Violence Erupts in Bangladesh Following Death of Radical Group Spokesperson

Unrest Outside Indian High Commission in Chittagong

Dhaka, December 19: A violent incident occurred outside the Indian Assistant High Commission in Chittagong, Bangladesh, on Friday, resulting in injuries to at least four individuals, including two police officers, as reported by local news sources.

The chaos erupted following the death of Sharif Osman Hadi, the spokesperson for the radical organization Inqilab Mancha. Early Friday morning, demonstrators gathered in the Khulshi area, throwing bricks and damaging the Indian mission's property.

According to Chittagong Metropolitan Police (CMP) Commissioner Hasib Aziz, police efforts to control the situation led to a pursuit involving both protesters and law enforcement. The injured were taken to Chittagong Medical College Hospital, and several individuals were apprehended, with potential charges under the Anti-Terrorism Act, as reported by the Dhaka Tribune.

Earlier this week, India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) summoned the Bangladesh High Commissioner, Riaz Hamidullah, to express New Delhi's serious concerns regarding the escalating security issues in Bangladesh.

The MEA pointed out the threats from extremist factions that have declared intentions to instigate a security crisis around Indian diplomatic facilities.

India has dismissed what it termed a misleading narrative propagated by extremist groups concerning recent events in Bangladesh.

Furthermore, the MEA expressed alarm that the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus has not conducted a thorough investigation or provided credible evidence to India. New Delhi has urged Dhaka to uphold the safety and security of Indian missions in accordance with diplomatic standards.

In a related incident linked to the protests over Hadi's death, demonstrators set fire to the home of former Awami League Education Minister Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury Naufel in Chashmahill, Chittagong, on Thursday night, also burning a motorcycle parked inside the residence. Reports indicate that around 200 protesters gathered in various locations before converging on the area.

Additionally, several media outlets were reportedly targeted in arson attacks. Following the confirmation of Hadi's death, the Daily Star newspaper's building in Dhaka's Karwan Bazar was set ablaze early Friday morning.

Six firefighting units were dispatched, and military personnel were deployed to secure the area as journalists and staff were trapped inside the building.

Hadi had been transported to Singapore for advanced medical treatment earlier this week after being in critical condition at a Dhaka hospital.

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