Violence Erupts in Bangladesh Following Death of Anti-India Leader Sharif Osman Hadi; Indian Deputy High Commissioner’s Residence Attacked, Awami League Office Set Ablaze

Dhaka: Tensions escalated across Bangladesh following the death of Sharif Osman Hadi, a prominent leader of the Inquilab Forum known for his opposition to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and his outspoken stance against India. Hadi, who had been critically injured in a shooting during an election campaign in Dhaka on 12 December, passed away late Thursday night while receiving treatment in Singapore. The Singapore Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed his death.

Following the news, violent protests erupted in multiple parts of the country. Thousands gathered in Dhaka’s Shahbagh area, waving posters and shouting slogans accusing authorities of failing to protect Hadi. The demonstration quickly turned violent, with mobs targeting major media outlets and political offices.

Media Offices and Awami League Headquarters Targeted
Protesters set fire to the offices of Prothom Alo, Bangladesh’s largest daily newspaper, and attacked the Daily Star office. Reports indicate that several individuals were trapped inside the buildings during the unrest. In Rajshahi, demonstrators targeted the residence of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the father of Prime Minister Hasina, while the Awami League’s office was also set ablaze.

Indian Deputy High Commissioner’s Residence Attacked
In Chattogram, protesters gathered outside the residence of India’s Deputy High Commissioner, hurling stones and chanting anti-India slogans. Demonstrators called for an end to “Indian aggression” and demanded accountability from the Awami League. Amid the chaos, interim government head Mohammad Yunus urged citizens to maintain peace and refrain from taking the law into their own hands.

National Mourning Declared
Mohammad Yunus declared a day of national mourning in honor of Hadi, describing his death as a “heinous murder.” Yunus praised Hadi as a fearless advocate for the July uprising and a vocal opponent of fascist and terrorist forces, pledging that the perpetrators would be brought to justice. He also assured Hadi’s family of the government’s support and urged citizens to exercise patience and restraint.

Security conditions remained volatile across several Dhaka neighborhoods late into the night as authorities struggled to contain the unrest.