Bangladesh has erupted in violent protests following the death of youth leader and Inquilab Manch representative Sharif Osman Hadi, a key figure in the nationwide public movement. Hadi was shot by unidentified assailants in Dhaka’s Paltan area on December 12 and sustained severe head injuries. He was transferred to Singapore for advanced medical treatment, where he passed away on Thursday night. News of his death prompted thousands of students and supporters to gather at Dhaka’s Shahbagh area, staging massive demonstrations.
Protesters targeted offices of the Awami League, led by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, accusing its supporters of involvement in Hadi’s killing. Regional Awami League offices in Rajshahi were bulldozed and set on fire, while the residence of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was also vandalised. Homes of party leaders across several regions reportedly came under attack as anger spread nationwide.
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Protests erupt across Dhaka after the death of student leader Sharif Osman Hadi.
Massive crowds gather at Shahbagh as Inqilab Manch and youth groups mourn. Awami League office vandalised and set on fire in Rajshahi.
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Major media houses, including Prothom Alo and The Daily Star, were not spared. Demonstrators accused them of favouring pro-China and pro-India narratives, leading to attacks on their Dhaka offices. Journalists trapped inside the buildings were rescued by fire personnel, with nearly 25 staff members saved amidst the chaos. In Chattogram, protesters gathered outside the Indian Assistant High Commission, raising anti-India slogans and alleging foreign involvement in Hadi’s death, prompting police to use tear gas to disperse the crowds.
Interim government advisor Muhammad Yunus expressed deep grief over Hadi’s death and announced December 20 as a national day of mourning. Authorities declared a cash reward of 5 million taka for information leading to the arrest of the main perpetrators and urged citizens to maintain restraint. The government emphasized that investigations are ongoing to bring the culprits to justice and restore order across affected areas.