The streets of Dhaka are on edge as preparations for the funeral of radical leader Sharif Osman Hadi are underway. The city is bracing for a tense morning as careful planning is underway for the funeral prayer and a public procession. The funeral prayer is scheduled to be held after 2 p.m. (local time) in the South Plaza of the parliament premises, led by Chief Adviser Prof. Mohammed Yunus. But here's where it gets controversial... There are conflicting reports about plans to bury Hadi on the campus of Dhaka University, where he studied Political Science over a decade ago. Some followers want to take his coffin to Shahbag and hold a public event, potentially sparking political tensions ahead of the February 12, 2026 election. The U.S. Embassy in Dhaka has issued a public notice, urging citizens to avoid large gatherings due to the potential for violence. The city has gone under strict security cover, with multiple arterial roads blocked to keep the public away from the emotionally charged mourners. As the world watches, how will Hadi's death impact elections and ties with India? The answer lies in the delicate balance between honoring a leader and maintaining peace in a country prone to political unrest.
