Security forces have been deployed across the country following violent demonstrations following the shooting of a political candidate.
Bangladeshi security forces have taken to the streets of the capital Dhaka and other major cities after violence erupted overnight over the death of a prominent youth leader of the 2024 uprising, raising fears of further unrest ahead of national elections in February.
Police and paramilitary forces stepped up patrols across Dhaka, targeting media outlets, political buildings and cultural institutions after protests turned violent late Thursday. The streets were largely calm Friday morning, but residents said tensions remained high, especially ahead of Friday prayers.
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The violence followed the death of Sharif Osman Hadi, 32, a spokesman for Inquilab Mancha (Platform for the Revolution), who was planning to contest the upcoming elections. Last Friday, masked assailants shot Hadi in the head as he began campaigning in Dhaka.
He was first treated at a local hospital and then flown to Singapore for advanced treatment, where he died after six days on life support.
Hadi was a leader in last year’s student-led uprising that forced Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina into exile. Although Inkilab Mancha describes itself as a “revolutionary cultural platform inspired by the spirit of rebellion,” Hadi was also known for his outspoken criticism of India.
On Thursday night, protesters vandalized the offices of Bangladesh’s largest daily newspaper Prothom Alo and the English-language version of the Daily Star. Firefighters later extinguished the fire at the Daily Star newspaper and rescued journalists who were trapped inside while the military secured the scene.
Demonstrators chanted slogans in Hadi’s name, vowed to continue demonstrating and demanded swift justice. Tensions remained in some areas as authorities deployed additional troops to prevent further violence.
Governments face increasing pressure
Bangladesh has been run by an interim government led by Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus since August 2024 after longtime leader Hasina was ousted amid mass protests and fled to India.
The government faces mounting pressure over slow reforms, with Hasina’s Awami League party barred from participating in the February 12 elections.
After Hadi’s death, Yunus said in a televised speech: “His death represents an irreplaceable loss for the country’s political and democratic sphere.” He called for calm, promised a transparent investigation and warned that violence could threaten the credibility of the vote.
The interim government declared Saturday a national day of mourning, ordered flags to be flown at half-staff and organized special prayers across the country.
Hasina’s violent legacy remains
Elsewhere, protesters set fire to the home of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Bangladesh’s first president and Hasina’s father. The mansion had already been attacked twice last year. In Rajshahi, demonstrators bulldozed Awami League offices and blocked highways in several districts.
As anti-India sentiment continues to rise since Hasina’s flight to New Delhi, violence spread to Chittagong, where protesters attacked the Indian High Commissioner.
Hasina was sentenced to death by hanging in November after being found guilty of crimes against humanity for ordering a deadly crackdown on last year’s student-led uprising that led to her eventual ouster.
Hasina fled Bangladesh by helicopter on August 5, 2024, after weeks of student-led protests against her “autocratic rule.”
Shaina Begum, the mother of Sajat Hosen Sojal, a 20-year-old student who was shot dead by police and whose body was burned hours before Hasina was forced to resign and flee the country in student-led riots, told Al Jazeera after the verdict. [Hasina] He will be brought back and hanged in this country. ”
Hundreds of families who lost loved ones in the protests are wondering whether the ousted prime minister will ever be brought to justice.
