‘We will stay at Shahbagh throughout the night’
Inqilab Moncho today blocked Shahbagh demanding justice for the killing of Sharif Osman Bin Hadi.
After Juma prayers, leaders and activists of Inqilab Moncho and July Moncho, along with general students and public, brought out a protest procession from the Dhaka University Central Mosque and marched to Shahbagh, where they staged a sit-in.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. Inqilab Moncho member secretary Abdullah Al Jaber said that the sit-in will continue throughout the night.
"We will stay at Shahbagh throughout the night. We have already arranged for blankets. Hadi bought the blankets for the poor when he was alive but could not distribute those," Jaber said.
As of 11:15pm, the blockade was still ongoing. The demonstrators blocked the road, halting vehicular movement in the area.
Earlier, the Inqilab Moncho member secretary announced that they would continue the Shahbagh blockade until the perpetrators are brought to justice.
"People from all over the country will join us by tomorrow (Saturday) morning," he said.
He also threatened a nationwide blockade if the government fails to take immediate action.
Jaber called on political parties to unite for the trial of Osman Hadi's murder. "If you do not stand up for the trial of this murder, people of Bangladesh will assume that you too have a hand in it," he said.
From the sit-in, the platform reiterated its three-point demand: forming a speedy trial tribunal and completing the trial within a maximum of 30 working days; ensuring an impartial investigation by involving internationally recognised professional agencies; identifying, arresting and prosecuting "Awami terrorists" allegedly hiding within civil and military intelligence agencies, and resignation of the home adviser, the special assistant and the law adviser.
Jaber emphasised that Osman Hadi's fight against cultural hegemony remains ongoing. "In line with Hadi's principles and objectives, this struggle will continue. It is a fight to protect our independence and sovereignty," he added.
At Shahbagh, he declared the area as "Shaheed Osman Hadi Chottor" and said, "From today, this square will bear the name of Shaheed Osman Hadi. Our movement will remain on the streets until justice is served."
The programme has seen participation from people of various social and professional backgrounds.
Sharif Osman Hadi was shot in the capital's Bijoynagar area on December 12. He was first taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital and later shifted to Evercare Hospital. On December 15, he was flown to Singapore for advanced treatment, where he died while undergoing treatment on December 18.
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