Violence Erupts in Bangladesh Following Political Assassination: What’s Next?

Following the assassination of Inqilab Mancha leader Sharif Osman Hadi, Bangladesh is witnessing a surge in violence and political unrest. The Editors Council has accused a faction within the interim government of enabling this chaos, raising serious concerns about the upcoming elections. As protests erupt and allegations of conspiracy surface, the nation grapples with the implications of Hadi's death. This article delves into the unfolding crisis, the reactions from political leaders, and the ongoing violence that threatens stability in Bangladesh.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 28, 2025, 11:00 IST

Political Turmoil in Bangladesh

Dhaka: The Editors Council of Bangladesh has raised concerns about a faction within the interim government allegedly facilitating a recent wave of violence following the assassination of Inqilab Mancha leader Sharif Osman Hadi.

Hadi was fatally shot in the head on December 12 during an election rally in Dhaka. He was subsequently airlifted to Singapore for urgent medical care but succumbed to his injuries on December 18.

On the same night, rioters set ablaze the offices of two prominent newspapers, Daily Star and Prothom Alo. Additionally, cultural organizations like Chayanat and Udichi Shilpi Goshthi, which have been active for over fifty years, were also destroyed. A Hindu factory worker was brutally killed in Mymensingh during the chaos.

Nurul Kabir, the Editors Council President, stated at a Broadcast Journalists Centre event that there were prior announcements to target Prothom Alo, Daily Star, and Chhyanat just days before the attacks. He emphasized that the public and the government are aware of who made these announcements.

Kabir, who also serves as the editor of New Age, pointed out that such declarations are considered a criminal act under national law. He criticized the government for failing to arrest those responsible, suggesting that a segment of the government permitted the violence to continue.

He claimed that the attacks were orchestrated by an organized group, and the political affiliations of those arrested have been clearly identified.

In response, Syeda Rizwana Hasan, the Information and Broadcast Adviser to the interim government, described the arsonists as 'common adversaries' who have also threatened her personally.

Hasan stressed the importance of collaboration between the media and the government to combat these shared threats, warning against viewing each other as rivals.

Kabir's remarks followed allegations from Hadi's brother, Omar Hadi, who accused elements within the interim government of orchestrating the assassination to disrupt the upcoming general elections scheduled for February 12.

Omar stated, 'You are responsible for Osman Hadi's death, and now you are attempting to sabotage the elections by exploiting this incident. Those in power during Osman Hadi's murder cannot escape accountability.'

Shortly after his statement, Muhammad Khuda Baksh Chowdhury, the Chief Adviser's special assistant on home affairs, resigned.

Omar demanded that the government promptly reveal the entire group involved in his brother's murder or face dire consequences, alluding to the fate of the previous Awami League government led by Sheikh Hasina.

Violence continues to plague the nation, with recent incidents including the vandalism of a Sufi saint's shrine in Thakurgaon and a powerful explosion at an Islamic seminary near the capital, which injured four individuals. Police reported the recovery of bomb-making materials at the explosion site.

Hadi, known for his strong opposition to India and the Awami League, was a key figure in last year’s student-led protests that led to the downfall of Hasina's government. He later established the Inqilab Mancha.