Sharif Osman Bin Hadi, a prominent leader of Bangladesh’s 2024 student uprising, has died in a Singapore hospital following a targeted assassination attempt.

Hadi, 32, was considered a potential candidate for the Dhaka-8 constituency in upcoming elections.

Hadi was shot in the head on December 12 while traveling in a battery-powered auto-rickshaw in Dhaka by attackers on a motorcycle. He was immediately taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital, where physicians reported severe brain stem damage.

On December 15, Hadi was flown to Singapore General Hospital’s neurosurgical intensive care unit for further treatment. Despite the doctors’ efforts, Singaporean authorities confirmed he succumbed to his injuries on Thursday.

Political background and role

Hadi was a senior leader of the student protest group Inqilab Mancha and a vocal critic of India, an ally of ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. He rose to prominence during the 2024 uprising that eventually led to Hasina’s removal from office.

In a statement on Facebook, Inqilab Mancha hailed Hadi as a martyr, saying, “In the struggle against Indian hegemony, Allah has accepted the great revolutionary Osman Hadi.”

Investigation and arrests

Bangladesh police have launched a nationwide hunt for the attackers, releasing images of two suspects and offering a 5 million taka reward (approximately $42,000) for information. At least 20 individuals have been arrested in connection with the shooting, though investigations remain ongoing.

Condolences and official reactions

Leaders across Bangladesh expressed grief over Hadi’s death. Interim government head Muhammad Yunus described it as “an irreparable loss for the nation” and stressed that the country’s democratic progress cannot be halted by fear or violence.

Political figures, including BNP acting chairman Tareq Rahman and the National Citizen Party (NCP), offered condolences and praised Hadi’s activism. Special prayers and a half-day mourning were announced across the country.

Protests erupt across Bangladesh

News of Hadi’s death triggered widespread demonstrations against Indian involvement. Protesters gathered outside Dhaka’s Prothom Alo and Daily Star offices, with some storming the buildings and setting fire to property. Security forces were present but did not intervene.

Yunus characterized the attack as premeditated, claiming it was orchestrated by a powerful network intending to disrupt the February elections. He described the incident as a symbolic attempt to demonstrate strength and intimidate the nation.