Sharif Osman Hadi, Bangladesh Opposition Icon, Dies in Singapore

Sharif Osman Hadi, a leading voice of the opposition against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and a key figure in the recent ‘July uprising,’ has died in Singapore. Hadi was critically injured after being shot by unidentified gunmen while in an auto-rickshaw on Culvert Road, Paltan, Dhaka. Following the attack, he was transferred to Singapore for urgent medical treatment but tragically succumbed to his wounds. News of his death has reportedly fueled further protests and acts of arson across Bangladesh. Hadi, an independent candidate for the Dhaka-8 constituency and a member of the Inqilab Manch, was known for his strong anti-Hasina stance. The shooting occurred in the Bijoynagar area during his campaign activities. Police are investigating the incident, which involved multiple gunshots fired by fleeing attackers. The chief adviser of Bangladesh, Muhammad Yunus, has expressed deep sorrow over Hadi’s demise, condemning the violence surrounding the upcoming elections. He declared Saturday as a day of national mourning, observing that Hadi was a ‘fearless fighter’ against authoritarianism. The spokesperson for Inqilab Mancha confirmed Hadi’s death, noting his six-day struggle for survival. Yunus conveyed his gratitude to Singapore for its assistance. The state mourning includes flying the national flag at half-mast at all government and public institutions, as well as diplomatic missions abroad.