Fresh unrest broke out in Bangladesh overnight after the death of Sharif Osman Hadi. He was a key youth leader of the country’s 2024 pro-democracy movement. The country was already politically fragile before the incident.

Thousands of people gathered on the streets of Dhaka late Thursday and early Friday. They demanded justice for the slain activist. Soon, protests turned violent and spread to other parts of the country.

Hadi Succumbs to Gunshot Injuries in Singapore

Hadi died in a hospital in Singapore. He had suffered gunshot injuries during an assassination attempt last week. His death triggered anger across Bangladesh.

As demonstrations grew, protesters began raising "anti-India" slogans. Tensions increased rapidly, especially in the capital.

Protesters Target Indian Diplomatic Sites

Some protesters marched toward Indian diplomatic properties in Dhaka. Others attacked buildings linked to the former ruling Awami League. In the southwestern city of Rajshahi, protesters tried to move toward the office of a regional Indian diplomat.

However, Bangladeshi police intervened and stopped the march. Despite this, unrest continued in several areas.

Videos of the violence spread quickly on social media. Some clips showed protesters throwing stones near the Indian Assistant High Commission office. A day earlier, hundreds had gathered in Dhaka and tried to assemble outside Indian diplomatic premises.

Tear Gas Used as Protests Intensify

As crowds swelled in Dhaka, authorities used tear gas to control the situation. The protests drew support from members of the National Citizen Party, or NCP. The party is a major offshoot of Students Against Discrimination, which led last year’s mass protests.

Protesters accused India of sheltering those responsible for Hadi’s killing. They demanded action from the interim government.

‘We are in a war’

NCP leaders claimed that the attackers had escaped to India after killing Hadi. Protesters urged the interim government to shut down the Indian High Commission until the suspects were returned.

“The interim government, until India returns assassins of Hadi Bhai, the Indian High Commission to Bangladesh will remain closed. Now or Never. We are in a war!” PTI quoted Sarjis Alm, a key leader of NCP, saying.

Media Houses and Party Offices Set on Fire

During the overnight unrest, protesters set fire to several buildings in Dhaka. Among them were offices of the country’s two largest newspapers, Prothom Alo and The Daily Star.

Fire officials said at least three arson incidents were reported in the capital. Journalists and staff were trapped inside the buildings as firefighters worked to control the flames.

“Several hundred demonstrators reached the Prothom Alo office around 11 pm and later surrounded the building,” PTI quoted a witness. The witness added that protesters later set fire to the Daily Star office.

Violence Spreads Beyond the Capital

The violence soon reached other regions. In Rajshahi, protesters torched an Awami League office. They also vandalised properties linked to former prime minister Sheikh Hasina.

Hasina fled to India after her government collapsed following last year’s protests. Demonstrators also blocked a major highway connecting Dhaka and Mymensingh.

In the southeastern city of Chittagong, protesters attacked the residence of a former minister, PTI reported.

India Yet to Respond

As tensions remain high, India has not yet issued a response to the latest violence in Bangladesh. The situation continues to evolve, with security forces on alert across the country.