Dhaka/New Delhi

Activists and party members of slain student leader Sharif Osman Hadi staged a day-long rally in Dhaka on Tuesday, demanding justice for his killing and calling for the cancellation of work permits for all Indians residing in Bangladesh.

The ‘March for Justice’ began at Shahbagh around 11:30 am, with participants travelling on foot and pickup vans through major city intersections before returning to Shahbagh in the evening. Protesters chanted slogans condemning the delay in the investigation and called for the arrest of Hadi’s alleged killers, planners, accomplices, and those sheltering them.

Inqilab Moncho, Hadi’s party, also demanded the repatriation of suspects reportedly in India, warning Dhaka could approach the International Court of Justice if New Delhi did not cooperate. Indian authorities dismissed these claims, stating there was no evidence of any illegal cross-border movement. The Border Security Force and Meghalaya Police confirmed no suspects had crossed into India.

Hadi, 32, a prominent youth leader and parliamentary candidate, was shot during an election campaign on December 12 and later died on December 18 after being airlifted to Singapore for treatment. His killing sparked political unrest in Bangladesh and strained ties with India, although New Delhi has rejected allegations of any Indian involvement.

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The protests come ahead of Bangladesh’s parliamentary elections scheduled for February 12, with activists demanding accountability and swift legal action.