“Osman Hadi had said that the country must hold elections in February. He had taken to the streets preparing for that election. But now, by killing him, there is an attempt to obstruct the electoral process,” said Sharif Omar bin Hadi, the elder brother of slain activist Sharif Osman bin Hadi.

He made the remarks on Tuesday afternoon at a programme titled ‘Martyrs’ Pledge’ held in front of the National Museum at Shahbagh in the capital.

The event was organised by Inqilab Mancha, demanding the immediate arrest of Osman Hadi’s killers, completion of the trial within 30 working days, and the building of a just Bangladesh. Osman Hadi was the convener of the platform.

Sharif Omar bin Hadi said that six days have passed since his brother was killed, yet the government has failed to show any visible progress. “We have only one demand from the government—to present the entire network of killers responsible for Osman Hadi’s murder before the nation,” he said.

Addressing the authorities, he warned, “Remember one thing—those who were powerful in Bangladesh before the July uprising, who treated the state as their personal property, are no longer here today. They were forced to flee. If justice is not ensured for Osman Hadi, you too will one day be forced to leave this country.”

He said Osman Hadi never bowed to any “agency” or foreign interest. “Those who killed Osman Hadi on behalf of an agency or a state should remember—he never submitted to any agency, country, or subordinate force. Had he done so, he could have lived comfortably like many compromised leaders,” he added.

Calling his brother a guide for the nation, Sharif Omar bin Hadi said Osman Hadi showed Bangladesh’s 180 million people how to lead movements on the streets, how to protect independence and sovereignty, and how to become a leader of the people without yielding to external pressure.

He said the government cannot avoid responsibility for the killing. “The martyrdom of Osman Hadi has made him far more powerful than he was alive. Millions across Bangladesh are waiting for justice. This killing happened while you were in power, and you cannot escape accountability. Whether today or ten years from now, you will have to face trial,” he said.

Addressing the interim government, he added, “If you think you will leave state power in a couple of months and go abroad, remember—the people of this country will bring you to justice. Present the killers immediately. Do not allow the election environment to be disrupted. You orchestrated this killing and are now trying to use it to derail the election—we will never allow that.”

Reiterating his claim, he said Osman Hadi had insisted on elections in February and had actively prepared for them, but his killing was aimed at preventing that process.

Calling on supporters, Sharif Omar bin Hadi urged them to remain united after taking the martyrs’ pledge. “After today’s programme, wait for the next action. From that point onward, we will not leave the streets until the killers are arrested, God willing,” he said.

After the pledge ceremony, Inqilab Mancha’s Member Secretary Abdullah Al Jaber announced a two-day programme. On December 24 and 25, supporters will write wall graffiti about Osman Hadi and share his struggle and movement across social media at home and abroad. He said the programme for December 26 would be announced later.