Bangladesh Gripped by Riots Following Student Leader's Death

A wave of unrest has swept through Dhaka, Bangladesh, after the death of student leader Sharif Osman bin Hadi. The 32-year-old died Thursday in a Singapore hospital, where he was receiving treatment for a gunshot wound to the head sustained on December 12th. Mobs have taken to the streets, setting fire to newspaper offices and other buildings, reflecting the nation's fragile democratic state.

Mr. Hadi was a prominent figure known for his criticism of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's authoritarian government. Her administration fell in August 2024 following a prolonged period of youth-led protests.

Reports from the United Nations indicate that at least 1,400 demonstrators were killed last year by security forces and members of Ms. Hasina's Awami League party.

Following news of Mr. Hadi's death, protesters flooded the streets of Dhaka late Thursday, demanding justice. Arsonists targeted newspaper buildings and the homes of politicians in various cities.

Zyma Islam, a journalist trapped inside The Daily Star newsroom during the unrest, posted on Facebook: "There’s too much smoke. I’m inside. You are killing me." The Daily Star, Bangladesh's most widely read English-language newspaper, was set ablaze by rioters in central Dhaka on Thursday night.

Another journalist reported witnessing a group marching towards The Daily Star's office around 11 p.m., chanting slogans against India.