Hadi loses fight for survival

Sharif Osman Hadi, convener and spokesperson of the Inqilab Mancha, has died after succumbing to critical gunshot injuries, ending days of intense medical efforts and nationwide concern.

Hadi breathed his last on Thursday, December 18, while undergoing treatment at Singapore General Hospital, according to Inqilab Mancha.

The platform’s leader Fatima Tasnim Zuma, also Liberation War Affairs Secretary of Dhaka University Central Students Union, said, “Allah accepted the great July revolutionary Osman Hadi as a martyr in the struggle against Indian hegemony.”  

He had remained in a critical condition since being shot in the head in a targeted attack that sparked widespread outrage across the country.

Doctors said Hadi suffered severe head injuries and was kept on life support as his condition continued to deteriorate. Despite repeated medical interventions, multiple organs began to fail, and he ultimately lost the fight for survival.

Earlier, Inqilab Mancha had announced that Hadi’s family had given consent to transfer him to Singapore for advanced surgery, describing his condition as “standing at the crossroads of life and death”. The organisation had appealed for prayers, saying, “May Allah grant him Hayat Tayyiba (a good life).” However, his condition worsened before the planned medical intervention could take place.

The attack on Hadi triggered strong reactions from political parties, civil society groups and rights activists, many of whom described the assault as a direct attack on dissent and democratic space.

Inqilab Mancha had warned of mass protests if justice was delayed, and demanded that the perpetrators be arrested immediately. The organisation also urged the government to ensure the arrest and extradition of the assailants if they fled abroad, including to India.

Hadi was also a potential parliamentary candidate for the Dhaka-8 constituency and was regarded by supporters as a prominent organiser during the July uprising.

Deputy Press Secretary to the Chief Adviser Abul Kalam Azad Majumdar had earlier confirmed that Hadi was in “very critical condition”. He also said Singapore’s Foreign Minister Dr Vivian Balakrishnan had visited Hadi during his treatment and later briefed Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus on his deteriorating health.

Following news of Hadi’s death, leaders and activists of Inqilab Mancha expressed deep grief, remembering him as a fearless voice against injustice and political repression.

Law enforcement agencies said investigations into the killing are ongoing, though no arrests have yet been officially confirmed. Details of Hadi’s funeral and burial will be announced by the family.