The capital of Bangladesh is enveloped in a profound sense of grief as preparations reach their final stages for the farewell of Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of Inkilab Manch and a widely recognised political organiser. Following the completion of his post-mortem examination, the city has entered a period of solemn reflection, marked by heightened security, subdued streets, and an outpouring of emotion from people across all sections of society. The autopsy was formally concluded at Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College Hospital in Dhaka at approximately 11:15 a.m. on Saturday, 20 December, hospital officials confirmed.
With all legal and medical formalities now complete, Hadi’s janaza is scheduled to be held at 2 p.m. at the South Plaza of the National Parliament Building. The announcement has reinforced the sombre atmosphere already prevailing across the capital, where black ribbons, lowered flags, and hushed conversations reflect a nation in mourning.
Earlier in the day, at around 9:40 a.m., Hadi’s body was transferred from the morgue of the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases to Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College Hospital. The journey was conducted under strict security arrangements, with personnel from the Bangladesh Army, Border Guard Bangladesh, police, and other law enforcement agencies deployed along the route. Family members, political colleagues, fellow activists, and close associates accompanied the body, many visibly overwhelmed by grief. From the moment the ambulance arrived, the hospital premises fell into an almost reverential silence.
From early morning, crowds began gathering outside the hospital gates. People travelled from different parts of Dhaka and surrounding districts, hoping to pay their last respects. Among them were political activists, students, cultural workers, and ordinary citizens who viewed Hadi as a symbol of courage and moral clarity. Some wept openly, others stood in quiet contemplation, while many expressed a deep sense of anger and loss at the violent circumstances surrounding his death.
Following the autopsy, Hadi’s body was bathed and prepared in accordance with religious traditions. Arrangements were then made to transport him to the National Parliament complex, where the funeral prayer will be attended by family members, supporters, political figures, and members of the public.
In recognition of his death, the government is observing a day of state mourning. National flags have been lowered to half-mast at government and semi-government offices, autonomous bodies, educational institutions, and public and private buildings nationwide. Bangladeshi missions abroad are also observing the mourning period, underscoring the national significance of the loss.
Sharif Osman Hadi was critically injured on 12 December after being shot in the head in Dhaka’s Bijoynagar area. He was initially treated at Dhaka Medical College Hospital and later transferred to Evercare Hospital. As his condition deteriorated, he was flown to Singapore for advanced treatment. After six days of intensive care at Singapore General Hospital, he passed away on Thursday, 18 December.
His body was repatriated on Friday evening, arriving at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 5:50 p.m. in a coffin draped in the red and green of the national flag. From there, it was taken to the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases before the final rites.
Hadi’s death represents more than the loss of a single individual. It has left a deep void in Bangladesh’s political and social landscape. Remembered for his ideals, fearless advocacy, and uncompromising voice, Sharif Osman Hadi’s legacy is expected to endure, even as the nation struggles to come to terms with his untimely and tragic departure.