Independent candidate from Dhaka-8 seat protested against Sheikh Hasina; Know who was Osman Hadi

When bullets were fired on a busy road in Dhaka on Thursday afternoon, it was not just an incident. In this attack, the news of 34 year old Sharif Usman Hadi being shot in broad daylight spread throughout Bangladesh within a few hours. From late Thursday night till Friday morning, the situation became tense in many big cities of the country including Dhaka.

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Thousands of people came out on the streets, demonstrations took place at many places and violence was also seen in many areas. The protesters are calling Hadi’s death a conspiracy and are continuously demanding justice. In such a situation, let us know who was Sharif Usman Hadi?

Who was Sharif Osman Hadi?

Sharif Osman Hadi was not a traditional politician. Educated at Dhaka University, Hadi, who came out of student politics, became the voice of the youth who had been feeling left out of power and the system for years. During the mass uprising of July 2024, he was recognized as a leader who could clearly express the anger, pain and hopes of those who came out on the streets.

Recognition gained from protest against Sheikh Hasina

The July 2024 movement in Bangladesh was not just an anti-government protest. This was a joint rebellion of youth and common citizens against the 16-year rule of Sheikh Hasina. An entire generation, fed up with corruption, repression and political restrictions, took to the streets. This movement was special because there were less people associated with traditional parties and more new, non-party faces. Osman Hadi was also a name in this movement, whose speech Had become viral rapidly on social media.

Inquilab Manch started

After the July Movement, when the old regime fell, but the new system was not clearly visible, then Hadi and his comrades started ‘Inquilab Manch’. This platform was a combination of politics and cultural symbols, where the memory of those killed in the movement was kept alive and it was said that their sacrifice is a responsibility, which cannot be forgotten.

Independent challenge from Dhaka-8 seat

When Hadi announced to contest as an independent candidate from Dhaka-8 seat, it was a big political signal. Where powerful parties and strong networks dominate the politics of Bangladesh, a young leader from the street was trying to go straight to the Parliament. Even though people had doubts about Hadi’s victory, the effort definitely challenged the system.

Hadi was attacked immediately after the announcement of election dates. This timing further increased people’s suspicion and anger. Many people considered this an attempt to intimidate reformist voices. The attack was condemned by almost all quarters, cutting across political differences, because it was a direct attack on the process of democratic change.

Questions on India and talk of sovereignty

An important aspect of Osman Hadi’s identity was his open and sharp stance. He raised questions on foreign interference in Bangladesh politics, especially the role of India. Hadi said that true democracy demands freedom not only from domestic dictatorship but also from external pressure. For supporters, it was a matter of national self-respect, while critics saw the danger of extreme nationalism in it.