Inquilab Platform Warns: Justice Delay Could Topple Government

The Inquilab Platform has issued a stark warning that if the investigation and trial into the murder of Sharif Osman Hadi are not concluded within the next 30 working days, it will mobilise a movement to remove the government from power. The warning came on Friday, following a protest march that began at the Dhaka University Central Mosque after Friday prayers and proceeded peacefully to Shahbagh Mor.

Addressing demonstrators, the Platform’s General Secretary, Abdullah Al Zaber, delivered a forceful message to the authorities. He stated, “Our position is clear and unwavering. Should the government fail to bring Hadi’s murderers to justice within 30 working days, we will launch a movement aimed at toppling the government. There is no justification for a government that cannot apprehend the perpetrators or disclose their whereabouts.”

Al Zaber emphasised that justice should not be limited to the direct killers alone. “By 7 January, the authorities must identify all individuals behind this heinous act and formally file charges against them. If the government is unable to expose the forces behind this brutal killing, it has no mandate to remain in power,” he asserted.

He accused the administration of adopting a repressive stance toward the investigation. “It has been 21 days since Osman Hadi was shot and 15 days since his martyrdom, yet the government has provided no information on progress. The whereabouts of the killers and other implicated parties remain unknown. In these circumstances, the movement will not be suspended,” Al Zaber warned.

Regarding elections, he added, “Elections must take place. However, if a government genuinely wishes to represent the people, it must step beyond cantonment boundaries and align itself with the hopes and realities of ordinary citizens.”

Protesters carried placards and banners demanding the swift arrest of Hadi’s killers and a transparent judicial process. The demonstration at Shahbagh Mor, which briefly disrupted traffic, concluded peacefully after discussions between protest leaders and law enforcement officials.

Friday Protest March Summary

Friday’s demonstration underscores the growing public outrage over politically motivated killings and reflects mounting pressure on the government to ensure accountability and transparency in high-profile criminal cases.