The Bangladesh interim government has announced it will formally request the United Nations to lead an investigation into the killing of activist Sharif Osman Hadi. The decision follows a day of heightened tension in the capital, where security forces clashed with protesters demanding international oversight for the high-profile case.
The interim government of Bangladesh has reiterated its “unwavering commitment” to delivering justice for the late activist Sharif Osman Hadi, confirming that a formal request for a United Nations-led investigation will be dispatched this Sunday. In a statement released on Friday evening, the Chief Adviser’s Press Wing clarified that the administration is currently “deeply reviewing the legal aspects” of initiating such an international inquiry.
A formal letter is scheduled to be sent to the relevant UN agency on 8 February 2026. This move marks a significant step towards internationalising the investigation into the 12 December shooting that claimed the life of the Inqilab Moncho spokesperson. The government hopes this step will provide the transparency demanded by the public and activist groups alike.
The government’s announcement came hours after central Dhaka witnessed violent skirmishes between law enforcement and members of the youth-led platform, Inqilab Moncho. Protesters had attempted to march on State Guest House Jamuna, the official residence of the Chief Adviser, to press their demands for global oversight. The atmosphere in the capital remains heavily charged as the deadline for the formal request approaches.
Official channels have firmly rejected allegations of excessive force circulating on social media during the dispersal of the march. The Press Wing maintained that law enforcement agencies used only non-lethal measures, such as sound grenades and water cannons, to “bring the situation under control”. These measures were reportedly deployed after activists allegedly attempted to breach security barricades and climb onto police vehicles parked near the Hotel InterContinental.
“The government clearly states that law enforcement agencies did not fire any shots at this time,” the statement read, addressing concerns over potential live ammunition usage. It added that the dispersal was conducted in a “lawful and procedural manner”, despite a pre-existing ban on demonstrations in the high-security zone surrounding the Chief Adviser’s residence.
The decision to seek UN intervention marks a pivotal moment for the interim administration, which has faced mounting pressure from youth platforms and human rights groups. Sharif Osman Hadi, a prominent figure in the July 2024 uprising and a prospective parliamentary candidate for the Dhaka-8 constituency, was shot in the head during an election campaign in Puratan Paltan.
Osman Hadi died in a Singaporean hospital on 18 December 2025, sparking nationwide outrage and calls for immediate accountability. While domestic agencies had already submitted a charge sheet against 17 individuals, including men allegedly linked to the disbanded Awami League, the complainant recently filed a naraji (dissatisfaction) petition. This led the court to order a further probe by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).
By opting for UN involvement, the government appears to be seeking to bolster the credibility of the judicial process ahead of the national elections scheduled for 12 February. The administration is keen to demonstrate that its commitment to justice is not merely rhetorical but backed by international standards of investigation.
Following the Friday afternoon clashes, which left dozens injured, including Inqilab Moncho Member Secretary Abdullah Al Jaber, the capital remains under a cloud of uncertainty. Protesters have maintained a blockade at the Shahbagh intersection, vowing to monitor the government’s progress on the UN request closely.
The government has urged all parties to exercise restraint in the coming days. It emphasised that the state will prioritise the “principles of production over plunder and justice over discrimination” as it prepares for the upcoming democratic transition. The international community is now looking toward Sunday to see if the promised diplomatic steps are fulfilled.
