Dhaka, Dec 20, (V7N) — Thousands of people from all walks of life have converged at Manik Mia Avenue, adjacent to the National Parliament, to attend the funeral prayers of Sharif Osman Hadi, the spokesperson of Inqilab Mancha and a prominent figure of the July Revolution. Since Saturday morning, students, activists, and general citizens have been arriving in steady processions, leaving the vast stretch of Manik Mia Avenue filled to capacity by midday. The atmosphere remains charged with emotion as the crowd chants slogans such as "We will all be Hadi, we will fight for ages" and "The blood of Hadi Bhai shall not go in vain," honoring the leader who passed away following a targeted attack.

Security across the area has been significantly tightened to ensure order during the massive gathering. Army personnel are patrolling the perimeter, supported by a heavy deployment of Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and Ansar forces. Police presence is notably high, with officers equipped with over 1,000 body-worn cameras to monitor the proceedings and maintain safety at all entrances to the venue.

Earlier today, Osman Hadi’s body was brought to the National Heart Institute following a post-mortem examination at the Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College Hospital morgue. After the completion of religious rituals and bathing at approximately 12:15 pm, the body was prepared for identification by family and colleagues. The official funeral prayer (Janaza) is scheduled to be held at the South Plaza of the National Parliament at 2:00 pm. Following the prayer, he will be laid to rest with state honors next to the grave of the National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam.

Osman Hadi’s death comes after a week-long struggle for his life. He was critically injured in a shooting by unidentified assailants on Friday afternoon, December 12, in the capital's Bijoynagar area. Initially treated at Dhaka Medical College Hospital and later Evercare Hospital, he was eventually flown to Singapore by air ambulance on December 15 for advanced care. Despite the efforts of medical teams at Singapore General Hospital, he succumbed to his injuries at approximately 9:30 pm on Thursday, December 18. His death has sparked nationwide mourning and calls for justice across the country.

END/SMA/AJ