Inqilab Mancha warns of protests if Hadi’s killers are not arrested today
Guwahati: Protests intensified on Saturday as Inqilab Mancha, a student-led political and cultural platform in Bangladesh, issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the Home Affairs Adviser, demanding the immediate arrest of those responsible for the killing of its spokesperson, Sharif Osman Hadi.
Addressing a protest rally at Shahbagh, Dhaka Inqilab Mancha member secretary Abdullah Al Jaber said the group would resume its sit-in at Shahbagh if the government fails to respond by 5:15 pm on Sunday.
He also urged the Home Adviser to publicly share, within 24 hours, details of any progress made in the past week to identify and arrest the perpetrators.
Soon after Hadi’s funeral prayers, supporters of Inqilab Mancha gathered at Shahbagh, as access to the Dhaka University campus remained restricted.
Protesters raised slogans demanding justice before dispersing following the announcement of the ultimatum.
At the rally, leaders called for a fair and transparent investigation into the killing and the swift arrest of all those involved.
They warned that failure to meet their demands would lead to stronger protests, including wider mobilisation of students and the public.
Speakers said Hadi’s killing reflected a broader deterioration in law and order rather than an isolated incident.
Protesters also demanded that Home Adviser Lt Gen (Retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury ensure arrests within 24 hours, warning of nationwide demonstrations if no action is taken.
Referring to the upcoming national election, Al Jaber alleged that efforts were underway to disrupt the electoral process or enable the return of the Awami League to power.
Questioning the authorities’ response, he said intelligence agencies had previously tracked opposition leaders even in hiding, asking why similar action had not been taken now.
Calling for calm, he urged the public not to engage in violence and said all future programmes would be announced solely by Inqilab Mancha to ensure the movement remains organised.
Thousands of people had gathered at Shahbagh following Hadi’s funeral, as the group reiterated its 24-hour deadline for the arrest of the accused.