Violence erupted in Dhaka, Bangladesh, following the death of youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi. The 32-year-old had been recovering in Singapore after an assassination attempt on December 12, when he was shot by masked assailants while leaving a mosque.
Aftermath of Hadi’s Death
Protests erupted across the capital as news of Hadi’s demise spread. Thousands of supporters took to the streets early Friday, demanding justice for his killing. The unrest led to the burning of multiple buildings, including the offices of Bangladesh’s leading newspapers, the Daily Star and Prothom Alo.
- Hadi was a prominent figure in the pro-democracy movement.
- He was set to run in the February 2026 national election.
- His assassination attempt occurred on December 12, 2023.
Violent Protests
Authorities reported at least three incidents of arson in Dhaka following Hadi’s death. Protesters targeted both the Daily Star building and that of Prothom Alo. Some journalists were reportedly trapped inside the burning structures, raising alarm on social media.
One reporter from the Daily Star, Zyma Islam, posted about her struggle for air due to smoke inhalation. Firefighting officials managed to control the blaze just after 1:40 am local time.
Government Response
The interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, condemned Hadi’s killing as an “irreparable loss.” He emphasized that the country’s pursuit of democracy would not be thwarted by violence.
In light of the unrest, the government announced a half-day of mourning for Saturday and urged special prayers in mosques on Friday.
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities have launched a manhunt for Hadi’s attackers. Police released images of two suspects and offered a reward of five million taka (approximately $42,000) for information leading to their capture.
Election Context
Bangladesh’s next parliamentary election is set for February 2026. This election follows a controversial vote in January 2024, which saw Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s party winning despite allegations of electoral fraud. Opposition parties, particularly the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), are gearing up to challenge the ruling Awami League.
The current political tensions are heightened by the ongoing health issues of Khaleda Zia, the BNP leader, who remains in intensive care, while her son, Tarique Rahman, plans his return from exile later this month.
