Dhaka, Bangladesh – (December 19 2025) — Bangladesh is sucked up in massive demonstrations and violent unrest following the passing of Sharif Osman Hadi, a prominent youth leader and spokesperson for the party Inquilab Mancha. Hadi was struck by a bullet during an attempted assassination in the month of December, triggering massive protests in the capital Dhaka as well as other regions. major damage to property, clashes between the security force, as well as intensifying tensions in the political arena during a turbulent period of transition prior to the February 2026 elections for the national parliament.
Sharif Osman Hadi, aged 32, was a key participant in the student-led revolution of 2024 which culminated in the demise of the former Premier Sheikh Hasina and changed the political landscape of the country. Known for his outspoken criticism of both the former government and foreign influence–particularly India–Hadi had gained widespread support among students and youth activists and was preparing to contest the upcoming elections as an independent candidate from the Dhaka-8 constituency.
Assassination Attempt and Medical Evacuation
The events that led to the current unrest started on the 12th of December 2025, after Hadi was shot in the head the central Dhaka’s Bijoynagar region. According to police statement and reports, masked attackers riding a motorcycle shot at him as the driver was in an auto-rickshaw powered by batteries, hitting him over his left ear and causing severe brain injuries. He was taken into Dhaka Medical College and Hospital and a surgical emergency was performed, and then transferred into Evercare Hospital. Due to the seriousness in his wounds, Hadi was airlifted to an specialized hospital in Singapore on the 15th of December for treatment that was more advanced.
Despite the arduous medical treatment, Hadi succumbed to his injuries on the 18th of December after several days of life support. This triggered an immediate tsunami of outrage and shock from his political allies. Inquilab Mancha proclaimed his death a martyrdom for the fight against what they call “Indian dominance,” reflecting his long-held anti-India policy.
Immediate Aftermath: Protests and Violence
Within hours of announcement of Hadi’s death, which was broadcast via traditional and social media, protests broke out all over Dhaka and rapidly grew in size and intensity. A large number of demonstrators as well as students from the top universities, gathered at important intersections like Shahbagh and Shahbagh, where they set up barriers and blocked roads, disrupting traffic and everyday life. Students from Dhaka University and other institutions took part in the demonstrations, displaying national flags and banners calling for accountability for Hadi and for the arrest of all those accountable for his death.
In central Dhaka huge crowds of people chanted emotional slogans, including anti-government and anti-India chants. Protesters accused the authorities of not protecting Hadi and demanded that they be held accountable for what they called an attack motivated by politics, intended to undermine the energy of the youth movement he had led. Certain groups have called for the abolition of Indian diplomatic missions in Bangladesh in the event that suspects, who are believed as having fled India and were subsequently returned to India and were prosecuted.
The demonstrations quickly escalated into violence in various districts. The Dhaka’s Karwan Bazar, a section of the city protesters smashed and vandalized the offices of several newspapers in Bengali which include Prothom Alo and The Daily Star. The flames consumed parts of the media offices as mobs burned documents and furniture, forcing staff and journalists to flee until they were evacuated through emergency authorities. Other reports also showed footage of mobs threatening journalists in particular, highlighting the tense atmosphere that has been brewing in the capital.
Spread of Unrest Beyond the Capital
The protests did not limit to Dhaka by itself. Demonstrators in other cities were violently targeted at political figures and political parties believed to be associated to the previous government. In Rajshahi protesters set fire to the office buildings of the Awami League, a party which has been linked with the Hasina leadership, but banned from taking part in the forthcoming election by interim government. In Chittagong there were videos posted on social media displaying the destruction of the home of an ex-minister. Blockades of the highway and fights with law enforcement agencies were reported across the country which indicates the extent of discontent among the people.
Student activism was a major aspect in the demonstrations. In Shahjalal University of Science and Technology students organized marches late into the night, chanting slogans against perceived external influences and demanded the justice of Hadi. In the same way, Jagannath University students staged protests in Old Dhaka, blocking major roads and showing solidarity with the larger movement.
Government Response and Security Measures
A new government in the interim, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus since Hasina’s removal from office, has condemned the murder and the subsequent turmoil. Yunus said that Hadi’s murder was “an unimaginable loss to the entire nation” and declared the nation’s day of mourning scheduled for December 20th, along with prayer services at mosques that are specifically scheduled for after Friday’s services. Law enforcement agencies and paramilitary units were positioned in critical urban areas to ward off further violence, secure sensitive infrastructure and keep the public safe.
