Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus vowed to fulfill the vision of radical leader Sharif Osman Hadi, who was killed after being shot in the head by masked assailants last week.
Addressing thousands of mourners at Hadi’s funeral, Yunus declared, “You will remain in the hearts of all Bangladeshis,” and pledged to carry forward the slain anti-India leader’s ideology “across generations.”
“O dear Osman Hadi, we have not come here to bid you farewell. You are within our hearts, and as long as Bangladesh exists, you will remain in the hearts of all Bangladeshis. No one can remove you from there. Millions of people have gathered today, coming in waves, while crores of people across Bangladesh and Bangladeshis living abroad are waiting for this moment to listen about Hadi,” The Daily Star quoted Yunus as saying.
Speaking about Hadi’s political approach, Yunus said his ideas and values had left a lasting impact on the nation. He praised Hadi’s concern for humanity, his way of interacting with people, and his political vision, saying these principles would continue to guide the country.
“Your love for humanity, your way of living and interacting with people, and your political outlook are being praised by everyone. We are accepting them. You have given us such a mantra that this nation will never forget. It will echo in our ears forever,” he said.
Referring to what he described as Hadi’s “mantra”, Yunus said he and the people of Bangladesh would demonstrate it through their actions. He said the country would move forward with confidence and dignity, without bowing to pressure.
“We will walk before the world with our heads held high. We will not bow before anyone,” he said.
Yunus added, “You wanted to participate in the election, and in doing so, you showed us the process of how an election campaign should be conducted. You taught us everything, and we have accepted this teaching. You will not be lost. No one will ever forget you. You will remain with us for ages, reminding us again and again of your mantra.”
Who was Usman Hadi?
Sharif Usman Hadi (1993–2025) was a 32-year-old Bangladeshi activist and co-founder of the Inqilab Platform, who led the 2024 student uprising and brought down Sheikh Hasina’s government. He was shot in Dhaka on December 11 and died in Singapore on December 18, which sparked protests and led to Yunus granting him a state funeral.
