Bangladesh remains on edge as nationwide violence intensified following the death of Sharif Osman Hadi, a key leader of the 2024 Inquilab Mancha uprising. His family has demanded the construction of a memorial at Shahbagh, where he first sparked the student-led movement that reshaped the country’s political landscape. Protests erupted across major cities on Friday, with bdnews24 reporting attacks on media offices, clashes with security forces, and increasing public unrest. Demonstrators also hurled stones at the Indian mission in Chattogram, further heightening diplomatic tensions.
Hadi’s body was flown to Dhaka from Singapore on Friday evening. According to BBC Bangla, his funeral prayer will be held on Saturday at 2:30 pm (local time) at the South Plaza of the Parliament Building. Hadi succumbed to injuries from a gunshot wound he sustained on December 12 during his election campaign in Dhaka. Despite being airlifted to Singapore for advanced treatment, the country’s foreign ministry confirmed on Thursday that he did not survive.
Addressing the nation, Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus expressed deep sorrow, calling Hadi “the fearless frontline fighter of the July Uprising.” He announced a one-day state mourning and vowed to bring those responsible to justice. Yunus appealed to citizens to maintain calm and restraint amid escalating anger and widespread protests triggered by the assassination attempt and Hadi’s death.
Amid the turmoil, several prominent newspaper offices—including Daily Prothom Alo and The Daily Star—were vandalised and set ablaze by angry protesters. Videos circulating on social media showed journalists and staff appealing for the violence to stop as fires spread through the buildings. The unrest also coincides with growing public outrage over former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s exile in India, with protestors storming the Indian High Commission and visa centres demanding her extradition following her recent death sentence verdict.
