The family of slain youth leader Sharif Osman bin Hadi has held the Mohammad Yunus-led interim government responsible for his killing, accusing the administration of failing to ensure his safety and alleging political motives behind the crime.
Sharif Osman bin Hadi was shot in the head by unidentified assailants on December 12 while campaigning in Dhaka’s Bijoynagar area. The 32-year-old activist was rushed abroad for advanced treatment but succumbed to his injuries at a hospital in Singapore on Thursday.
Speaking to reporters, Sharif’s brother, Sharif Omar bin Hadi, said the interim government could not evade accountability for the murder as it occurred while the current administration was in power. “Since the killing happened under this government, those responsible for governance at the time must ultimately face justice,” Omar said.
He further alleged that the murder was linked to attempts to destabilise the forthcoming general elections. Quoting Omar, bdnews24 reported that he accused certain quarters of exploiting the killing for political gain. “You got Osman Hadi killed and now you are trying to win the election by using this as an issue,” he said while addressing the media.
Omar claimed that the government was attempting to “sabotage” the electoral process and stressed that his brother had been actively preparing for the elections. According to him, the killing was intended to “hinder” democratic activities and create instability ahead of the polls.
The assassination triggered widespread unrest across Bangladesh, with reports of protests and vandalism emerging from several regions following confirmation of Hadi’s death. Security was heightened in sensitive areas as authorities sought to contain the situation.
Sharif Osman bin Hadi was laid to rest on Saturday near the Dhaka University mosque, beside the grave of national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam. His funeral was conducted under tight security and drew tens of thousands of mourners from across the country. In recognition of his death, the Yunus-led interim government declared a day of mourning.
As investigations continue, the killing of the youth leader has intensified political tensions in Bangladesh, raising serious questions about security, accountability, and the integrity of the electoral process ahead of the general elections.
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