Bangladesh Protests Intensify After Death of Activist Sharif Osman Hadi

Large protests erupted in Dhaka on Friday after the death of activist Sharif Osman Hadi. He died late Thursday at a hospital in Singapore. He had been shot in the head last week in Dhaka. Crowds gathered near the Prothom Alo office and several streets in the capital.

The unrest began soon after local media confirmed his death. Supporters blamed the attack on unidentified shooters. Police scrambled to control crowds as anger grew across the city.

Bangladesh Protests Spread Across Dhaka After Hadi’s Death

Hadi was a key figure in last year’s July Revolution movement. He helped lead calls to remove former prime minister Sheikh Hasina. According to Reuters, he was taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital after the shooting. Doctors later sent him to Singapore due to severe head injuries.

After news of his death, hundreds marched toward the Shahbagh area. Many carried banners demanding justice. The Inqilab Mancha, Hadi’s group, urged citizens to gather and defend what they called the nation’s “sovereignty.” Their statement called him a martyr. It sparked more people to join the march.

Police blocked several routes as crowds moved toward major intersections. Witnesses saw protesters throwing objects and setting fires. One group targeted the Prothom Alo newspaper office. The crowd accused the paper of bias, and parts of the building were set on fire before police intervened.

Student groups also joined the demonstrations. Members of Jatiya Chhatra Shakti held a mourning march inside Dhaka University. They later joined the main rally at Shahbagh. During the protest, students burned an effigy of Home Adviser Jahangir Alam Chowdhury. They blamed him for failing to find those who shot Hadi.

Impact of the Unrest on Dhaka and National Politics

The protests mark one of the largest surges of unrest in recent months. Bangladesh has faced political tension since last year’s mass rallies. Many activists say the attack on Hadi shows a rise in targeted violence. The public anger now threatens to widen the political divide.

Shops closed early in several parts of Dhaka. Roads near key campuses were blocked. Police warned that more clashes may occur if crowds refuse to disperse. Security teams remained deployed through the night.

The unrest could also raise pressure on the interim government. Observers say the new wave of protests may influence upcoming political decisions. Many fear a prolonged crisis if investigators do not quickly identify the attackers.

The situation remains tense. Bangladesh protests may continue as supporters demand justice for Hadi and call for accountability.

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Q1: Why did the Bangladesh protests start?

The protests began after activist Sharif Osman Hadi died from a gunshot wound. His supporters demanded justice and gathered across Dhaka. The news triggered a fast rise in public anger.

Q2: Who was Sharif Osman Hadi?

Hadi was a leader in the July Revolution movement. He spoke against former prime minister Sheikh Hasina. He was also the spokesperson for the Inqilab Mancha.

Q3: Where did the main protest take place?

The largest gathering formed at Shahbagh in Dhaka. Student groups and activists marched from Dhaka University. Crowds also reached the Prothom Alo office.

Q4: What triggered the attack on the newspaper office?

Protesters accused the outlet of biased coverage. This led to anger near the building. Part of the office was set on fire before police acted.

Q5: What will happen next?

Authorities expect more gatherings in the coming days. Protesters want arrests. The government may increase security if tensions rise.