Protests demanding justice for the killing of Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of Inquilab Moncho and a leading figure of last year’s July uprising, continued at Shahbag intersection on Friday, with thousands of students and citizens maintaining a sit-in at the busy crossing.

Following confirmation of Hadi’s death late Thursday night, students began gathering at Shahbag around 10:30 PM and have remained there since, turning the area into the epicentre of ongoing demonstrations.

Vehicular movement in and around Shahbag has remained suspended as a result.

Earlier, Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) Vice President Shadik Kayem announced an “anti-hegemonic rally,” which drew thousands of participants at Shahbag around 3:00 PM on Friday.

Before the rally, special prayers were offered for Hadi after Jumma prayers at Dhaka University Central Mosque.

At the protest site, students from schools, colleges, madrasas and universities, alongside people from various walks of life, were seen chanting slogans demanding swift and exemplary punishment for those responsible for Hadi’s murder.

Meanwhile, a post from the official Facebook page of Inquilab Moncho said the aircraft carrying “martyr Osman Hadi” was scheduled to land at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport around 6:00 PM.

The post urged supporters to line both sides of the road from the airport to Shahbag in an orderly manner to receive “the fearless hero who dedicated his life to the spirit of July and the defence of independence and sovereignty.”

According to the post, Hadi’s body will later be taken to Dhaka University Central Mosque to allow the public to pay their final respects.

Fatima Tasnim Zuma, an organiser of Inquilab Moncho, said, “Martyr Osman Hadi will be brought to Dhaka University Central Mosque. Students will continue to occupy the streets and raise slogans demanding justice.”

She also urged protesters not to respond to any provocation or follow instructions from anyone other than Inquilab Moncho, adding, “We will soon announce tougher programmes. We will not return home until justice for our martyred brother is ensured, Insha’Allah.”