India-Linked Tensions Escalate in Bangladesh as Anti-India Student Leader Sharif Osman Hadi Laid to Rest Amid Violence

Bangladesh is witnessing heightened unrest as the funeral of Sharif Osman Hadi, a prominent anti-India student leader, takes place today under tight security measures. Despite heavy police and military presence, acts of arson and violence continue across Dhaka and other cities, reflecting deep political and communal tensions.

Hadi, a central figure in the 2024 student movement that temporarily challenged former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, was known for his anti-India rhetoric and promotion of controversial “Greater Bangladesh” maps depicting parts of India. He was fatally shot on December 12 while returning from Friday prayers in an e-rickshaw in Dhaka. Initially treated in Dhaka, he was later transferred to Singapore due to critical injuries, where he succumbed to his wounds on Thursday. Hadi was also slated as a candidate in the upcoming February national elections, adding a politically sensitive dimension to his assassination.

Funeral Security and Unrest

Authorities have declared a day of state mourning and deployed the military to contain violence. Police have announced $42,000 in rewards for information leading to Hadi’s killers, whose images have been released publicly. Security around the National Parliament Building—where the funeral prayers are taking place—has been significantly tightened, with drones banned in the area.

Despite these measures, unrest persists. Reports indicate that properties linked to the Awami League, including homes of former ministers and offices, have been targeted and set ablaze. Even the Bengabandhu Memorial Museum and residences of the Indian Deputy High Commission in Chittagong faced attacks, highlighting the volatile and anti-India sentiment among certain factions.

Political Fallout

Hadi’s political party, Inquilab Manch, announced that he will be buried next to the grave of national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam, underscoring his ideological prominence. Interim government chief advisor Muhammad Yunus has pledged stringent punishment for the perpetrators, while emphasizing the need for public restraint. Yet, the situation remains tense, with protests, violence, and security alerts continuing across the country.

The assassination and subsequent unrest not only underscore the fragility of political stability in Bangladesh but also risk escalating anti-India tensions, given Hadi’s vocal opposition and influence during his student leadership.