The cemetery adjacent to the mosque and the entrance near the tomb of national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam were filled with visitors. Many were seen standing outside the graveyard offering prayers, while others waited to catch a glimpse of the grave. Some visitors were also taking photographs on their mobile phones.
At around 7:30 pm on Saturday (December 20), the security cordon set up in front of the cemetery was lifted. Barricades placed earlier by Shahbagh Police Station and at the Teachers-Students Centre (TSC) were also removed. However, police personnel continued to remain deployed at several points in the area.
Law enforcement members were seen on alert at the mosque gate used to enter the graveyard, as well as at the main outer gate. Sources said that, for security reasons, police would continue to patrol the area throughout the night, and no one would be allowed to enter the graveyard during this time. Visitors will only be permitted to offer prayers from outside.
An official responsible for maintaining law and order, speaking on condition of anonymity, said police patrols would remain in place overnight. “Considering security concerns, extra vigilance may also be maintained in the area tomorrow,” he said.
When asked about when the graveyard would be reopened to the public, the official said no specific time had been decided.
Earlier in the day, Sharif Osman Hadi was laid to rest beside the tomb of national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam, adjacent to the Central Jama Mosque of Dhaka University, at around 3:30 pm.
National Citizens Party (NCP) Chief Organizer (South) Hasnat Abdullah, Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan, Amar Desh Editor Mahmudur Rahman, leaders from various levels of DUCSU, and members of Hadi’s family were present at the burial.
Prior to the burial, Hadi’s funeral prayer was held at the South Plaza of the National Parliament Building at 2:30 pm. His elder brother, Abu Bakr Siddique, led the prayer in the presence of a massive crowd.
