Reuters
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Bangladesh was rocked by violent protests in a number of cities after the death of youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi late Thursday, with issues of additional unrest forward of nationwide elections.
Hadi, a spokesperson for the Inquilab Mancha platform and a candidate normally elections, was shot within the head by masked assailants final Friday whereas launching his election marketing campaign in Dhaka. He was initially handled at an area hospital earlier than being flown to Singapore for superior medical care, the place he died after spending six days on life help.
In Dhaka, movies circulating on social media confirmed mobs vandalizing the workplaces of the nation’s largest day by day newspaper, Prothom Alo, in addition to the Daily Star.
The demonstrations had been marked by emotionally charged slogans invoking Hadi’s identify, with protesters vowing to proceed their motion and demanding swift justice and accountability for the assault that claimed his life. Several areas remained tense late into the night time, with further police and paramilitary forces deployed to forestall additional violence.
Police didn’t instantly remark, whereas the fireplace service stated the blaze on the Daily Star was beneath management.
Bangladesh has been ruled by an interim administration led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus since August 2024, after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled to India following a student-led rebellion. The nation’s national election is scheduled for February 12.
In a televised tackle to the nation following Hadi’s death, Yunus stated: “His passing represents an irreplaceable loss to the nation’s political and democratic sphere.”
Urging residents to stay calm, Yunus stated the federal government was dedicated to making sure a clear investigation and bringing all these accountable to justice. He additionally appealed for restraint, warning that violence would solely undermine the nation’s path towards a reputable election.
The interim administration has declared Saturday a day of state mourning in honor of Hadi, with nationwide flags to be flown at half-staff and particular prayers deliberate throughout the nation.
Violence was additionally reported in a number of different cities throughout Bangladesh, together with the port metropolis of Chittagong.
The unrest follows recent anti-India protests earlier within the week, with ties between the neighbors deteriorating since Hasina fled to Delhi. On Wednesday, lots of of demonstrators beneath the banner “July Oikya” (July Unity) marched towards the Indian High Commission in Dhaka, chanting anti-India slogans, whereas additionally demanding the return of Hasina.