to his injuries while undergoing treatment at Singapore General Hospital last night.
In Dhaka, Protesters brought out protest processions, blocking the Shabagh Crossing, Banglamotor, Rampura, and Badda Natun Bazar, halting traffic movement in those areas that continued past midnight on Thursday.
In Barguna, protesters blocked the entrance of the Superintendent of Police’s office for nearly an hour, demanding the immediate arrest and exemplary punishment of the perpetrators.
In Faridpur, demonstrators staged a late-night sit-in outside the SP’s office and later announced a siege programme demanding the arrest of banned Awami League leaders and activists.
In Khulna, protesters gathered outside the residence of the Indian Assistant High Commission, raising slogans condemning the killing and calling for justice.
Several other districts, including Gaibandha, Patuakhali, Rajbari, and Jhalokathi, witnessed highway blockades that temporarily halted vehicular movement. Protesters in Rajbari set fire to tyres while blocking the highway.
In Sylhet and Sunamganj, demonstrations included slogans opposing Indian influence, while in Narayanganj, protesters also organised a candlelight vigil at the Central Shaheed Minar.
At Jahangirnagar University, students organised a mourning and protest march that concluded at the Central Shaheed Minar, where prayers were offered for Hadi’s soul.
At the Islamic University in Kushtia, students blocked the Kushtia–Khulna Highway, and later female students staged protests at the university’s main gate.
At the University of Chittagong, the Islami Chhatra Shibir held a protest rally that paraded key campus areas before concluding with speeches at Gate No. 2.
Student organisations participating in the protests included Chhatra Dal, Chhatra Shibir, Chhatra Union, the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, and Islami Chhatra Andolon.
Earlier, on December 12, Hadi was shot by two assailants on Box Culvert Road in the capital's Bijoynagar area while traveling on a rickshaw after Jumma prayers. He was initially treated at Dhaka Medical College Hospital before being transferred to Evercare Hospital later that day.
For advanced medical treatment, he was flown to Singapore on Monday, December 15, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
NHR/MHK
