Bangladesh rocked by unrest over death of student leader

Widespread and occasionally violent protests have erupted across Bangladesh following the death of student leader Sharif Osman Hadi. Hadi's death is raising concerns about further instability as the country approaches national elections.

Hadi, who served as a spokesperson for the Inquilab Mancha platform and was also a candidate in the upcoming general elections, was shot in the head last Friday by masked individuals while campaigning in Dhaka. After initial treatment in a local hospital, he was transferred to Singapore for more specialized medical care. Hadi remained on life support for six days before passing away.

In Dhaka, social media has been flooded with videos showing demonstrators vandalizing the offices of major newspapers, including Prothom Alo and the Daily Star. Reports indicate that protesters chanted emotionally charged slogans referencing Hadi, vowing to continue their movement while demanding justice and accountability for the attack that led to his death. Tensions remained high in several areas into the night, prompting the deployment of additional police and paramilitary forces to prevent further outbreaks of violence.

While police have not yet released a statement, the fire service confirmed that the fire at the Daily Star was brought under control.

Bangladesh has been under the leadership of an interim administration headed by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus since August 2024. This followed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's departure to India in response to a student-led uprising. The country's national election is scheduled for February 12.

In a televised address to the nation after Hadi’s death, Yunus stated that Hadi's passing was "an irreplaceable loss to the nation’s political and democratic sphere."

Yunus urged citizens to remain calm and emphasized the government's commitment to a transparent investigation, promising to bring those responsible to justice. He also appealed for restraint, warning that violence would only hinder the nation's progress toward a credible election.

The interim administration has declared Saturday as a day of state mourning in honor of Hadi. National flags will be flown at half-staff, and special prayers are planned throughout the country.

Reports of violence have also emerged from other cities in Bangladesh, including the port city of Chittagong.

The unrest follows anti-India protests earlier in the week, a sign of deteriorating relations between the two countries since Hasina sought refuge in Delhi. Earlier on Wednesday, hundreds of demonstrators associated with "July Oikya" (July Unity) marched toward the Indian High Commission in Dhaka. Protesters chanted anti-India slogans and demanded Hasina's return.