Sharif Osman Hadi, a leading figure of Bangladesh’s July Uprising, died on Thursday, December 18, 2025 while undergoing treatment at a hospital in Singapore. He had been fighting for his life for six days after being shot in the head by masked gunmen in Dhaka.
Hadi was also a candidate in the upcoming February 12 general elections. He was attacked last week in the Bijoynagar area of central Dhaka while beginning his election campaign. Doctors in Dhaka described his condition as “extremely critical”. Following this, the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus arranged for him to be flown to Singapore in an air ambulance for advanced treatment.
Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus Confirms Death
Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus addressed the nation on television late Thursday night and confirmed Hadi’s death. “Today, I came before you with very heartbreaking news. Sharif Osman Hadi, the fearless frontline fighter of the July Uprising and spokesperson of the Inqilab Mancha, is no more among us,” Mr. Yunus said. He promised fast and strict action against those responsible for the killing and said, “No leniency will be shown” to the killers.
Yunus Appeals for Calm and Patience
While assuring justice, Yunus urged citizens to stay calm and avoid violence. He further appealed to people to let law enforcement agencies and other relevant organisations have the opportunity to carry out investigations with professionalism stressing that the government is committed to the rule of law.
Protests Erupt at Shahbagh After Sharif Osman Hadi Death
After news of Hadi’s death spread, hundreds of students and citizens gathered at Shahbagh intersection near Dhaka University. Protesters chanted slogans such as “Who are you, who am I – Hadi, Hadi”.
The student organisation Jatiya Chhatra Shakti held a mourning march from the Dhaka University campus to Shahbagh. The group also burned an effigy of the home adviser, demanding his resignation over the failure to arrest Hadi’s killers.
Prothom Alo Office Attacked During Protests
Amid the demonstrations, a group believed to be part of the protesters attacked the office of Bangla daily Prothom Alo at Karwan Bazar near Shahbagh. Reports said several floors of the building were vandalised while journalists and staff were trapped inside. A fire was also lit in front of the office.
The reason behind the attack remained unclear. Reports also said the office of The Daily Star was attacked by another group in Dhaka.
Yunus Blames “Fascist Terrorists” for the Killing
In his address, Yunus described Hadi as a target of forces opposed to democratic change. He called Hadi an enemy to the defeated forces and fascist terrorists, referring to the deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina’s now-disbanded Awami League. Their evil efforts to frighten the revolutionaries will be completely thwarted, he said.
Government to Support Sharif Osman Hadi Family
Yunus said Hadi’s death is an irreparable loss to Bangladesh’s political and democratic future. He also announced that the government will take responsibility for Hadi’s wife and his only child. Hadi was a frontline leader of the mass protests that led to the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government on August 5, 2024.
One-Day State Mourning Announced
The chief adviser Yunus declared a one-day state mourning on Saturday, December 20, 2025. The national flag will be flown at half-mast at all government, semi-government and autonomous offices, educational institutions, private buildings and Bangladesh missions abroad. Special prayers will also be held in mosques across the country after Friday prayers.
Who was Sharif Osman Hadi?
Sharif Osman Hadi was a prominent leader of the July Uprising that shook Bangladesh in 2024. He played a key role as a frontline organiser during the protests that led to the removal of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina’s government.
Hadi was the spokesperson of the Inqilab Mancha, a political platform that emerged from the student-led movement. Known for his strong speeches and organisational skills, he quickly became a popular face among young voters.
At the time of his death, Hadi was preparing to contest the February 12, 2026 general elections. Supporters saw him as a symbol of political change and democratic reform in the country.
Sharif Osman Hadi Death Investigation Continues
Hadi’s death came just hours after his family agreed to a final surgery in Singapore as a last attempt to save him. Earlier, the Inqilab Mancha warned of a sit-in protest at Shahbagh until the attackers are arrested. The group also said the suspects must be brought back even if they flee abroad. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jamaat-e-Islami both expressed grief over Hadi’s death.
The home adviser had earlier announced a reward of Taka 50 lakh for information leading to the arrest of the attackers. Police have arrested the parents, wife and a female friend of the prime suspect, Foysal Karim Masud, as the investigation continues.
Also Read: Bangladesh Erupts in Violence, Awami League, Media Offices Torched Over Hadi’s Death
