Bangladesh on Edge After Unrest Erupts Over Death of Uprising Leader
Protests, vandalism and anti-India sloganeering erupt across cities as interim government appeals for calm and orders heightened security
Dhaka/New Delhi, Dec 19: Bangladesh remained tense on Friday following the death of July Uprising leader Sharif Osman Hadi, with protests, vandalism and sporadic violence reported across several parts of the country, prompting appeals for restraint from the interim government.
While the capital witnessed relative calm during the morning hours, protesters were seen vandalising the remains of 32 Dhanmondi, the former residence of Bangladesh’s founding father Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, a site that has become a recurring flashpoint since last year’s political upheaval.
Unrest erupted late Thursday night after Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus confirmed Hadi’s death in a televised address. Demonstrations quickly escalated into attacks on public and political properties, including stone-pelting at the Assistant Indian High Commissioner’s residence in Chattogram and vandalism of newspaper offices in Dhaka.
Hadi, a prominent leader of the Inquilab Mancha and a candidate in the upcoming February 12 general elections, died at a Singapore hospital after battling for life for six days. He had been shot in the head by masked assailants while campaigning in Dhaka’s Bijoynagar area last week.
Following the confirmation of his death, protesters took to the streets in several cities, damaging offices of leading newspapers, setting fire to property, and demolishing an Awami League office in Rajshahi. The historic 32 Dhanmondi site, largely razed earlier this year, was again targeted with hammers and stones.
In Chattogram, a group of protesters hurled bricks and stones at the residence of the Assistant Indian High Commissioner around 1:30 am, though no damage was reported. Police used tear gas and baton charges to disperse the crowd, detaining at least 12 people. Authorities later assured Indian officials of enhanced security.
On the Dhaka University campus, the National Citizen Party (NCP), an offshoot of the Students Against Discrimination movement that led last year’s July Uprising, held a mourning procession. Protesters raised anti-India slogans, alleging that Hadi’s attackers fled to India, and demanded the closure of the Indian High Commission until they were extradited.
Violence was also reported at the offices of leading dailies Prothom Alo and The Daily Star near Dhaka’s Karwan Bazar, where mobs vandalised floors, trapped journalists inside, and set fire outside the premises. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) condemned the attacks, holding the interim government responsible for maintaining law and order.
In his address, Chief Adviser Yunus vowed swift justice, stating that those responsible for Hadi’s murder would face strict punishment. He announced a one-day state mourning on Saturday and called on citizens to remain calm and united.
“No one can derail Bangladesh’s democratic journey through violence or bloodshed,” Yunus said, adding that fulfilling Hadi’s vision was a collective national responsibility.
