The brother of student activist and political figure Osman Hadi has made serious allegations against Bangladesh’s interim government led by Muhammad Yunus, claiming that state authorities were responsible for his brother’s killing and are now exploiting the incident to destabilise the country ahead of national elections.

Osman Hadi, a prominent face of the student-led protests that reshaped Bangladesh’s political landscape in 2024, was shot in Dhaka earlier this month and later succumbed to his injuries while undergoing treatment abroad. His death has triggered widespread protests, deepening political tensions and raising questions about law and order under the interim administration.

Addressing supporters at a public gathering in the capital, Hadi’s brother accused the Yunus-led government of having a direct role in the killing. He alleged that the murder was politically motivated and aimed at derailing the upcoming general elections. “You got him killed, and now you are using his death to sabotage the electoral process,” he said, warning that those responsible would be held accountable. The family claimed that Osman Hadi had faced sustained pressure due to his political stance and refusal to align with powerful interests. They demanded a transparent and time-bound investigation, insisting that justice must be delivered swiftly to prevent further unrest and loss of public trust.

The allegations come at a highly sensitive moment for Bangladesh, which is grappling with political instability, frequent protests, and growing criticism of the interim government’s ability to maintain security. Osman Hadi’s influence among youth groups and protest movements had made him a significant figure in the evolving political order, and his killing has amplified fears of targeted violence against dissenting voices.

Opposition groups and civil society organisations have also questioned the government’s handling of the aftermath, pointing to sporadic violence, attacks on institutions, and a deteriorating security environment. Supporters of the interim administration, however, maintain that the government has committed to a fair investigation and has denied any involvement in the killing. Authorities have stated that the case will be pursued under fast-track legal provisions, but the public accusations by the victim’s family have further polarised the political discourse. As Bangladesh moves closer to elections, the controversy surrounding Osman Hadi’s death threatens to intensify instability and undermine confidence in the country’s democratic transition. 

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