What Sparked the Unrest in Bangladesh Following the Death of a Protest Leader?

Tensions Rise in Bangladesh After Protest Leader's Death

Dhaka/ New Delhi: The interim government of Bangladesh has called on its citizens to reject violence instigated by 'a few fringe elements' following the arrival of the body of a prominent leader from the July Uprising, who passed away in Singapore after being shot.

On Thursday night, various regions experienced unrest, including an attack on the residence of the Assistant Indian High Commissioner in Chattogram, after Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus announced the death of Sharif Osman Hadi during a televised address.

Since Friday morning, however, reports indicate that no new violence has occurred.

Hadi, a key figure in last year's student-led protests known as the July Uprising and a candidate for the upcoming February 12 elections, succumbed to his injuries six days after being shot by unidentified assailants.

His body was flown back to Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) around 6 PM on a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight, amidst heavy security and public mourning, as reported by the state-run news agency Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS).

A significant presence of the Bangladesh Army, Armed Forces Battalion (AFB), and police was noted to ensure security during the transfer of Hadi's body from the airport.

The news of Hadi's death has led to widespread mourning among political circles, Inqilab Mancha activists, and the general populace, according to BSS.

In response to Hadi's passing, Yunus declared a one-day state mourning for Saturday.

Following Yunus' announcement on Thursday, protests erupted, leading to attacks on major newspaper offices, vandalism at 32 Dhanmandi, and the destruction of an office belonging to the disbanded Awami League party in Rajshahi.

32 Dhanmandi, a significant site in Bangladesh's pre-independence struggle, was largely demolished earlier this year and was set ablaze after the fall of the Awami League government in August 2024.

Protesters also targeted the residence of the Assistant Indian High Commissioner in Chattogram, throwing bricks and stones but causing no damage.

Police responded with tear gas and baton charges, dispersing the crowd and detaining 12 individuals, with some injuries reported.

Senior officials assured the assistant high commissioner of increased security measures.

In Dhaka, protesters attacked the office of the cultural group Chhayanaut, removing furniture and setting it ablaze.

Reports of sporadic violence emerged from other regions overnight.

After the flight from Singapore landed, local media and social media videos showed Hadi's supporters lining the route from the airport to Shahbagh to pay their respects before his coffin was taken to the Dhaka University Central Mosque for a public meeting.

In a Facebook announcement, Inqilab Mancha stated that a janaza (funeral prayer) would be held on Saturday after Zuhr prayers at Manik Mia Avenue in the capital.

Hadi was shot in the head last week while launching his election campaign in Dhaka's Bijoynagar area and died after six days of treatment in Singapore.

On Thursday night, the National Citizen Party (NCP), a major faction of Students Against Discrimination (SAD) that played a role in the July Uprising, participated in a mourning procession at Dhaka University.

Supporters chanted anti-India slogans, alleging that Hadi's attackers fled to India post-murder, demanding the interim government close the Indian high commission until the suspects are returned.

"The interim government will keep the Indian High Commission closed until India returns Hadi Bhai's assassins. Now or Never. We are in a war!" declared Sarjis Alm, a prominent NCP leader.

From Thursday night, a group believed to be protesters also attacked the offices of Bangla newspaper Prothom Alo and the nearby Daily Star in Karwan Bazar, vandalizing several floors while journalists were trapped inside, and igniting a fire in front of the building.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), led by critically ill former prime minister Khaleda Zia, condemned the vandalism, stating that the Yunus-led interim government must take responsibility.

In his address on Thursday, Yunus pledged to swiftly bring Hadi's murderers to justice, asserting that "no leniency will be shown" to the perpetrators.

"I earnestly urge all citizens to exercise patience and restraint," he stated.

"No one can halt the democratic progress of this nation through threats, terrorism, or bloodshed," he added, emphasizing that the responsibility of realizing Hadi's vision rests with everyone.