Bangladesh political turmoil: Osman Hadi’s brother accuses Yunus govt, alleges killing aimed at stopping elections

The killing has ignited sharp political accusations, street protests in Dhaka, and fresh scrutiny of the interim government’s ability to maintain law and order, according to reports by bdnews24 and The Daily Star.

Sharif Omar bin Hadi told bdnews24 that the interim government must take responsibility, stressing that state power carries legal and moral liability.

He said the administration would ultimately have to face trial for failing to protect his brother, regardless of whether justice comes now or years later.

Allegations of election sabotage behind the murder

Omar Hadi further alleged that the killing was being exploited to destabilise Bangladesh’s electoral process.

According to him, Osman Hadi had been vocal about holding elections in February and was actively preparing for them at the grassroots level.

His murder, he claimed, was designed to obstruct that process and create an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty.

He insisted that attempts to derail elections through violence would not succeed, arguing that public support for a democratic process remains strong despite the turmoil.

Sheikh Hasina joins criticism, warns of lawlessness

The allegations from the Hadi family echo claims made earlier by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who has also held the interim government responsible for a surge in violence across the country.

In an interview with ANI, Hasina said the killing reflected a collapse of law and order under the Yunus-led administration.

She argued that violence had become routine while the interim government appeared either unwilling or unable to control it.

Hasina warned that such instability not only threatens Bangladesh internally but also damages relations with neighbouring countries, particularly India, which she said is closely watching the unrest and the reported persecution of minorities.

Protests erupt in Dhaka over Hadi's killing

Following the killing, Inqilab Moncho organised a protest rally at Shahbagh in Dhaka, demanding swift justice.

Earlier, the organisation had issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the government, calling for the arrest and prosecution of those responsible.

The group has insisted that the perpetrators must be brought to justice before Bangladesh’s 13th national election and the proposed referendum, warning that failure to do so would further inflame public anger.

Government promises speedy trial

Responding to mounting pressure, Bangladesh’s Law Adviser Asif Nazrul said the case would be transferred to the Speedy Trial Tribunal to ensure quick justice.

According to The Daily Star, Nazrul confirmed that proceedings would be conducted under the Speedy Trial Tribunal Act, 2002.

In a Facebook post, he said the law mandates that trials be completed within 90 days of the police submitting their investigation report, signalling the government’s intent to fast-track the case amid growing political unrest.

As accusations intensify and protests continue, the killing of Osman Hadi has emerged as a flashpoint in Bangladesh’s fragile political landscape, deepening mistrust in the interim government and raising fears of further instability ahead of crucial elections.