United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has strongly condemned the killing of Sharif Osman Hadi, convenor of the Inqilab Manch, and expressed his deep condolences to the victim’s family.
The information was disclosed on Friday during a regular press briefing at the UN Headquarters by the Secretary-General’s spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric. Speaking on the situation in Bangladesh, Dujarric described the killing of young leader Sharif Osman Hadi as a serious incident and said the Secretary-General has urged the relevant authorities to conduct a prompt, impartial, thorough and transparent investigation in line with international human rights standards.
Dujarric further stated that Secretary-General Guterres has called on all parties to remain calm. With the national parliamentary election scheduled for February, he emphasized the importance of maintaining a peaceful environment in the country. To this end, the UN chief has appealed to all concerned to refrain from violence, de-escalate tensions and exercise the utmost restraint.
It may be recalled that Sharif Osman Hadi was critically injured after being shot by assailants on December 12 at Box Culvert Road in Purana Paltan, Dhaka, a day after the schedule for the 13th National Parliamentary Election and referendum was announced. He was initially taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital with a gunshot wound to the head and later transferred to Evercare Hospital as his condition deteriorated.
On doctors’ advice, Hadi was flown to Singapore by air ambulance on December 15 for advanced treatment. He succumbed to his injuries on December 18 while undergoing treatment there. His body was brought back to Dhaka on Friday evening and he was laid to rest on Saturday beside the mausoleum of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam.
The killing has sparked widespread grief and concern across the country. Various quarters have demanded the swift identification of those responsible and that they be brought to justice.