Sharif Osman Hadi, the fearless frontline fighter of the July Uprising and spokesperson of the Inqilab Mancha -Photo: Collected

DHAKA, Dec 18, 2025 (BSS) - Sharif Osman Hadi, the fearless frontline fighter of the July Uprising and spokesperson of the Inqilab Mancha, passed away tonight while undergoing treatment at a Singapore hospital after fighting for his life for six days.

"Today, I came before you with a very heartbreaking news. Sharif Osman Hadi, the fearless frontline fighter of the July Uprising and spokesperson of the Inqilab Mancha, is no more among us. Singapore's Foreign Minister Dr Vivian Balakrishnan informed me of the matter over phone a few minutes ago," Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus said while addressing the nation tonight.

"May the Almighty Allah accept this immortal soldier of the struggle against fascism and hegemony as a martyr. We all pray this together," he added.

State-owned Bangladesh Television (BTV) and BTV News simultaneously broadcast the speech at 11:30 pm.

Hadi, also an aspiring independent candidate for Dhaka-8, was shot on December 12 while he was on a battery-run auto-rickshaw in the city's Paltan area.

Prof Yunus expressed deep shock and sorrow at the untimely death of Sharif Osman Hadi, saying his demise caused an irreparable loss to the country’s political and democratic sphere.

“I pray for the eternal peace of his departed soul and convey my deepest sympathy to his bereaved wife, family members, relatives and colleagues,” he said.

The Chief Adviser also said that the government will take responsibility for the wife and only child of martyr Osman Hadi.

He declared a one-day state mourning on Saturday for the untimely death of martyr Sharif Osman Hadi, saying, on the day, the national flag will be hoisted at half-mast in all government, semi-government, autonomous offices, educational institutions, government and private buildings, and Bangladesh missions abroad.

Prof Yunus said special prayers seeking forgiveness for Hadi’s departed soul will be organised in every mosque across the country after Jumma prayers tomorrow, and called on the countrymen to join the prayer.

He further said that special prayers will also be organized in places of worship of other religions.

The Chief Adviser expressed special gratitude to the Singaporean government, especially to Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan, who is also a doctor, saying, they have shown great sincerity and professionalism in Hadi's treatment.

“He (Balakrishnan) personally cared for Hadi and gave me updates about his (Hadi’s) treatment,” he added.

Reiterating that all the criminals involved in this brutal murder will be brought to justice quickly and the maximum punishment will be ensured against them, Prof Yunus said, “No leniency will be shown in this regard”.

Noting that Osman Hadi, a young leader imbued with revolutionary blood, was a unique symbol of protest, the Chief Adviser said through his actions, he left behind a unique example of not only protest but also patriotism, patience and determination.

"I sincerely urge all citizens of the country to maintain patience and restraint. Let law enforcement agencies and other relevant organisations have the opportunity to carry out investigations with professionalism," he said, adding, the state is fully committed to establishing the rule of law.

"I want to clearly say again that Osman Hadi was an enemy of the defeated forces- the fascist terrorists," Prof Yunus said, adding, the attempt to intimidate the revolutionaries by silencing his voice will be completely thwarted.

"No one can stop the democratic progress of this country through threat, terrorist activities or bloodshed," he categorically said.

Stating that the country has reached the final stage of democratic transition, the Chief Adviser said Shaheed Hadi was an integral part of this process.

His sincere desire was to play an active role in the next phase of building a new Bangladesh by contesting the upcoming elections, Prof Yunus also said, adding, but it is a matter of great sadness that his wish remained unfulfilled.

Now the responsibility of realising his dream lies on the shoulders of the entire nation, he said, adding, "In the coming days, we all have to move forward with patience, restraint, courage and foresight so that the fascist terrorist evil forces, the enemies of elections and democracy, can be finally defeated".

"In this moment of mourning, let us turn the ideals and sacrifices of Shaheed Sharif Osman Hadi into strength. Let us be patient, not listen to propaganda and rumours, and refrain from any rash decisions," Prof Yunus made the call to the nation.

Instead of falling into the trap of those who want to destabilise the country, he urged the countrymen to remain united and move forward with steadfast steps towards establishing democracy, justice, and the rights of the people.

"This will be our true tribute to Shaheed Hadi," the Chief Adviser said.