Bangladesh has been engulfed in intense anti-India riots and chaos since Thursday night after the death of Sharif Osman Hadi, a vocal anti-India political figure. The killing has sparked widespread violence, with angry mobs torching media houses, cultural centers, and even the historic home of Bangladesh’s founder, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
Hadi was shot last week in Dhaka by masked assailants riding a motorcycle. According to media reports, the prime suspect, Faisal Karim, had ominously told his girlfriend, Maria Akhtar Lima, a day before the attack that an incident was about to occur that would “shake the entire Bangladesh.”
The next day, Faisal and two accomplices opened fire on Hadi in broad daylight, leaving him critically injured. He was rushed to hospital and later airlifted to Singapore by the interim administration led by Muhammad Yunus. Despite days of treatment, Hadi succumbed to his injuries.
His death unleashed complete turmoil across the country, sharply destabilizing the political landscape as Bangladesh heads toward crucial elections scheduled for February 2026.
Investigators revealed that Faisal’s statement to his girlfriend emerged from confessions and intelligence gathered during the probe, indicating the attack was carefully planned and coordinated. Authorities say at least 20 individuals were involved in the conspiracy, handling roles ranging from funding and weapons supply to execution and escape logistics.
So far, joint operations by the Rapid Action Battalion and police have led to the arrest of nine suspects. Raids have recovered weapons, ammunition, magazines, and cheques worth millions of taka. Investigators also confirmed that the motorcycle used in the attack carried a fake number plate and that the attackers kept changing hideouts.
State-Level Funeral Held Under Tight Security
Bangladesh observed national mourning as the interim government held the funeral prayers of Inquilab Mancha spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi amid heightened security and political tension.
Bangladesh’s interim government announced that the funeral prayers of Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of Inquilab Mancha, were offered on Saturday at the South Plaza of the National Parliament Building. The country remains in mourning following his death.
According to Bangladesh’s leading daily The Daily Star, Inquilab Mancha stated in a social media post that, in line with the family’s wishes, Sharif Osman Hadi was laid to rest at Dhaka University, beside the grave of the national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam.
The funeral was attended by interim government chief Muhammad Yunus, Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Professor Niaz Ahmed Khan, Central Students’ Union Vice President Abu Sadiq Qaim, senior leaders of Inquilab Mancha, and other prominent figures.
The party also clarified that there would be no public display of Hadi’s body and urged citizens to maintain discipline and offer prayers for the departed leader.
Reports said a heavy contingent of law enforcement personnel was deployed in and around the Parliament complex, with strict security measures enforced across the area. The interim government also imposed a ban on drone flights in the vicinity and requested funeral attendees not to carry bags or heavy items.
Sharif Osman Hadi was among the key leaders of last year’s student-led protests that resulted in the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government. He was also a candidate in Bangladesh’s upcoming general elections scheduled for February 12.
Hadi was targeted in an assassination attempt on December 12 during an election campaign in Dhaka. He was travelling in an auto-rickshaw when two motorcycle-borne attackers approached and shot him in the head at close range.
He was rushed to Dhaka Medical College Hospital, where doctors confirmed severe damage to his brainstem. On December 15, he was shifted to the Neuro-Surgical ICU of Singapore General Hospital for advanced treatment. Despite all efforts, Sharif Osman Hadi succumbed to his injuries on December 19.
Police have taken Faisal’s parents into custody and handed them over to the Detective Branch. Other detainees include Faisal’s wife, Sajida Parveen Samiya, members of his in-laws’ family, his girlfriend Maria, and several associates. However, Faisal Karim and the main shooters remain at large.
According to some reports, Faisal and his accomplices are hiding in India. In response, Muhammad Yunus’ interim government has formally demanded that India arrest the suspects and hand them over to Bangladesh.