Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy Suspends All Events Indefinitely

All programmes and exhibitions at the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy have been suspended indefinitely, the institution announced on its official Facebook page on Friday, 19 December 2025.

The post stated that Professor Muhammad Yunus, Chief Adviser of the Interim Government, had declared 20 December 2025 as a day of national mourning following the death of Shahid Sharif Osman bin Hadi. In view of the national mourning and other unavoidable circumstances, all activities at the Academy will remain suspended until further notice.

This decision follows a tragic incident that occurred on 12 December 2025, when Osman Hadi was shot by assailants from a moving motorcycle while travelling in a rickshaw along Box Culvert Road, Purana Paltan, Dhaka, during an election campaign. He was immediately rushed to the emergency department of Dhaka Medical College Hospital. Later, at the family’s request, he was transferred to Evercare Hospital in Dhaka for further treatment. On 15 December, Osman Hadi was airlifted to Singapore via air ambulance for advanced medical care, where he succumbed to his injuries on Thursday, 18 December 2025.

The body of Osman Hadi was repatriated to Bangladesh on Friday, 19 December, arriving at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 5:49 p.m..

Meanwhile, the Inquilab Moncho has confirmed that, following the family’s wishes, Osman Hadi will be buried beside the tomb of national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam. His funeral prayer (Janaza) is scheduled for Friday after Asr prayers at Manik Mia Avenue.

The indefinite suspension of all programmes and exhibitions at the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy underscores the nation’s deep mourning and respect for a prominent figure whose death has profoundly affected the country.

Key Details: