State mourning, Hadi burial today

Overnight arson attacks and "vandalism" on Thursday night prolonged into protest marches and mourning rallies across the country on Friday following the killing of Sharif Osman Hadi, a protagonist of the July uprising.
Hadi, the spokesperson for Inqilab Mancha, was brought dead Friday from Singapore. He will be buried today, amid state mourning declared by the interim government.
Violent protests erupted in several cities, including the capital, Dhaka, after news of his death spread between Thursday late night and Friday early hours.
Hadi, who was running as an independent candidate for Dhaka-8 in the upcoming parliamentary election, died Thursday in a Singapore hospital.
He had been shot in the head by an assassin in broad daylight on December 12.
Shahbag crossroads in Dhaka remained blocked on Friday as people started gathering from early morning.
The crowds grew larger throughout the day. Students and members of Islami Chhatra Shibir, the student wing of Jamat-e-Islam, NCP, Inqilab Mancha and other groups began protesting as soon as they heard the news on Thursday.
"By Friday afternoon, Shahbag was full of protesters and all public transport stopped," says a firsthand report.
From a truck in the middle of the road, DUCSU leaders shouted slogans while students chanted nearby in small groups.
School and college students and people from different professions joined.
After Friday prayers, big processions led by DUCSU marched from Dhaka University mosque to Shahbag.
Marchers from Baitul Mukarram National Mosque also joined. Leaders and activists of Islami Chhatra Andolon and Chhatra Odhikar Parishad also took part.
Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) brought out a procession on Thursday and on Friday it expressed deep concern over what it called the authorities' failure to stop the plot to kill Shaheed Hadi and to arrest those involved.
In a statement, JCD said Hadi-described as a young cultural activist against fascism-was murdered through a planned conspiracy. The group said the authorities showed neither efficiency nor sincerity in preventing the attack or probing the masterminds.
JCD said the killing was meant to silence anti-fascist voices and threatens democracy and freedom of expression. It said students, youths, and cultural activists from the recent anti-fascist movement now feel unsafe.

The group placed four demands: immediate arrests and punishment of killers and planners; a neutral investigation; protection for all anti-fascist activists; and more accountability and capacity for law-enforcement and intelligence bodies.
Students and locals blocked the Dhaka-Barishal highway for hours demanding arrests. The blockade caused major suffering for travellers and transport workers. Protesters prayed on the road, held rallies, and later warned that "fascist Awami League" would face tougher action if killers were not caught.
Jahangirnagar University students also marched and held mourning events, vowing to continue resistance. Protesters blocked the Dhaka-Aricha highway and burned tyres, stopping traffic for hours.
Security forces including army, BGB, police and RAB were seen guarding Farmgate, Karwan Bazar, Shahbag, Paltan, Gulistan and other areas.
Security was increased after attacks and arson at The Daily Star office in Farmgate, the Prothom Alo office in Karwan Bazar and the Chhayanaut office in Dhanmondi on Thursday night.
Police said no major incident occurred on Friday and that security remained on high alert. Inspector General of Police Baharul Alam visited the affected newspaper offices.
All political parties claimed that mob used the chaos after Hadi's death to attack and vandalise both offices.
Many journalists were trapped inside, and New Age editor Nurul Kabir was assaulted when he rushed to help colleagues.
Meanwhile the Inqilab Mancha warned against falling into any trap on any instigation over Hadi’s death.
The government tightened security in Dhaka and nationwide. BGB increased deployment in key areas before Hadi's body arrived from Singapore at 6 pm on Friday.
Forces were positioned around the airport, Karwan Bazar and Hotel InterContinental to maintain order.
Our correspondent from Chattogram reports that the port city has been tense since Thursday night following the news of Osman Hadi's death, continuing through Friday.
The city witnessed widespread protests and prayer gatherings after Hadi's death. According to a government announcement, prayers were held for him in mosques throughout the city.
Demonstrations also took place at various locations such as WASA point, Jamiatul Falah Mosque, Gate No. 2 point, Halishahar Boro Pol, Saltgola Crossing, and Dewanhat. Jamaat-e-Islami organized a doa mahfil.
Leaders of the July movement issued a strong warning on Friday during a protest in Chattogram, stating that members of the interim government's advisory council would be forced out if the killers of Osman Hadi are not arrested, dead or alive.

talhabinhabib@yahoo.com, armanhossen7971@gmail.com