Dhaka seeks UN support for impartial probe into Hadi murder

The interim government of Bangladesh has formally requested assistance from the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) to ensure a fair and transparent investigation into the assassination of Sharif Osman Hadi.

The OHCHR, headquartered in Geneva, is the UN’s principal human rights body, established in 1993 to promote and protect international human rights. It supports treaty bodies, monitors human rights situations, and conducts field operations worldwide.

Acting on instructions from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a formal note verbale was sent to the OHCHR on Friday, 6 February, requesting necessary assistance to support a “fair, impartial and expeditious” investigation into Hadi’s murder and to ensure justice for the slain leader. Bangladesh’s Mission in Geneva will keep the ministry updated on any response received from the OHCHR, according to a note sent by Ambassador Nahida Sobhan to the MoFA on Sunday.

Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam reaffirmed the government’s commitment to full justice in the case, saying the interim administration will provide all possible cooperation to any UN-supported investigation.

The demand for international oversight came amid public pressure, including a sit-in organised by Inqilab Moncho on Thursday, 5 February, outside the Chief Adviser’s official residence Jamuna. Protesters called for an impartial UN-supervised probe into the killing of their spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi.

Hadi was attacked on 14 December and initially taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital, then transferred to Evercare Hospital, before being flown to Singapore for advanced treatment. He succumbed to his injuries on the night of 18 December at Singapore General Hospital.

Following the attack, an attempted murder case was first filed at Paltan Police Station on 14 December, which was later converted into a murder case.

The government’s move to seek UN involvement reflects its determination to ensure transparency and credibility in the investigation of the high-profile assassination, addressing both domestic and international concerns over the handling of the case.