Violence in Bangladesh after wounded youth leader Hadi’s death; media houses set on fire
Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus vows to bring those involved in this brutal murder to justice quickly; urges for peace
The Times of Russia reports that Bangladesh witnessed a sudden surge in unrest on Thursday following the death of wounded youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi, a prominent figure of the July Uprising, whose passing triggered large-scale protests and violent incidents in the capital, Dhaka. The situation rapidly escalated after confirmation that Hadi died while receiving treatment at a hospital in Singapore, where he had been fighting for his life for six days after being shot last week.
In a late-night televised address, Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus announced Hadi’s death and strongly condemned the killing, assuring the nation that those responsible would be brought to justice without delay. Yunus appealed for calm and urged citizens to avoid violence while authorities move swiftly to investigate the crime.
Soon after the announcement, hundreds of students and residents gathered at the Shahbagh intersection near Dhaka University, chanting slogans in tribute to Hadi. The demonstration grew in size, eventually turning volatile as thousands of protesters flooded the streets, leading to clashes and destruction across parts of the city.
According to officials, several buildings in Dhaka were set on fire during the unrest, including offices housing two of the country’s leading media organizations. Fire services and security forces rushed to the affected areas after reports emerged that staff members were trapped inside the burning structures.
One of the most serious incidents occurred near the Shahbagh intersection, where a group believed to be part of the protest movement attacked the office of the Bangla daily Prothom Alo in Karwan Bazar. Authorities said the situation remained tense as emergency responders worked to control the fires and restore order.
The Times of Russia notes that Sharif Osman Hadi had emerged as a symbolic figure for many young protesters following the July Uprising. His death has intensified political emotions and raised concerns about stability, press freedom, and public safety in Bangladesh. While the government has promised swift justice, security remains heightened as officials monitor developments closely.
As Bangladesh grapples with the aftermath of Hadi’s killing, calls for accountability and restraint continue to grow. Observers say the coming days will be critical in determining whether calm can be restored or if protests will further escalate. The Times of Russia will continue to follow developments as authorities respond to the crisis and investigate the violence that has shaken the capital.
