Demonstrations, roadblocks, and symbolic funerals have swept across Bangladesh following the death of Sharif Osman bin Hadi.

Protesters in several districts demanded the arrest and exemplary punishment of those responsible, while students and local communities organised memorial prayers in his honour.

In some areas, funerals in absentia and prayer sessions were held for the July Uprising figure.

The Students Against Discrimination, NCP, July martyr families, and citizens held a protest rally at Shahid Square in Sherpur town after Friday prayers to mourn Hadi, a leader of the Inqilab Moncho, and protest against “Indian hegemony”.

The speakers at the event called for an end to Indian dominance and urged the authorities to ensure the trial of all killers.

They warned of strict resistance and demanded the resignation of relevant officials if justice is not served.

Jamaat-e-Islami Sherpur city unit organised a prayer session for Hadi on Friday afternoon at the party office.

Maulana Nurul Amin presided, and former city president of Islami Chhatra Shibir Rashedul Islam attended.

JU PROTEST MARCH

A group of Jahangirnagar University students held a protest march at 5pm to demand the resignation of the home advisor for failing to ensure state security.

They also sought the trial of all individuals and organisations involved in the murder and protested against nationwide attacks, vandalism, and arson.

Protesters argued that opposing Indian hegemony should involve discussing the Teesta treaty and unequal trade agreements rather than attacking institutions like Chhayanaut or newspapers.

"Attacking any institution or asset of Bangladesh by labelling them as Indian agents or Awami League associates is in no way acceptable. Osman Hadi's political ideology would certainly not support such actions," they said.

PROCESSION AT RU

Students of Rajshahi University protested the killing of Hadi, the potential independent election candidate for the Dhaka-8 constituency.

A procession started from the central mosque premises after Jummah prayers and concluded at the university’s library.

RUCSU VP and university chapter Shibir President Mostakur Rahman Zahid and GS Salahuddin Ammar addressed the crowd.

They argued that diplomatic and commercial ties with India should be severed if the killers are not returned.

Ammar warned the university administration that any pro-Awami League teachers or staff entering the campus from Sunday would be tied up at the Zoha Chattar.

Earlier on Thursday night, students held an immediate protest, which resulted in a march to the Saheb Bazar Zero Point.

Protesters set fire outside the Awami League office and later demolished the building using a bulldozer.

JAMALPUR BLOCKADE

Students and citizens in Jamalpur enforced a blockade to demand punishment for the killers and the resignation of the home advisor.

Protesters burnt tyres on the road, halting traffic for an hour and disrupting the Intercity Teesta Express.

The crowd gathered at the Panchrasta intersection after Friday prayers and moved to the Gatepar railway crossing.

Jamalpur Railway Police chief Rabiul Islam said the Teesta Express was stuck at the outer signal for nearly an hour before the protesters withdrew.

PIROJPUR MARCH WITH SYMBOLIC COFFIN

In Pirojpur, students and residents carried a symbolic coffin of Hadi during a protest march and rally.

The march began from the July Memorial monument located in the Shaheed Minar premises in the district town, moved through key roads and ended with a roadside rally at C Office intersection.

Speakers demanded the immediate arrest and punishment of those involved in the killing, also calling for security for July movement activists.

MOURNING IN RAJBARI

Christian community members in Rajbari held a mourning programme over the death of Hadi.

The event took place at the Silas Mead Memorial Baptist Church.

Participants observed a minute’s silence in memory of the Inqilab Moncho leader, others killed nationwide in recent incidents, and Bangladeshi peacekeepers killed in a drone attack while serving in Sudan.

NILPHAMARI SYMBOLIC FUNERAL

In Nilphamari, a symbolic funeral for Hadi was held at Eidgah field after Asr prayers, organised by Islami Chhatra Shibir.

Several hundred, including local Jamaat leaders, participated. A protest march followed, ending at Boro Bazar traffic point.

ROADBLOCK IN GAIBANDHA

Students and locals in Gaibandha protested and blocked the Gaibandha-Palashbari regional highway, halting traffic on both sides for nearly an hour.

The march started from Boro Mosque and ended at the bus terminal. Speakers included Abdul Majed, Abul Bashar, Mahfuz Maham, Masud Mia, Sharif bin Kasem, and Abdul Mottakim, demanding swift arrest of killers and exemplary punishment.

BHOLA RALLY

 

In Bhola, students and residents held a protest march and rally demanding exemplary punishment for those involved in Hadi’s killing.

The march began after Jummah prayers from Hatkhola Jame Mosque in Kalinath Roy Bazar, moved through main roads and ended with a rally.

Speakers called for a "proper" investigation and warned of a nationwide movement if justice was not ensured.