Large crowds filled the streets as mourners joined the funeral procession of Sharif Osman Hadi, a prominent student leader linked to last year’s pro-democracy movement. His death has shaken the country and sparked two days of violent protests.
Hadi was shot by masked gunmen while leaving a mosque in Dhaka. He later died in a hospital in Singapore. His body was flown back on Friday and buried at the central mosque of Dhaka University.
Police wearing body cameras were deployed outside the parliament building, where funeral prayers were held. Authorities remained on high alert, fearing more unrest.
"We have not come here to say goodbye," interim leader Muhammad Yunus said in an emotional address. "You are in our hearts, and you will remain in the heart of all Bangladeshis as long as the country exists."
On Saturday, 20 December 2025, Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus attended the funeral of Sharif Osman Hadi at the National Parliament’s South Plaza.
— Chief Adviser of the Government of Bangladesh (@ChiefAdviserGoB) December 20, 2025
Photos: CA Press Wing pic.twitter.com/04Nroispwk
Hadi, 32, was known for his strong political views and criticism of India. He was also preparing to contest the general elections scheduled for February.
Also Read: Osman Hadi shot dead: Student leader’s killing fuels unrest in Bangladesh
Iqbal Hossain Saikot, a government employee who travelled from a distant area to attend the prayers, said Hadi was killed because of his firm opposition to India. He said Hadi would continue to live "among the millions of Bangladeshi people who love the land and its sovereign territory".
The killing has triggered widespread protests across Bangladesh, with demonstrators demanding the arrest of those responsible. In Dhaka, several buildings were set on fire, including the offices of leading newspapers ‘Prothom Alo’ and the ‘Daily Star’.
Critics accuse these publications of favoring India, where Bangladesh’s former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has taken refuge since fleeing the country after the 2024 uprising.
Amnesty International urged the interim government to conduct "prompt, thorough, independent and impartial" investigations into Hadi’s killing and the violence that followed.
