Political tension has intensified in Bangladesh after activist platform Inqilab Moncho issued a 24-day ultimatum to the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus, demanding swift justice in the murder of its leader, Sharif Osman Hadi.
The organisation announced the deadline through a Facebook post, warning that continued delays in the case would trigger stronger nationwide protests. The ultimatum comes amid growing public anger and street demonstrations across major cities.
Who Was Sharif Osman Hadi, and What Happened
Sharif Osman Hadi was shot shortly after the Election Commission announced the date for Bangladesh’s next general elections. He was critically injured and later flown to Singapore for advanced medical treatment.
Despite doctors’ efforts, Hadi succumbed to his injuries on the night of December 18, sparking outrage among his supporters and political allies.
His killing has become a flashpoint in Bangladesh’s already volatile political climate.
Inqilab Moncho’s 24-Day Deadline Explained
Abdullah Al Jaber, the member secretary of Inqilab Moncho, made the group’s demands clear while addressing supporters.
“The trial of the entire killing squad, including the killer, the mastermind, the accomplices, those who aided the escape, and those who provided shelter, must be completed within the next 24 days,” he said.
The group insists that partial arrests or slow investigations will not satisfy their demand for justice. Leaders say the case must conclude swiftly and transparently.
Protests and Road Blockades Across Cities
Following the announcement, Inqilab Moncho intensified its protest campaign. On Sunday, supporters blocked Dhaka’s Shahbagh intersection, bringing traffic to a halt as part of a wider shutdown in major cities.
Demonstrators demanded immediate arrests and accused authorities of moving too slowly. Protest leaders warned that agitation would expand if the deadline were missed.
During Saturday night’s demonstration, environment adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan and Dhaka Metropolitan Police commissioner Sheikh Md Sazzat Ali visited the protest site. They spoke with demonstrators and shared updates on the investigation, attempting to ease tensions.
Dispute Over Suspects’ Alleged Escape to India
The case has taken a new turn after the Dhaka Metropolitan Police claimed that two key suspects fled Bangladesh through the Haluaghat border in Mymensingh and entered Meghalaya, India.
However, Indian authorities strongly rejected the claim. Meghalaya Police and the Border Security Force denied any such border crossing.
“There is no evidence whatsoever of these individuals crossing the international border from the Haluaghat sector into Meghalaya. No such incident has been detected or reported by the BSF. These claims are baseless and misleading,” Border Security Force (Meghalaya Frontier) Inspector General OP Upadhayay said.
The contradiction has further fueled controversy and political debate in both countries.
What Happens Next
With the 24-day deadline ticking, pressure on the interim government continues to grow. Protest leaders say their next steps will depend on visible progress in arrests and prosecution.
The case now stands at the center of Bangladesh’s political discourse, with justice for Hadi becoming a test for the credibility of the interim administration.
