DHAKA, December 22, 2025 — Bangladesh is grappling with a severe political crisis and a surge in violence following the death of Sharif Osman Hadi, a key figure in the 2024 student-led uprising. The 32-year-old spokesperson for the radical student group Inqilab Mancha succumbed to gunshot wounds on December 18 while receiving treatment in Singapore, triggering nationwide protests and diplomatic friction with India.
The Assassination of Sharif Osman Hadi
Sharif Osman Hadi was shot in the head at close range on December 12 while traveling in an auto-rickshaw in Dhaka’s Purana Paltan area. At the time, he was actively campaigning as an independent candidate for the Dhaka-8 constituency in the upcoming general elections scheduled for February 2026.
Despite being airlifted to Singapore General Hospital for advanced neurosurgical care, he passed away six days later. Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus addressed the nation to confirm the news, declaring a state of mourning and describing Hadi as a “fearless frontline fighter.”
Who was Sharif Osman Hadi?
- Role: Spokesperson of Inqilab Mancha and a prominent face of the 2024 “July Uprising” that ousted Sheikh Hasina.
- Stance: A vocal critic of Indian influence in Bangladesh; he often called for a constitutional ban on the Awami League.
- Ambition: He was transitioning from activism to mainstream politics, running for a seat in parliament.
Escalating Violence and Attacks on Media
The news of Hadi’s death transformed grief into public outrage. In Dhaka, mobs targeted institutions they perceived as being “pro-India” or “pro-fascist.”
- Media Under Fire: Protesters set fire to the offices of Prothom Alo and The Daily Star, the country’s leading newspapers. More than 30 journalists were trapped on the roof of The Daily Star building before being rescued by the military and fire service.
- Diplomatic Tension: The residence of India’s Assistant High Commissioner in Chattogram was attacked with stones. In response, India has indefinitely suspended visa operations at its Chittagong center starting December 21.
Global and Local Reactions
The interim government is facing intense pressure to restore order as the country nears its first post-Hasina election.
“This tragic killing reflects the lawlessness that has multiplied under Yunus. Violence has become the norm while the interim government is powerless to stop it.” — Sheikh Hasina, former Prime Minister.
Meanwhile, RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat expressed concern over the safety of minorities, urging Hindus in Bangladesh to remain united following reports of the brutal lynching of a Hindu youth, Dipu Chandra Das, in Mymensingh during the chaos.
Current Situation
As of today, security has been significantly tightened across major cities. The interim administration has released photos of the primary suspect, Faisal Karim Masud, a former Chhatra League leader, and offered a reward of 5 million Taka for information leading to his arrest.
What’s Next? The coming weeks will be a litmus test for the Yunus-led government. The ability to arrest Hadi’s killers and prevent further communal or political violence will determine if the February elections can proceed in a stable environment.
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