A massive wave of grief and defiance swept through the capital on Saturday, December 20, 2025, as hundreds of thousands of Bangladeshis gathered to participate in the funeral of Sharif Osman Hadi.
The 32-year-old spokesperson of the radical youth group Inqilab Mancha, whose assassination sparked nationwide arson and diplomatic friction, was buried with state honors following two days of violent unrest.
The Final Journey: Janaza at Parliament
The funeral prayers (Janaza) were held at the South Plaza of the National Parliament Building at Manik Mia Avenue, conducted by Hadi’s elder brother, Abu Bakar.
High-Profile Attendance: Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus, Army Chief General Waker-uz-Zaman, and leaders from the BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, and the National Citizen Party (NCP) were in attendance.
Emotional Tribute: Addressing the crowd, Dr. Yunus said, “We have not come here to say goodbye. You are in our hearts and will remain in the heart of all Bangladeshis as long as this country exists.”
- Security Lockdown: The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) and 20 platoons of BGB deployed 1,000 body-worn cameras and drones to monitor the massive crowd, while the interim government declared Saturday a day of State Mourning, flying the national flag at half-mast.5
A Grave of Honor: Burial at Dhaka University
Following the prayers, Hadi’s body was taken in a massive procession to the Dhaka University Central Mosque.
Symbolic Resting Place: Upon his family’s request, Hadi was buried directly beside the mausoleum of Kazi Nazrul Islam, Bangladesh’s national poet.
The “Martyr” Status: Supporters noted the symbolism of the burial, placing the young “July Uprising” figure next to the poet whose writings inspired Bangladesh’s liberation and its latest student movement.
Assassination & Unrest: A Nation on Edge
Hadi, a fierce critic of Indian influence and an aspirant for the upcoming February 2026 general elections, was shot in the head by masked gunmen in Bijoynagar on December 12.
The Aftermath: After succumbing to his injuries in Singapore on Thursday, his death triggered immediate violence. Arsonists targeted the offices of the Prothom Alo and The Daily Star newspapers, as well as the homes of former Awami League ministers.
Diplomatic Strain: Bangladesh authorities claim the prime suspects have fled to India, leading to a fresh diplomatic row. On Saturday, a Dhaka court granted four-day police custody for three suspects already arrested in the case.
Timeline of Events
| Date | Event |
| Dec 12, 2025 | Hadi shot in the head while campaigning in Dhaka. |
| Dec 18, 2025 | Succumbs to injuries at a Singapore hospital; violent protests erupt. |
| Dec 19, 2025 | Body arrives in Dhaka; Interim Govt declares State Mourning. |
| Dec 20, 2025 | Funeral at Parliament; Burial at Dhaka University. |