Shahbagh blockade demanding justice for Osman Hadi killing

Leaders and activists of Inqilab Mancha have blocked Shahbagh, demanding justice for the killing of Sharif Osman Hadi, the organisation’s convener. Alongside Inqilab Mancha members, general students and members of the public also joined the protest.

After Jumma prayers on Friday, December 26, protesters brought out a procession from the Dhaka University Central Mosque. The march reached the Shahbagh intersection, where demonstrators began a sit-in, bringing traffic to a halt.

Earlier on Friday morning, Inqilab Mancha announced nationwide prayers and protest rallies after Jumma through its verified Facebook page, seeking prayers for the departed soul of martyr Osman Hadi and swift trial of those responsible for his killing.

During the blockade, protesters chanted slogans including “Naraye takbir, Allahu Akbar”, “Dilli no Dhaka, Dhaka Dhaka”, “One Hadi has fallen, a hundred thousand Hadis will fight”, and “Catch League members, send them to jail”.

Addressing the gathering at Shahbagh, Inqilab Mancha member secretary Abdullah Al Jaber said the blockade would continue until justice for Hadi’s killing is ensured. He also announced that protesters were prepared to spend the night at the Shahbagh intersection if necessary.

Osman Hadi was shot on December 12 while returning home by rickshaw after an election campaign. He was initially taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital and later shifted to Evercare Hospital the same day for advanced treatment. As his condition deteriorated, he was flown to Singapore on December 15, where he died at Singapore General Hospital at 9.30pm on December 18.