Bangladesh is witnessing a renewed surge of political mobilisation as Inqilab Moncho launches a four-day “March for Justice” beginning January 3, pressing for accountability in the killing of Sharif Osman bin Hadi, a key figure of the July Uprising whose death has galvanised street protests and sharpened tensions ahead of the February 12 parliamentary elections.Hadi, a leading organiser and public face of the July Uprising that led to the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government, was shot in the head on December 12 while campaigning in Dhaka. He was transferred to Singapore for specialised treatment but died six days later. His killing has triggered widespread anger, sporadic vandalism, and a wave of demonstrations that authorities say they are struggling to contain without further escalation.
Inqilab Moncho, the platform that emerged during the July Uprising and later became a rallying point for reform-oriented activists, said the march would culminate in a mass gathering demanding an independent investigation into the shooting and guarantees of safety for political workers. Organisers have framed the campaign as a test of the interim administration’s commitment to the rule of law and free political competition, arguing that unresolved violence undermines public confidence in the electoral process.
Hadi’s prominence gave his death an outsized political impact. Beyond serving as a spokesperson for Inqilab Moncho, he had been selected as a parliamentary candidate, positioning him as a bridge between protest politics and formal electoral participation. Supporters describe him as instrumental in coordinating street mobilisation during the July Uprising, while critics viewed his rise as emblematic of the volatility that followed the collapse of the previous government.
Authorities have acknowledged the scale of public anger while urging restraint. Law enforcement officials say multiple leads are being examined, including whether the attack was politically motivated or linked to broader criminal networks that have exploited the unsettled environment. No arrests have been confirmed, a delay that opposition groups cite as evidence of institutional weakness and a lack of political will.
The protests that followed Hadi’s death have been marked by a mix of peaceful marches and episodes of vandalism targeting party offices and public property. Rights groups warn that heavy-handed policing could inflame tensions, while business associations have raised concerns about disruptions to transport and commerce in urban centres. The government has deployed additional security forces in sensitive districts, particularly along the planned route of the March for Justice.
Analysts say the episode underscores the fragility of Bangladesh’s post-uprising transition. The July Uprising dismantled a long-standing political order but left unresolved questions about accountability for past abuses and the security of emerging political actors. Hadi’s killing has become a focal point for those fears, symbolising the risks faced by activists attempting to convert protest legitimacy into electoral influence.
Inqilab Moncho leaders insist the march will remain peaceful, emphasising that their demands are limited to justice for Hadi and structural reforms to prevent political violence. They have called on supporters to avoid confrontations and urged authorities to facilitate assemblies in line with constitutional protections. The group’s rhetoric has sought to broaden its appeal beyond core activists, invoking public safety and democratic norms rather than partisan rivalry.