Who Was Osman Hadi? The ‘Inqilab Mancha’ Spokesperson Whose Death Just Triggered A National Crisis | World News

Sharif Osman Hadi, one of the leaders of the 2024 Student Uprising Movement and the organizer of the youth platform Inqilab Mancha, passed away. The youth activist was in life-threatening conditions at the Singapore General Hospital (SGH) after struggling to survive a daytime assassination attempt in Dhaka.

The 32-year-old young leader, who flew to Singapore for brain surgery on December 15, died on December 18, 2025.

Assassination: A Targeted Attack in Dhaka

The attack on Osman Hadi took place on December 12, just one day after the interim government announced the calendar for general elections to be held in February 2026.

Event:

While Hadi was driving an autorickshaw in Dhaka’s Paltan district, an unidentified masked gunman sitting on a motorcycle started shooting at Hadi. Hadi was shot at close range.

Medical Efforts: He was initially admitted to Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) while in a coma. He was later transferred to Evercare Hospital. Realizing the severity of his neurological injuries, the interim government decided to transport him by air ambulance.

Singapore MFA Statement

Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the journalist’s death: “Despite all the efforts of SGH and National Neuroscience Institute doctors, Hadi died due to his injuries.”

Who was Osman Hadi?

Hadi was a prominent activist whose rising star was associated with the 2024 “July Uprising” that resulted in the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Political Platform: As the organizer of Inqilab Mancha, he strongly opposed both Awami League and pro-India politics.

Election Candidate: At that time, Hadi was contesting as an independent election candidate in Dhaka-8 seat for the elections scheduled to be held in February 2026.

Controversial Stature: He was known for his aggressive nationalism. His group played a key role in ensuring that the Awami League was banned from Bangladeshi politics.

Unrest and National Response

News of Hadi’s death triggered protests and violence across Bangladesh last night.

Protests Erupted: Thousands of people gathered at the Shahbagh intersection of the capital Dhaka, shouting slogans and demanding justice. Gangs went on a rampage, attacking offices of major newspapers such as Prothom Alo and Daily Star, as well as an office of the ruling Awami League in Rajshahi city.

Anti-India Demonstrations: Protesters claimed that the assassins were linked to “defeated fascist forces” who fled to India, thus leading to anti-India protests outside Indian missions.

Yunus Takes the Oath of Justice: Chief Advisor Mohammed Yunus addressed the nation, calling Hadi a “fearless front-line warrior.” A one-day official mourning will be held in his honor on Saturday, December 20. Yunus said that those responsible for the “planned attack” will be “brought to justice as soon as possible.”

Investigation and Rewards

Bangladesh police forces are conducting a large-scale search operation to capture the suspects. The Ministry of Home Affairs has already announced a reward of ₹ 50 lakh (about US$ 42,000) for tips leading to the arrest of the attackers. Although some people linked to the attackers have been arrested, the main attackers remain at large.

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