Violent Protests Erupt in Bangladesh Following Pro-Democracy Figure's Death

Violent protests erupted in Bangladesh's capital, Dhaka, after the announcement of the death of pro-democracy figure Sharif Osman Hadi, who was 32 years old. Hadi succumbed to injuries sustained in an assassination attempt on December 12, when he was shot by masked assailants as he left a mosque.

He had been receiving treatment in Singapore. Following his death, thousands of protesters took to the streets, demanding the arrest of his killers. Several buildings, including those housing the Daily Star and Prothom Alo newspapers, were set on fire, with staff trapped inside.

Zyma Islam, a reporter for the Daily Star, reported being trapped in the burning building, stating, 'I can't breathe anymore. There's too much smoke.' The building fire was brought under control, but 27 employees were still inside.

Protesters also surrounded the residence of India's deputy ambassador to Bangladesh and blocked major highways. The interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, confirmed Hadi's death, calling it an irreparable loss for the nation.

He emphasized that the march toward democracy cannot be halted through fear or bloodshed. The government declared a half day of mourning on Saturday. Police announced a manhunt for Hadi's shooters, offering a reward of five million taka, approximately $42,000, for information leading to their arrest.

The country is preparing for a parliamentary election in February 2026, with the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party poised to challenge the ruling Awami League, which previously faced criticism for allegedly conducting sham elections.

Hadi was a prominent leader of the student protest group Inqilab Mancha and had openly criticized India amid the political turmoil, especially with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina currently in self-imposed exile there.