Protest Demands Justice for Shahid Hadi

In Laxmipur, demonstrators staged a protest and blocked roads on Thursday, demanding justice for the murder of Shahid Osman Bin Hadi. The rally, organised by Shahid Sharif, convenor of the Inquilab Manch, began around 1:00 pm at Jhumur Bijoy Chattar in the district town, causing significant traffic disruption in and around the area. Law enforcement personnel later arrived on the scene and managed to restore order.

Protesters carried banners, festoons, and hand-written placards with slogans such as “March for Insaaf,” “Justice for Hadi,” and “No Protection for Killers, Justice Now.” They voiced strong dissatisfaction with the pace of the investigation, alleging that despite the passage of considerable time since Hadi’s killing, there had been no visible progress in bringing the perpetrators to justice. The demonstrators warned that continued inaction could trigger wider unrest, drawing parallels to the political turmoil of July in past years.

Speaking at the rally, student protester Saiful Islam said, “Had the authorities acted sincerely from the beginning, we would not have had to take to the streets today. We demand justice, not mere assurances.” Another student, Firoz Alam, added, “A man was publicly murdered, yet there has been no progress. This silence raises serious questions about our security.”

Shahid Osman Hadi had been preparing to contest the Dhaka-8 parliamentary seat as an independent candidate, conducting public outreach in the weeks leading up to the elections. On 12 December, shortly after Friday prayers, he was shot by assailants on Calvert Road in old Paltan, Dhaka, while riding a rickshaw. The gunmen, arriving on a motorcycle, fired at his head and fled the scene. Hadi was initially admitted to Dhaka Medical College Hospital, then transferred to Evercare Hospital, and finally flown to Singapore for advanced treatment. He succumbed to his injuries on 18 December.

The murder sparked widespread outrage across the country, with public figures, political groups, and citizens demanding justice. Government authorities pledged a thorough investigation, yet protesters argue that progress has been insufficient. Inquilab Manch has continued organising rallies across the country to keep pressure on the authorities for accountability.

The protest in Laxmipur reflects the growing frustration among citizens over delays in the investigation and underscores the urgency for transparent, decisive legal action. For many, the demand for justice for Shahid Hadi has become a rallying point for accountability and public safety.