Dhaka, Bangladesh — Bangladesh has been jolted by a fresh wave of violent protests and political unrest following the death of prominent youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi, whose shooting and subsequent death have reignited simmering tensions in the South Asian nation. The unrest has brought cities to a standstill, seen major buildings set ablaze and raised fears about stability ahead of the February 2026 national elections.
Sharif Osman Hadi: From Uprising Voice to Catalyst for Unrest
Sharif Osman Hadi, 32, was a leading figure in Bangladesh’s 2024 pro-democracy uprising that ultimately toppled the long-serving government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. He was a spokesperson for Inqilab Moncho, a political platform that emerged from student movements demanding political reform and accountability.
On 12 December 2025, Hadi was shot by masked assailants in Dhaka while launching his electoral campaign for the upcoming parliamentary polls. Initially treated locally, he was later airlifted to Singapore for advanced medical care, where he succumbed to his injuries on 18 December 2025.
His death — interpreted by supporters as a politically motivated assassination — triggered immediate and widespread protests in Dhaka and other cities, illustrating the enduring fault lines in Bangladesh’s volatile political landscape.
From Mourning to Mayhem: Streets Ignite
News of Hadi’s passing sparked an explosive reaction. Within hours, large crowds took to the streets of Dhaka, chanting slogans and demanding justice for his killing. Demonstrations quickly escalated into violent confrontations with security forces, with reports of clashes, arson and extensive vandalism.
Protesters torched the offices of major newspapers including Prothom Alo and The Daily Star, accusing the media outlets of perceived bias and alleged links to foreign interests. Footage circulated of journalists trapped inside burning buildings before being rescued as flames engulfed sections of the press precinct.
In parts of Dhaka, the residence of Bangladesh’s first president, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, was attacked and set on fire — a stark symbol of how political grievances have spilled into acts of iconoclastic violence.
Beyond the Capital: Nationwide Unrest and Anti-India Sentiment
The unrest has not been confined to Dhaka. Demonstrations have spread to other urban centres and provincial towns, with protestors blocking key highways and staging rallies outside mosques following Friday prayers. Some protestors carried anti-India slogans, reflecting broader geopolitical frustrations tied to perceptions of New Delhi’s role in Bangladeshi politics, and challenging regional diplomatic dynamics.
Security forces have been deployed widely in an effort to contain unrest, with police and paramilitary units fanning out across major cities to prevent further escalation. Roads have been blockaded, public transportation disrupted, and many businesses closed as tensions deepen.
Government Response and National Mourning
Interim Prime Minister Muhammad Yunus, who has led the country since Hasina’s departure following the 2024 uprising, described Hadi’s death as an “irreparable loss” to Bangladesh’s political and democratic sphere. The government declared a national day of mourning, with flags lowered to half-mast and calls for restraint even as the country remained on edge.
Yunus also announced that authorities would intensify efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice, offering rewards and launching manhunts for the suspected gunmen involved in Hadi’s shooting amid sharp criticism of security lapses.
Political Stakes Ahead of 2026 Elections
Sharif Osman Hadi was poised to contest the February 2026 parliamentary elections, which are shaping up to be among the most contentious in Bangladesh’s recent history. The interim government has faced ongoing criticism from various political factions — including the banned Awami League, whose leader Hasina remains in self-imposed exile in India — and pressures from opposition parties prepared to contest the polls.
The unrest highlights deep political divisions and raises questions about Bangladesh’s electoral process, the capacity of the state to ensure security, and the role of youth and activist movements in shaping the country’s future.
Attacks on Media and Free Expression
The targeting of media institutions during the protests has drawn international concern. The burning and vandalism of major newspaper offices — traditionally seen as pillars of independent reporting — signal deep mistrust between segments of the population and established media organs, which protestors accused of political bias.
Journalists and press freedom advocates warned that such violence jeopardises freedom of expression and could have long-term effects on Bangladesh’s information environment, already under strain from political polarisation and criticism of state actors.
Social and Humanitarian Impact
Beyond political ramifications, the violence has inflicted social and humanitarian costs. Businesses and institutions damaged or destroyed in the unrest will require resources and time to rebuild, while residents in affected districts face uncertainty and fear as protests continue. Security operations have heightened tensions, and clashes have left scores injured, with concerns about escalating casualties if confrontations persist.
A Nation on Edge
As Bangladesh grapples with the fallout from Sharif Osman Hadi’s death, the situation remains fluid. Observers warn that without meaningful dialogue and a credible investigation into political violence, the cycle of unrest could endure, with implications for regional stability and the democratic trajectory of one of South Asia’s most populous nations.
