July Oikya calls nationwide prayers, coffin marches to mourn Hadi’s death

July Oikya, an alliance linked to the July movement, has announced nationwide special prayers after Jummah prayers, along with symbolic coffin processions, to mourn and commemorate the death of Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of the Inqilab Mancha.

In a statement issued late Thursday night (December 18), the organisation confirmed that special prayers would be offered at mosques after Jummah prayers across the country, alongside coffin processions in different locations.

Describing Hadi as a symbol of the July movement, the statement said justice would be ensured for “every drop of his blood” on Bangladeshi soil. The organisation also urged people to remain patient and disciplined during this period of mourning.

Hadi died at Singapore General Hospital on Thursday night (December 18) at around 9:45pm (Bangladesh time) while undergoing treatment. He was expected to contest the upcoming 13th parliamentary election as an independent candidate from the Dhaka-8 constituency. On December 12, he was shot while campaigning in the area.

According to police and eyewitness accounts, Hadi was returning from electioneering after Friday prayers in Motijheel when unidentified assailants on motorcycles opened fire on the autorickshaw carrying him near the Box Culvert area under Paltan Model Police Station at around 2:20pm. He sustained critical head injuries.

Hadi was initially taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital and later transferred to Evercare Hospital after surgery. He was subsequently flown to Singapore for advanced treatment, where he later succumbed to his injuries.