Guterres condemns killing of Hadi: Dujarric

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has condemned the killing of Sharif Osman Hadi, convener of the Inqilab Mancha, and expressed his deep condolences to Hadi’s bereaved family.

The condemnation was conveyed by UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric at a regular press briefing of the Office of the Spokesperson of the UN Secretary-General on Friday.

Briefing journalists on the latest situation in Bangladesh, Dujarric said the UN chief denounced the killing of the young political leader and urged the authorities to carry out a prompt, impartial, comprehensive and transparent investigation in line with international human rights standards.

Guterres also stressed the importance of maintaining a peaceful environment in the run-up to the national elections scheduled for February. He called on all stakeholders to refrain from violence, reduce tensions and exercise maximum restraint.

Sharif Osman Hadi was shot in the head on 12 December on Box Culvert Road in the capital’s Purana Paltan area, a day after the schedule for the 13th National Parliament elections and referendum was announced. He was initially taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital and later shifted to Evercare Hospital as his condition worsened.

On 15 December, Hadi was airlifted to Singapore for advanced treatment, where he died on 18 December while undergoing care.

His body was brought back to Dhaka on Friday evening. In accordance with his family’s wishes, Sharif Osman Hadi was laid to rest beside the tomb of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam on Saturday.