GLOBIVOX

Bangladesh witnessed heightened tension on Sunday as protests intensified in several parts of the country following the death of Osman Hadi. Demonstrators gathered in major cities and towns, demanding the immediate resignation of the Home Adviser and holding the government responsible for what they described as a serious failure of law enforcement and accountability.

According to protest organisers, Osman Hadi’s death has become a symbol of growing public frustration over alleged excesses by security forces and the lack of transparent investigations into custodial and protest-related deaths. Chanting slogans and carrying placards, protesters called for justice for Hadi and urged authorities to ensure that those responsible are brought to book.

Security was tightened across sensitive areas as police deployed additional personnel to prevent the situation from escalating further. While most demonstrations remained peaceful, authorities reported sporadic clashes and road blockades that disrupted normal life in parts of the capital and other urban centres.

Opposition leaders and rights groups also weighed in, demanding an independent inquiry into the circumstances surrounding Osman Hadi’s death. They accused the government of failing to protect citizens’ rights and warned that public unrest could deepen if accountability is not ensured.

The government, meanwhile, appealed for calm and stated that appropriate steps were being taken to look into the incident. Officials said investigations were underway, though protesters remain sceptical and have vowed to continue demonstrations until concrete action is taken.

As the situation continues to unfold, the death of Osman Hadi has emerged as a flashpoint in Bangladesh’s ongoing debate over governance, public safety, and the role of law enforcement, keeping the nation on edge.

Eyewitnesses said protest marches were organised by student groups, civil society activists, and local residents who view Osman Hadi’s death as part of a broader pattern of alleged abuse of power. Many participants accused the authorities of attempting to downplay the incident, further fuelling public anger and mistrust.

In Dhaka and other key districts, protest leaders announced plans for sustained demonstrations, including sit-ins and symbolic shutdowns, if their demands are not met. They reiterated calls for the Home Adviser’s resignation, financial compensation for the victim’s family, and legal action against officials found responsible following an impartial investigation.

Human rights organisations have urged the government to allow independent observers to monitor the inquiry, stressing that transparency will be critical in restoring public confidence. Several groups warned that continued silence or delayed action could trigger wider unrest at a time when Bangladesh is already facing economic and social pressures.

Political analysts say the incident has added pressure on the administration, which is struggling to balance maintaining public order while addressing growing demands for reform within the security and justice systems. They note that how the government responds in the coming days could shape public trust and influence future protest movements.

Meanwhile, Osman Hadi’s family has appealed for justice, urging authorities to reveal the full sequence of events leading to his death. Their appeal has resonated widely on social media, where calls for accountability continue to trend.

With protests showing no signs of easing, security forces remain on high alert across the country, as Bangladesh braces for further demonstrations amid mounting calls for responsibility and reform.