Following the death of student revolt leader Sharif Osman Hadi on 19 December, widespread protests erupted in Bangladesh. Amid public outrage in Dhaka, several protesters have vandalized the offices of Bangladesh’s major dailies and newspapers. Yunus announced one day state mourning. But how did this whole matter start and what has happened till now?
Question 1- Who was Sharif Usman Hadi?
answer- Sharif Osman Hadi was born in Nalchiti village of Bangladesh. He was the national spokesperson of Inquilab Manch. He was a prominent Bangladeshi political activist, writer and spokesperson of the right-wing Islamic organization ‘Inquilab Manch’. He is recognized as an influential youth leader who emerged after the massive student-led movement of July–August 2024.
Question 2- How did Osman Hadi die?
answer- According to Dhaka Tribune, Inquilab Manch activist Mohammad Rafi (who was in another rickshaw behind Hadi) said that after Friday prayers (December 12), they were going towards the High Court area to have lunch. As soon as they reached Bijaynagar, two people on a motorcycle opened fire on Hadi and ran away. Hadi was brought to Singapore hospital. Hadi died after 6 days.
Question 3- How did violence erupt in Bangladesh after Hadi’s death?
answer- As soon as the news of Hadi spread, his supporters in Dhaka took to the streets in anger. People gathered at Shahbagh intersection and accused the government of failing to protect Hadi. He started demanding immediate arrest of the killers. Anger grew and the demonstrations turned violent.
Question 4- What did the protesters burn in the violence?
answer- The protesters vandalized the offices of 2 news channels, the office of Awami League and the house of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. They closed a major highway connecting Dhaka to other parts of the country and vandalized the residence of a former minister in Chittagong, south-eastern Bangladesh. Chhayanat, a major center dedicated to promoting Bengali culture, was also targeted. Apart from this, violent incidents also took place at many places.
Question 5- When will the body of Usman Hadi reach Bangladesh?
answer- According to the Facebook post of the Inquilab platform, Osman Hadi’s relatives will leave Singapore with his body at 3:50 pm on Friday. They will reach Bangladesh at around 6 pm.
Question 6- When will the funeral of Osman Hadi take place?
answer- Inquilab Manch said that his funeral will be held on Saturday at Manik Mian Avenue in Dhaka after Johar prayers (afternoon prayers).
Question 7- Who is the accused in Hadi’s death?
answer- According to the Dhaka Tribune, law enforcement agencies have identified Faisal Karim Masood as the gunman who opened fire on Usman Hadi. Police and Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) said that the motorcycle used in the attack was being driven by his associate Alamgir Shaikh. Multiple investigation sources said the two suspects crossed the border illegally and fled to India.
Question 8- How many accused have been arrested so far?
answer- Police and RAB have detained and arrested 14 people in connection with the murder. Those arrested include accused Faisal’s father Mohammad Humayun Kabir (70), mother Musa Hasi Begum (60), wife Shaheeda Parveen Samia and brother-in-law Wahid Ahmed Sipu. Apart from this, Faisal’s girlfriend Maria Akhtar has also been arrested.
Question 9- What advisory did India give on Bangladesh violence?
answer- The Indian High Commission in Bangladesh issued a notice on Friday morning appealing to members of the Indian community and Indian students living in Bangladesh to avoid travelling.
