Dhaka, Dec 27 (V7N) — Hundreds of people gathered at Shahbagh intersection in Dhaka late Friday night, braving freezing temperatures, to demand justice for the killing of Shaheed Sharif Osman Bin Hadi, spokesperson of the Inqilab Mancha. The protest, which began earlier in the day as a sit-in, had transformed into a massive public gathering by nightfall, with participants laying out bedding and blankets to stay overnight.

By around 10:30 pm, all roads surrounding Shahbagh—including routes toward Muktijuddho Bhaban, Banglamotor, Science Lab, and the Teachers-Student Centre (TSC)—were completely blocked by protestors. Barricades were placed at every approach, preventing vehicle movement. Ambulances and emergency service vehicles attempted to find alternative routes, but the main square remained entirely under the control of demonstrators.

The protest was initiated after Friday prayers at the central mosque of Dhaka University, when Inqilab Mancha led a large rally to Shahbagh. Students and members of the public joined the sit-in in solidarity, and the crowd steadily increased throughout the afternoon.

Abdullah Al Jaber, Secretary of Inqilab Mancha, issued a firm warning at the sit-in, stating that the government had been given until December 25 to apprehend the killers of Shaheed Osman Hadi but had failed to do so. He emphasized that there would be no compromise and that the movement would continue relentlessly until justice was served.

Jaber clarified that the protesters’ primary demand was not the resignation of government officials but the arrest and prosecution of the killers. He added that the sit-in would not end until the government responded directly and the perpetrators were brought to justice.

As night progressed, the Shahbagh scene remained resolute. Student activists and leaders from Dhaka University continued to organize and manage the crowd, with volunteers patrolling in small groups to maintain security. Slogans such as “Osman’s blood will not go in vain” echoed throughout the area.

Most nearby shops were closed in response to the protest, while demonstrators remained steadfast in their demands. As of 11:00 pm, no signals of effective dialogue from government or administrative authorities had been received, and protestors continued to occupy Shahbagh.

The sit-in reflects growing public outrage over the unresolved killing of Shaheed Sharif Osman Hadi, highlighting ongoing concerns about law enforcement and justice in the capital.

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