In a somber ceremony held at Sangsad Bhaban in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus paid tribute to Sharif Osman Hadi, a slain youth leader known for his anti-India stance. Addressing thousands of mourners, Yunus vowed to fulfill Hadi's dream, emphasizing that his ideals would continue to inspire generations to come. Hadi, a prominent figure in the pro-democracy uprising of the previous year and a prospective candidate in the upcoming general elections, was fatally shot by masked gunmen on December 12 and succumbed to his injuries in Singapore on December 19.
The funeral, held on Saturday, December 20, 2025, drew massive crowds from across Bangladesh, with attendees chanting slogans demanding justice for Hadi's killing and vowing to carry on his legacy. Yunus, in his address, acknowledged the outpouring of support, noting that millions across Bangladesh and the diaspora were eager to hear about Hadi. He declared that Hadi would forever remain in the nation's memory and that Bangladesh would never forget the "mantra" Hadi imparted, instilling a sense of dignity and resilience.
"Generation after generation," Yunus stated, "we will move forward imbued with your mantra". He further emphasized Hadi's lessons in connecting with people, expressing views with grace, and conducting campaigns with humility, stating, "We accept this lesson and wish to implement it". Yunus also highlighted Hadi's call for Bangladeshis to "walk before the world with our heads held high" and refuse to bow to anyone.
Hadi's associates have issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the Yunus government, demanding the public disclosure of measures taken to apprehend those responsible for his death. The funeral took place under tight security, with police deployed and flags flown at half-mast to mark a day of state mourning. Hadi was laid to rest near the grave of national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam at the Dhaka University Central Mosque.
The backdrop to this event is a complex political landscape in Bangladesh. Yunus's leadership has been marked by rising anti-India sentiment. Accusations have surfaced that Yunus is exploiting anti-India feelings to consolidate power and distract from governance issues. Some critics allege that Yunus and his allies are using anti-India rhetoric to galvanize support from Islamist groups. These tensions are further complicated by the upcoming general elections and the absence of the Awami League, with some questioning the credibility of the electoral process.
ThePrint reported that Mohammad Ali Arafat, a leader from the Awami League, accused Yunus of inflaming anti-India sentiment through his comments. He also held Yunus and Islamist allies responsible for attacks on the press and claimed that an election without the Awami League would not be credible.
Yunus's attendance at Hadi's funeral and his tribute to the slain activist, known for his strong anti-India stance, are being interpreted by some as a deliberate signal to India. The situation remains tense, with calls for justice for Hadi's death and concerns about the direction of Bangladesh's political landscape. Amnesty International has urged the interim government to conduct thorough and impartial investigations into Hadi's killing and the subsequent violence.
