Bangladesh has been gripped by grief and anger following the death of Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of the Inquilab Mancha and a prominent figure in the July Revolution. Hadi, who was shot in Dhaka on December 12, succumbed to his injuries at Singapore General Hospital on Thursday night. His body was flown to Dhaka on Friday evening, with a state funeral scheduled at the South Plaza of the National Parliament before burial beside poet Kazi Nazrul Islam’s grave at Dhaka University.

The government declared a day of national mourning, lowering flags at all public institutions and missions abroad. Thousands took to the streets across major cities, including Dhaka, Chattogram, and Rajshahi, chanting anti-government and anti-Indian slogans. Some protests turned violent, with attacks on political offices and media houses. Interim authorities urged citizens to resist extremist violence and maintain calm during the country’s ongoing democratic transition.

Analysts warn that Hadi’s assassination could further inflame political tensions ahead of the upcoming national elections, testing the interim government’s ability to preserve order and public trust.