Govt to seek UN investigation into Hadi killing case

The Chronify

February 6, 2026

The interim government has decided to officially seek the assistance of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) to investigate the assassination of Inqilab Moncho spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi.

The move follows widespread public dissatisfaction with the initial domestic probe into the high-profile killing. Sharif Osman Hadi, a prominent leader of the 2024 uprising and an independent candidate for the Dhaka-8 constituency, was shot in the head in broad daylight on December 12, 2025, while returning from Friday prayers. He succumbed to his injuries in a Singapore hospital on December 18.

Key Developments in the Case:

UN Involvement: Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam stated that the government will propose a UN-led investigation at the "earliest opportunity" to ensure full justice and neutralize claims of political bias.
Domestic Stalls: Although the Detective Branch (DB) filed a chargesheet against 17 individuals on January 6, 2026, a court rejected it following a naraji (no-confidence) petition from Hadi’s family. The case was subsequently handed over to the CID, which has since delayed its report multiple times.
Political Fallout: The assassination triggered nationwide unrest in late December, leading to attacks on media houses and a spike in anti-India sentiment, with some groups alleging the killers were shielded by foreign interests.
State Recognition: The government has recognized Hadi as a "martyr of sovereignty" and recently announced a Tk 20 million compensation package for his family.

International Context
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk and Secretary-General António Guterres have already expressed deep concern over the killing, urging a transparent and impartial investigation. By inviting the UN to take a direct role, the interim government aims to stabilize the political environment just days before the February 12 National Election.