Bangladesh’s interim government, led by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, condemned the alleged lynching of a Hindu man in Mymensingh. The incident occurred as unrest spread across the country after the death of youth leader Osman Hadi.

The administration said, “We express deep condemnation over the incident in Mymensingh in which a Hindu man was beaten to death. There is no place for such violence in the new Bangladesh. No one involved in this brutal crime will be spared.”

Meanwhile, press secretary Shafiqul Alam posted the statement in Bangla on Facebook. He said the government “strongly and unequivocally condemned the violence, intimidation, arson, and destruction of life and property.”

Interim Setup Calls for Restraint

At the same time, the government described Osman Hadi as a martyr. It urged people to reject violence, provocation, and hatred. It warned that unrest could derail peace and democratic transition.

In addition, the administration expressed solidarity with journalists from The Daily Star, Prothom Alo, and New Age. Mobs vandalised and torched their offices. Journalists narrowly escaped harm.

“We stand by you. We are deeply sorry for the terror and violence you have been subjected to. Even in the face of terror, the nation has witnessed your courage and resilience. An attack on journalists is an attack on the truth. We assure you of full justice,” the government said.

Yunus Vows Swift Justice

Later, Muhammad Yunus addressed the nation on television. He confirmed Osman Hadi’s death and promised immediate action.

"Today, I came before you with very heartbreaking news. Sharif Osman Hadi, the fearless frontline fighter of the July Uprising and spokesperson of the Inqilab Mancha, is no more among us," Yunus was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.

Furthermore, he warned the perpetrators. “No leniency will be shown" to the killers, he said.

He also appealed for calm. “I sincerely call upon all citizens – keep your patience and restraint,” he said.

At the same time, Yunus urged cooperation with investigators. "Let law enforcement agencies and other relevant organisations have the opportunity to carry out investigations with professionalism," he said. He added that the state remains fully committed to the rule of law.

Protests Intensify Nationwide

Soon after Hadi’s death, violent protests erupted across Bangladesh. Hadi died at a Singapore hospital, where doctors were treating him for gunshot injuries suffered in Dhaka last week.

As a result, protesters flooded the streets. They raised emotionally charged slogans and demanded swift justice. Several areas remained tense. Therefore, authorities deployed additional police and paramilitary forces.

Media Houses Come Under Attack

Meanwhile, angry mobs attacked the offices of Prothom Alo and The Daily Star. They set parts of the buildings on fire while staff members were still inside.

However, firefighters contained the blaze at The Daily Star building at 1:40 am (1940 GMT on Thursday), AFP reported.

Both newspapers are among Bangladesh’s largest. However, protesters accused them of siding with India, where former prime minister Sheikh Hasina currently lives in self-imposed exile.