Bangladesh: Usman Hadi laid to rest amidst sky-high slogans

DHAKA (AGENCY) : Sharif Utsman Hadi, convener of 'Inqilab Manch' and renowned student leader, was laid to rest in Dhaka today amidst sky-high slogans. Thousands of people from various walks of life attended his funeral, chanting slogans loudly, vowing to bring him justice. On the day of his funeral, a large crowd of people from different parts of Bangladesh gathered near the Parliament House premises. The head of Bangladesh's interim government, Muhammad Yunus, also attended the funeral prayer. He termed Utsman Hadi as 'brave' and said, "Today, the whole of Bangladesh is remembering Hadi. What he did for Bangladesh will be remembered."

The crowd of people was expected at Utsman Hadi's funeral prayer today, for which strict security arrangements were made. Law enforcement agencies made stringent surveillance and necessary arrangements throughout the area. Considering the funeral prayer, the movement of people around the National Parliament building increased from morning. There was a different kind of enthusiasm among supporters and ordinary people to pay their last visit to Sharif Utsman Hadi and attend the funeral prayer. Given the situation, the administration completely closed the traffic on Manik Mia Avenue in front of the Parliament House.

According to a notice issued by the government, Utsman Hadi's funeral prayer was held at around 2 pm on Saturday at the South Plaza of the National Parliament building. After that, his body was taken to Dhaka University. At the Central Mosque of the university, he was paid tribute, and other funeral rites were performed. According to the information received, after the last rites, Sharif Utsman Hadi was buried near the grave of national poet Qazi Nazrul Islam, as per the wish of his family. The Dhaka University administration made special arrangements for the occasion. In the online meeting of the Syndicate held on Friday night, there was a detailed discussion on security arrangements, especially around Nazrul Islam's mausoleum, and then all the arrangements were made.

Earlier, the Press Department of the Chief Adviser had appealed to those attending the funeral to not bring any kind of bag or heavy luggage. Along with this, a complete ban was also imposed on flying drones in and around the Parliament House. Strict action was also directed against those who violate the rules. The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) deployed a large number of police personnel in the capital, considering security. Notably, around 1000 body-worn cameras were used. According to the DMP, its purpose is not only to provide additional security but also to test and strengthen the effects of cameras at the field level and central monitoring.

Today, amidst tears in the eyes of millions, the funeral of renowned student leader Sharif Utsman Hadi took place. The head of Bangladesh's interim government, Muhammad Yunus, also attended the funeral prayer and did not tire of describing Utsman Hadi's virtues in his speech. Muhammad Yunus, paying tribute to Utsman Hadi, said, "Hadi will not be forgotten, his mantra will keep echoing in our ears. Today, millions of people have come. People are gathering in large numbers. Right now, millions of people are watching. They want to know about Hadi."

Addressing Hadi, Muhammad Yunus said, "Dear Utsman Hadi! We have not come to bid you farewell. You are in our hearts. As long as Bangladesh exists, you will remain in the hearts of all Bangladeshis. No one can erase this." He told the crowd gathered at the funeral that "I have come to make a promise to Hadi, which he has said, we will fulfill. We have all come together to make this promise. Not just us, but all the people of the country will fulfill this promise from generation to generation. Everyone is praising Hadi's love, his way, his ups and downs, and his political ideology. This will always be fresh in our minds."

Recalling that martyr Utsman Hadi has given us a mantra that no one in Bangladesh will ever forget, Muhammad Yunus said, "Your mantra will always echo in our ears. It will become a great mantra and will be connected to our country. We will move forward with our heads held high, we will not bow down to anyone. You have given us that mantra, we will fulfill it." He further says, "Hadi, you wanted to participate in the election. You have also told us how to hold elections. Let's adopt this process together. You have taught us everything, how to propagate, how to reach people. We have learned this lesson."

Finally, Muhammad Yunus says emotionally, "Hadi will not be forgotten. No one will ever forget you. On behalf of all of us, we entrust you to Allah. We will always follow your words and move forward on the path of the country's development."