Thousands of students and people are still holding a sit-in at busy Shahbag intersection, demanding justice for the killing of Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of Inquilab Moncho and a pioneering leader of last year’s July uprising.
Following the news of Hadi’s death on Thursday night, students began gathering at Shahbag from around 10:30pm and continued their demonstration since then.
Vehicular movement in the surrounding areas remained suspended.
Earlier, late Thursday, Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) Vice President Shadik Kayem announced an 'anti-hegemonic rally', in which thousands participated on Friday at 3pm.
Prior to that, special prayers were offered for Hadi after the Jumm'a prayers at the Dhaka University Central Mosque.
On the ground, students from schools, colleges, madrasas, and universities, along with people from various walks of life, were seen chanting slogans at the Shahbag demanding justice for Hadi’s murder.
Meanwhile, a post from the official Facebook page of Inquilab Moncho stated that the aircraft carrying 'martyr Osman Hadi' is scheduled to land at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at around 6pm.
The post called upon people to stand in an orderly manner on both sides of the road from the airport to Shahbag to receive 'the fearless hero who dedicated his life to the spirit of July and the protection of independence and sovereignty'.
Osman Hadi's body arrives in Dhaka
From there, it said, the body of Shaheed Hadi will be taken to the Dhaka University Central Mosque for the public to pay their last respects.
Fatima Tasnim Zuma, one of the organisers of the platform, said, “Martyr Osman Hadi will be brought to the Dhaka University Central Mosque. The students will continue to occupy the streets and keep raising slogans demanding justice.”
“Do not follow any instructions from anyone other than Inquilab Moncho and any provocation. We will soon announce tougher programmes. We will not return home until justice for our martyred brother is ensured, Insha’Allah," she added.