Bangladesh Politics News: A heated debate has erupted in Bangladesh after Sharif Usman Hadi was buried next to Bangladeshi national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam. Supporters are considering it as an honor to Hadi, while critics are calling it a politically motivated decision.
Bangladesh Osman Hadi Burial Controversy: Dhaka remained on full alert on the day of Namaz-e-Janaza of Sharif Usman Hadi, leader of Inquilab Manch in Bangladesh. The deployment of police, rapid action battalion and army was seen at every intersection. The situation was already tense after Hadi’s assassination. The fierce demonstration by his supporters had engulfed the capital in the grip of violence. Many cultural centers were vandalized, media institutions were attacked and Indian missions in different cities were also targeted. This was the most challenging time for the government, as all this is happening just before the general elections of February 2026. Even more questionable was why Osman Hadi was buried next to national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam in the Dhaka University Mosque complex, as this happened almost 50 years later.
Who was Sharif Osman Hadi?
Born in 1993 in Jhalokathi district, Sharif Osman Hadi emerged into student politics from Dhaka University. He became recognized across the country as the spokesperson of Inquilab Manch during the July-August 2024 movement. He was known as a staunch anti-Sheikh Hasina, anti-Awami League and anti-India speaker. His style on stage was sharp, his words were like fire and he used to incite the crowd. He was preparing to contest the 2026 elections as an independent candidate from Dhaka-8 seat. On December 12, while traveling in a battery rickshaw, unknown assailants opened fire on Hadi. He was taken to Singapore in critical condition, where he died. It was reported that the alleged attacker had said the night before the incident, ‘Something is going to happen which will shake the whole of Bangladesh.’
Why compare Osman Hadi with Zarul Islam?
Kazi Nazrul Islam’s rebellious poetry was often heard in Osman Hadi’s rallies. In the viral video on social media, Hadi is seen using Nazrul’s lines as a weapon and roaring against the government. Now when Hadi was buried near Nazrul’s grave, supporters started calling him today’s rebel.
Why was Osman Hadi buried near Qazi Nazrul?
At an emergency meeting of the Dhaka University Syndicate, it was decided that Hadi would be buried next to Nazrul Islam. The decision was taken with the consent of the government department, DUCSU and Hadi’s family. But after this the country got divided into two parts. One side says that Hadi raised his voice against the government, hence he is a martyr. The other side believes that Nazrul was a symbol of tolerance and secularism, while Hadi is accused of promoting extremist politics and identity-based hatred. The debate still continues on social media.
Statement of Muhammad Yunus and increasing sensitivity
Chief advisor to the interim government, Muhammad Yunus himself attended the funeral. He said, ‘Hadi is in our hearts and as long as there is Bangladesh, he will be remembered.’ This statement made the opposition more vocal. Questions began to arise whether the government is promoting any one ideology?