What Is Happening in Bangladesh? Vandalism Continues, Sheikh Hasina’s Poster Set on Fire

Bangladesh: Bangladesh witnessed massive violent protests following the death of prominent youth leader of the July Uprising, Sharif Osman Hadi. Osman Hadi, died on Thursday reportedly after an assassination attempt. Notably, he was undergoing a treatment at a Singapore hospital for six days when he took his last breath.

What is happening in Bangladesh?

India's neighbouring country is facing unrest ahead of its February 2026 national elections. Hadi’s death was announced by Chief Adviser Yunus in a television address. Announcing the same, he promised quick action to catch the culprit. Soon after the announcement, a huge crowd of people gathered at the capital’s Shahbagh intersection near Dhaka University campus. Agitated with the death of Hadi, the crowd chanted “Who are you, who am I – Hadi, Hadi”.

Who was Osman Hadi?

Osman Hadi, who died on Thursday, was a spokesperson for the Bangladesh's socio-cultural platform, Inquilab Mancha, that was formed after the July 2024 uprising. Osman Hadi was also set to participate in the upcoming general elections. He was attacked by the masked assailants on December 19, when he was launching his election campaign in Dhaka. He died after he was shot in his head. As per the reports of ANI, Osman Hadi was attacked while he was campaigning at Bijoynagar.

How protest erupted in Bangladesh?

After the death of Osman Hadi, who was the key leader in the protests against Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh had erupted in unrest. Not just this, but two newspaper offices were set on fire in the capital Dhaka. The buildings of the Daily Star and Prothom Alo—the country’s two major newspapers—were set on fire.

What the journalist revealed about the attack?

Amid the protest, a journalist trapped on the rooftop of The Daily Star recalled the attack and described the deadly ordeal to BD News24. He said that a warning call alerted staff after the attacking Prothom Alo, was heading toward their building. Talking to the BD News24, the the journalist said, “We were lucky — we narrowly escaped a major disaster today. I don’t know where this country is headed.”