“You Had Osman Hadi Killed to Derail Polls”: Serious Allegation Against Yunus Regime

Brother of Sharif Osman Hadi Alleges Yunus-Led Interim Government Behind Killing.

Days after the death of Bangladesh student leader Sharif Osman Hadi, his brother has accused a faction within the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government of orchestrating the assassination to disrupt the upcoming national elections in February.

Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of the cultural group Inquilab Moncho—which emerged from the July 2024 uprising that ousted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina—was shot in Dhaka on December 12. He was airlifted to Singapore for treatment but succumbed to his injuries on December 18. His death triggered violent protests, with mobs targeting major newspapers and cultural organisations.

At a protest in Shahbagh, Dhaka, Osman Hadi’s brother, Sharif Omar Hadi, accused the government of involvement: “You had Osman Hadi killed, and now you are trying to foil the election by using this as an issue.” He called for a speedy trial to protect the election process and warned that failure to deliver justice could have repercussions for political leaders.

Omar alleged that his brother was targeted for refusing to yield to any agency or “foreign masters.” Abdullah Al Jaber, member secretary of Inquilab Moncho, described the killing as part of a “deep conspiracy” involving international intelligence agencies and internal “fascist associates” aimed at undermining the July uprising’s achievements. He demanded an international-standard investigation and public disclosure of the perpetrators, warning that protests would escalate otherwise.

Inquilab Moncho leaders have vowed to continue demonstrations until justice is served and announced they will not hold any events on December 25, when Tarique Rahman, acting chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, is scheduled to return, hoping he will express support for their cause.