Hadi’s death: Prothom Alo, Daily Star offices set afire

Dhaka, Dec 19- An unruly mob attacked the office building of The Daily Star, Bangladesh’s leading English-language daily, and later set it on fire, creating panic in the area in the aftermath of the demise of Sharif Osman Hadi, a frontliner in the July Uprising who was shot on December 12.

According to the Fire Service and Civil Defence Headquarters, duty officer Md Shahjahan said they received information about the fire at around 12:40am, following which a fire service unit was dispatched to the scene to extinguish the blaze.

Until the filing of this report, efforts were underway to bring the fire under control.

Earlier, soon after the attack was launched by the mob, members of law enforcement agencies—particularly personnel of the Bangladesh Army—reached the spot and took position to restore order.

After the arrival of the fire service vehicle, firefighters began operations to douse the flames. Meanwhile, the disorderly crowd also set fire on the adjacent road, further worsening the situation. Army personnel later assisted the fire service in extinguishing the fires.

No immediate information was available regarding the extent of damage. 

Soon after the news broke that Osman Hadi, spokesman of Inqilab Monch, had passed away in Singapore, some people on social media reportedly incited people to attack the offices of the Prothom Alo and The Daily Star. 

Dhaka-Barishal Highway blocked

Protesters blocked the Dhaka-Barishal highway on Thursday night to demand justice for the death of Sharif Osman Hadi, convenor of Inqilab Monch.

The blockade took place at the Choumatha area from 10:30 pm to 11:45 pm, disrupting road communication between the capital Dhaka and the southern region, including tourist spots like Kuakata and the Payra port. Hundreds of vehicles were stranded on both sides of the highway during the protest.

Demonstrators raised slogans demanding punishment for Hadi’s killers and opposing Indian hegemonism.

The blockade was lifted at 11:45 pm. Al Mamun Ul Islam, Officer-in-Charge of Barishal Kotwali Model Police Station, said the situation has now returned to normal as protesters dispersed from the highway.

Road-block on Dhaka-Ctg Highway

Locals on Friday blocked the Dhaka–Chittagong Highway at Shanirakhra, Jatrabari, demanding a swift trial in connection with Inqilab Manch spokesman Sharif Osman Hadi’s murder.

Osman Hadi, who was critically injured in a gun attack in Dhaka last Friday, has died while undergoing treatment at Singapore General Hospital.

The blockade began on Friday night after the spread of the news of death.

The obstruction has completely halted traffic in Shanir Akhra and surrounding areas. The roadblock has caused severe traffic congestion on the highway, affecting long-distance vehicles and commuters.

Rayhan Rafid who was one of them in the demonstration stated that the demonstration is aimed at securing a quick trial for Hadi, who was considered an icon for the youth.

Hadi was a prominent social activist known for his work in community development and youth empowerment. His sudden death last month sparked outrage among students and young professionals across the country.

Police have arrived at the scene and are negotiating with the demonstrators to restore normalcy. However, the blockade had not been lifted at the time of reporting.

Dr Ahad, head of the National Citizen Party’s (NCP) health cell and Hadi’s physician, confirmed the news in a video message, saying: “We have received word from Singapore General Hospital that Hadi has passed away.”

Earlier on Wednesday night, Singapore’s Foreign Minister Dr Vivian Balakrishnan visited Hadi at the hospital.

Osman Hadi, who was considered as a potential Dhaka-8 candidate for the upcoming national election, was shot in the head on Friday, December 12, in the Bijoynagar area of the capital.

Ex-minister Naufel’s Ctg house torched

A house belonging to Awami league’s former education minister Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury Naufel was set on fire in Chattogram on Thursday night amid protests over the killing of Inqilab Monch spokesperson Osman Hadi.

The incident took place around 11:00 pm in the Chashmahill area of the city, where agitated protesters torched a motorcycle inside the house, which also belongs to former Chattogram mayor Mohiuddin Chowdhury.

Earlier, students and activists under the banner of Inqilab Monch staged a protest rally at Soloshahar No. 2 Gate, demanding punishment for those involved in Hadi’s killing. The protesters later marched towards Mayor Goli, where the arson occurred.

Another group of protesters simultaneously held a demonstration and sit-in program in front of the Indian mission office in the Khurshi area of the city.

Confirming the incident, Officer-in-Charge of Panchlaish Police Station Md Solaiman said around 200 protesters gathered in the Soloshahar and No. 2 Gate areas to protest the killing of Inqilab Moncho leader Osman Hadi.

Police were present and tried to bring the situation under control,” the OC said. No casualties were reported, and police said the situation was under control.

House Ex-MP Habib Hasan’s brother torched in Uttara  

A house belonging to the brother of former Dhaka-18 lawmaker Habib Hasan was set on fire in Uttara early Friday, according to the Fire Service and Civil Defence.

Duty officer Shahjahan at the Fire Service and Civil Defence headquarters control room said they received information about the fire at 12:15am at the residence of the former Awami League MP's brother in Uttara.

Following the report, a firefighting unit was dispatched to the scene. However, the fire service vehicle was obstructed by a crowd on the way, he said.

Hadi's Nalchity engulfed in grief

Gloom descended on the village home of Inqilab Moncho spokesperson Sharif Osman bin Hadi in the Khasmahal area of Nalchity municipality in Jhalakathi as news of his death spread.

Relatives and well-wishers rushed to the house upon hearing the news. However, due to security concerns, no family members spoke to visitors or the media on Thursday night. Police said the family would speak to others on Friday morning.

Hadi’s neighbours and former classmates demanded immediate arrest of those involved in his killing and called for the maximum punishment, including the death penalty.

Many people broke down in tears while recalling memories of Hadi. Locals also raised questions about why adequate security was not provided to a heroic July Uprising figure like Hadi following the movement.

Hadi’s sister, Masuma Sultana bin Hadi, and his brother-in-law, Amir Hossain, are staying at the family home at the time.

Road blocked in Jhalokathi

Deep sorrow has descended on the hometown of Sharif Osman bin Hadi, convenor of Inqilab Monch and prospective independent candidate for Dhaka-8, following news of his death. His ancestral house is in the Khasmahal area of Nalchhiti municipality in Jhalokathi.

Simultanously protesters, including July Uprising veterans, National Coordination Party (NCP), and Gana Adhikar Parishad activists, staged a blockade on the Dhaka–Jhalokathi highway at College Mor, demanding the immediate arrest of Hadi’s killers.

Upon hearing the news, Hadi’s relatives, neighbours, and well-wishers rushed to his home, filling the area with grief and wailing. Due to security concerns, the family did not meet anyone or speak to the media on Thursday night. Police said family contact was being limited considering the situation. 

The blockade on the Dhaka–Jhalokathi highway, which started at 11:30 pm on Thursday, brought traffic to a standstill in both directions, affecting buses, trucks, and goods vehicles from Dhaka, Barishal, and Khulna. Passengers and commuters faced severe inconvenience during the night.

Protesters said Hadi’s murder was premeditated, and despite the time elapsed since the incident, there has been no effective progress in apprehending the killers. They warned that the movement would continue until justice is served.

NCP Jhalokathi district convenor Mainul Islam Manna said Hadi, a well-known revolutionary and patriotic figure after the July Uprising, had not received adequate security. He called the killing not merely a personal tragedy, but an attempt to silence a voice of ideals and protest.

Osman Hadi was the son of the late Sharif Maulana Abdul Hadi of the Ferrighat area in Nalchhiti. - UNB