Inqilab Mancha Announces Nationwide Blockade Demanding Justice for Osman Hadi Killing

Inqilab Mancha has announced a complete blockade in all divisional cities across the country starting from 2:00 pm today (Sunday), demanding the arrest and trial of those responsible for the killing of Shaheed Sharif Osman bin Hadi.

The announcement was made through a Facebook post late Saturday night. Earlier, Inqilab Mancha Member Secretary Abdullah Al Jaber had declared a programme from Shahbagh at 11:00 pm. However, considering a scheduled press briefing by the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), the programme was revised and rescheduled to begin at 2:00 pm.

Announcing the new programme, Abdullah Al Jaber said that a full blockade would be enforced in all eight divisions. He stated that there would be no compromise over Osman Hadi’s blood and that the blockade would continue until all individuals involved in the murder are publicly identified. He urged people across the country to participate and reiterated that there would be no negotiation on the demand for justice.

Before the announcement, Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan and DMP Commissioner Sheikh Md. Sajjat Ali visited Shahbagh around 11:00 pm. They briefed protesters on the progress of the investigation and promised that a charge sheet would be submitted by January 7, along with swift completion of the trial process. Inqilab Mancha rejected these assurances and announced the new blockade programme.

Syeda Rizwana Hasan said she personally admired Hadi and considered him like a younger brother. She described justice for his killing as a national responsibility, noting the massive public response to his funeral. She assured that the interim government is working to identify both the direct perpetrators and those who orchestrated the murder, and that care is being taken not to disclose information that could benefit hostile forces. She also promised that the trial would be completed quickly after the charge sheet is filed.

Referring to a previous high-profile murder case, she said swift justice is possible if investigations are done carefully and without loopholes. She added that even if suspects have fled abroad, they can still be brought to justice, citing diplomatic efforts with India to secure cooperation if any accused are found there.

DMP Commissioner Sheikh Md. Sajjat Ali said multiple law enforcement and intelligence agencies are working on the case. He claimed significant progress has been made, with 10 arrests so far, recovery of two firearms, a motorcycle, and signed cheques worth Tk 218 crore. He reiterated that the charge sheet would be submitted by January 7.

Rejecting the timeline, Abdullah Al Jaber questioned why seven more days were needed if 90 percent of the investigation was already complete. He demanded that the charge sheet be submitted within three days and said vague promises of “fast trials” were unacceptable. He also emphasized that the shooter alone was not responsible and demanded disclosure of those who masterminded the killing.

Since Friday afternoon, Inqilab Mancha activists have been holding a continuous sit-in at Shahbagh, joined by people from different walks of life, including women and children. Despite the cold weather, protesters remained at the intersection, chanting slogans, reciting poetry, singing songs about Hadi, and offering prayers on-site. Traffic through Shahbagh has remained completely suspended.

On Saturday afternoon, volunteers from Inqilab Mancha assisted university admission candidates during Dhaka University’s science unit exam. After the exam, several students joined the protest.

During the sit-in, BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman visited Osman Hadi’s grave near Dhaka University’s central mosque. Protesters temporarily moved their position and later returned to Shahbagh after his departure.

Osman Hadi had founded Inqilab Mancha in August last year and became a prominent figure opposing the ousted Awami League government and what he described as Indian dominance. He was preparing to contest the next national election from the Dhaka-8 constituency. On December 12, he was shot in the capital’s Purana Paltan area and later died on December 18 while undergoing treatment in Singapore. The prime accused, former Chhatra League leader Faisal Karim, remains at large.