Dhaka, Dec 19 (V7N) — Chief Adviser of the interim government Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus has announced that the government will take responsibility for the wife and children of Sharif Osman Hadi, declaring a state mourning on Saturday (Dec 20) following his death.

Dr. Yunus made the announcement in an immediate address to the nation late Thursday night after receiving the news of Hadi’s death. He described the incident as a brutal killing and vowed that all those involved would be brought to justice and given the maximum punishment without any leniency.

Sharif Osman Hadi, a key organizer of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement and spokesperson of Inkilab Mancha, passed away on Thursday (Dec 18) at 9:45 pm local time while undergoing treatment at Singapore General Hospital. His death has cast a pall of grief across the country.

Expressing deep sorrow in his address at around 11:20 pm, the Chief Adviser said the government would assume full responsibility for Hadi’s wife and children. He announced that a state mourning would be observed on Saturday, during which the national flag would be flown at half-mast at all government, semi-government, autonomous institutions, educational institutions, public and private buildings, and Bangladesh missions abroad.

He also said special prayers would be offered after Friday Jummah prayers at mosques across the country seeking forgiveness for Hadi’s soul, while special prayers would be held at other places of worship according to respective religious traditions.

Dr. Yunus described Sharif Osman Hadi as a fearless soldier in the struggle against fascism and domination, calling his death an irreparable loss to the country’s political and democratic landscape. He extended heartfelt condolences to Hadi’s wife, children, family members, colleagues, and well-wishers.

Calling Hadi an icon of resistance, the Chief Adviser said his courage and activism would continue to inspire the youth of the nation. He noted that Hadi had dreamed of building a new Bangladesh through participation in the upcoming elections, a dream that remained unfulfilled.

Urging calm, Dr. Yunus appealed to the public to maintain patience and restraint during this period of mourning, avoid rumors and misinformation, and remain united in advancing democracy, justice, and the rights of the people.

END/AJ/SMA/