Massive Crowd at Dhaka Funeral of Student Leader Osman Hadi as Bangladesh Remains on Edge After His Killing

Dhaka: Dhaka witnessed an unprecedented gathering on Saturday as thousands poured onto Manik Mia Avenue for the funeral of Osman Hadi, a radical student leader whose death has triggered widespread unrest across Bangladesh. Visuals from the capital showed a massive procession as mourners paid their last respects amid heightened security.

Hadi’s mortal remains, wrapped in the national flag, were flown to Dhaka on Friday evening from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport aboard a national carrier flight. The funeral was attended by top figures of the interim administration, including Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, senior council members, and Army Chief General Waker-uz-Zaman, reflecting the political and symbolic weight Hadi carried among his supporters.

Following the funeral prayers, Hadi was laid to rest at the central mosque of the university, in close proximity to the grave of national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam. Addressing the gathering, Yunus announced a one-day state mourning, describing Hadi as a figure whose influence would endure for generations. “He will live on in the memory of this nation,” Yunus said in an emotional tribute.

Osman Hadi rose to prominence during last year’s student-led movement that ultimately led to the fall of the Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League government. His death on December 12, after he was shot in the head by unidentified attackers while launching his election campaign in central Dhaka, sent shockwaves through the country and ignited violent protests in several regions.

Amid the ongoing turmoil, the interim government also addressed concerns over minority safety. Chief Adviser Yunus confirmed that seven people have been arrested in connection with the lynching of a Hindu युवक, Dipu Chandra Das, who was allegedly targeted over blasphemy accusations. The incident has further intensified domestic and international criticism over rising attacks on religious minorities.

Bangladesh has seen a surge in communal violence in recent weeks, particularly targeting Hindu communities, drawing condemnation from human rights organisations and civil society groups worldwide.