Protests have surged in Bangladesh after the death of political activist Sharif Osman Hadi, who succumbed to injuries sustained in a shooting. Demonstrators attacked the headquarters of two major newspapers in Dhaka, setting fires that trapped journalists inside, highlighting the simmering unrest ahead of upcoming national elections.
This wave of protests raises significant concerns about political stability in Bangladesh, as many are worried about the potential for escalating violence in the run-up to the elections scheduled for February. Hadi, a prominent figure in last year’s political uprising, was slated to run independently, making his death even more contentious.
Key Developments
- Protesters targeted the Prothom Alo and Daily Star newspapers, claiming ties to the interim government and India.
- Journalists were trapped in the violence; troops deployed to rescue them as fires were extinguished.
- The protests were sparked by the death of Sharif Osman Hadi, who was shot last week and died in a Singapore hospital.
- Hadi was a vocal critic of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and had planned to run in the upcoming elections.
- Authorities have identified suspects in Hadi’s shooting, with reports suggesting the assailant may have fled to India.
Full Report
Protests Escalate in Dhaka
Following the announcement of Hadi’s death late Thursday, protests erupted across Dhaka, with hundreds gathering at Shahbagh Square near the Dhaka University campus. Demonstrators expressed anger towards the government, alleging complicity in Hadi’s death and calling for justice.
Protesters initially gathered outside the Prothom Alo offices, where they vandalized and then ignited fires, prompting panic among the staff. Less than a mile away, a similar fate befell the Daily Star’s headquarters, where journalists found themselves trapped amid the flames. Zyma Islam, a journalist at the Daily Star, posted on social media, “I can’t breathe anymore. There’s too much smoke,” highlighting the urgency of the situation. Rescue efforts from firefighters eventually brought the fires under control.
Government Response and Public Sentiment
In response to the violence, the interim government deployed police and paramilitary forces across the capital and other cities, urging the public to refrain from violent acts. Although calm returned to much of the country by Friday morning, protests persisted in Shahbagh, with participants carrying national flags and chants demanding accountability.
Background on Sharif Osman Hadi
Hadi was a leading figure in last year’s uprising that led to the ousting of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who subsequently fled to India. He was in Singapore receiving medical treatment for six days before his demise. His fatal shooting by an assailant on a motorcycle has raised alarms about political violence as fresh elections approach.
Context & Previous Events
The recent protests come a year after the July Revolution, a major uprising that led to significant political changes and resulted in numerous casualties. Hadi was preparing to run in the upcoming elections, adding an element of urgency to the protests following his death. The interim government, now led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, has faced criticisms regarding its proximity to India and its handling of dissent.
