Bangladesh Boils Over: Student Leader Sharif Osman Hadi's Death Ignites Nationwide Fury
In the wake of the tragic death of prominent student leader Sharif Osman Hadi, Bangladesh has plunged into chaos with violent protests erupting across Dhaka and other cities. Hadi, a key figure in the 2024 pro-democracy uprising, succumbed to gunshot wounds in a Singapore hospital on December 18, 2025, after being airlifted for treatment following an assassination attempt on December 12.
Hadi, 32, was shot by masked assailants as he left a mosque in Dhaka. Despite medical efforts, he passed away, prompting thousands of protesters to take to the streets demanding justice for his killers. Violence escalated rapidly, with reports of arson attacks on media outlets including the Daily Star building and Prothom Alo newspaper offices. At least three major fires were confirmed by Dhaka's Fire Brigade and Civil Defense.
Interim government chief Muhammad Yunus, the Nobel laureate overseeing Bangladesh post-Sheikh Hasina's ouster, addressed the nation in a televised speech. He described Hadi's death as an "irreparable loss" and affirmed that the nation's democratic progress would not be derailed by terror. Yunus announced special Friday mosque prayers and a half-day mourning on Saturday. Singapore's foreign affairs ministry confirmed Hadi's death and is aiding in repatriating his body.
Police have intensified a manhunt, releasing photos of two prime suspects and offering a 5 million taka reward (approximately $42,000) for tips leading to their arrest. Hadi, a senior leader of the student group Inqilab Mancha, was known as an outspoken critic of India, where former Prime Minister Hasina lives in exile. His role in the 2024 student-led uprising that toppled Hasina's regime made him a symbol of resistance.
Heavy security deployments are in place amid ongoing tensions, with diplomatic premises also targeted in some areas. Protests, initially peaceful, turned violent, raising fears of broader instability in the South Asian nation still recovering from last year's upheaval.