Protests Erupt in Bangladesh Following Political Violence

Violence erupted in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on Friday after the death of Sharif Osman Hadi, a 32-year-old youth leader of the pro-democracy movement, was announced. Hadi succumbed to injuries sustained during an assassination attempt on December 12, when he was shot by masked assailants as he left a mosque.

Protesters took to the streets demanding justice, setting fire to several buildings, including the Daily Star and Prothom Alo newspaper offices, with staff trapped inside. Activist Zyma Islam reported being trapped in the Daily Star building, stating on Facebook, 'I can't breathe anymore.

There's too much smoke.' The fire was controlled, but 27 employees were still inside during the protests. Demonstrations also spread to other cities, including Chattogram, where protesters attacked the residence of a former minister.

Following Hadi's death, the interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, acknowledged it as an irreparable loss for the nation, emphasizing that the march toward democracy cannot be halted by violence.

The police have launched a manhunt for Hadi's shooters, offering a reward of 5 million taka, approximately 42 thousand dollars, for information leading to their arrest. Bangladesh will hold parliamentary elections in February 2026, amid ongoing political turmoil and a history of contested elections, with the opposition party, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, expected to perform strongly.

According to the report from The Guardian US, Hadi was a significant figure in last year's uprising that led to the ousting of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who is currently in exile in India. The situation remains tense as authorities respond to the widespread unrest caused by Hadi's assassination.