Violence Erupts in Chittagong: Protests Following Radical Leader's Death

Violence erupted in Chittagong, Bangladesh, following the death of radical leader Sharif Osman Hadi, injuring multiple individuals, including police officers. Protesters targeted the Indian Assistant High Commission, leading to significant unrest. The situation has raised serious concerns for India's Ministry of External Affairs, which has called for the safety of its missions in Bangladesh. As protests continue, the interim government faces criticism for its handling of security issues. This incident highlights the growing unrest in the region and the challenges faced by authorities in maintaining order.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 19, 2025, 11:37 IST

Unrest Outside Indian High Commission

In Dhaka, Bangladesh, chaos erupted outside the Indian Assistant High Commission in Chittagong on Friday, resulting in injuries to at least four individuals, including two police officers.

The violence was triggered by the death of Sharif Osman Hadi, a spokesperson for the radical group Inqilab Mancha, as reported by local news outlets.

Protesters gathered early Friday morning outside the Indian mission in the Khulshi area, throwing bricks and vandalizing the premises.

Chittagong Metropolitan Police Commissioner Hasib Aziz noted that police intervention led to a pursuit between law enforcement and the demonstrators. The injured were subsequently transported to Chittagong Medical College Hospital.

Aziz mentioned that several individuals were detained at the scene and may face charges under the Anti-Terrorism Act, according to a local daily.

Earlier in the week, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of India summoned the Bangladeshi High Commissioner to express serious concerns regarding the worsening security situation in Bangladesh.

The MEA specifically highlighted the activities of extremist groups that have threatened to create unrest around the Indian mission in Dhaka.

India firmly rejected the misleading narratives propagated by these extremist factions concerning recent events in Bangladesh.

The MEA also expressed disappointment that the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus has not conducted a thorough investigation or provided substantial evidence related to these incidents.

India urged the Yunus-led interim government to uphold its diplomatic responsibilities by ensuring the safety of Indian missions in Bangladesh.

In a related incident in Chittagong, protests over Hadi's death escalated, leading demonstrators to set fire to a residence owned by former Awami League Education Minister Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury Naufel.

This incident took place Thursday night in the Chashmahill area, where protesters also ignited a motorcycle belonging to former Chittagong mayor Mohiuddin Chowdhury.

Md Solaiman, Officer-in-Charge of Panchlaish Police Station, confirmed that around 200 protesters gathered in the Soloshahar and No 2 Gate areas to voice their grievances over Hadi's death.

"They later proceeded to Mayor Goli and set a motorcycle ablaze at the residence of former education minister Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury Naufel. Police were present and attempted to restore order," a police official stated.

Bangladesh has been experiencing a troubling increase in violence and a deteriorating law and order situation under the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus.