Bangladesh on High Alert for Anti-India Leader’s Funeral Amid Rising Chaos

As Bangladesh readies itself for the funeral of Sharif Osman Hadi, a notorious anti-India figure, the nation grapples with escalating violence and chaos. Hadi succumbed to injuries in a Singapore hospital a week after an assassination attempt in Dhaka. His demise has ignited protests, arson, and assaults throughout the country, prompting the interim government to call for calm and bolster security measures in major urban areas.

A prominent spokesperson for Inqilab Mancha, Hadi played a significant role in the uprising that ousted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in July. His extreme anti-India sentiments were reflected in his distribution of contentious maps claiming a so-called “Greater Bangladesh” encompassing parts of India. He was shot on December 12 while riding home from Friday prayers, sustaining a fatal head wound. Following urgent care in Dhaka, medical experts recommended his transfer to Singapore, where he later passed away.

In the wake of Hadi's death, cities like Dhaka have erupted in violent protests. Extremist factions torched media offices and targeted cultural institutions, including Udichi Shilpigoshthi and Chhayanat, where crucial cultural artifacts and documents were ravaged. This outbreak of violence raises grave concerns about public safety.

In anticipation of Hadi’s funeral, security measures have been tightened, particularly around the National Parliament Building in Dhaka where the prayers will be held. Drones are forbidden in the area, the public will not be allowed to view the body, and attendees are instructed to leave heavy items behind. Hadi is to be interred near the grave of national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam. Armed forces are being deployed at various points in the city to mitigate any potential disturbances.

Authorities have released images of two suspects connected to the shooting and are offering around $42,000 for information leading to their capture. Interim Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has vowed to take decisive action against the assailants while urging residents to keep the peace. Nevertheless, sporadic violence persists, including attacks on the Bangabandhu Memorial Museum, the destruction of an office belonging to the former ruling party, and stone-throwing at the Indian High Commission in Chattogram. In a bid to stabilize the situation, the government has announced a one-day state of mourning.