Bangladesh Protests Live: Violence Erupts After Sharif Usman Hadi’s Death; Hindu Man Killed Amid Rising Tensions

Dhaka: Bangladesh is engulfed in violent unrest following the death of Sharif Usman Hadi, a prominent student leader and spokesperson of the anti-Sheikh Hasina movement, Inquilab Manch. Hadi, 32, was shot in the head last Friday, December 12, while campaigning in Dhaka. He was flown to Singapore for treatment but succumbed to his injuries at a Singaporean hospital. In response, interim government head Muhammad Yunus declared a day of national mourning and urged citizens to maintain peace.

Rising Violence Across Bangladesh

Reports from Dhaka indicate that mobs set fire to offices of major newspapers, including Prothom Alo and The Daily Star, forcing both to suspend their Friday editions. The Business Standard also canceled its print edition. Several journalists were trapped during the attacks and had to be rescued with military assistance.

In Mymensingh district, a Hindu youth, Dipu Chandra Das, reportedly became a victim of mob violence after being accused of blasphemy amid the protests. Demonstrators also targeted Indian diplomatic missions, shouting anti-India slogans and surrounding the offices of India’s Deputy High Commissioner. Heavy security has been deployed at the Indian Assistant High Commission in Chattogram and other key locations.

Escalating Protests and Political Fallout

Hadi’s organization, Inquilab Manch, appealed for calm on social media, emphasizing that Hadi advocated intellectual struggle and justice rather than violence. Nonetheless, the unrest has spread nationwide. Protesters attacked Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s former residence in Dhaka’s Dhanmondi 32 area, setting parts of the building ablaze. In Rajshahi, a local Awami League office was demolished by bulldozers in the early hours.

Dhaka University students organized marches, expressing grief over Hadi’s death and raising anti-Awami League and anti-India slogans. Protesters accused Yunus’ interim government of failing to protect Hadi, and demonstrations became increasingly violent.

International Response and Security Measures

Sharif Usman Hadi’s body is expected to arrive in Bangladesh this evening from Singapore. The first Janaza prayer will be held in Singapore, followed by a second in Dhaka at Manik Mia Avenue after Zuhr prayers. The U.S. Embassy has expressed condolences to Hadi’s family and supporters.

The Indian High Commission in Dhaka issued an advisory for Indian citizens and students in Bangladesh, urging them to avoid unnecessary travel and maintain close contact with Indian diplomatic missions. Emergency numbers have been provided for assistance across Dhaka, Chattogram, Sylhet, Khulna, and Rajshahi.

Bangladesh’s interim government, in coordination with the army, is holding emergency meetings to contain the violence. Major General Jahangir Alam, advisor for Home Affairs, is actively participating. Authorities have released images of two main suspects in Hadi’s murder, offering a reward of 5 million Bangladeshi Taka (approx. ₹37.9 lakh) for information leading to their capture.

As Bangladesh braces for further unrest, concerns are mounting over the security of citizens, media personnel, and diplomatic missions, while the nation grapples with the political fallout ahead of the 2026 general elections.