Dhaka: Violence broke out across Bangladesh late Thursday and early Friday after news emerged that Sharif Osman Hadi, a prominent leader of last year’s pro-democracy uprising, had died in a Singapore hospital following a shooting in Dhaka. Protesters torched buildings, including offices of the country’s two leading newspapers, trapped journalists inside, and staged anti-India demonstrations, escalating political and diplomatic tensions.

Sharif Osman Hadi, 32, a spokesperson of the Inqilab Mancha platform and a key figure in the July Uprising, died after battling for his life for nearly a week in Singapore. He had been shot in the head last Friday while campaigning in central Dhaka’s Bijoynagar area, travelling in a rickshaw when assailants on a motorcycle opened fire and fled.

After initial surgeries in Dhaka, Hadi was flown to Singapore by air ambulance on Monday as doctors described his condition as “extremely critical”. Singaporean authorities confirmed his death on Thursday, stating:

“Despite the best efforts of the doctors..., Mr Hadi succumbed to his injuries.”

Protests sweep Dhaka and beyond

News of Hadi’s death triggered immediate protests in Dhaka, with hundreds gathering at Shahbagh Square near Dhaka University, chanting slogans including “Who are you, who am I – Hadi, Hadi” and “Allahu Akbar”. Demonstrations were also reported in other parts of the country.

In the capital’s Karwan Bazar area, protesters stormed the offices of Bengali daily Prothom Alo and English-language Daily Star. Several floors were vandalised, and fires were set, trapping journalists and staff inside. Firefighters later brought the blaze at the Daily Star building under control, though dozens remained inside for hours.

Daily Star reporter Zyma Islam wrote on Facebook:

“I can't breathe anymore. There's too much smoke. I am inside. You are killing me.”

Another reporter, Ahmed Deepto, said:

“We took refuge at the rear of the building and could hear them chanting slogans.”

Security personnel, including soldiers and paramilitary forces, were deployed but initially did not disperse the crowds, instead urging protesters to leave peacefully.

Wider unrest and attacks

Authorities reported multiple arson incidents in Dhaka, while protesters blocked a key highway, attacked a former minister’s residence in Chattogram, and vandalised Chhayanaut, a prominent cultural institution. Demonstrations were also reported outside the Indian Assistant High Commission in Chattogram, where protesters shouted anti-India and anti-Awami League slogans before being pushed back by police.

On Wednesday and Thursday, protesters in Dhaka and Rajshahi attempted to march towards Indian diplomatic premises, prompting police intervention and the temporary closure of visa services at the Indian High Commission.

Anti-India sentiment and diplomatic strain

Hadi was a fierce critic of India and former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, who has lived in self-imposed exile in India since being ousted in August 2024. Protest groups alleged that Hadi’s assailants fled to India after the shooting, intensifying anti-India sentiment.

India has rejected the allegations. The issue sparked a diplomatic exchange, with New Delhi summoning Bangladesh’s envoy and Dhaka seeking clarification from the Indian High Commission.

Yunus vows justice, urges calm

In a televised address late Thursday, interim leader and Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus confirmed Hadi’s death, calling it “an irreparable loss for the nation”.

“His demise is an irreparable loss for the nation,” Yunus said.

“No one can stop the democratic progress of this country through threat, terrorist activities or bloodshed.”

He promised swift action against the perpetrators, stating, “No leniency will be shown,” and urged citizens to remain patient and restrained. The government announced special prayers in mosques on Friday and a day of mourning on Saturday, with flags flying at half-mast.

Yunus also said the state would take responsibility for Hadi’s wife and only child.

Political backdrop and investigation

Police have launched a nationwide manhunt, released images of suspects, and announced a reward of Taka 50 lakh for information leading to their arrest. Family members of a prime suspect have been detained.

Hadi had announced plans to contest the upcoming parliamentary election as an independent candidate from a Dhaka constituency. His killing has further destabilised Bangladesh’s political climate, already strained by the ban on Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League and allegations of rising Islamist influence since her ouster.

Human rights groups, including Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, have recently expressed concern over violations in the country amid escalating political violence.