The brother of slain Bangladeshi student leader Sharif Osman Hadi has levelled serious allegations against the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government, claiming that the killing was politically motivated and aimed at disrupting the upcoming national election.
Sharif Osman Hadi, a prominent student activist and convener of the protest platform Inqilab Moncho, was shot earlier this month in Dhaka. He later died while undergoing medical treatment abroad, triggering widespread political unrest across Bangladesh.
Addressing a public gathering on Tuesday, Hadi’s brother Omar Hadi accused elements within the government of orchestrating the killing. According to Bangladeshi media reports, he alleged that those in power were using the incident to destabilise the electoral process ahead of the February 12 general election, in which Sharif Osman Hadi was a candidate.
Allegations of Political Motive
Speaking at a programme organised by Inqilab Moncho near the National Museum in Dhaka’s Shahbagh area, Omar Hadi claimed that his brother was targeted because he refused to submit to political pressure or external influence.
“It is you who had Osman Hadi killed, and now you are trying to use his death to derail the election,” he was quoted as saying, while demanding swift justice.
Warning to the Interim Government
Omar Hadi also issued a strong warning to the interim administration, urging it to ensure a transparent and speedy investigation. He cautioned that failure to deliver justice could deepen political instability.
He further said the government had so far failed to demonstrate visible progress in bringing those responsible to account, adding that public confidence in the process was eroding.
Background and Aftermath
Sharif Osman Hadi was among the leading figures of the student-led uprising in 2024, which culminated in the resignation of then prime minister Sheikh Hasina, who later left the country. His death has intensified political tensions, with protests erupting across several parts of Bangladesh.
Following confirmation of his death on December 18, demonstrations escalated in some areas, resulting in vandalism and sporadic violence. Authorities have since appealed for calm and assured that investigations into related incidents are ongoing.
The government has not yet issued a detailed response to the allegations raised by Hadi’s family.
