Leaders and activists of the 'Inquilab Mancha' of Bangladesh staged a sit-in protest at Dhaka's Shahbag intersection, demanding punishment for those responsible for the murder of Sharif Osman Hadi, a prominent face and spokesperson of the organisation. On Friday (December 26), vehicular movement through the area was halted due to this blockade after Jumma prayers.
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What happened at Shahbag?
From noon, members of 'Inquilab Mancha' began gathering at Shahbag. The activists arrived in Dhaka from various parts of Bangladesh. Inquilab Mancha's Secretary Abdullah Al Jaber claimed that they were calling Shahbag 'Shaheed Osman Hadi Square'. He also announced that they would not leave the streets until justice is served for Hadi's death. According to the latest reports, this protest is still going on.
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The assassination of Sharif Osman Hadi
Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was ousted in August last year. Osman Hadi was one of the prominent faces of the movement that preceded it. He was also a potential independent candidate for the Dhaka-8 constituency in the upcoming Bangladesh general elections. On December 12, after Jumma prayers, he was travelling by rickshaw along Dhaka's Culvert Road. Two assassins came riding on a motorcycle, and one of them shot him in the head before fleeing the scene. Hadi was first taken to a hospital in Dhaka for treatment. Later, he was taken to Singapore by air ambulance. He died there while undergoing treatment. Bangladesh has been in turmoil since the news of this student leader's death came out.
