Bangladesh faces escalating political turmoil following the tragic death of prominent youth activist Sharif Osman Hadi, whose passing has triggered widespread violence and raised concerns about national stability ahead of February’s critical elections.
Hadi, the 32-year-old spokesperson for the Inquilab Mancha student movement, succumbed to injuries in a Singapore hospital after being shot in the head during his campaign launch in Dhaka last week. His six-day intensive care battle ended tragically, sparking immediate outrage across the nation.
The capital city Dhaka and other major urban centers have witnessed violent demonstrations, with protesters attacking and setting fire to offices of major publications including Prothom Alo and The Daily Star. The interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus has declared Saturday a national day of mourning while appealing for calm and promising a transparent investigation into the shooting.
Complicating the situation, anti-India sentiments have emerged among demonstrators who believe the perpetrators fled to neighboring India. This development has triggered diplomatic tensions, with India summoning Bangladesh’s ambassador to discuss security concerns for its diplomatic mission in Dhaka.
The political landscape has been further destabilized by the exclusion of the Awami League—the party of ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina—from the February 12 elections. Security forces have heightened vigilance nationwide as protests continue, creating an atmosphere of uncertainty during this critical pre-election period.