Bangladesh has slipped into one of its most unstable periods since the July Revolution of 2024. The shift followed the death of Sharif Osman Hadi, a young political leader who openly criticised both India and former prime minister Sheikh Hasina.
Hadi’s killing came at a sensitive moment. It happened just days after he launched his election campaign and only weeks before national elections are due. The incident sparked widespread violence, shut down parts of Dhaka, and sharply worsened diplomatic tensions with India.
Who Was Sharif Osman Hadi?
Sharif Osman Hadi was 32 years old. He became a well-known figure during the July–August 2024 uprising that ended Sheikh Hasina’s 15-year rule.
He served as a spokesperson and key organiser of Inquilab Mancha. The platform emerged during the mass protests and later claimed to represent the interests of the so-called “July warriors,” those who took part in the uprising.
Many described Hadi as a “frontline” leader. He frequently mobilised students and young activists. He promoted a strong anti-establishment message, with clear nationalist views and outspoken opposition to India.
From Protest Platform to Political Force
After Hasina was removed from office and fled to India, Inquilab Mancha steadily evolved. It moved from being a protest platform to a major political player.
The group led campaigns demanding the dismantling of the Awami League. It accused the party of authoritarian rule and human rights abuses.
In May this year, the interim government led by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus officially disbanded the Awami League. The party was barred from contesting the upcoming elections.
According to PTI, Inquilab Mancha then pushed for the arrest of what it called “all terrorists” linked to the former ruling party. It also urged the government to ensure protection for activists connected to the 2024 uprising.
Hadi’s Entry Into Electoral Politics
Hadi was preparing to shift from activism to electoral politics. He had announced plans to contest the February 12, 2026 parliamentary elections as an independent candidate from Dhaka’s Bijoynagar area.
Supporters said his campaign aimed to continue the uprising’s mission. This included removing what they described as “fascist remnants” and resisting foreign influence, especially from India.
How the Shooting Happened
On December 12, one day after the Election Commission announced the schedule for the 13th parliamentary elections, Hadi was shot in central Dhaka.
Police said the attack took place in the afternoon in Bijoynagar. A Dhaka police spokesperson told PTI, “Osman Hadi was shot at 2:25 pm in front of DR Tower on Box Culvert Road at Bijoynagar. We have initially learned that three assailants on a motorcycle shot him and fled the scene.”
Other reports said Hadi was travelling in a rickshaw when attackers followed him on a motorbike. One of them opened fire before escaping.
Medical Treatment and Death in Singapore
Hadi suffered a gunshot wound to the head. Doctors rushed him to Dhaka Medical College and Hospital and placed him on life support.
As his condition worsened, the interim government announced he would be flown to Singapore for advanced treatment. Despite intensive care, he remained on life support for nearly a week.
On the night of December 18, news confirmed that Hadi had died in a hospital in Singapore. His death triggered immediate and violent reactions across the country.
Yunus Government Responds
After confirming Hadi’s death, Muhammad Yunus addressed the nation. He called the killing a serious blow to Bangladesh’s political transition.
He announced a day of state mourning on Saturday. Flags would fly at half-mast across government offices, schools, private buildings, and Bangladeshi missions abroad. Special prayers would be held on December 19.
Yunus promised strict action, saying “No leniency will be shown” to those responsible. He urged people to remain calm and warned against “propaganda and rumours,” asking citizens to avoid “any rash decisions.”
He also described Hadi as an “enemy to the defeated forces and fascist terrorists,” referring to the now-disbanded Awami League.
“Their evil efforts to frighten the revolutionaries will be completely thwarted,” he said.
Warning of Election Sabotage
Earlier, Yunus linked the attack directly to the election process. He said, “The objective of the conspirators is to derail the election. This attack is symbolic — meant to demonstrate their strength and sabotage the entire electoral process.”
In a later televised address, he added, “His passing represents an irreplaceable loss to the nation’s political and democratic sphere.”
He stressed that continued violence would damage Bangladesh’s chances of holding a credible election.
Protests Turn Violent in Dhaka
News of Hadi’s death spread quickly on Thursday night. Thousands gathered on Dhaka’s streets, chanting slogans and demanding justice. The protests soon turned violent. Arson and vandalism were reported across several neighbourhoods.
Buildings housing Prothom Alo and the Daily Star, the country’s largest newspapers, were attacked. Fires were lit inside the offices, trapping journalists working late.
A Fire Brigade spokesperson confirmed at least three arson incidents, AFP reported. About 30 journalists were stuck inside the Daily Star building but were later rescued. Both papers suspended publication on December 19.
Journalists Trapped as Fires Rage
Videos showed protesters breaking windows and setting property on fire. Soldiers and border guards were deployed near the buildings but did not immediately disperse the crowds.
Security personnel tried to persuade protesters to leave peacefully while firefighters battled the flames.
One Daily Star journalist, Zyma Islam, wrote on Facebook from inside the building, “I can’t breathe anymore. There’s too much smoke.”
Security Tightened Nationwide
Authorities reinforced security across Dhaka and other sensitive areas. The army was deployed in parts of the capital to assist police.
Security was further tightened ahead of the return of Hadi’s body from Singapore.
Groups including Inquilab Mancha, the July Revolutionary Alliance, and the Private University Students Association of Bangladesh called for more protests, raising fears of fresh violence.
Political and Symbolic Targets Attacked
The violence extended beyond media houses. Protesters vandalised and set fire to the Dhanmondi-32 house of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Bangladesh’s founding president. The property had already been attacked twice last year.
In Dhaka, protesters also torched the premises of Chhayanaut, a major cultural organisation.In Rajshahi, demonstrators used a bulldozer to demolish an Awami League office. In other districts, highways were blocked, disrupting travel and trade.
Protesters attacked the Indian Assistant High Commission and set fire to the home of a former Awami League education minister in Chittagong.
Why Protests Turned Anti-India
Many protesters accused India of sheltering Hadi’s attackers. They demanded their immediate extradition.
Groups such as the National Citizen Party claimed the assailants had already fled to India. They urged the interim government to shut the Indian High Commission until the suspects were returned.
Sarjis Alm, an NCP leader, said, “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!”
Earlier, protesters under the banner “July Oikya” marched toward the Indian High Commission, demanding the return of Sheikh Hasina.
Diplomatic Tensions Rise
On December 14, Bangladesh summoned Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma. It expressed “serious concern” over what it called “incendiary statements” made by Hasina from India.
Bangladesh asked India to help prevent suspects from crossing the border. The Foreign Ministry said, “The Ministry further sought India’s cooperation in preventing the escape to India of the suspects involved in the recent attempted assassination of Bangladeshi political leader Sharif Osman Hadi and, in case they manage to enter Indian territory, to ensure their immediate apprehension and extradition to Bangladesh.”
India later summoned Bangladesh’s envoy to protest claims of Indian involvement.
What Lies Ahead for Bangladesh
Bangladesh has been under interim rule since August 2024, after Hasina fled to India following a student-led uprising.
Yunus took charge as chief adviser, promising reforms and fair elections. However, the government has faced growing criticism over delays, allegations of rising extremism, and human rights concerns raised by global watchdogs.
The Awami League’s ban from the February 2026 elections has further polarised politics. Last month, a Bangladeshi court sentenced Hasina to death for crimes against humanity linked to the 2024 uprising.
Against this tense backdrop, Hadi’s killing has become a powerful symbol of unresolved anger, political division, and uncertainty over Bangladesh’s future.