Why Were Media Houses Attacked as Bangladesh Mourned Sharif Osman Hadi?

Bangladesh descended into widespread unrest on Thursday night following the death of Sharif Osman Hadi, a prominent leader of the July Uprising and spokesperson of the political platform Inqilab Moncho, who succumbed to gunshot injuries while undergoing treatment in Singapore.

Hadi, an aspiring independent candidate for Dhaka-8, had been battling for his life for six days after being shot on December 12 in Dhaka’s Paltan area. He was attacked while travelling in a battery-powered auto-rickshaw. Initially taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital, his condition worsened, prompting his transfer to Evercare Hospital and later an emergency airlift to Singapore for advanced treatment. Despite medical intervention, he died on Thursday night.

In a Facebook post issued around 9:40 pm, Inqilab Moncho confirmed his death, describing Hadi as a “martyr” in what it termed a struggle against “Indian hegemony.”

Violent Protests and Attacks on Media Houses

News of Hadi’s death triggered immediate and intense protests across Dhaka and other parts of the country. Demonstrators torched offices of leading Bangladeshi newspapers, including The Daily Star and Prothom Alo, setting parts of their buildings on fire. Several journalists were reportedly trapped inside burning premises, causing widespread panic within the media community.

Authorities later confirmed that 23 journalists were rescued in the early hours of Friday. However, many reporters remain traumatised as media offices were specifically targeted during the unrest.

In parallel, protesters set fire to hundreds of houses belonging to Awami League supporters, further escalating the law-and-order crisis. Streets in Dhaka and other cities remained volatile as demonstrations continued through the night.

Anti-India Protests Intensify

The unrest took on a strong anti-India tone, with protesters chanting slogans such as “Delhi na Dhaka? Dhaka, Dhaka,” “Surround the Indian embassy,” and “Inqilab Zindabad.” Protesters alleged that Hadi had been targeted due to his outspoken stance against Indian influence in Bangladesh.

Concerns have grown for the safety of Indian nationals currently residing in Bangladesh for work and education. A significant number of Indian students, including many from Assam, are studying in Dhaka. The situation has led to heightened anxiety among foreign residents.

Shahbagh Sit-In and Calls for Government Accountability

Soon after confirmation of Hadi’s death, thousands of demonstrators gathered at Shahbagh, marching around the local police station late Thursday night. Protesters demanded the resignation of the Home Adviser and Law Adviser, accusing authorities of failing to ensure security and justice.

Earlier, Inqilab Moncho had warned that if Hadi died, a mass sit-in would be launched at Shahbagh and the country could be brought to a complete standstill unless the attackers were arrested and punished.

The platform also demanded that if any accused had fled to India, the Bangladeshi government must engage with Indian authorities to ensure their return “at any cost.”

Investigation and Arrests

Bangladeshi law enforcement agencies — including the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), police, and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) — have so far detained or arrested 20 individuals in connection with the attack and the subsequent escape of suspects.

A Dhaka court on Friday granted three days’ remand each to Sibion Diu and Sanjay Chisim, accused of assisting Faisal Karim Masud, the prime suspect in the shooting, in fleeing to India via the Haluaghat border in Mymensingh. Investigators had sought seven days’ remand, but the court approved three.

Police said Sibion Diu is the nephew of former Awami League lawmaker Jewel Areng. Investigators aim to uncover who planned the attack, financed it, facilitated the escape, and supplied the weapons.

Another suspect, Zakir, remains at large. He was reportedly seen with Masud and another associate, Alamgir, during Hadi’s election campaign days before the shooting.

Those arrested include:

• Faisal Karim Masud’s parents Humayun Kabir and Hasi Begum

• His wife Saheda Parvin Samia

• Samia’s brother Wahid Ahmed Shipu

• Masud’s girlfriend Maria Akter

• Associates Md Foysal, Nuruzzaman Nomani (Ujjal), Md Kabir

• Sibion Diu and Sanjay Chisim

Two individuals detained in Savar — Habibur Rahman and Milon — were later released on bond. An Uber driver, Md Hiron, and Md Razzak have been made witnesses. Another suspect, Abdul Hannan, arrested due to a wrongly registered motorcycle, has been cleared of charges.

BGB later arrested Benjamin Chidan, a relative of accused Philip Snal, along with his associate Sishal, for allegedly facilitating illegal border crossings. Several others, including Philip’s wife and relatives, were earlier detained and released.

State Mourning Announced

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus addressed the nation at around 11:10 pm, announcing a one-day state mourning on Saturday. He ordered the national flag to be flown at half-mast at all government, semi-government and autonomous institutions, educational establishments, and Bangladeshi missions abroad.

He also announced special prayers after Jumma in mosques nationwide, along with prayers at places of worship of other faiths, seeking salvation for Hadi’s soul.

Earlier, Singapore’s Foreign Minister Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, after visiting Hadi in hospital, had described his condition as “extremely critical” in a phone call to Prof Yunus.

Political Reactions

Political parties across the spectrum expressed condolences. The BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, Islami Andolon Bangladesh, and a faction of the Jatiya Party (GM Quader faction) mourned Hadi’s death.

Jamaat described him as a frontline leader of the July movement. Islami Andolon’s Ameer Mufti Syed Muhammad Rezaul Karim called for justice and vowed to continue resistance against what he termed Indian hegemony.

Former advisers Mahfuj Alam and Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain paid glowing tributes, calling Hadi’s sacrifice an enduring inspiration for mass movements across Bangladesh.

A Nation on Edge

As protests continue and investigations unfold, Bangladesh remains on edge. Roads in Dhaka and other cities are still witnessing demonstrations, while journalists, minorities, and foreign nationals face growing uncertainty amid escalating political violence and nationalist rhetoric.

Also Read: Who Are the 15 Bangladeshis Being Deported from Assam’s Nagaon District?