Bangladesh observed a day of state mourning on 20 December 2025 as thousands gathered for the funeral of slain activist Sharif Osman Hadi, whose death has fuelled anti-India unrest and demands for justice.
Bangladesh authorities conducted the Sharif Osman Hadi funeral at the South Plaza of the parliament house in Dhaka on 20 December 2025. The event followed the Bangladesh state mourning declaration. Sharif Osman Hadi, a key Bangladesh uprising activist, died on 18 December 2025 in Singapore after a shooting in Dhaka on 12 December 2025. Protests erupted nationwide after his death. The interim government deployed police to maintain order.
The Sharif Osman Hadi death has heightened political tensions in Bangladesh. As a spokesperson for Inquilab Moncho, Hadi led anti-government protests in 2024 that ousted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. His role as a Bangladesh uprising activist made him a symbol of resistance. The upcoming elections in February 2026 face uncertainty due to this incident. Anti-India sentiments have surged, with protesters accusing India of harbouring suspects.
Bangladesh State Mourning Details
The Bangladesh state mourning involved flags at half-mast across public buildings. Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus announced the measure in a televised address on 18 December 2025. He called Hadi a “martyr” and declared the day for national grief. Special prayers occurred after Friday prayers in mosques. Yunus urged calm and promised action against killers. The government stated: “We strongly and unequivocally condemn all acts of violence, intimidation, arson, and destruction of property.”
Police wore body cameras during the Sharif Osman Hadi funeral. Security tightened in Dhaka. Supporters blocked Shahbagh Square to demand justice. The funeral started at 2:00 PM local time. Thousands attended despite rain. Hadi’s body arrived from Singapore earlier that day.
Sharif Osman Hadi Death Circumstances
Sharif Osman Hadi death stemmed from a targeted attack. On 12 December 2025, two masked gunmen on a motorcycle shot him in the head while he rode an auto-rickshaw in Dhaka. He received initial treatment at Dhaka Medical College Hospital for brain stem damage. Authorities airlifted him to Singapore General Hospital on 15 December 2025. Doctors there confirmed his condition as critical. He succumbed on 18 December 2025.
Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the details. Their statement noted: “Despite the best efforts of the doctors from SGH and the National Neuroscience Institute, Mr Hadi succumbed to his injuries on 18 December 2025.” They assisted in repatriating his body. Arrests followed the shooting, but police suspect the assailants fled to India. This claim intensified protests.
Role as Bangladesh Uprising Activist
Sharif Osman Hadi emerged as a prominent Bangladesh uprising activist during the 2024 student-led movement. At 32, he served as spokesperson for Inquilab Moncho, a platform for revolution. The group criticised India and demanded reforms. Hadi planned to contest the Dhaka-8 seat in the February 2026 elections. His activism focused on justice for uprising victims.
The 2024 uprising toppled Sheikh Hasina’s government after months of protests. Over 600 died in clashes. Hadi’s group called for trials of former officials. Inquilab Moncho stated on social media: “We are deeply saddened by the death of Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of Inqilab Manch and independent candidate for Dhaka-8 constituency.” They urged non-violence during mourning.
Protests after Sharif Osman Hadi death turned violent. Demonstrators torched the home of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in Dhaka. They vandalised Awami League offices and blocked highways. Attacks hit the Indian Assistant High Commission in Chattogram. Newspapers Prothom Alo and The Daily Star faced arson, with staff trapped inside. The Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy suspended activities after fires.
In Mymensingh, a Hindu man was lynched amid chaos. The interim government condemned this act. Yunus addressed the nation: “There is no place for such violence.” Over 100 arrests occurred in connection with riots. Protests spread to Rajshahi, Chattogram, and Gazipur. Demands included extraditing Sheikh Hasina from India.
The United Nations called for investigations. A UN statement urged: “We call on the authorities to conduct a prompt, impartial, thorough and independent investigation into the death of Sharif Osman Bin Hadi.” They advised restraint from violence.
Background
Bangladesh’s political landscape shifted after the 2024 uprising. Muhammad Yunus took over as interim chief adviser in August 2024. The government prioritised elections and reforms. Hadi’s criticism of India stemmed from border issues and Hasina’s exile. His death as a Bangladesh uprising activist exposed divisions. Anti-India protests have strained relations with New Delhi. India denied involvement in the attack.
Economic impacts emerged from unrest. Highways blocked disrupted trade. Chattogram port operations slowed. The government estimated damages at BDT 200 million from vandalism.
Border security heightened. Reports suggested suspects crossed into India. Dhaka sought cooperation from New Delhi. Protesters chanted for Hasina’s return to face trial. Yunus described the shooting as a “premeditated attack” by a network aiming to derail elections.
What’s Next
Investigations into Sharif Osman Hadi death continue. Police promised updates within days. The interim government plans talks with protest groups. Elections in February 2026 may delay if unrest persists. Inquilab Moncho called for peaceful rallies. Regional watchers eye India-Bangladesh ties. Yunus urged unity to prevent further violence.
The Sharif Osman Hadi funeral underscores ongoing struggles for justice in Bangladesh.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, December 20th, 2025
Follow SouthAsianDesk on X, Instagram, and Facebook for insights on business and current affairs from across South Asia.
