Bangladesh in flames: Student leader Sharif Osman Hadi's death triggers massive protests, media offices torched

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

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

In the capital, protesters set fire to multiple buildings, including offices of leading newspapers The Daily Star and Prothom Alo. Several journalists and staff members were inside The Daily Star building at the time of the attack.

Six firefighting units managed to bring the blaze under control by 1:40 am, The Daily Star reported.

In Dhaka’s Kawran Bazar area, supporters surrounded the Prothom Alo office and staged demonstrations. Police failed to disperse the crowd, leading to escalating tensions. According to Dhaka Tribune, protesters armed with sticks and rods began vandalising the premises around 11:45 pm, shattering most of the building’s windows.

Protest Outside Indian Mission in Chattogram

Protests also erupted outside the Indian Assistant High Commission in Chattogram, Bangladesh’s major port city. Demonstrators shouted slogans condemning Hadi’s killing while raising anti-Awami League and anti-India chants, reported bdnews24.

Police later intervened and pushed the demonstrators away from the mission premises. Khulshi Police Station chief Shahin Alam bdnews24 that the situation had been brought under control, with security forces remaining deployed in the area.

In a separate incident, protesters reportedly set fire to the residence of Bangladesh’s founding leader Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, in Rajshahi, causing extensive damage.

State Mourning Declared

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,” according to Dhaka Tribune.

Rising Anti-India Sentiment

Anti-India sentiment has intensified in Bangladesh since the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government amid widespread 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.

Muslim-majority Bangladesh is scheduled to hold general elections next year, as the country continues to grapple with political instability and rising street unrest.