Dhaka: Riots erupted in Bangladesh after a student leader died. Bangladeshi police and military deployed forces to control unrest across Dhaka and other major cities on Friday following violent protests overnight over the death of a popular youth leader, amid concerns that unrest could escalate ahead of the general election in which he plans to run. The atmosphere this morning remains calm, but people in Bangladesh are expressing concern that a new wave of violence may erupt after the Friday prayers this afternoon.
According to Thai News Agency, Sharif Osman Hadi, 32, a spokesman for Inquilab Mancha, or "Platform for Revolution," was a key figure in the student protests that led to the overthrow of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's government last year. He was shot in the head by a masked assailant last Friday while beginning his campaign for the upcoming February 12th elections. Mr. Hadi received initial treatment at a local hospital before being transferred to Singapore for further treatment with more advanced medical equipment. He passed away after being on a ventilator for six days.
In Dhaka, videos circulating on social media showed mobs vandalizing the offices of Prothom Alo, the country's largest daily newspaper, as well as the Daily Star, on Thursday night. The protesters vowed to continue their demonstration and demand swift justice. Firefighters reported that the fire at the Daily Star building had been brought under control, while military forces arrived at the scene and firefighters quickly rescued journalists trapped inside the building, all of whom were safely evacuated.
Bangladesh is currently under the care of a caretaker government led by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus, since August 2024, after Hasina Hadi fled to India following the student uprising. In a televised address after Hadi's death, Yunus urged calm and stated that the government was committed to ensuring a transparent investigation and bringing all perpetrators to justice. He also called for restraint and warned that violence would only undermine the country's path to credible elections.
The caretaker government has declared Saturday a national day of mourning in honor of Mr. Hadi. Flags will be flown at half-mast and special prayer services will be held across the country.