Who was Sharif Osman Hadi, whose killing pushed Bangladesh back to the brink

Sharif Osman Hadi’s death has come at a time when Bangladesh is already struggling to regain its political balance.

A prominent face of the July Uprising and a rising political figure ahead of the 2026 elections, Hadi died in Singapore while undergoing treatment for gunshot injuries sustained during a campaign-related attack in Dhaka. His killing has set off grief, anger, and street unrest in Bangladesh, pushing an uneasy country closer to the edge.

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The interim government, led by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, has declared a national day of mourning on Saturday, even as violence and protests spread across major cities.

How Hadi’s killing pushed Bangladesh into street unrest, with anti-India protests and media attacks

A familiar face from the July uprising

Hadi was the spokesperson of Inquilab Mancha and a visible presence during the July Mass Uprising. Notably, the 2024 movement eventually led to the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. In recent months, he had emerged as a potential candidate from Dhaka-8 for the national elections scheduled in February 2026.

Announcing a day of mourning on December 20, Yunus described Hadi as a frontline figure in Bangladesh’s struggle against what he called ‘fascism’ and ‘imperialism’.

“Sharif Osman Hadi, the fearless frontline warrior of the July Mass Uprising under treatment in Singapore and spokesperson for the Inkilab Mancha, is no longer with us,” Yunus said.

The national flag will be flown at half-mast across government and private institutions, including Bangladesh missions abroad, while special prayers are to be held after Friday prayers.

Yunus also said the state would take responsibility for the welfare of Hadi’s wife and only child.

How the attack took place

Hadi was shot on December 12 in the Purana Paltan area of Dhaka while travelling in a battery-powered rickshaw for electioneering. Investigators said the assailant followed him on a motorcycle and opened fire from behind.

He was first taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital, where doctors performed emergency brain surgery due to severe head injuries. Physicians said the bullet caused extensive damage to the brain stem.

After being shifted to Evercare Hospital, Hadi was airlifted to Singapore on December 15 for advanced treatment. Yunus said he was informed of Hadi’s death by Singapore’s Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan.

“Just moments ago, Singapore’s Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan informed me over the phone of this heartbreaking news,” Yunus said.

Hadi’s death triggers unrest

Hadi’s killing has reignited tensions in a country already facing political uncertainty under an interim government. After news of his death, protests erupted in Dhaka and other cities, with attacks reported on media houses, political offices, and cultural institutions.

Yunus said those responsible would be punished and urged citizens to remain calm.

“All perpetrators involved in this brutal assassination will be swiftly brought to justice, and the highest penalties will be imposed against them. No leniency will be shown in this matter,” he said.

Appealing for restraint, he added:

“Allow law enforcement agencies and relevant institutions to conduct their investigations professionally. The state is fully committed to establishing the rule of law.”

With elections approaching, Hadi’s death has deepened fears that Bangladesh’s fragile stability could be further tested in the months ahead.