Bangladesh violence LIVE: Indian mission in Chattogram attacked; at least 25 journalists rescued in Dhaka

Unrest has gripped Bangladesh following the death of Sharif Osman Hadi, a senior leader of the student protest platform Inqilab Mancha, which emerged during the 2024 uprising.

Hadi was shot while campaigning for the upcoming national elections in Dhaka and was rushed to nearby hospitals, where he remained in critical condition. Earlier this week, the interim government announced plans to airlift him to Singapore for advanced medical treatment. However, Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed on Thursday that Hadi had succumbed to his injuries.

Yunus vows justice, urges restraint

Confirming Hadi’s death in a national address, Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus described him as “a fearless frontline fighter of the July Uprising and spokesperson of the Inqilab Mancha.”

Calling the news heartbreaking, Yunus announced a one-day state mourning and vowed to bring those responsible for the shooting to justice.
“I sincerely call upon all citizens to maintain patience and restraint,” he said, as anger spread across the country over the killing.

Newspaper offices vandalised, set on fire

Public outrage over Hadi’s death soon turned violent. Videos circulating on social media showed protesters vandalising and setting fire to the offices of Daily Prothom Alo and The Daily Star, two of Dhaka’s leading newspapers.

Journalists and staff members inside the buildings also took to social media to confirm the attacks and appealed for an end to the violence.

Bangladesh unrest | Key updates

• Offices of The Daily Star and Daily Prothom Alo were vandalised and set ablaze by angry protesters following Hadi’s death.

• Sharif Osman Hadi died on Thursday in Singapore, where he was undergoing treatment after an assassination attempt in Dhaka last week.

• Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has pledged justice for Hadi and declared a one-day state mourning.

• The fragile security situation has been exacerbated by public anger over former prime minister Sheikh Hasina’s exile in India, with protesters storming the Indian High Commission and visa centres while demanding her extradition after she was sentenced to death last month.