News|ElectionsBangladesh holds state mourning, funeral for slain uprising activistPolice fill the streets of Dhaka ahead of Sharif Osman Hadi’s funeral at Bangladesh’s parliament house.
## Regulation: National Day of Mourning in Bangladesh
Regulation: National Day of Mourning in Bangladesh
Bangladesh observed a national day of mourning in response to the death of Sharif Osman Hadi, a significant figure in the 2024 student-led uprising. His passing has led to widespread protests across the country.
Security measures were heightened in Dhaka, with police equipped with body cameras deployed as Hadi’s funeral took place at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban on Saturday at 2pm (08:00 GMT).
The national flag was flown at half-mast on all public and private buildings to mark the occasion. Despite a decrease in protests by Saturday, reports of violence and arson attacks on cultural institutions, newspapers, and political offices were still emerging.
Operational Impact on Cultural and Media Institutions
The Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy suspended all programming citing security concerns following arson attacks. Prothom Alo and The Daily Star newspapers reported incidents of ambushes that endangered staff and caused significant damage. Both publications plan to continue operations online.
Bangladesh observed a national day of mourning in response to the death of Sharif Osman Hadi, a significant figure in the 2024 student-led uprising.
Sharif Osman Hadi, aged 32, was the spokesperson for Inquilab Moncho and was preparing to run for parliament in the upcoming February 2026 elections. He succumbed to injuries sustained from a shooting incident on December 12, 2025.
Hadi was attacked by assailants while traveling in an auto-rickshaw. Following initial treatment in Dhaka, he was transferred to Singapore General Hospital, where he later died.
Nationwide Protests and Political Implications
Hadi's death triggered demonstrations across major cities, including Dhaka, Rajshahi, Chittagong, and Gazipur. Protesters have demanded the extradition of individuals linked to his death and former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Hasina was sentenced to death in November 2025 for crimes against humanity related to the 2024 uprising. Her exile in India has exacerbated tensions, leading to anti-India sentiments and attacks on Indian diplomatic facilities.
The interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, condemned the ongoing violence and called for calm.
Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.
