Why Sharif Osman Hadi’s burial beside Bangladesh’s national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam has stirred controversy

Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam (R) Osman Hadi.

Nearly five decades after Bangladesh’s national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam was laid to rest beside the Dhaka University mosque, slain political activist Sharif Osman Hadi was buried at the same site on Saturday, triggering debate over the decision.

Hadi, a 32-year-old leader of the anti-Sheikh Hasina platform Inqilab Mancha, was laid to rest next to Nazrul amid large crowds and heightened security in Dhaka. Supporters described the burial as a symbolic tribute, while critics questioned the appropriateness of placing a contemporary political figure beside the national poet.

Nazrul Islam, who died in 1976, is regarded as one of the most influential figures in Bangla literature. Known as the “Bidrohi Kobi” or rebel poet, his poetry focused on resistance to colonial rule, social injustice and oppression. His burial near the university mosque was carried out according to his wishes and has long been viewed as a site of national importance.

During the July–August 2024 protests that led to Sheikh Hasina’s ouster, Hadi frequently recited Nazrul’s poem Bidrohi at rallies. Videos of those speeches circulated widely after his death, with supporters drawing parallels between the two figures.

"Bidrohi" Poem by Kazi Nazrul Islam against the British recited by Osman Hadi (May Allah have mercy on him and grant him Jannah) pic.twitter.com/wYAYQgUGKn

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Criticism of the burial decision surfaced quickly. Awami League supporter Mostofa Amin wrote on X that Nazrul represented secular and tolerant values, while Hadi’s politics were different in nature. Similar objections appeared across social media platforms, including the Secular Bangla subreddit. Others defended the decision, arguing that Hadi’s political activism aligned with themes of resistance found in Nazrul’s work.

Hadi was shot by unidentified gunmen on December 12 and later died in a Singapore hospital. His killing led to protests in Dhaka that turned violent, with attacks reported on cultural institutions, media organisations and diplomatic missions. Security agencies remained on alert during the funeral.

Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus attended Hadi’s namaj-e-janaza and paid tribute to him. His presence and remarks added to the political attention surrounding the burial.

The Dhaka University administration said the decision to bury Hadi beside Nazrul was taken during an emergency online meeting of the university syndicate late on Friday night, following applications from the Cabinet Division and the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union. Authorities said the burial was carried out in line with the family’s wishes.

As Bangladesh prepares for general elections scheduled for February 2026, the burial has become part of a broader public discussion on political symbolism and the use of national figures in contemporary politics.