Dhaka Tense As Osman Hadi Funeral Draws Large Crowds, Security Tightened | World News

Security has been tightened across Dhaka as Inqilab Moncho activists gather for the funeral of their slain leader Sharif Osman bin Hadi. Preparations for the funeral prayer are ongoing at Manik Mia Boulevard, south of the National Parliament building, and the prayer is scheduled for 14:00 (local time). Movement in the area is restricted and security forces are put on alert.

Hadi, convener of Inqilab Moncho, was shot at close range while traveling by rickshaw in Bijoynagar on December 12. He was flown to Singapore on 15 December for further medical treatment but died from his injuries on 18 December.

Following the news of his death, protests broke out in Dhaka as activists demanded justice. Many demonstrations were held after Hadi’s body was brought to the city on Friday. Tensions remain high in Dhaka as Inqilab Moncho asks its supporters to remain calm during the funeral.

Many citizens’ groups called for the resignation of the house counselor, accusing him of failing to maintain law and order in the wake of Hadi’s killing and the unrest that followed. On Friday, 16 organisations, including the Ganatantrik Odhikar Committee, Democratic Bangladesh Network, Charan Sanskritik Kendra, Naripokkho, Land Reform and Development Association, University Teachers Network, Nagarik Coalition and Voice of Reform, expressed concern over the deteriorating security situation and called for immediate action to restore order.

Groups said: “Even after a year [July Uprising]“The interim government has failed to ensure the security of citizens against the ousted Awami League forces and other forces at home and abroad.”

The Editors’ Council and Newspaper Owners Association of Bangladesh (NOAB) strongly condemned the attacks, vandalism and arson on the offices of Prothom Alo and The Daily Star and said these actions are a serious threat to press freedom.

Meanwhile, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) claimed that the violence following Hadi’s death was part of a plan to create uncertainty ahead of parliamentary elections in February. BNP General Secretary Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said, “We condemn these heinous acts. This shows a deliberate effort by a known group to plunge the country into chaos.”

The interim government faces increasing pressure to maintain peace in the capital as Inqilab Moncho supporters gather for the funeral.

(via ANI Inputs)