Dhaka tense after killing sparks unrest

Dhaka remained tense after a night of violent protests following the death of Sharif Osman Hadi, a 32-year-old youth leader and spokesperson for the Inquilab Mancha platform. Hadi, who had taken part in student-led demonstrations that toppled the previous government and was campaigning for elections, was shot in the head by masked assailants while campaigning in Dhaka last week. He was treated locally and later flown to Singapore for advanced care, where he died after six days on life support.

Angry crowds targeted media outlets, vandalizing and setting fire to parts of the offices of major newspapers, including Prothom Alo and the Daily Star. Social media footage showed mobs breaking windows and torching sections of buildings; firefighters eventually brought the blazes under control and no deaths were reported at the scenes. The attackers accused the outlets of biased coverage and of inflaming tensions around the protests. Newspaper editors said staff had been evacuated but reported significant damage to offices and equipment.

Protesters rallied with emotionally charged slogans invoking Hadi’s name, pledging to continue their movement and demanding swift justice. Demonstrations spread across several cities, with clashes between protesters and police reported in some areas. Authorities said they are investigating Hadi’s killing and reviewing surveillance footage to identify those responsible for the arson. Additional police and paramilitary forces were deployed around media outlets and other sensitive sites to prevent further unrest.

The targeted newspaper condemned the attack as an assault on press freedom and called on authorities to protect journalists and media workers. Media rights groups warned that rising anger and misinformation are increasing risks to journalists amid heightened political tensions. Analysts described the torching of a newspaper office as a dangerous escalation that blur protest and intimidation, noting Bangladesh’s long history of student-led movements but expressing concern over the recent spike in violence and heavy-handed responses.

The government reiterated its commitment to investigate the death and urged protesters to let legal processes proceed, while civil society groups appealed for restraint, accountability and dialogue to de-escalate tensions and safeguard freedom of expression.