Chattogram, Dec 19: A group of protesters staged a sit-in outside the Indian Assistant High Commission in Bangladesh’s port city of Chattogram on Thursday night following the death of Sharif Osman bin Hadi, convenor of Inqilab Moncho, BD News reported.
The demonstrators gathered outside the Indian mission in the Khulshi area around 11 pm, prompting a swift police response. According to police, another group of protesters simultaneously positioned themselves near Gate No. 2 of the premises.
Protesters shouted slogans condemning Hadi’s killing and raised anti-Awami League and anti-India slogans. Police later intervened and pushed the demonstrators away from the High Commission compound.
Khulshi Police Chief Shahin Alam told BD News that those protesting outside the Indian mission were removed and that police personnel remained deployed in the area to maintain law and order.
Hadi rose to prominence during the July Uprising and the movement demanding a ban on the Awami League. He had recently announced plans to contest the upcoming parliamentary elections as an independent candidate from the Dhaka-8 constituency.
He was shot last Friday while campaigning in Bijoynagar. According to reports, an assailant riding pillion on a motorcycle opened fire at Hadi while he was travelling in a rickshaw, with the bullet striking his head.
Hadi was initially taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital, where he underwent surgery, before being shifted to Evercare Hospital later that night. On Monday, he was airlifted to Singapore for advanced treatment. Neurosurgeon Abdul Ahad later confirmed that Singapore General Hospital had declared Hadi dead.
In a statement posted on Inqilab Moncho’s Facebook page, the platform described Hadi as having been “martyred” in what it termed a struggle against “Indian hegemony,” BD News reported.
The incident has heightened tensions in parts of Bangladesh, prompting increased security around diplomatic establishments.