Dhaka, Dec 20, (V7N) — Inqilab Mancha Member Secretary Abdullah Al Jaber has issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the government, threatening to blockade the capital's busy Shahbagh intersection if significant progress in the Sharif Osman Hadi murder trial is not announced. Speaking at a protest gathering in Shahbagh on Saturday afternoon, Al Jaber declared that if the administration fails to provide updates on the investigation by tomorrow, protesters will reoccupy the streets at 5:15 pm on Sunday.

The announcement follows the burial of Inqilab Mancha spokesperson and July Revolution martyr Sharif Osman Hadi, who was laid to rest today next to the tomb of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam at Dhaka University. Earlier in the afternoon, a massive funeral prayer (Janaza) was held at the South Plaza of the National Parliament, led by Hadi’s elder brother. The ceremony was attended by Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus, members of the Council of Advisers, and senior leaders from various political parties, alongside thousands of mourning citizens.

During the funeral, Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus paid high tribute to the fallen leader, stating that Hadi’s life was guided by the mantra, "Speak, O Hero, High is My Head." Dr. Yunus remarked, "He has given us the mantra of not bowing our heads to injustice, and this spirit will remain in our hearts forever." Despite the state honors and the observance of national mourning today, Inqilab Mancha leaders expressed deep frustration over the lack of arrests. Abdullah Al Jaber specifically called out Home Affairs Adviser and Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser, Khodabox Chowdhury, demanding they inform the public within the next 24 hours about the specific actions taken since the attack occurred a week ago.

Sharif Osman Hadi was shot by an unidentified miscreant on Friday afternoon, December 12. After undergoing surgery in Dhaka and being transferred to Singapore for advanced treatment via air ambulance on December 15, he succumbed to his injuries at Singapore General Hospital last Thursday night. As the 24-hour deadline looms, the capital remains on high alert for further protests and potential disruptions in the Shahbagh area tomorrow evening.

 END/SMA/AJ