Authorities have released photos of two suspects thought to be involved in the shooting on December 12 and offered a cash reward for five million taka to anyone with information that leads towards their capture. Investigators have reported that they have arrested a few suspects in connection with the investigation and a massive search for more suspects is ongoing.
Despite the use of violence, protests continued to rage until Saturday morning, as demonstrators continued to take over major intersections in the capital city, and occasional confrontations with police were have been reported. Witnesses noted that ambulances as well as essential services were permitted through areas that were blocked by protests.
Political Implications and Broader Tensions
Hadi’s death and subsequent turmoil come at a sensitive time for Bangladesh. The decision of the interim government to dissolve the Awami League in 2025 and block it from participating in the upcoming national elections has already led to a sense of uncertainty and tension. The elections, which are scheduled to take place in February 2026 have been regarded by many experts as a crucial juncture of the transition to democracy in the country after the significant turmoil of 2024.
The protests have revealed the deep divisions in Bangladeshi society, specifically between student and youth movements and established political parties and the state institutions. Anti-India sentiments, which have been a prominent feature among Hadi’s backers, has given a diplomatic aspect to the situation, altering public perceptions of foreign intervention in domestic issues. In the midst of the turmoil, India temporarily resumed operations at its visa processing centre in Dhaka in the wake of closures due to security concerns although some facilities are still closed because of the ongoing tensions.
Responses of Political Groups and Civil Society
Different political groups have issued statements as a response to the situation. Student groups, like the ‘Jatiya Chatra Shakti’ group, organized funeral procession and rallies, to pay tribute to Hadi’s contribution to the pro-democracy movements. Others criticized the interim government for its insufficient protection for political activists and demanded open inquiries into the shooting.
The international community in general has expressed concern about the increasing violence and its potential consequences for the stability of the region. Human rights activists have called on Bangladeshi authorities to respect the right to peacefully protest and ensure that the investigations into the murder of Hadi are fair and thorough. In the meantime, diplomatic channels have been in action as neighboring countries watch developments that could have a negative impact on bilateral relations as well as regional security.
Public Sentiment and Ongoing Protests
In the street of Dhaka the mood among the crowds remains tense. Demonstrators continue to gather at important locations, despite the security forces’ heavy presence. Witnesses report that crowds were shouting slogans until the early morning hours and a mixture of grief, anger, and calls for a systemic overhaul dominating the scene. Barricades constructed on major roads have turned into the focal point of protest, and certain commercial operations are suspended because of security issues.
Students have become prominent voices in the protests, focusing on unity across all ideologies and arguing to secure justice Hadi. Their speeches have repeatedly drawn attention to wider grievances about politics, governance issues and the perceived interference of external actors. The protests have attracted participants from a variety of social groups which includes civil rights advocates and grassroots political activists and everyday citizens affected by the dramatic political shifts that have occurred over the last year.
Impact on Media and Civil Liberties
Attacks on news outlets caused alarm among journalists as well as civil liberties groups, who are concerned that the targeted attack on press institutions could limit freedom of expression and hamper the circulation of information. The destruction of buildings housing major news outlets has raised doubts about the security of media employees and the importance of freedom of the press in a time of the political turmoil. Local journalists’ associations have asked authorities to ensure protection for journalists and have condemned the attacks on newsrooms.
Security Forces and Public Order
Security forces have been stationed at strategically placed locations in Dhaka as well as other cities to deter further escalation. The government insists that the deployment is designed to safeguard public safety and infrastructure, even though confrontations between security forces and protesters have been reported. The approach of the government is a reflection of the difficult balance that it has to strike when it comes to defending the law while still giving space to civic expression.
Prospects for Resolution
As Bangladesh is about to enter a week with a series of protests that continue and unrest, political analysts point out that the situation is still in flux. The response of the government in next few days, including the development on the inquiry into Hadi’s murder and its interaction with protest leaders, could determine the course of the country’s future. The ongoing protests in the streets is the power of emotion and political determination that can have an enormous impact on the country’s political scene during the weeks prior to the elections scheduled for.
