Violence Erupts Across Bangladesh After Death of Sharif Osman Hadi

Hindu Voice Team: Widespread protests and violence have erupted across Bangladesh following the death of prominent student leader Sharif Osman Hadi, igniting political tensions and sparking clashes in major cities.

Hadi, a 32-year-old spokesperson for the student group Inqilab Mancha and a key figure in the protest movement that helped oust former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in 2024, died on December 18 in a Singapore hospital where he had been undergoing treatment for a gunshot wound sustained in Dhaka earlier this month.

Protests Turn Violent

Following news of Hadi’s death, demonstrators took to the streets in Dhaka, Chattogram, Rajshahi, and other cities. Clashes with security forces have been reported, and marches have included anti-India and anti-government slogans.

Security forces have been deployed in and around Dhaka as tensions escalate ahead of scheduled national elections in February 2026.

Media Houses Attacked

In the capital, mobs vandalised and set fire to the offices of Prothom Alo and The Daily Star, two of Bangladesh’s largest newspapers. Journalists and staff were briefly trapped inside until rescue teams evacuated them.

The attacks on media houses mark a serious escalation in unrest and a significant blow to press freedom in the country.

Religious and Communal Violence

Amid the broader political unrest, at least one deadly act of communal violence was reported. In Mymensingh district, a Hindu garment worker was beaten to death and his body burned by a mob after allegations of blasphemy circulated. Authorities are investigating the incident as part of a wider pattern of rising violence against minority groups.

Protests Around Indian Diplomatic Missions

Demonstrations also reached diplomatic targets. In Chattogram, protesters staged a sit-in and attempted to press demands outside the Indian Assistant High Commission, calling for justice in Hadi’s death and the closure of Indian diplomatic presence. Police dispersed the crowds and made several detentions.

Political factions blamed foreign influence and rival political groups for Hadi’s killing and called for accountability, while police enforced order around sensitive sites.

Government Response

The interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus since Hasina’s exit last year, condemned the violence and urged citizens to maintain peace, assuring a transparent investigation into the circumstances of Hadi’s death.

National Impact

The unrest has significantly raised tensions in Bangladesh at a critical political moment. With elections approaching and longstanding social divides deepening, authorities and international observers are watching closely as the situation continues to unfold.

(The above piece is written based on a report published by Sriti O Chetona. You can read the original piece HERE )