Bangladesh observed a national day of mourning on Saturday as tens of thousands gathered in Dhaka for the funeral of Sharif Osman Hadi, a prominent figure in the 2024 student-led uprising.
The ceremony took place near the national parliament complex under heavy security, reflecting lingering tensions after days of unrest linked to his killing.
Hadi, 32, was shot in the head by masked attackers last week and later died in a hospital in Singapore, setting off protests across the country.
His death has become a focal point for public anger and grief during a fragile political transition following the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Mourners filled the area surrounding parliament before Hadi was laid to rest at Dhaka University’s central mosque.
In a rare symbolic gesture, he was buried beside the grave of national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam.
Interim leader Muhammad Yunus addressed the crowd and said, "Today, we have come to promise you (Hadi) that we will fulfil what you stood for."
Senior political figures, university officials, and military representatives attended, according to local media.
Police and paramilitary forces were deployed across the capital, and the national flag flew at half-staff on public and private buildings.
Authorities reported no major incidents during the funeral, signaling a temporary easing of tensions.
Hadi’s killing has fueled widespread unrest, including attacks on newspapers, cultural institutions, and political properties earlier in the week.
The interim government announced several arrests, including suspects linked to the killing of Dipu Chandra Das in Mymensingh, an incident officials described as a lynching.
Media outlets reported arson attacks on newspaper offices and cultural centers, prompting suspensions of public programming and raising concerns about press safety.
Demonstrations continued in Dhaka and other cities, with protesters demanding justice for Hadi and accountability for recent violence.
Bangladesh is preparing for a parliamentary election scheduled for February, a vote many hope will restore stability after months of upheaval.
The government has urged citizens to resist mob violence, warning that continued unrest could endanger the country’s democratic transition.