Bangladesh’s July Uprising Figure Osman Hadi Dies While Undergoing Treatment in Singapore

Dhaka Correspondent, Bangladesh

Osman Hadi, a prominent figure of Bangladesh’s July uprising, has died while undergoing treatment in Singapore (Inna Lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un). He passed away at around 9:40 pm on Thursday at Singapore General Hospital.

The death was confirmed by his brother, Omar Hadi. The information was also shared on Osman Hadi’s verified Facebook page.

Last Friday (December 12), Hadi was shot by motorcycle-borne gunmen while riding in a battery-powered rickshaw on Box Culvert Road in Puranapaltan. Following the attack, he was first taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital, where he underwent surgery. He was later shifted to Evercare Hospital. As his condition failed to improve, he was flown to Singapore on Monday for advanced treatment and admitted to Singapore General Hospital.

In recent months, Hadi had emerged as one of the most talked-about and controversial figures in Bangladesh’s political landscape. Through his speeches and activities, he drew significant attention as well as criticism.

After political changes in Bangladesh, Hadi became vocal on issues including the ban on the Awami League and various verdicts of the International Crimes Tribunal. He became a familiar face on social media and in talk shows and discussions across different media platforms.

Following the July uprising, Osman Hadi gained prominence by forming a political-cultural platform called Inqilab Mancha. He later announced his intention to contest the 13th national parliamentary election as an independent candidate and began campaigning.

It was during one such recent campaign that Hadi was injured in a shooting. The attack took place on Box Culvert Road near the Bijoynagar water tank area in the capital. The incident, which occurred after the election schedule for the 13th parliamentary polls was announced, raised numerous questions.

Rise to the Political Spotlight

Sharif Osman Hadi, a graduate of the Department of Political Science at the University of Dhaka, had been teaching at a private university in Dhaka. He also taught at an English-language coaching centre.

Originally from Nalchity in Jhalakathi district of Barishal division, Hadi had been involved in various political and cultural activities since his student days. After passing Alim from N.S. Kamil Madrasa in Jhalakathi, he moved to Dhaka upon gaining admission to the University of Dhaka.

Although he was associated with several social and cultural organisations during his university years, he was not seen as actively aligned with any political party at that time. The July 2024 uprising brought him to the forefront of national politics.

During and after the uprising, Hadi drew attention for his roles and statements, including the formation of Inqilab Mancha and his calls for banning the Awami League. He also took part in protests in front of Bangabhaban demanding the president’s resignation after the fall of the Awami League government, and was active in incidents of vandalism at Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s residence at Dhanmondi 32.

After forming Inqilab Mancha, Hadi organised rallies and meetings demanding the preservation of the July uprising’s legacy, trials of those responsible for violence, recognition of the injured and deceased, and the proclamation of a “July Charter.” These activities placed him at the centre of political debate.

Standing against what he described as all forms of hegemony, Hadi promoted the protection of independence and sovereignty and the establishment of a justice-based state core goals of Inqilab Mancha. His strong anti-Awami League and anti-India rhetoric from this platform helped him build a support base.

At the same time, these positions made him a target of opponents. On several occasions, Hadi claimed both on social media and at public gatherings that he had received threats to his life. In one social media post, he alleged that he had received death threats from at least 30 domestic and foreign phone numbers, including threats of arson at his home and threats against his mother, sister, and wife.

Issues of Debate and Controversy

While Hadi generated widespread discussion through his activities and statements on social and mainstream media, he also became controversial on multiple fronts as the spokesperson of Inqilab Mancha.

He was outspoken in his opposition to the Awami League and India, and was also seen criticising statements made by leaders of the BNP on social media and in political discourse.

Hadi also sparked debate after images circulated on social media showing him distributing puffed rice and sweets among supporters during campaigns demanding a ban on the Awami League and during electioneering.

After announcing his decision to contest the election, his campaign strategies and political remarks continued to draw both praise and criticism.

Osman Hadi had declared his candidacy as an independent from Dhaka-8 constituency covering Motijheel, Paltan, Ramna and Shahjahanpur areas in the upcoming national parliamentary election. He had been actively campaigning in the constituency for some time.

Several of his campaign videos went viral on social media. In one widely circulated clip, a person is seen placing money into Hadi’s pocket during a campaign event. He also shared videos of early-morning leaflet distribution in front of mosques, his election manifesto, fundraising through donations, and moments when people handed him money during campaign activities.