News Desk: Bangladesh descended into fresh turmoil on Thursday night following the death of Sharif Osman Hadi, a controversial political leader who rose to prominence during the July–August 2024 uprising that led to the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Hadi died six days after being shot in the head by unidentified masked attackers in Dhaka.
Hadi, the spokesperson of the political platform Inqilab Moncho and known for his sharp anti-India rhetoric, was attacked while launching his election campaign ahead of next year’s general elections. His death has sparked violent protests across Dhaka and several other cities, deepening political instability and law-and-order concerns.
The Bangladeshi capital of Dhaka was on edge, with the offices of several newspapers still reeling from a night of protests, triggered by the killing of popular youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi.#Bangladesh #Bangladeshnews #BangladeshProtests pic.twitter.com/I704ofz9Kv
— WION (@WIONews) December 19, 2025
Media Houses Attacked in Dhaka
Soon after confirmation of Hadi’s death, his supporters poured onto the streets demanding the immediate arrest of those responsible. Protests in the capital quickly turned violent, with demonstrators setting fire to multiple buildings, including offices of leading national dailies The Daily Star and Prothom Alo.
At The Daily Star office, journalists and staff members were inside the building when the fire broke out. Security agencies took immediate action and safely evacuated the 25 journalists and staff members present in the office. Fire services deployed six units and brought the blaze under control by around 1:40 am, according to local media reports.
In Dhaka’s Kawran Bazar area, protesters surrounded the Prothom Alo office and staged demonstrations late into the night. Police initially failed to disperse the crowd as tensions escalated. Protesters armed with sticks and iron rods vandalised the premises, shattering most of the building’s windows and causing extensive damage.
Anti-India Protests in Chattogram
Unrest also spread beyond the capital. In Chattogram, Bangladesh’s major port city, demonstrators gathered outside the Indian Assistant High Commission, raising slogans over Hadi’s killing while chanting anti-Awami League and anti-India slogans.
Police later intervened and pushed the protesters away from the mission premises. Khulshi Police Station chief Shahin Alam said the situation had been brought under control, adding that security forces remain deployed in the area to prevent further escalation.
Mob Killing of Hindu Youth in Mymensingh
Amid the continuing unrest, a Hindu youth was beaten to death by a mob and his body set on fire in Bangladesh’s Mymensingh district, raising fresh concerns over attacks on minorities. The incident occurred on Thursday night in the Dubalia Para area of Square Master Bari in Bhaluka upazila, BBC Bangla reported.
Police identified the victim as Dipu Chandra Das, a garment factory worker who lived in the area as a tenant. According to police, the mob accused him of blasphemy before launching the attack.
“A group of agitated people caught him and beat him up around 9 pm on Thursday for insulting the Prophet. Then they set his body on fire,” Ripon Mia, duty officer of Bhaluka police station, told BBC Bangla. He said the attackers tied the body to a tree before setting it ablaze.
Police reached the spot after receiving information and brought the situation under control. The body was recovered and sent to the morgue of Mymensingh Medical College Hospital for autopsy. No case has been filed so far. “We are searching for his relatives. If they come and file a case, action will be taken according to the law,” Mia said.
Arson Reported in Rajshahi
In another incident linked to the unrest, protesters reportedly set fire to a residence associated with Bangladesh’s founding leader Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in Rajshahi, causing extensive damage. Authorities have not yet released a detailed assessment of losses or confirmed arrests.
Interim Government Declares State Mourning
Bangladesh’s interim government chief Muhammad Yunus announced a day of state mourning following Hadi’s death. In a televised address, Yunus described Hadi as a “fearless fighter” and an “immortal soldier in the struggle against fascism and hegemony,” remarks that have drawn mixed reactions amid rising violence.
Rising Anti-India Sentiment
Anti-India sentiment has intensified in Bangladesh since the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government after last year’s mass protests over a quota system. Hasina later fled to India, leading to the formation of an interim administration under Yunus.
Earlier this week, hundreds of protesters under the banner “July Oikya” (July Unity) marched towards the Indian High Commission in Dhaka, chanting anti-India slogans and demanding Hasina’s extradition.
With general elections scheduled next year, Bangladesh continues to grapple with deep political instability, growing street violence, and mounting concerns over minority safety, press freedom and regional diplomatic fallout.
