United News of Bangladesh

A group of unruly people set fire to the building of cultural organisation Chhayanaut in the capital’s Dhanmondi area in the early hours of Friday as violence spread in the country  over the death of Inqilab Moncho spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi. “The incident took place around 2:15am,” said Khaleda Yasmin, duty officer at the Fire Service and Civil Defence Headquarters control room. She said two firefighting units rushed to the spot and doused the blaze around 3:50am.  No injuries were reported. Witnesses said a group of assailants wearing helmets and face coverings entered the building, damaged valuables and set fire to those both inside and outside the premises. Sharif Osman Bin Hadi, a prominent figure of the July Uprising, convenor of Inqilab Moncho and a prospective candidate for the upcoming 13th national parliamentary election, passed away on Thursday at 9:45pm while receiving treatment at Singapore General Hospital. Hadi was critically injured on December 12 when assailants opened fire on him while he was traveling in a rickshaw near the water tank in Bijoynagar, Dhaka. Two individuals on a motorcycle approached his rickshaw, and one of them shot him at close range before fleeing the scene.

Protesters demolished the Rajshahi Metropolitan Awami League office in the city using a bulldozer during protests on Thursday night over the death of Sharif Osman Bin Hadi, spokesperson of Inqilab Moncho. The protesters first gathered at Saheb Bazar Zero Point before marching to the Awami League office around 11:30pm under the banner ‘Students Against Hegemony’, witnesses said. They brought out a procession from Joha Chattar in front of Rajshahi University’s administrative building.  Leaders and activists of Rajshahi University Central Students’ Union (RUCSU), Islami Chhatra Shibir and general students participated in the march which paraded through the campus before reaching the city centre. From the rally, speakers demanded exemplary punishment for those responsible for Hadi’s killing and warned of evicting the Indian Assistant High Commission from Rajshahi. RUCSU Vice-President and Rajshahi University Islami Chhatra Shibir President Mostaqur Rahman Zahid reiterated the demand for justice for Hadi. During the demonstration, protesters chanted various slogans against the Awami League and India, witnesses said. Meanwhile, the body of Hadi, who died while undergoing treatment in Singapore, is expected to arrive in Dhaka around 6:05pm on Friday.

Inqilab Moncho on Friday urged people to refrain from any form of violence over the death of its spokesperson Sharif Osman Bin Hadi who died at a Singapore hospital on Thursday a week after a gun attack on him. In a Facebook post, the socio-cultural platform—formed in the wake of the July Revolution in 2024—called on people to hold protest marches in their respective areas demanding the arrest and trial of those responsible for the killing. The platform also sought prayers for the departed soul of Hadi, a prominent figure of the July Uprising, spokesperson of Inqilab Moncho and a prospective candidate for the upcoming 13th national parliamentary election. Meanwhile, Hadi’s body will be brought back to Bangladesh on Friday. A Biman Bangladesh Airlines commercial flight is scheduled to depart Singapore at 3:50pm (local time) and arrive in Dhaka around 6:05pm, according to Inqilab Moncho. The first Namaz-e-Janaza will be held at Angullia Mosque in Singapore at 10:00am on Friday. In Bangladesh, his Janaza will take place on Saturday after Zohr prayers at Manik Mia Avenue in the capital, the platform said.

At least four people, including two police personnel, were injured in a clash between protesters and police outside the Indian Assistant High Commission in Chattogram following death of Sharif Osman bin Hadi, spokesperson of Inqilab Moncho. The protesters gathered outside the mission’s office in the city’s Khulshi area on Thursday night and pelted bricks and vandalised the office premises around 1:00am, said police. When police intervened, a chase and counter-chase ensued between law enforcers and the protesters, said Chattogram Metropolitan Police (CMP) Commissioner Hasib Aziz. The injured were admitted to Chittagong Medical College Hospital, he said. Police detained 12 people from the spot and they would be shown arrested under the Anti-Terrorism Act, the CMP Commissioner added. Meanwhile, a section of the protesters remained in front of Khulshi Police Station until late at night demanding the release of the detainees. Earlier, students and activists under the banner of Inqilab Moncho staged a protest rally at Soloshahar No. 2 Gate, demanding punishment for those involved in Hadi’s killing. Officer-in-Charge of Panchlaish Police Station Md Solaiman said around 200 protesters gathered in Soloshahar and No. 2 Gate areas to protest the killing of Osman Hadi. They later marched toward Mayor Goli and set a motorcycle on fire at the house of former education minister and Awami League leader Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury Naufel, he said.

