CA declares one-day state mourning on Saturday for Osman Hadi, urges restraint
The government will take responsibility of Hadi's wife and his only child, he says
Highlights:
- CA vows to bring Sharif Osman Hadi's killers to book
- One-day state mourning on Saturday; flags to fly at half-mast nationwide
- Special prayers to be held in mosques and other places of worship
- Government to take responsibility of Hadi's wife and only child
- Yunus calls for patience and restraint
- CA calls Hadi as a symbol of protest and patriotism
Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has vowed to bring the killers of Inqilab Mancha spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi to book.
"All the criminals involved in this heinous killing will be identified and prosecuted quickly. No leniency will be shown in this regard," he said in his address to the nation tonight (18 December).
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He also announced a one-day state mourning on Saturday to mark the untimely death of Osman Hadi.
On the day, he said the national flag will be flown at half-mast at all government, semi-government and autonomous institutions, educational institutions, as well as public and private buildings across the country and at Bangladesh missions abroad.
The chief adviser also said special prayers will be offered in mosques nationwide after Jumma prayers on Friday, seeking forgiveness for Hadi's departed soul.
Similar prayers will be organised at places of worship of other religions.
Expressing solidarity with the bereaved family, the chief adviser said the government would take responsibility of Hadi's wife and his only child.
Calling for calm, Yunus urged citizens to exercise patience and restraint.
He said law enforcement agencies and relevant authorities are conducting the investigation with professionalism, adding that the state remains fully committed to upholding the rule of law.
He extended special gratitude to the Singapore government for its "utmost sincerity and professionalism" in providing medical treatment to Hadi.
The CA particularly thanked Singapore's Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan, noting that, as a doctor, he personally oversaw Hadi's treatment and kept the Bangladesh government regularly informed.
Describing Hadi as a symbol of resistance, the chief adviser said, "This young leader, driven by revolutionary spirit, was an icon of protest. Through his actions, he set a unique example not only of protest, but also of patriotism, patience and determination."
"I want to state clearly again that Osman Hadi was the enemy of the defeated fascist-terrorist force. The attempt to silence his voice and intimidate the revolutionaries will be completely thwarted. No one can stop the democratic progress of this country through fear, terror, or bloodshed," he said.
"We have now reached the final stage of democratic transition. Martyred Hadi was an integral part of this process. His sole desire was to contest the upcoming national elections and play an active role in building a new Bangladesh," Yunus added.
He expressed sorrow that Hadi's aspirations remained unfulfilled, emphasising that "the responsibility of realising his dream today rests on the shoulders of the entire nation."
The chief adviser called on citizens to move forward with "patience, restraint, courage, and foresight," so that the fascist terrorist forces – enemies of elections and democracy – can be finally defeated.
"In this moment of mourning, let us turn the ideals and sacrifices of Shaheed Sharif Osman Hadi into strength. Let us be patient, not listen to propaganda and rumors, and refrain from any rash decisions," he urged the nation.
