‘Hadi’s Blood Won’t Go In Vain’: Chants Mark Funeral Of July Uprising Leader In Bangladesh

Last Updated:December 20, 2025, 20:47 IST

Hundreds of thousands mourned Sharif Osman Hadi in Dhaka, with tight security and political slogans, as his killing deepens tensions ahead of Bangladesh's February 12 elections.

A massive crowd gathered at Hadi's funeral on Saturday. (Image: X/@ChiefAdviserGoB)

A massive crowd thronged central Dhaka on Saturday as hundreds of thousands of mourners paid their last respects to Sharif Osman Hadi, a prominent Bangladeshi activist whose killing has deepened political tensions ahead of the upcoming national elections.

From early morning, crowds streamed toward Manik Mia Avenue, filling areas around the Parliament complex. Many wrapped themselves in the national flag, while others voiced demands for justice over Hadi’s death. Authorities imposed extensive security measures for the funeral held at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban, deploying police with body cameras across the capital and reinforcing sensitive areas with additional units from the Border Guard Bangladesh, BDNews24 reported. The national flag was flown at half-staff nationwide as part of an official day of mourning.

Hadi’s elder brother, Abu Bakar, led the janaza prayers. Afterward, the body was taken under tight security to Dhaka University, where burial arrangements had been completed overnight. He was laid to rest beside the mausoleum of national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam. “In line with the earlier announcement, the body was not kept for public viewing, and only select people were allowed to witness the burial," a police officer said.

Despite restricted access to the burial, tens of thousands were allowed to attend the funeral prayers. The gathering echoed with political slogans such as “Delhi or Dhaka – Dhaka, Dhaka" and “brother Hadi’s blood will not be allowed to go in vain."

Hadi, a spokesperson for the Inqilab Moncho cultural platform, rose to prominence during last year’s political uprising that ended former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s 15-year rule. He was shot in Dhaka on December 12, later flown to Singapore, and died there on Thursday. His mortal remains were brought back to Bangladesh late Friday.

Police say suspects have been identified and may have fled to India, where Hasina is living in exile, fueling fresh diplomatic tensions. The funeral took place as Bangladesh prepares for parliamentary elections scheduled for February 12.

News world ‘Hadi’s Blood Won’t Go In Vain’: Chants Mark Funeral Of July Uprising Leader In Bangladesh

Read More