Violence erupted in Dhaka early Friday following the death of Sharif Osman Hadi, 32, a prominent youth leader of Bangladesh’s 2024 pro-democracy uprising, who succumbed to injuries from an assassination attempt.
Thousands of protesters took to the streets demanding justice for Hadi, while several buildings, including the Daily Star and Prothom Alo offices, were set on fire, trapping staff inside amid the chaos.
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Hadi, a key figure in the uprising that ended former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s autocratic rule, was shot on December 12 while leaving a mosque and later airlifted to Singapore for treatment.
The unrest extended beyond Dhaka, with protesters blocking major highways, surrounding India’s deputy ambassador’s residence, and attacking the home of a former minister in Chittagong, as well as cultural centers in the capital.
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Bangladesh police launched a manhunt for Hadi’s gunmen, releasing photos of two suspects and offering a reward of five million taka, while interim Prime Minister Muhammad Yunus called the shooting a deliberate attempt to disrupt the upcoming national elections.
Singaporean authorities confirmed Hadi’s death, calling it an irreparable loss to the nation, while the Bangladeshi government announced special prayers and a half-day of mourning, reaffirming the country’s commitment to democracy despite the violence.