Bangladesh: BNP's Tarique Rahman pays tribute at Hadi’s grave amid tight security

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) acting chairman Tarique Rahman on Saturday visited Dhaka University and offered prayers at the grave of slain student leader Sharif Osman Hadi amid tight security.

The 60-year-old BNP leader also paid his respects at the grave of Bangladesh’s national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam, located beside the Dhaka University Central Mosque, The Daily Star reported. Hadi was buried next to Nazrul Islam’s grave on December 20.

High-profile visit under tight security

Rahman’s visit marked one of his most significant public appearances since returning to Bangladesh after years in exile. Hadi’s killing earlier this month had sparked widespread protests and heightened political tensions ahead of the national elections scheduled for February.

During the visit, traffic for both vehicles and pedestrians was suspended on roads from Shahbagh towards Dhaka University. Security personnel from the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and police were deployed along the route, according to local media reports.

Who was Sharif Osman Hadi?

Hadi, a spokesperson for Inqilab Moncho, was shot dead earlier this month. He was a prominent figure in the July 2024 uprising that led to the fall of the Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League government, and his killing has intensified political unrest in the country.

Visit to Election Commission

After offering prayers at Hadi’s grave, Rahman was scheduled to travel to the Election Commission office in Agargaon to complete registration for his national identity card and formally enrol as a voter.

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Tarique Rahman’s return to Bangladesh

Rahman returned to Dhaka after more than 17 years in exile, a move widely seen as a turning point in Bangladeshi politics. A leading opposition figure and heir to the BNP leadership, the 60-year-old had been living in London since 2008 after leaving the country amid what he has described as politically motivated persecution.

In his first address after returning, Rahman said Bangladesh had been “liberated twice” — first in 1971 and again through the July 2024 uprising. He called for an inclusive Bangladesh, emphasising unity and equal participation for all communities and ethnic groups.

Future leadership role

As acting chairman of the BNP, Rahman is expected to assume full leadership of the party from his ailing mother, former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, who is 80. He returned to Bangladesh accompanied by his wife, Dr Zubaida Rahman, and daughter Zaima Rahman.

Rahman was arrested during the 2007 caretaker government and spent around 18 months in jail before travelling to the UK in 2008 for medical treatment. Following the ouster of Sheikh Hasina, he has emerged as a leading contender for the post of prime minister in the February general elections.