Violence has shattered Bangladesh. This unrest follows the death of Sharif Osman Hadi. He was a prominent protest leader. His death has ignited widespread anger. The news broke late on Thursday, December 18, 2025. Protests began immediately in Dhaka. They quickly spread to other cities. This marks a significant moment in the world of global news.
A Nation in Mourning and Rage
Hadi was a key figure. He was a leader in the 2024 pro-democracy uprising. That movement toppled Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. She fled to India. Hadi was also a spokesperson for the Inqilab Mancha. This is a revolutionary cultural platform. He was considered a leading youth voice. His death is seen as a major loss. Interim Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus confirmed the news. He called it an “irreparable loss for the nation.” Yunus promised a swift investigation. He urged citizens to remain calm. Bangladesh declared Saturday a day of mourning. National flags will fly at half-mast.
Assassination Sparks Fury
Hadi was shot on December 12, 2025. Masked assailants attacked him. This happened as he left a mosque in Dhaka. He was campaigning for a parliamentary seat. The elections are scheduled for February 12, 2026. Hadi was rushed to a local hospital. He was later flown to Singapore for treatment. Doctors fought for his life for six days. However, he died on December 18, 2025. His assassination attempt has deeply angered many.
Widespread Vandalism and Attacks
Following the announcement of Hadi’s death, chaos erupted. Thousands of protesters took to the streets. They demanded swift justice for the killers. Violence escalated rapidly in Dhaka. Mobs targeted media offices. The buildings housing Prothom Alo and The Daily Star were attacked. They were vandalized and set on fire. Journalists and staff were trapped inside. The fire service worked to control the blazes. Additionally, protesters attacked political sites. The Awami League’s office in Rajshahi was torched. The home of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the nation’s founding father, was vandalized again. This shows the depth of public anger. Such events shape the world’s news cycles.
Diplomatic Tensions Flare
The unrest also reached diplomatic missions. Protesters hurled stones at the Indian Assistant High Commission in Chattogram. This incident occurred late Thursday night. Police dispersed the crowd. They detained 12 protesters. Security at the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi was also heightened. Hadi was known for his anti-India rhetoric. This has added another layer to regional tensions. Bangladesh and India had already faced diplomatic friction. These events highlight the volatile political climate.
Background of Unrest
Hadi’s death occurs amid a fragile political transition. Bangladesh has been governed by an interim administration since August 2024. This followed a broad student-led uprising. The government is grappling with calls for reforms. Upcoming elections are a major focus. Hadi’s assassination attempt and subsequent death have intensified these tensions. His movement, Inqilab Mancha, describes itself as inspired by the spirit of uprising. Hadi was an outspoken critic of the former government. He also voiced strong criticisms of India. His role in last year’s uprising made him a polarizing figure. Today, the world watches this unfolding news.
Official Response and Future Concerns
Interim Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus condemned the violence. He expressed sorrow over Hadi’s passing. He pledged to find the culprits. Yunus warned that violence would harm the country’s democratic path. He appealed for restraint from all sides. However, concerns remain about further unrest. Police and paramilitary forces are on high alert. They patrol key areas. The nation faces an uncertain immediate future. The upcoming elections are a critical juncture. This news impacts the global landscape.