Bangladesh Media Attacks Spark Fresh Unrest After Student Leader’s Death

Violence broke out in Dhaka late Thursday as angry crowds launched major Bangladesh media attacks after the death of student leader Sharif Osman Hadi. Protesters stormed the offices of Prothom Alo and The Daily Star and set parts of the buildings on fire. Journalists were trapped inside as smoke spread through the halls.

The unrest began soon after Hadi’s death was confirmed in Singapore, where he was taken after being shot last week. His supporters blamed the media for biased reporting and gathered in large groups near the newspaper offices. Police and emergency teams worked through the night to secure the area.

Bangladesh Media Attacks Intensify After Hadi’s Death

According to AP and Reuters, groups of protesters arrived outside the two media offices around midnight. They used sticks, bricks, and fire to damage the buildings. Smoke filled several floors, and staff members sent messages asking for help.

Reporters from both newspapers later said they feared the buildings would collapse. Some staff hid in storage rooms until rescue workers arrived. One senior reporter wrote online that she struggled to breathe due to the thick smoke in The Daily Star office.

Emergency crews gained control of the fires several hours later. But when staff returned to check the damage, many found destroyed equipment and burnt archives. A well‑known photojournalist broke down on site as he realized his drives and years of work might be lost.

Reuters reported that the newspapers had recently faced pressure from Islamist groups. Protesters had accused them of links with foreign governments and criticized their coverage of the political crisis. The death of Hadi added fuel to that anger and pushed more people onto the streets.

How the Attacks Deepen Bangladesh’s Political Crisis

Hadi had become a key figure in the “July Uprising,” which removed the previous government earlier this year. His supporters said his shooting was political. They pointed fingers at foreign influence and accused media houses of hiding the truth.

Authorities said the suspect likely fled to India. Dhaka asked India for clarity and summoned the envoy. This added tension to an already uneasy situation near the border, as some protesters marched toward Indian missions and shouted slogans.

The attacks have raised new concerns about press freedom. Media groups fear more violence may follow. Rights organizations say the latest events could push journalists to work under threat, and that could weaken independent reporting at a crucial time for the country.

Bangladesh media attacks mark one of the most serious threats to press safety in years. The violence also shows how deep the political divide has grown. The coming days may test how the country handles both public anger and media security.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Why did the Bangladesh media attacks happen?

The attacks broke out after the death of student leader Sharif Osman Hadi. Protesters blamed the media for unfair coverage. They stormed two major newspaper offices in Dhaka.

Q2: Which media houses were targeted?

Prothom Alo and The Daily Star were hit by the attacks. Both buildings suffered damage from fire and vandalism.

Q3: Were journalists harmed?

Several journalists were trapped inside during the fires. All were rescued, but many lost equipment and archives.

Q4: What triggered the unrest?

The unrest followed Hadi’s death in Singapore after he was shot in Dhaka. His supporters accused the media of bias.

Q5: How did authorities respond?

Police and emergency teams secured the buildings and put out the fires. Officials said the shooting suspect may have fled to India.