Violence Erupts in Bangladesh Following Death of Radical Group Spokesperson

Unrest Outside Indian High Commission

Dhaka, Dec 19: On Friday, chaos unfolded outside the Indian Assistant High Commission in Chittagong, Bangladesh, resulting in injuries to at least four individuals, including two police officers, as reported by local news sources.

The violence was triggered by the death of Sharif Osman Hadi, a spokesperson for the radical organization Inqilab Mancha. Early Friday morning, demonstrators gathered at the Indian mission in the Khulshi area, throwing bricks and damaging the property.

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

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

The MEA pointed out the threats from extremist groups that had declared intentions to instigate a security crisis around Indian diplomatic missions.

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

The MEA also conveyed worries that the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus has not conducted a thorough investigation or provided credible evidence to India. New Delhi urged Dhaka to uphold the safety and security of Indian missions as per diplomatic norms.

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 Chittagong's Chashmahill area on Thursday night, also burning a motorcycle parked inside.

Police reported that around 200 protesters had gathered in various locations before converging on the area.

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

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

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

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