Allegations Surface Against Yunus Regime Over Osman Hadi’s Killing Ahead of Polls

Brother of Sharif Osman Hadi Alleges Yunus-Led Interim Government Behind Student Leader’s Killing.

Days after Bangladesh student leader Sharif Osman Hadi died following a gunshot to the head in Dhaka, his brother has accused a faction within the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government of orchestrating the assassination to derail the upcoming national elections in February.

Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of the cultural organisation Inquilab Moncho—which emerged from the July 2024 uprising that led to former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s ouster—was shot at close range in Dhaka on December 12. He was airlifted to Singapore for treatment but succumbed to his injuries on December 18. His death sparked violent protests, with demonstrators targeting the offices of major newspapers and cultural groups.

At a protest in Shahbagh, Dhaka, Osman Hadi’s brother, Sharif Omar Hadi, directly accused the government of involvement. “You had Osman Hadi killed, and now you are trying to foil the election by using this as an issue,” Omar said. He called for a speedy trial to ensure the upcoming election proceeds without disruption, warning that failure to deliver justice could have severe consequences for political leaders, referencing Sheikh Hasina’s previous exile.

Omar alleged that his brother was targeted because he refused to yield to any agency or “foreign masters.” Abdullah Al Jaber, member secretary of Inquilab Moncho, described the killing as part of a “deep conspiracy” involving international intelligence agencies and internal “fascist associates” aimed at undermining the July uprising’s achievements and Bangladesh’s sovereignty. He demanded an international-standard investigation and public disclosure of the perpetrators within a set timeframe, warning that protests would intensify otherwise.

Protesters have vowed to continue their demonstrations until justice is served. The leaders of Inquilab Moncho also announced that they will not hold any programmes on December 25, when Tarique Rahman, acting chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, is scheduled to return, hoping he will publicly support their cause.