The body of Sharif Osman bin Hadi, spokesperson of Inqilab Moncho, who died while undergoing treatment in Singapore, will be brought back to Bangladesh on Friday.  In a Facebook post on early Friday, Inqilab Moncho said a Biman Bangladesh Airlines commercial flight is scheduled to depart at 3:50 pm (local time) and is expected to arrive in Dhaka at around 6:05 pm. The first Namaz-e-Janaza of Hadi will be held at Angullia Mosque in Singapore at 10:00 am on Friday. In Bangladesh, his Janaza will take place on Saturday after Zohr prayers at Manik Mia Avenue in the capital, Inqilab Moncho said. Hadi, the fiery face of the July Uprising and a prospective candidate for the upcoming 13th national parliamentary election, passed away on Thursday at 9:45 pm while receiving medical treatment at Singapore General Hospital. Expressing deep sorrow and grief at Hadi’s untimely death, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus said the loss is irreparable for the country’s political and democratic landscape.“I pray for the eternal peace of his soul and express my deepest condolences to his bereaved wife, family members, relatives and colleagues,” he added. He also called for calm, unity and steadfast progress towards establishing democracy, justice and the rights of the people, without falling into the trap of those seeking to destabilise the country. “This will be our true tribute to martyr Hadi,” he said in a televised address to the nation.Meanwhile, Political parties and leaders, including the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami have expressed deep condolences over the death of Sharif Osman bin Hadi. Following his death, widespread outrage erupted across the country.  Protesters began gathering in Dhaka’s Shahbagh area on Thursday night after his death was announced. Hadi was critically injured on December 12 when assailants opened fire on him while he was traveling in a rickshaw near the water tank in Bijoynagar, Dhaka.  Two individuals on a motorcycle approached his rickshaw, and one of them shot him at close range before fleeing the scene.

Deep sorrow has descended on the hometown of Sharif Osman bin Hadi, convenor of Inqilab Moncho and prospective independent candidate for Dhaka-8, following news of his death. His ancestral house is in the Khasmahal area of Nalchhiti municipality in Jhalokathi. At the same time, protesters, including July Uprising veterans, National Coordination Party (NCP), and Gana Adhikar Parishad activists, staged a blockade on the Dhaka–Jhalokathi highway at College Mor, demanding the immediate arrest of Hadi’s killers. Upon hearing the news, Hadi’s relatives, neighbors, and well-wishers rushed to his home, filling the area with grief and wailing. Due to security concerns, the family did not meet anyone or speak to the media on Thursday night. Police said family contact was being limited considering the situation. Family members are expected to speak to relatives and locals on Friday morning. Local residents, classmates, and supporters expressed anger over Hadi’s killing and demanded that the perpetrators be swiftly identified, arrested, and punished. The blockade on the Dhaka–Jhalokathi highway, which started at 11:30 pm on Thursday, brought traffic to a standstill in both directions, affecting buses, trucks, and goods vehicles from Dhaka, Barishal, and Khulna. Passengers and commuters faced severe inconvenience during the night. Protesters said Hadi’s murder was premeditated, and despite the time elapsed since the incident, there has been no effective progress in apprehending the killers. They warned that the movement would continue until justice is served. NCP Jhalokathi district convenor Mainul Islam Manna said Hadi, a well-known revolutionary and patriotic figure after the July Uprising, had not received adequate security. He called the killing not merely a personal tragedy, but an attempt to silence a voice of ideals and protest. Osman Hadi was the son of the late Sharif Maulana Abdul Hadi of the Ferrighat area in Nalchhiti. His sister, Mashuma Sultana bin Hadi, and brother-in-law Amir Hossain are currently at the family home, joined by relatives offering support.

