Chaos hits Dhaka University: Students demand Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Hall be renamed after anti-India Bangladeshi leader Osman Hadi

The hall, currently named after Bangladesh’s founding father Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, had a banner reading “Shaheed Osman Hadi Hall” hung at its gate around 2:30 am on Friday, according to Dhaka Tribune.

Hall union Vice-President Md Muslimur Rahman told the media as quoted by Dhaka Tribune: “Our Sharif Osman Hadi was martyred while fighting against Indian aggression. The cultural fascists at whose hands Hadi bhai was martyred are currently hiding in Delhi. Sheikh Mujibur Rahman is the progenitor of these cultural fascists. That is why we want to remove his name and rename the hall after Shaheed Sharif Osman Hadi.”

Hall union General Secretary Al Sabah added that signatures were collected from students, and a majority voted in favour of the renaming proposal.

Violent Protests Across Bangladesh

The demand comes amid violent protests following the death of political leader Sharif Osman Hadi, who rose to prominence during the July–August 2024 uprising that led to the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Hadi, known for his strong anti-India rhetoric, was the spokesperson of the political platform Inqilab Moncho. He died late Thursday night, six days after being shot in the head by unidentified masked attackers, while launching his election campaign in Dhaka ahead of the upcoming general elections.

Following confirmation of his death, Hadi’s supporters took to the streets in Dhaka and other cities, demanding the immediate arrest of those responsible.

In the capital, protesters set fire to multiple buildings, including the offices of leading newspapers The Daily Star and Prothom Alo, with several journalists and staff inside The Daily Star building at the time. Six firefighting units managed to bring the blaze under control by 1:40 am, according to the newspaper.

In Kawran Bazar, supporters surrounded the Prothom Alo office and staged demonstrations. Police reportedly failed to disperse the crowd, escalating tensions. Dhaka Tribune reported that protesters, armed with sticks and rods, began vandalising the premises around 11:45 pm, shattering most windows.

Rising Anti-India Sentiment

Anti-India sentiment has intensified in Bangladesh following the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government amid protests over a quota system last year. Hasina subsequently fled to India, leading to the formation of an interim administration under Yunus.

On Wednesday, hundreds of protesters under the banner “July Oikya” (July Unity) marched toward the Indian High Commission in Dhaka, chanting anti-India slogans and demanding Hasina’s extradition.