Violence has broken out in Bangladesh following the death of Shareef Osman Hadi, a key figure in the youth movement that toppled former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina last year.
Hadi, 32, was shot by masked attackers outside a mosque in Dhaka last week and died on Thursday while receiving treatment in Singapore. The attack came a day after authorities announced the first national elections since the 2024 uprising, in which Hadi had planned to run as an independent candidate.
News of his death triggered street protests in Dhaka, where supporters gathered in the capital and later vandalized the offices of major newspapers, including The Daily Star and Prothom Alo. One building was set on fire before troops and firefighters intervened.
Hadi was a senior leader of "Inqilab Mancha" and a vocal critic of India, where Hasina remains in exile.
Caretaker government chief and Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus called Hadi’s death “an irreparable loss” and warned that attempts to derail the election through violence would not be tolerated. A national day of mourning has been declared for Saturday.
Police say several suspects have been detained as investigations continue.
Hasina fled in August after weeks of student-led protests ended her 15-year rule. She was later sentenced to death for crimes against humanity linked to the killing of more than 1,400 protesters.
Hadi, 32, was shot by masked attackers outside a mosque in Dhaka last week and died on Thursday while receiving treatment in Singapore. The attack came a day after authorities announced the first national elections since the 2024 uprising, in which Hadi had planned to run as an independent candidate.
Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un.
— Mohsin Ali (@Mohsin_o2) December 18, 2025
Pakistan mourns with Bangladesh over the loss of Osman Hadi.
We are confident that the people of Bangladesh will persevere in their struggle for self-determination in the face of external challenges. pic.twitter.com/T3VELy9Vln
News of his death triggered street protests in Dhaka, where supporters gathered in the capital and later vandalized the offices of major newspapers, including The Daily Star and Prothom Alo. One building was set on fire before troops and firefighters intervened.
Violent protests have erupted in Bangladesh against the killing of a student movement leader, Usman Hadi. Protesters blame India for the killing and have attacked 2 major newspaper offices in Dhaka and an Indian diplomatic establishment in Chittagong. pic.twitter.com/R6ykcm7yLS
— Ashok Swain (@ashoswai) December 18, 2025
Hadi was a senior leader of "Inqilab Mancha" and a vocal critic of India, where Hasina remains in exile.
Caretaker government chief and Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus called Hadi’s death “an irreparable loss” and warned that attempts to derail the election through violence would not be tolerated. A national day of mourning has been declared for Saturday.
Police say several suspects have been detained as investigations continue.
Hasina fled in August after weeks of student-led protests ended her 15-year rule. She was later sentenced to death for crimes against humanity linked to the killing of more than 1,400 protesters.
