Dhaka, Dec 20, (V7N) — Amidst a somber atmosphere and a massive outpouring of grief, the funeral prayers (Janaza) for Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of Inqilab Mancha and a central figure of the July Revolution, were completed at the South Plaza of the National Parliament Building on Saturday afternoon. The ceremony, held at approximately 2:30 pm, saw the participation of Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus, members of the Council of Advisers, and senior leaders from various political parties. Following the prayers, Hadi’s remains were transported to Dhaka University, where he was laid to rest with high honors next to the grave of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam.

The day was marked by a one-day state mourning, as declared by Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus in his address to the nation on Thursday night. Addressing the massive gathering before the funeral, Dr. Yunus paid a stirring tribute to Hadi, citing the famous lines of the National Poet as the martyr's life philosophy: "Bolo Bir, Chiro Unnoto Momo Shir" (Speak, O Hero, Ever High is My Head). "Hadi gave us the mantra never to bow our heads. This principle will remain in our hearts as long as Bangladesh exists," Dr. Yunus stated, emphasizing that the nation has not come to say goodbye, but to vow to fulfill the mission Hadi died for.

However, the day was also marked by demands for justice. Following the funeral, Inqilab Mancha Member Secretary Abdullah Al Jaber urged the public to gather at Shahbagh in protest. He expressed deep frustration that the attacker who shot Hadi on December 12 has not been arrested despite the passage of a week. Al Jaber issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the Home Affairs Adviser and the Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser, Khodabox Chowdhury, demanding they publicly disclose the steps taken by the administration regarding the investigation.

Osman Hadi’s journey to his final resting place began early Saturday morning when his body was taken to the Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College Hospital for an autopsy, followed by ritual bathing at the National Heart Institute. Thousands had gathered at the hospital gates and the Parliament grounds since dawn to catch a final glimpse of the leader. Hadi had been fighting for his life since being shot by a miscreant on December 12. After undergoing surgery in Dhaka and later being flown to Singapore General Hospital via air ambulance on December 15, he tragically passed away on Thursday night at 9:30 pm.

END/SMA/AJ