Sharing the deeply heartbreaking news of Sharif Osman Hadi’s demise, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Thursday night 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.

At this moment of national mourning, he urged everyone to transform the ideals and sacrifices of Hadi into collective strength.

“Let us remain patient, not listen to propaganda and rumours, and refrain from any rash decisions,” Prof Yunus said.

At the beginning of his speech, the Chief Adviser stated, “I have come before you with very heartbreaking news. Sharif Osman Hadi, the fearless fighter at the forefront of the July Uprising and spokesperson of the Inqilab Mancha, who was undergoing treatment in Singapore, is no more with us.”

He said that a short while earlier, Singapore’s Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan had conveyed the heartbreaking news over the telephone.

Prof Yunus again appealed to all citizens to maintain patience and restraint.

“Give law enforcement agencies and relevant organisations the opportunity to conduct their investigations professionally. The state is fully committed to establishing the rule of law,” he said.

The Chief Adviser reiterated that Hadi was an enemy of the defeated forces and fascist terrorists.

“The evil attempt to intimidate revolutionaries by silencing his voice will be completely thwarted. No one can stop the journey to democracy of this country through fear, terror or bloodshed,” he said.

Prof Yunus said the nation has reached the final stage of democratic transition.

“Shaheed Hadi was an integral part of this process. His sole desire was to contest the upcoming elections and play an active role in the next phase of building a new Bangladesh,” he said.

Calling it deeply tragic that Hadi’s dream remained unfulfilled, Prof Yunus added, “The responsibility of realising his dream now rests on the shoulders of the entire nation.”

“In the coming days, we must move forward with patience, restraint, courage and foresight so that the fascist terrorist forces - enemies of elections and democracy - can be finally defeated,” he said.

The Chief Adviser said the government will take responsibility for Hadi’s wife and his only child and also declared a one-day state mourning on Saturday following Hadi’s death.

On this occasion, the national flag will be flown at half-mast at all government, semi-government and autonomous institutions, educational institutions, as well as government and private buildings across the country and at Bangladesh missions abroad.

At the same time, special prayers and munajat will be held at every mosque across the country after Jumma prayers on Friday for the eternal peace of martyr Hadi.

“Please join us in this. Special prayers will also be organised at places of worship of other religions,” Prof Yunus said.

Prof Yunus prayed that Almighty Allah accepts this immortal soldier of the struggle against fascism and hegemony as a martyr. “We all pray together,” he said.

Expressing deep sorrow and grief at Hadi’s untimely death, Prof 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 expressed special gratitude to the Singapore government, saying, “They have shown utmost sincerity and professionalism in treating Hadi—especially Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan, who is also a doctor.”

He said the Singapore foreign minister personally took care of Hadi and kept him regularly informed about the treatment.

“All those involved in this brutal murder will be brought to justice swiftly, and the maximum punishment will be ensured. No laxity will be shown in this regard,” Prof Yunus said.

Describing Hadi as a symbol of resistance, he said, “This young leader, Osman Hadi, imbued with revolutionary spirit, was a unique symbol of protest. Through his actions, he set an example not only of resistance but also of patriotism, patience and determination.”