Widespread violence and arson erupted across Bangladesh late Thursday night and early Friday following the death of Sharif Osman Hadi, a prominent youth leader and spokesperson for the political platform Inqilab Mancha. Hadi, who was critically injured in an assassination attempt in Dhaka last week, succumbed to his injuries while undergoing treatment at Singapore General Hospital.
As news of his passing reached the capital, thousands of protesters took to the streets, leading to clashes with security forces and coordinated attacks on media houses and diplomatic premises.
Violence Erupts in Dhaka: Media Offices Torched
The situation in Dhaka turned critical around midnight as enraged mobs targeted the offices of the country’s leading newspapers, The Daily Star and Prothom Alo, located in the Kawran Bazar area. Protesters accused the publications of being "pro-India" and aligned with the ousted Awami League regime.
- Arson Attacks: Protesters vandalized the buildings before setting them on fire.
- Journalists Trapped: At least 25 journalists from The Daily Star were trapped inside the burning building for over four hours before being rescued by the Fire Service and Civil Defence.
- Social Media Pleas: Trapped staff members shared harrowing accounts on social media, with reporter Zyma Islam writing, "I can’t breathe anymore... You are killing me," as smoke engulfed the premises.
Indian Mission in Chattogram Targeted
The unrest quickly spread to the port city of Chattogram. Around 11:00 PM on Thursday, a large group of demonstrators gathered outside the Indian Assistant High Commission in the Khulshi area.
The mob reportedly hurled stones and brickbats at the diplomatic mission, shouting anti-India slogans and demanding justice for Hadi. Security forces moved in shortly after to disperse the crowd using tear gas and baton charges. The Indian government has previously rejected allegations of involvement in the attack on Hadi, urging the interim government to ensure the safety of its diplomatic staff.
Who was Osman Hadi?
Sharif Osman Hadi was a central figure in the 2024 "July Uprising" that led to the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
- The Assassination Attempt: On December 12, Hadi was shot in the head by unidentified masked gunmen while traveling in a rickshaw in Dhaka’s Paltan area.
- Political Role: He was a spokesperson for Inqilab Mancha and was contesting as an independent candidate for the Dhaka-8 constituency in the upcoming February 2026 elections.
- Ideology: Known for his hardline anti-India stance, Hadi frequently campaigned against "Indian hegemony" and the political remnants of the Awami League.
Government Response and State Mourning
Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus addressed the nation in a televised speech, describing Hadi as a "martyr" and a "unique symbol of protest." He declared Saturday, December 20, as a day of national mourning, with the national flag to be flown at half-mast.
"No one can stop the democratic progress of this country through threat, terrorist activities, or bloodshed," Yunus stated, calling for restraint while vowing to bring the perpetrators of the "heinous murder" to justice.
Police have launched a massive manhunt for the shooters, offering a reward of 5 million Taka for information leading to their arrest.
