Bangladesh's capital, Dhaka, has been plunged into turmoil following the death of a prominent activist, triggering widespread protests and attacks on media offices. The nation is observing a day of state mourning announced by the government led by Muhammad Yunus, marking the first major wave of unrest since the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Death of a Leader Sparks Nationwide Outrage
The catalyst for the current crisis is the death of Sharif Osman Hadi, a key figure in last year's July Uprising and the spokesperson for the Inqilab Manch. Hadi, who was shot in the head by unidentified attackers last week, succumbed to his injuries on Thursday night while undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital in Singapore. He had initially been operated on at Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) due to the severity of his wounds.
News of his passing spread rapidly, prompting immediate action from his supporters. Local media reported that activists from the July Moncho gathered at the symbolic Shahbagh intersection in Dhaka, demanding justice for Hadi, who was also the Convenor of the Inqilab Moncho.
Protests Escalate: Students Rally, Newspaper Office Attacked
The protests quickly gained momentum and spread across the capital. Early on Friday, December 19, 2025, a crowd gathered near the offices of the prominent Prothom Alo newspaper in Dhaka. The situation turned violent as angry protesters set fire to the premises, an act captured by international news agencies.
Student organizations joined the demonstrations, adding to the scale of the unrest. Groups including Jatiya Chhatra Shakti took to the streets, organizing a mourning procession at Dhaka University campus. They marched from Shahbagh to join the larger protest at the intersection.
During the heated demonstrations, members of Chhatra Shakti burned an effigy of Home Adviser and retired Lieutenant General Jahangir Alam Chowdhury. They demanded his immediate resignation, accusing him of failing to arrest those responsible for the fatal attack on Sharif Osman Hadi.
A Call to Assemble and a Nation in Mourning
Prior to Hadi's death, the Inqilab Mancha had issued a statement preparing its supporters. They urged people to assemble at Shahbagh, stating that if Hadi were to "respond to the call of his Creator and join the ranks of martyrs," the citizens of Bangladesh should unite to safeguard the nation's sovereignty.
In response to the escalating situation and to honor the deceased activist, the Muhammad Yunus-led government announced a one-day state mourning. This period of national reflection underscores the gravity of the event and its potential to destabilize the current political climate, which is still in a formative phase following the recent change in leadership.
The protests represent a significant challenge for the new administration, testing its ability to maintain law and order while addressing deep-seated political grievances. The coming days will be crucial in determining whether the situation de-escalates or leads to further confrontation on the streets of Dhaka and beyond.
