Outrage In Bangladesh Over Attacks On Women Not Wearing Hijab After Hadi’s Killing, Fact Check

Social media has been flooded with disturbing videos claiming assaults on women for not adhering to conservative dress codes. According to widely shared posts, women were allegedly attacked for wearing western clothes or for not covering their heads with hijab or burqa. These incidents, though unverified officially, have ignited intense debate and fear. The claims suggest a breakdown of public order where personal freedom is being policed by mobs rather than law. For many, this signals a dangerous shift in street-level power.

What Triggered The Sudden Surge In Violence?

The alleged attacks surfaced in the aftermath of the killing of youth activist Osman Hadi. His death has become a flashpoint in an already volatile political climate. Videos circulating online link the assaults directly to rising tensions following his killing. While authorities have not confirmed the incidents, the timing has intensified suspicion that unrest is spilling into everyday civilian life, especially affecting women.

Who Was Osman Hadi And Why Does His Death Matter?

Osman Hadi, also known as Sharif Osman Hadi, was a youth leader associated with the Inqilab Mancha platform and linked to the 2024 Student Uprising Movement. He was shot by masked attackers in Dhaka on December 12 and later died during treatment in Singapore. His killing shocked the nation and sparked widespread protests. The interim government described it as a premeditated attack and announced a manhunt with a cash reward for information.

Fact Check: Old Video Being Linked To Current Unrest

This video is old and has no connection to the violence currently taking place in Bangladesh. We have carried out a fact check and found no link between the footage and the present unrest.

 2 Muslim girls were attacked by Muslims in Bangladesh for not wearing Burqa & Hijabpic.twitter.com/4gYCh8dc2k

How Has Bangladesh Responded On The Streets?

Following Hadi’s death, protests erupted across Dhaka and other cities. Demonstrations quickly turned violent in several areas. Media offices and political establishments were targeted. Law enforcement agencies struggled to contain crowds amid rising anger. The alleged attacks on women added another layer of fear, suggesting that unrest is no longer confined to protests but is affecting ordinary citizens going about their daily lives.

What Do Authorities Say About The Attacks?

So far, Bangladeshi authorities have not issued any official confirmation regarding assaults linked to dress or religious identity. No police statement has directly addressed the viral claims. This silence has drawn criticism online, with activists demanding clarity and action. Calls are growing for restraint, accountability, and immediate protection of civilians as misinformation and fear spread rapidly through social media platforms.

Why Are These Allegations So Alarming?

The claims have reopened sensitive debates around women’s safety, religious freedom, and communal harmony in Bangladesh. Allegations that Christian and Muslim women alike were targeted have heightened fears of moral vigilantism. Even without official confirmation, the viral nature of the videos has damaged public confidence. In volatile times, perception itself can fuel unrest, making governance and policing even harder.

Is Law And Order Slipping Further?

Security forces, including police and paramilitary units, have been deployed in multiple areas to prevent escalation. Yet, the situation remains tense in parts of the country. With protests ongoing and trust in institutions under strain, the alleged attacks underscore a larger concern: whether the state can protect personal freedoms during political instability. For many observers, this moment is a critical test for Bangladesh’s commitment to rule of law and civilian safety.