Citizen Initiative is deeply grief-stricken by the tragic martyrdom of Sharif Osman Hadi—an icon of anti-fascist politics and cultural resistance, a frontline fighter of the July mass uprising, a community member of Citizen Initiative, and spokesperson of Inqilab Mancha. (Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji‘un). His death at the young age of just 32 has left a profound question mark over Bangladesh’s democratic struggle in the post–2024 mass uprising period, freedom of expression, and the state’s security apparatus. This is not merely the death of a political and cultural activist; rather, it represents a collective attempt by fallen fascist forces and their hidden collaborators within the administration to silence the voice of the July generation—an act that poses a grave threat to the country’s independence, sovereignty, and democracy.

Following the armed attack carried out in broad daylight on December 12 in Bijoynagar of the capital, state authorities arranged for him to be transferred to Singapore for medical treatment. Despite the highest efforts of local and international doctors, high-risk surgeries, and dedicated medical care, his life could not be saved. We extend our deepest condolences to the family of Sharif Osman bin Hadi and pray for the forgiveness of the martyr’s soul. We also remember with respect and gratitude all those involved in his medical treatment. At the same time, we are compelled to state that, despite prior security threats, this death could have been prevented had the state forces ensured full protection for their citizen.

Most alarming is the fact that the prime accused in the attack, Faisal Karim Masud, along with his associates, managed to cross the border and flee to India within just 12 hours of the incident. This is not an isolated occurrence; rather, it appears to be a planned escape. Whether this was enabled by administrative failure or institutional collusion must be clearly presented before the nation by the state, and accountability must be ensured.

If, even after a citizen, a leading cultural and political activist, and the spokesperson of a movement is attacked and martyred in this manner, justice and accountability are not ensured, and the killers remain beyond reach, it will constitute a moral defeat of the state, of independence, and of the aspirations of the mass uprising.

Citizen Initiative firmly believes that the state cannot evade responsibility for the blood of Shaheed Osman Hadi. As a July government, establishing justice, reforming the security system, delivering a neutral and credible election, and ensuring exemplary punishment for the perpetrators will be the true tribute to this martyrdom. We will continue our stance, through peaceful, democratic, and lawful means, in demanding justice. The sacrifice of Shaheed Osman Hadi will remain a source of inspiration in the struggle to safeguard Bangladesh’s sovereignty and democratic future.

Our Urgent Demands

• All those involved in the killing of Shaheed Osman Hadi, including the principal murderer, planners, accomplices in the escape, and patrons, must be arrested swiftly and given exemplary punishment.

• Identified and evidence-backed fascists active in the media, administration, law enforcement agencies, and universities must be removed from their positions and arrested.

• The advisers responsible for law and home affairs must immediately resign, taking responsibility for repeated failures.

• Judges, lawyers, and police personnel who assisted terrorists in securing bail must be properly investigated without delay and brought to justice.

• If the Government of India fails to take effective action regarding the accused murderer’s presence in India, a firm diplomatic stance must be adopted.

• If necessary, the Indian High Commissioner should be summoned, or the activities of Bangladesh missions should be limited, to send a strong message as a sovereign state.

• A seminar room and a scholarship should be established in his name at the Department of Political Science, University of Dhaka.

• Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Hall should be renamed as Shaheed Osman Hadi Hall.

• Shahbagh Intersection should be renamed as Shaheed Osman Hadi Square.

• The body of Shaheed Osman Hadi must be buried with full state honors at the National Parliament Complex graveyard.

• The life and poetry of Shaheed Osman Hadi should be included in national textbooks, and documentaries and films about his life and work should be produced and screened.

• All his online and offline posts, writings, and speeches must be nationally archived.

• A world-class research institute should be established in his name, dedicated to the study of revolution, mass uprisings, and fascism.

Sincerely,

Taib Ahmed
Secretary
Citizen Initiative
PhD Candidate and
Instructor, Colorado State University

Dr. Hasan Mahmud
Chairman
Citizen Initiative
Assistant Professor
Northwestern University, Qatar