Bangladesh Descends Into Chaos After Student Leader Dies From Gunshot Wounds
DHAKA — Bangladesh plunged into turmoil on Friday after a prominent student activist Sharif Osman Hadi died from injuries sustained in a shooting earlier this week, sparking violent protests that spread across the country and targeted major media outlets.
Sharif Osman Hadi, a senior figure in the Inquilab Mancha student movement that played a key role in last year’s uprising, was pronounced dead in Singapore on Thursday. He had been shot while campaigning for the upcoming national elections in Dhaka.
The 26-year-old was airlifted to Singapore by the interim government earlier this week in hopes of saving his life. Those hopes ended yesterday.
Peaceful protestors lost patience
News of Hadi’s death spread fast, and the reaction was immediate. Angry crowds poured into streets across Bangladesh, and what began as protests quickly turned destructive in several cities.
In Chattogram, protesters threw stones at the Indian diplomatic mission. The reasons for targeting the building remain unclear, though tensions between the two countries have been simmering for months.
The worst violence hit Dhaka’s media district. Mobs surrounded and set fire to the offices of two leading newspapers, the Daily Prothom Alo and the Daily Star. Videos shared on social media showed flames engulfing parts of both buildings.
Staff trapped inside posted desperate messages online asking for help. One journalist wrote simply: “We need fire trucks. Please stop this.”
Fire crews arrived but struggled to reach the buildings through the crowds. By evening, both offices had suffered extensive damage.
Yunus appeals for calm
Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus addressed the nation Thursday night to confirm Hadi’s death and appeal for restraint.
“Today, I came before you with very heartbreaking news,” Yunus said, his voice heavy. “Sharif Osman Hadi, the fearless frontline fighter of the July Uprising and spokesperson of the Inqilab Mancha, is no more among us.”
Yunus declared a one-day period of state mourning. He promised authorities would catch whoever pulled the trigger.
“I sincerely call upon all citizens – keep your patience and restraint,” he said. The plea appeared to have little immediate effect on the streets.
Who was Sharif Osman Hadi
Hadi became a well-known figure during the 2024 student uprising, which ultimately pushed the previous government out of power. He became the public face of Inquilab Mancha, one of the most vocal groups demanding political reform.
His decision to run in the national elections had surprised some supporters. Critics said he was abandoning the movement’s principles. Allies defended him as trying to bring change from within the system.
He was shot on Monday evening while leaving a campaign event in central Dhaka. Witnesses said two men on a motorcycle opened fire before speeding away. Police have made no arrests.
The interim government, led by Nobel laureate Yunus, took power after last year’s protests toppled Sheikh Hasina’s administration. The government says elections will be free and fair, but it still hasn’t announced when they’ll take place.
The media is being targeted
The attacks on newspaper offices stunned many people. Both papers had been reporting closely on the shooting and updating the public about Hadi’s condition throughout the week.
Some online commentators accused the newspapers of being too close to the old government. Others pointed to recent critical coverage of protest groups as a possible motive. No one has claimed responsibility for the attacks.
The Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists condemned the violence and called it an assault on press freedom. International media watchdogs echoed the concern.
Staff at both papers said they would continue publishing despite the damage. “We won’t be silenced,” one editor posted online.
Country on edge
Friday’s violence is the worst Bangladesh has seen since the interim government took charge. The country remains deeply divided over its political future.
Elections were supposed to happen early this year but have been repeatedly delayed. The interim administration says it needs more time to reform institutions and ensure fairness. Opposition groups accuse it of stalling.
Student movements that helped drive last year’s uprising have fractured. Some leaders, like Hadi, chose electoral politics. Others insist real change can only come from continued street pressure.
Security forces have been put on high alert. Additional police and military personnel deployed to major cities overnight. Authorities haven’t announced a curfew but warned they would act if violence continues.
Schools and universities in Dhaka will remain closed through the weekend. Public transportation was running but many residents stayed home.
The situation remains unpredictable. Hadi’s funeral is planned for Saturday, which could draw massive crowds and test the government’s ability to maintain order.
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