Bangladesh Osman Hadi Funeral: Hindu Boy in Police Custody, Questions Over Security Lapse

Dhaka: The people of Bangladesh are in shock and anger these days. A big face of the student movement, Inquilab Manch spokesperson Sharif Usman Hadi is no more. He died during treatment in Singapore, and thousands of people took to the streets as his body reached Dhaka. Demanding justice, but the demonstrations turned violent at some places. On one hand, preparations for Hadi's funeral; on the other hand, news of attacks on minorities. It breaks my heart to hear all this. 

Why did the time change for Hadi's funeral, and why is the security so tight?

There were emotional scenes at the airport when Hadi's body reached Dhaka airport from Singapore. The interim government held the funeral prayers on December 19 at 2 pm in the South Plaza of Parliament House—the earlier time was 2:30. Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus himself announced this change. Complete ban on not carrying bags and flying drones. There is also a demand for a hall in his name at Dhaka University. People are considering him a martyr. 

Why did the demonstrations turn violent, and why the anti-India slogans?

At Shahbagh intersection, protesters set fire to the news office and pelted stones. Anti-India slogans were raised at many places—demanding to bring back Sheikh Hasina from India. Some said the attackers fled to India. Anger is understandable, but what will be achieved by violence? The US Embassy issued an alert to its citizens. 

Why did the brutal murder of a Hindu laborer shock hearts?

Amidst this tension, Hindu garment worker Dipu Chandra Das was beaten to death by a mob in Mymensingh on alleged blasphemy charges. The body was hanged from a tree and set on fire. The Hindu Unity Council called it heinous; the government also strongly condemned it and promised punishment. Why such incidents in the new Bangladesh? Minorities are scared.

What is the government doing, and what will happen next?

The Yunus government is condemning the violence and warning those who take the law into their own hands. Border guards deployed, security tight. There are elections in February, but this instability is raising concerns. People want justice, want peace. Hadi's death opened old wounds. Hopefully the funeral is peaceful, and the country gets back on track. The people of Bangladesh have suffered a lot—now just pray for peace.