Bangladesh Erupts in Protests Following Death of Political Leader Sharif Osman Hadi

Tensions have surged in Bangladesh following the death of Sharif Osman Hadi, a prominent leader associated with the July Uprising. His assassination has sparked widespread protests, leading to violence and vandalism across the nation. Demonstrators have targeted government buildings and foreign diplomatic missions, demanding justice and accountability. As the situation escalates, the government has vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice. This article delves into the unfolding events and the implications for Bangladesh's political landscape.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 19, 2025, 09:44 IST

Tensions Rise in Bangladesh After Hadi's Death

Tensions escalated across Bangladesh on Friday following the death of Sharif Osman Hadi, a key figure in the July Uprising, which sparked widespread protests and unrest throughout the nation.

While the morning hours remained calm, the previous night witnessed violent incidents and vandalism after Chief Adviser Yunus confirmed Hadi's passing.

The Inquilab Mancha, the political group Hadi was associated with, was the first to announce his death.

Hadi, who was a candidate for the upcoming general elections scheduled for February 12, succumbed to injuries sustained from a gunshot wound to the head, inflicted by masked assailants during his election campaign in Dhaka's Bijoynagar area.

In response to his death, demonstrators took to the streets, targeting newspaper offices and vandalizing the residence of Bangladesh's founding leader, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, located in Dhanmandi.

Protesters also attempted to attack the residence of the Assistant Indian High Commissioner in Chattogram around 1:30 AM, but no significant damage was reported.

Law enforcement used tear gas and batons to disperse the crowds, resulting in the detention of 12 individuals. Senior officials assured the assistant high commissioner of their safety.

The National Citizen Party (NCP), a significant faction of the Students Against Discrimination (SAD) that led last year's protests, participated in a mourning procession at Dhaka University.

Supporters of the NCP chanted anti-India slogans, alleging that Hadi's attackers had fled to India after the incident. They demanded the interim government close the Indian high commission until the suspects were returned.

Sarjis Alm, a prominent NCP leader, declared, “The Indian High Commission will remain closed until India returns the assassins of Hadi Bhai. We are in a war!”

In Dhaka, protesters also targeted the office of the cultural organization Chhaya Nat, setting furniture ablaze.

Reports of sporadic violence emerged from other regions as well.

A group of protesters reportedly attacked the offices of Bangla newspaper Prothom Alo and the nearby Daily Star in Karwan Bazar, vandalizing multiple floors while journalists were trapped inside. A fire was ignited in front of the building.

In his address, Yunus pledged to swiftly bring Hadi's murderers to justice, stating, “No leniency will be shown to the killers.”

He urged citizens to exercise patience and restraint during this tumultuous time.