Locals on Friday blocked the Dhaka–Chittagong Highway at Shanirakhra, Jatrabari, demanding a swift trial in connection with Inqilab Mancha spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi’s murder. Osman Hadi, who was critically injured in a gun attack in Dhaka last Friday, has died while undergoing treatment at Singapore General Hospital. The blockade began on Friday night after spreading the news of death The obstruction has completely halted traffic in Shanir Akhra and surrounding areas. The roadblock has caused severe traffic congestion on the highway, affecting long-distance vehicles and commuters alike. Rayhan Rafid who was one of them in the demonstration stated that the demonstration is aimed at securing a quick trial for Hadi, who was considered an icon for the youth. Hadi was a prominent social activist known for his work in community development and youth empowerment. His sudden death last month sparked outrage among students and young professionals across the country. Police have arrived at the scene and are negotiating with the demonstrators to restore normalcy. However, the blockade had not been lifted at the time of reporting. Dr Ahad, head of the National Citizen Party’s (NCP) health cell and Hadi’s physician, confirmed the news in a video message, saying: “We have received word from Singapore General Hospital that Hadi has passed away.” Earlier on Wednesday night, Singapore’s Foreign Minister Dr Vivian Balakrishnan visited Hadi at the hospital. Osman Hadi, who was being considered as a potential Dhaka-8 candidate for the upcoming national election, was shot in the head on Friday, December 12, in the Purana Paltan area of the capital.

A house belonging to the brother of former Dhaka-18 lawmaker Habib Hasan was set on fire in Uttara early Friday, according to the Fire Service and Civil Defence. Duty officer Shahjahan at the Fire Service and Civil Defence headquarters control room said they received information about the fire at 12:15am at the residence of the former Awami League MP's brother in Uttara. Following the report, a firefighting unit was dispatched to the scene. However, the fire service vehicle was obstructed by a crowd on the way, he said. As of the last update, the fire service unit had not been able to reach the spot.

Gloom descended on the village home of Inqilab Moncho spokesperson Sharif Osman bin Hadi in the Khasmahal area of Nalchity municipality in Jhalakathi as news of his death spread. Relatives and well-wishers rushed to the house upon hearing the news. However, due to security concerns, no family members spoke to visitors or the media on Thursday night. Police said the family would speak to others on Friday morning. Hadi’s neighbours and former classmates demanded the immediate arrest of those involved in his killing and called for the maximum punishment, including the death penalty. Many people broke down in tears while recalling memories of Hadi. Locals also raised questions about why adequate security was not provided to a heroic July Uprising figure like Hadi following the movement. At present, Hadi’s sister, Masuma Sultana bin Hadi, and his brother-in-law, Amir Hossain, are staying at the family home.

A house belonging to Awami league’s former education minister Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury Naufel was set on fire in Chattogram on Thursday night amid protests over the killing of Inqilab Moncho spokesperson Osman Hadi. The incident took place around 11:00 pm in the Chashmahill area of the city, where agitated protesters torched a motorcycle inside the house, which also belongs to former Chattogram mayor Mohiuddin Chowdhury. Earlier, students and activists under the banner of Inqilab Moncho staged a protest rally at Soloshahar No. 2 Gate, demanding punishment for those involved in Hadi’s killing. The protesters later marched toward Mayor Goli, where the arson incident occurred. Another group of protesters simultaneously held a demonstration and sit-in program in front of the Indian government mission office in the Khurshi area of the city. Confirming the incident, Officer-in-Charge of Panchlaish Police Station Md Solaiman said around 200 protesters gathered in the Soloshahar and No. 2 Gate areas to protest the killing of Inqilab Moncho leader Osman Hadi. “They later marched toward Mayor Goli and set a motorcycle on fire at the house of former education minister and Awami League leader Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury Naufel. Police were present and attempted to bring the situation under control,” the OC said. No casualties were reported, and police said the situation was under control at the time of filing this report.