Bangladesh: Violent Protests Continue in Dhaka After Death of Opposition Leader Usman Hadi; Army Deployed After Arson Attacks

Dhaka. The political and social unrest in Bangladesh has intensified. Sharif Usman Hadi, a prominent leader of the July movement and spokesperson for the Inqilab Manch, died while undergoing treatment in Singapore. Hadi, who was critically injured after being shot in the head, fought for his life for six days. His death has sparked widespread grief, anger, and protests across the country. Interim government head Muhammad Yunus declared a day of national mourning and promised to swiftly apprehend those responsible.

According to information from Dhaka, Sharif Usman Hadi was shot in the head last week by unknown assailants. Due to his critical condition, he was admitted to a hospital in Singapore, where he succumbed to his injuries on Thursday night. Hadi was considered a frontline leader of the July movement, and his role in the current political climate was significant. His death is being seen as an attack on the movement.

Violence, Vandalism, and Security Crisis
The situation worsened after Hadi’s death. At Dhaka University campus, the student organization Jatiya Chhatra Shakti held a mourning march and burned an effigy of Home Affairs Advisor Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, accusing him of failing to apprehend the attackers. Meanwhile, a mob attacked the offices of the Bengali newspaper Prothom Alo in the capital. Several floors were vandalized and set on fire. Some journalists and staff were trapped inside. It remains unclear why the newspaper was targeted, especially since it has maintained a relatively neutral stance towards the interim government.

In view of the escalating tensions, the government has implemented strict security measures nationwide and launched Operation Devil Hunt 2. Amidst the deteriorating law and order situation, the government has also announced plans to ease the process of issuing arms licenses to election candidates and prominent political figures. Hadi’s death has once again plunged Bangladesh into a period of turmoil. Now all eyes are on how quickly the government can apprehend the killers and whether the situation can be brought under control.

Media Offices Targeted in the Flames of Violence
The violence that erupted after Hadi’s death targeted media institutions. A mob attacked the office of The Daily Star in Dhaka’s Karwan Bazar after midnight, where 25 journalists were trapped for about four hours before being safely rescued in the morning. Earlier, the mob vandalized and set fire to the office of Prothom Alo. According to reports, the lower floors of The Daily Star building were filled with thick smoke due to the fire, forcing the journalists to take refuge on the roof. Firefighters had difficulty reaching the scene due to the crowd. The journalists were later evacuated amidst the deployment of the army.

Major Media Outlets Targeted
Major media institutions like The Daily Star were attacked. According to reports, after the news of Hadi’s death, protesters gathered in Karwan Bazar and vandalized and set fire to the offices of both newspapers. Videos circulating on social media showed attacks with sticks and arson on the streets. Hadi was shot during an election campaign on December 12 and died while undergoing treatment in Singapore. Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus declared a national day of mourning on Saturday and assured strict action against the culprits. This incident has raised serious questions about the electoral environment and press freedom in Bangladesh.

Yunus Declares National Mourning
Following Hadi’s death, the head of the interim government, Muhammad Yunus, said that Hadi was a fearless warrior of the July movement and his murder was extremely tragic. Yunus assured that the killers would not be spared at any cost. He declared a day of national mourning and said that the government would take responsibility for Hadi’s wife and only child. He also appealed to citizens to maintain peace and restraint.

Opposition and Movement Reactions
After Hadi’s death, a large number of students and ordinary people gathered at Shahbagh intersection in the capital Dhaka. The protesters chanted slogans and demanded justice for Hadi. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party and Jamaat-e-Islami also expressed their condolences over his death. The Inqilab Manch warned that the movement would continue until the attackers were arrested, and that the country would be shut down if necessary. The platform also stated that if the accused fled to India, they should be brought back through negotiations with the Indian government.

Who is Osman Hadi, Sheikh Hasina’s staunch opponent?
Hadi was a prominent leader of the student-led violent street protests last year, also known as the July Uprising, which brought down Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League government on August 5. Notably, Osman Hadi was also a candidate in the upcoming elections.