Bangladesh Tensions Spike After Killing of 2024 Uprising Figure Sparks Violent Protests
Bangladesh has been placed on high alert after the killing of a prominent youth leader from the 2024 uprising triggered violent protests, raising fears of renewed instability ahead of national elections scheduled for February.
Security forces, including police and paramilitary units, fanned out across Dhaka and other major cities after overnight demonstrations turned violent. Protesters targeted media offices, political buildings, and cultural institutions late on Thursday. While the streets were largely calm on Friday morning, residents reported lingering tension, particularly ahead of Friday prayers.
The unrest followed the death of Sharif Osman Hadi, a 32-year-old spokesperson for Inquilab Mancha (Platform for Revolution), who had announced plans to contest the upcoming election. Hadi was shot in the head by masked attackers in Dhaka last Friday while launching his campaign.
He was initially treated at a local hospital before being flown to Singapore for advanced medical care, where he died after spending six days on life support.
Hadi was a key figure in last year’s student-led uprising that forced Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to flee the country. Inquilab Mancha describes itself as a “revolutionary cultural platform inspired by the spirit of uprising.” Hadi was also widely known for his outspoken criticism of India.
On Thursday night, protesters vandalised the offices of Bangladesh’s largest daily newspaper, Prothom Alo, and the English-language Daily Star. A fire broke out at The Daily Star building, which firefighters later brought under control, rescuing journalists trapped inside as troops secured the area.
Chanting slogans invoking Hadi’s name, demonstrators vowed to continue protests and demanded swift justice. Several neighbourhoods remained on edge as authorities deployed additional forces to prevent further violence.
