Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Saturday said martyr Sharif Osman Hadi would never be forgotten, stressing that he will remain alive through the lessons he left for the nation.

“Dear Hadi, you wanted to take part in the election. In expressing your desire to contest, you also taught us how elections should be conducted. Let us all accept that process,” Prof Yunus said while speaking before the namaz-e-janaza of Hadi, spokesperson of Inquilab Moncho.

He said Hadi demonstrated how to run an election campaign and how to connect closely with people.

“By embracing the lessons you gave us, we ensure that you remain alive in our memories. Hadi, you will never be lost. No one will ever be able to forget you. You will remain with us for decades,” Prof Yunus added.

The Chief Adviser also said they would continue walking on the path of national progress while remembering Hadi.

Thousands of people from different walks of life joined the Janaza at Manik Mia Avenue near the Jatiya Sangsad.

Many arrived in processions, chanting slogans demanding justice for Hadi and vowing that his death would not go in vain.

Describing Hadi as a hero, Prof Yunus said they have not come here to bid him farewell. “You are in our hearts and as long as Bangladesh exists, you will remain in the hearts of all Bangladeshis. No one can remove this.”

“We have not come to bid you farewell today, dear Hadi. We have come to promise you that we will be able to fulfill what you have said,” he added.

Prof Yunus said the people of the country have praised Hadi’s political vision and it should always be awake in everyone’s mind so that everyone can follow it.

The Chief Adviser also said that Hadi has given such a mantra to the ears, which the people of the country will never forget.

“It will always ring in their ears. It will be connected to the nation as a big mantra. Hadi’s mantra was, ‘Chiro Unnoto Momo Shir’. That head will never bow. That mantra will be proven in all works. Bangladesh will continue to hold its head high to the world and will not bow its head to anyone. That mantra will be fulfilled,” Prof Yunus said.

He said they will move forward with that mantra today. “I promise you on behalf of all of us ….we will always remember your words and continue on the path of progress of the nation.”

Hadi died at Singapore General Hospital on Thursday night. He had sustained critical injuries after being shot on December 12 following his election campaign in the capital's Paltan area.

The Chief Adviser, in his recent televised speech said, Hadi was an enemy of the defeated forces and fascist terrorists.

“The evil attempt to intimidate revolutionaries by silencing his voice will be completely thwarted. No one can stop the journey to democracy of this country through fear, terror or bloodshed. Shaheed Hadi was an integral part of this process. His sole desire was to contest the upcoming elections and play an active role in the next phase of building a new Bangladesh,” he said.

The Chief Adviser said the government will take responsibility for Hadi’s wife and his only child. The nation is observing a one-day state mourning today (Saturday) following Hadi’s death.

On this occasion, the national flag was flown at half-mast at all government, semi-government and autonomous institutions, educational institutions, as well as government and private buildings across the country and at Bangladesh missions abroad.

At the same time, special prayers and munajat were held at every mosque across the country after Jum’a prayers on Friday for the eternal peace of martyr Hadi.

Expressing deep sorrow and grief at Hadi’s untimely death, Prof Yunus said the loss is irreparable for the country’s political and democratic landscape.

“I pray for the eternal peace of his soul and express my deepest condolences to his bereaved wife, family members, relatives and colleagues,” he added.