Hundreds of thousands gathered in Dhaka on Saturday to attend the funeral of Sharif Osman Hadi, a key figure in Bangladesh’s 2024 student-led uprising and spokesperson for the Inquilab Mancha. Hadi died in a Singapore hospital on December 12 after surviving an assassination attempt earlier this month. His body was brought back to Bangladesh on December 19, and the funeral was held near the National Parliament complex under tight security, attended by interim government chief Professor Muhammad Yunus and political leaders from across the spectrum.

International media outlets including Reuters, Al Jazeera, The Washington Post, and TRT World covered the massive turnout, describing it as a reflection of national grief and unity. Reports noted that Hadi was buried beside the grave of national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam, symbolizing his perceived contribution to the country’s democratic struggle. Several outlets highlighted Bangladesh’s official day of mourning and the heightened security presence.

Observers say the unprecedented public response underscores Hadi’s symbolic role in the pro-democracy movement and may influence the political climate ahead of the next national election.