DMP Commissioner Urges Calm as Dhaka Erupts in Protest

In the wake of the tragic death of Sharif Osman bin Hadi, coordinator of the Inquilab Mancha, the Commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), Sheikh Md. Sajjat Ali, has called on protesters to exercise patience and restraint amid rising tensions in the capital. The commissioner also assured the public of a fair and thorough investigation into the shooting that claimed Hadi’s life.

On the night of Thursday, 18 December, following reports of Hadi’s passing while receiving treatment at Singapore General Hospital, protests and incidents of arson erupted across several areas of Dhaka. Citizens, enraged by the news, took to the streets, expressing their anger through demonstrations that sometimes escalated into property damage.

Addressing questions about the police response, Commissioner Ali stated, “We are doing everything possible to maintain control of the situation. Our personnel are actively deployed across the city to ensure public safety.”

He further appealed to demonstrators: “I urge the protesters to remain calm. Every aspect of this heinous murder will be investigated thoroughly and impartially. Justice will be served.”

Sharif Osman Hadi, aged [insert age if known], had been critically injured on Friday, 12 December, when he was shot while participating in a public outreach event in Bijoynagar, Dhaka. He was struck in the head while riding a moving motorcycle. Initially admitted to Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Hadi underwent surgery before being transferred to a private hospital in the city. Given the severity of his injuries, he was later airlifted to Singapore for advanced medical care, where he ultimately succumbed to his wounds.

The DMP has been actively monitoring hotspots and coordinating with local authorities to prevent further unrest. Citizens have been urged to channel their grief and outrage through peaceful means while the investigation continues. The case has sparked widespread concern over the safety of political activists in Dhaka and raised calls for stricter security measures.