Violent protests broke out in Dhaka and other cities in Bangladesh following the death of prominent activist Sharif Osman Hadi in Singapore. Protesters attacked offices of major newspapers, setting them ablaze, and pelted stones at the Indian High Commission. Interim government chief Muhammad Yunus declared mourning and appealed for peace.
Sharif Osman Hadi, a key leader in Bangladesh's July 2024 uprising against Sheikh Hasina's Awami League, was shot in the head by unknown assailants on December 12, 2025, in Dhaka's Bijoynagar area. He was initially treated at Dhaka Medical College Hospital but airlifted to Singapore on December 15 due to worsening condition. He died on December 18 at Singapore General Hospital. As convener and spokesperson of Inquilab Mancha, Hadi was known for anti-India rhetoric and recently shared a controversial 'Greater Bangladesh' map including parts of India's northeast.
News of Hadi's death spread on December 18 night, drawing thousands to Dhaka's Shahbagh intersection. Protesters vandalized and set fire to offices of Prothom Alo and The Daily Star newspapers, trapping staff inside. Awami League's office in Rajshahi was also torched. In Chittagong, stones were pelted at the Indian Assistant High Commission, with crowds chanting 'Destroy Indian aggression!' Visa services at Indian missions in four cities—Dhaka, Rajshahi, Khulna, and Chittagong—were suspended amid heightened security.
Interim government chief Muhammad Yunus addressed the nation, calling Hadi a 'fearless frontline warrior of the July uprising.' He declared a national day of mourning on December 20, with flags at half-mast in all government buildings. Yunus stated, 'Hadi was an enemy to the defeated fascist forces. We will defeat them again.' He vowed to punish the killers and take responsibility for Hadi's wife and only child. Police arrested over 20 suspects, including main accused Faisal Karim Masud. Reports suggest some assailants may have fled to India, prompting Bangladesh to seek cooperation from India's High Commission.
Amid the violence, Yunus urged calm and restraint, warning against taking law into one's hands. The unrest, ahead of February 2026 elections, heightens political tensions, with groups like Inquilab Mancha targeting India.
