Osman Hadi Shooter Told Girlfriend Student Leader’s Killing Would ‘Shake Entire Bangladesh’

Last Updated:December 19, 2025, 16:29 IST

Sharif Osman Hadi died in Singapore, triggering nationwide unrest, arson attacks and mob violence in Bangladesh.

Protester burning down offices of Newspapers as a protest over the death of Osman Hadi (Image: Reuters)

Violence that has plunged Bangladesh into chaos was chillingly foreshadowed by the alleged shooter of Sharif Osman Hadi, who told his girlfriend on the eve of the attack that something was about to happen that would “shake the entire country", investigators said.

The warning came just hours before Sharif Osman Hadi was shot in broad daylight in Dhaka last week by masked, bike-borne attackers. Sharif Osman Hadi died in Singapore, triggering nationwide unrest, arson attacks and mob violence.

According to Bangladeshi investigators, prime accused Faisal Karim made the remark while staying at a resort in Savar, on the outskirts of Dhaka, with his girlfriend and close associate, Maria Akhtar Lima.

“He said something would happen the next day that would shake the entire country," investigators told local media, citing statements recorded during interrogation. Jamuna Television reported that Faisal showed Lima a video clip of Sharif Osman Hadi while making the remark. Daily Jugantor quoted Faisal as saying, “Something will happen tomorrow that the whole country will tremble."

Authorities said the statement indicates prior knowledge and planning, strengthening the case that the attack was a coordinated and premeditated operation.

Hours after the conversation, Faisal and two accomplices allegedly opened fire on Sharif Osman Hadi in the capital. A bullet entered through Sharif Osman Hadi’s ear and exited from the other side of his head. He was rushed to hospital in critical condition and later flown to Singapore by air ambulance under the supervision of the Muhammad Yunus-led interim administration. He died after several days on life support.

What followed Sharif Osman Hadi’s death has been widespread unrest across Bangladesh. Media houses, cultural centres and political offices were attacked. A Hindu man, Dipu Chandra Das, was lynched and burnt to death in Mymensingh over alleged blasphemy. Bangladesh now faces its worst bout of violence in months, just weeks before crucial elections scheduled for February 2026.

News world Osman Hadi Shooter Told Girlfriend Student Leader’s Killing Would ‘Shake Entire Bangladesh’

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