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Bangladesh opposition leader Sharif Osman Hadi dies in Singapore after being shot in Dhaka. His death sparks nationwide unrest- what led to the attack, and how will it impact the country’s volatile political landscape?
Opposition leader Sharif Osman Hadi succumbs to injuries in Singapore
Dhaka: Sharif Osman Hadi, a prominent opposition leader in Bangladesh and a key figure in last year’s anti-Sheikh Hasina protests, died on Thursday while receiving treatment at Singapore General Hospital. His death has sparked violence and arson across several cities in the country.
Hadi was shot by unidentified assailants while travelling in a battery-powered auto-rickshaw on Culvert Road in the Paltan area of Dhaka. He was campaigning in Dhaka’s Bijoynagar area as an Independent candidate from the Dhaka-8 constituency when the attack occurred. Police reported that multiple rounds were fired before the attackers fled the scene.
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He was initially admitted to Dhaka Medical College Hospital and later moved to Evercare Hospital due to worsening condition. On Saturday, he was flown to Singapore for advanced medical treatment. Despite the best efforts of doctors, Hadi succumbed to his injuries, according to Singapore’s Foreign Ministry.
Hadi, a member of the anti-Hasina platform Inqilab Manch, rose to prominence during the 2024 “July Uprising” that led to the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. His death has drawn strong political reactions in Bangladesh, particularly following the announcement of the parliamentary election schedule on February 12.
Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus condemned the attack, calling election-related violence “completely unacceptable” and warning that no form of violence disrupting elections would be tolerated.
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In a live broadcast, Yunus described Hadi as a “fearless fighter” and an “immortal soldier in the struggle against fascism and hegemony.” He expressed deep grief, calling Hadi’s death an irreparable loss to Bangladesh’s political and democratic landscape.
Following Hadi’s death, Yunus declared a one-day state mourning. The national flag will be flown at half-mast at all government, semi-government, autonomous institutions, educational establishments, private buildings, and Bangladesh missions abroad. Yunus also thanked the Singapore government for its “sincerity, professionalism, and efforts” in providing medical treatment to Hadi.
Inqilab Manch announced Hadi’s passing on social media, noting that he fought for six days after the attack. His death marks a significant moment in Bangladesh’s turbulent political scene, highlighting growing concerns about election-related violence and security for political figures.
