Bangladesh: Supporters threaten protests if radical leader Hadi's killers are not arrested by today
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Dhaka: The interim government of Bangladesh, led by Muhammad Yunus, is facing a tense standoff after the radical outfit Inquilab Mancha issued a strict ultimatum regarding the assassination of their leader, Sharif Osman Hadi. The group has warned of renewed agitation if the authorities fail to apprehend the perpetrators immediately.
Tensions peaked on Saturday as thousands of supporters flooded Dhaka’s Shahbagh intersection for Hadi’s funeral, transforming the area into a volatile protest site. Leaders of the group declared that if the government fails to produce results regarding the arrest of the killers by 5:15 pm on Sunday, they will launch fresh sit-in protests at the key junction. Beyond the demand for justice, the supporters are also pressing for a symbolic victory, urging the administration to officially rename the iconic Shahbagh intersection as ‘Hadi Chottor’.
Hadi, a parliamentary hopeful for the Dhaka-8 constituency in the upcoming general elections, was the victim of a targeted attack earlier this month. On December 12, unidentified gunmen opened fire on him in the Paltan area, leaving him with critical injuries. Despite being airlifted to Singapore for advanced trauma care following initial treatment in Dhaka, he succumbed to his wounds on Thursday night. His body was repatriated to Bangladesh on Friday for the last rites.
In an effort to address the grieving supporters, Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus delivered an emotional eulogy, promising to preserve Hadi’s political vision. He assured the gathering that the administration would carry forward the slain leader's "dream" for future generations.
"You live within our hearts, and as long as Bangladesh exists, you will remain in the hearts of all Bangladeshis," Yunus stated, acknowledging the massive public outpouring of grief. He noted that millions had gathered in waves to mourn a figure he described as indelible to the national consciousness.
(Inputs from IANS)
