Along the path from Shahbagh, the main entrance of Dhaka University, towards the Teachers’ Student Centre (TSC), stands the striking Central Mosque of the university, to the right of the Faculty of Fine Arts. Commonly referred to as ‘Masjidul Jamia DU’, the mosque is an architectural gem, its intricate designs drawing visitors and students alike. To the mosque’s right lies the university’s Central Library, while to its left rests the hallowed tomb of the national poet, Kazi Nazrul Islam, a figure whose words and legacy continue to inspire generations.
Following the independence of Bangladesh, on 24 May 1972, Nazrul, accompanied by his family, was repatriated from India with the permission of the Indian government, under the stewardship of the then Awami League administration. In 1976, he was officially granted Bangladeshi citizenship. That same year, his health began to decline, and he spent his final days at Dhaka’s PG Hospital. On 29 August 1976, the poet passed away, leaving behind a nation in mourning. Long before his death, he had expressed a profound wish in his immortal verse: “Bury me beside the mosque, my brother.” Honouring his request, his final resting place was established beside the Central Mosque of Dhaka University.
Over the subsequent decades, only a select few distinguished Bangladeshis have been accorded the rare privilege of being interred beside this revered poet. Among them are the National Professor and eminent artist Zainul Abedin (29 December 1914–28 May 1976); Professor Muzaffar Ahmed Chowdhury (23 November 1922–17 January 1978), Vice-Chancellor of Dhaka University and the first President of the Dhaka University Central Student Union; the acclaimed physicist and Vice-Chancellor Abdul Matin Chowdhury (1 May 1921–24 June 1981); the celebrated painter and designer of the current national flag, Kamrul Hasan (2 December 1921–2 February 1988); and the distinguished former Vice-Chancellor and scientist, M. Osman Ghani (1 March 1912–21 July 1989).
Now, after decades without a new addition, the family of Sharif Osman Hadi, in coordination with Dhaka University authorities and the student organisation Islami Chhatra Shibir, has announced that Osman Hadi (30 June 1993–18 December 2025), spokesperson of the Inquilab Stage and a martyr of the July revolution, will be laid to rest beside Kazi Nazrul Islam. Hadi, a young activist, rose to national prominence in a remarkably short time, known for his fearless speeches on television and YouTube advocating justice, equality, and societal reform. His interment alongside such renowned figures marks an unprecedented and historic moment in Dhaka University’s history.
Hadi had been grievously shot in broad daylight on 12 December at Old Paltan, Dhaka, and was initially treated in the city before being airlifted to Singapore for advanced medical care. Throughout his struggle, the nation collectively prayed for his recovery, a public outpouring of support rarely witnessed except for a few iconic figures such as Begum Khaleda Zia.
During a period of unrest following the July revolution, when fear and division gripped society, Hadi became a beacon of hope and resistance. He spoke truth to power without hesitation, believing that remaining silent in the face of injustice was far more dangerous than the risks of speaking out. From his modest madrasa upbringing to becoming a national voice of protest, he remained committed to the dream of a fair and just Bangladesh. His passing now calls for unity among all social, political, and cultural forces to realise that dream. Rest in peace, Hadi.
Manzur Rashid Bidyut
Social Analyst, Researcher, and Writer