Dhaka witnessed a major security breach on Saturday as a mob, following the funeral of a prominent youth leader, broke through barricades and entered the Parliament building. This incident has escalated the already heightened tensions in the Bangladeshi capital.
Funeral and Security Breach
The day began with the funeral of youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi, which drew a massive crowd to Dhaka under extremely tight security. However, the somber event soon gave way to chaos. Authorities confirmed that later in the day, a group of protesters overwhelmed security personnel and managed to enter the Parliament premises, marking a severe breach.
Hadi, a well-known figure, was fatally shot in the head by masked gunmen on December 12 while he was attending an election campaign in Dhaka's Bijoynagar area. He was initially rushed abroad for advanced medical treatment but ultimately succumbed to his injuries in Singapore on Thursday.
Widespread Protests and Anti-India Sentiment
Hadi's killing has triggered a wave of large-scale demonstrations across Bangladesh. The unrest began late Thursday and continued into Friday, with thousands taking to the streets of Dhaka demanding justice.
The protests rapidly spread beyond the capital. Demonstrators attempted to march towards Indian diplomatic installations and vandalized properties linked to the former ruling Awami League. On Wednesday, several hundred protesters tried to gather near Indian diplomatic facilities in Dhaka, including the residence of India's deputy high commissioner. Police had to deploy tear gas to disperse the crowd.
Key groups involved in the rallies include supporters of the National Citizen Party (NCP), a major splinter faction of the group Students Against Discrimination (SAD), which led major protests last year. Protesters were heard chanting anti-India slogans, with leaders alleging that the attackers responsible for Hadi's death had escaped to India. They have called on Bangladesh's interim government to suspend operations at the Indian High Commission until the suspects are handed over.
Heightened Security and Ongoing Investigations
In response to the escalating situation, authorities have reinforced security around key government buildings and installations nationwide. Law enforcement agencies remain on high alert to prevent further outbreaks of violence.
Officials have stated that investigations into both the killing of Sharif Osman Hadi and the subsequent security breach at the Parliament are actively ongoing. The situation in Dhaka remains volatile as the city grapples with the fallout from the assassination and the resulting public anger.
