Hadi had emerged as a prominent political voice during the July 2024 uprising that eventually led to the removal of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina. He was widely viewed as a potential candidate or key campaigner ahead of the February elections.
Family accuses interim governmentAt Hadi’s funeral in central Dhaka, attended by tens of thousands under heavy security, his elder brother Abu Bakar blamed those in power for the killing.
“If you can’t give justice then you have to flee,” he warned the authorities while addressing mourners, as per News18.
He alleged political motives behind the murder, stating, “You have killed Osman Hadi and you want to cancel election showing him.”
Read more: Bangladesh Unrest: VHP protests played into Dhaka’s hands, India should have shown restraint, says KC Singh
“If Hadi does not get justice, you also have to leave this country,” Bakar added as crowds chanted slogans such as “Hadi’s blood will not go in vain,” as per News18.
In a separate statement, Hadi’s brother Sharif Omar bin Hadi said the interim administration could not escape accountability.He stated that “the interim government cannot avoid responsibility” for the murder, arguing that since it occurred while the current administration was in power, it would ultimately face trial, “whether it be today or in a decade”, reported news agency citing bdnews24.
Election sabotage allegations
Sharif Omar bin Hadi also claimed that the killing was being used to obstruct the electoral process. He accused authorities of attempting to “sabotage” the general elections, an effort he said would fail, noting that Hadi had consistently pushed for elections to be held in February and had been actively preparing.
Former prime minister Sheikh Hasina echoed these accusations in an interview with ANI, squarely blaming the interim government for the deteriorating law and order situation following Hadi’s death.
Protests and legal response
Meanwhile, the Inqilab Moncho organised a protest rally at Shahbagh in Dhaka on Tuesday, December 23, and issued a 24-hour ultimatum demanding justice for Hadi’s killers, ANI reported.
The group has insisted that those responsible be punished before the 13th national election and referendum.
Read more: Yunus is working to improve ties with India, says Bangladesh’s finance adviser
Responding to mounting pressure, Bangladesh’s Law Adviser Asif Nazrul said the case would be transferred to the Speedy Trial Tribunal to ensure swift proceedings.
In a Facebook post cited by Bangladeshi newspaper The Daily Star, he said the trial would be conducted under the Speedy Trial Tribunal Act, 2002, which mandates completion within 90 days of the police submitting their investigation report.
