Chief Advisor Dr. Muhammad Yunus delivered a speech to the nation tonight on the death of Sharif Osman Hadi, a fearless fighter at the forefront of the July Uprising and the spokesperson of the Inqilab Manch, who is undergoing treatment in Singapore. His full description is given by him:
‘Dear countrymen,
Assalamu Alaikum.
I have come before you with very heartbreaking news. Sharif Osman Hadi, a fearless fighter at the forefront of the July Uprising and the spokesperson of the Inqilab Manch, who is undergoing treatment in Singapore, is no longer with us.
Innalillahi wa innalillahi raji’un.
A while ago, Singapore’s Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan told me this heartbreaking news over the telephone. May the Almighty accept this immortal soldier of the struggle against fascism and hegemony as a martyr. Let us all pray together.
I express deep sorrow and grief at the untimely death of Sharif Osman Hadi. His death is an irreparable loss in the political and democratic sphere of the country. I pray for the forgiveness of his soul and express my deepest condolences to the bereaved wife, family members, relatives and colleagues.
The government will take responsibility for the wife and only child of Shaheed Osman Hadi.
I am declaring a one-day state mourning on Saturday for the untimely death of Shaheed Sharif Osman Hadi. On this occasion, the national flag will be flown at half-mast in all government, semi-government, autonomous institutions, educational institutions, government and private buildings of the country and in Bangladesh missions abroad on Saturday.
At the same time, tomorrow, Friday, after Jumma, special prayers and supplications will be organized in every mosque in the country for the forgiveness of the soul of martyr Osman Hadi. You are welcome to join in. Special prayers will also be organized in places of worship of other religions.
I express my special gratitude to the Singapore government. They have shown great sincerity and professionalism in Hadi’s treatment. Especially to Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan, who is also a doctor. He has personally taken care of Hadi and has kept me informed about his treatment regularly.
All the criminals involved in this brutal murder will be brought to justice quickly and the maximum punishment will be ensured against them. No leniency will be shown in this regard.
This young leader, Osman Hadi, who was inspired by revolutionary blood, was a unique symbol of protest. Through his actions, he has left a unique example of not only protest, but also patriotism, patience and determination.
I sincerely appeal to all citizens of the country – you should maintain patience and restraint.
Give the law enforcement agencies and related organizations the opportunity to conduct their investigation with professionalism. The state is fully committed to establishing the rule of law.
I want to state clearly again that Osman Hadi was the enemy of the defeated forces, the fascist terrorists. The evil attempt to intimidate the revolutionaries by silencing his voice will be completely thwarted. No one can stop the democratic progress of this country through fear, terror, or bloodshed.
We have now reached the final stage of democratic transition. Shahid Hadi was an integral part of this process. His sole desire was to play an active role in the next phase of building a new Bangladesh by contesting the upcoming elections.
It is very sad that this great desire of his remained unfulfilled. The responsibility of realizing his dream today rests on the shoulders of the entire nation. In the coming days, we all need to move forward with patience, restraint, courage and foresight, so that the fascist terrorist evil force, the enemy 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.
Let us all unite and move forward with steadfast steps on the path of establishing democracy, justice and the rights of the people without falling into the trap of those who want to destabilize the country. This will be our true respect for Shaheed Hadi.
May Allah protect us.
