Violent Protests Erupt Across Bangladesh After Student Leader’s Killing; Indian Diplomat’s Residence Attacked, News Offices Torched

Dhaka: Violent protests erupted across Bangladesh following the death of Sharif Osman Hadi, the spokesperson of the Inquilab Forum, who was critically shot last Friday in Dhaka during an election campaign. Hadi was airlifted to Singapore for treatment but succumbed to his injuries at Singapore General Hospital on Thursday. The Inquilab Forum confirmed his death via a Facebook post, triggering nationwide unrest.

Widespread Violence and Arson
Following the news, thousands of Hadi’s supporters gathered at Shahbagh Square and other locations, demanding justice and declaring him a martyr. The demonstrations quickly turned violent, spreading from the capital Dhaka to cities across the country, including Chattogram. Protesters set fire to the offices of major news outlets, including Prothom Alo and Daily Star, and caused extensive property damage in Dhanmondi 32, the ancestral area of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, father of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Attacks were also reported on Awami League offices nationwide.

Attack on Indian Diplomat’s Residence
In Chattogram, protesters targeted the residence of India’s Deputy High Commissioner, throwing stones while chanting anti-India and anti-Awami League slogans. Demonstrators shouted messages such as “End Indian aggression!” and “Capture and punish those linked to the League!” Security personnel, including military and paramilitary forces, were deployed outside affected buildings, but the crowd largely ignored warnings and continued the attacks.

Government Response and National Mourning
Bangladesh’s interim government, led by Mohammad Yunus, appealed for calm and urged citizens not to take the law into their own hands. Yunus declared a day of national mourning on Friday, calling for special prayers in mosques across the country. He pledged to bring Hadi’s killers to justice, emphasizing that those responsible would not be spared.

Sharif Osman Hadi had been critically wounded on 12 December in Dhaka’s Bijoynagar area by unidentified assailants. Despite immediate medical intervention and transfer to Singapore, Hadi suffered severe brain damage and multiple organ failure, ultimately leading to his death. His killing has plunged the country into widespread unrest, with streets remaining tense and security forces on high alert.

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