Bangladesh deployed extra police and paramilitary forces in Dhaka on Saturday after youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi was shot dead, sparking nationwide unrest. Hadi, 32, died in Singapore following six days on life support. His killing has triggered violent attacks on newspapers and cultural institutions.
Hadi was a prominent figure in last year’s student uprising that toppled former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. He was shot in Dhaka while launching his election campaign. Coordinated mobs have attacked media offices and cultural centres, escalating tensions ahead of the February 12 parliamentary vote.
Read more: Bangladesh erupts in violence after youth leader’s death
The interim government of Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus declared a day of state mourning for Hadi and urged citizens to avoid mob violence. Analysts say the unrest highlights the government’s weak grip on security in Bangladesh, the world’s second-largest apparel exporter after China.
Human Rights Watch condemned Hadi’s killing and attacks on journalists, calling for urgent action to restore civic order. Amnesty International demanded independent investigations into the violence, warning that shrinking press freedom threatens the nation’s fragile democracy. Demonstrations continued in Dhaka and Chittagong, including attacks on the Indian Assistant High Commission.
The unrest raises concerns that anti-India sentiment and political instability could disrupt the upcoming elections. Observers say protecting civic space, ensuring accountability, and restoring law and order are critical for Bangladesh’s democratic transition.