Goodbye to a firebrand—Sharif Osman Hadi
The hundreds of thousands of people who turned up at Shangshad Bhaban, for the state funeral of Shaheed Sharif Osman Hadi, a co-founder and spokesperson of Inquilab Moncho and an independent candidate for Dhaka 8 in the upcoming national elections, speaks volumes of the extent of his influence and the depth of the grief he has left behind. An important figure of the student-led July uprising of 2024, he became prominent as a unique, fearless voice speaking for the ordinary people of Bangladesh. We mourn the loss of this young man, who vehemently spoke against authoritarianism and the corruption it produced. He was unapologetic about his views and communicated them with passion and candidness.
His importance has been aptly recognised by the chief adviser in his address to the nation and the announcement of a one-day state mourning on Saturday following his untimely death. The national flag was flown at half-mast at all government, semi-government, educational institutions and private buildings. Special prayers have been organised in all mosques across the country as well as other places of worship.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. On December 12, Hadi suffered critical head injuries when assailants on a motorbike shot at him while he was travelling in a battery-operated rickshaw in Purana Paltan area. He was first taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital, then to Evercare Hospital and later airlifted to Singapore on December 15 for advanced treatment. But despite all efforts, Hadi could not be saved leaving his child without a father and his wife a widow. Although suspects have been identified, they have not been apprehended yet.
Known for his fiery speeches and straightforward attitude, Hadi was also a private university teacher and a poet, greatly inspired by national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam, next to whose grave he was laid to rest. He was unique in his simplicity and straightforwardness. His followers were beguiled by the warmth he extended to them and his genuine interest in listening to their struggles. He was a champion of youth and their aspirations.
While mourning his loss we must, as a nation, confront the painful questions about the safety of political actors and engagement, the protection of dissenting voices. The brazenness with which he was targeted and left with fatal injuries, is a severe blow to our democratic aspirations and in particular the security situation surrounding the upcoming elections. We demand that the government conduct the investigation of this murder with extreme rigour and fairness so that the assailants are brought to book and the conspiracy behind his killing is revealed.
For now, we express our sorrow and condolences to Hadi's loved ones and countless supporters. Rest in power, Hadi.
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