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Following the death of youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi, protesters in Bangladesh staged demonstrations outside the Indian Assistant High Commission in Chattogram, raising anti-India slogans and demanding accountability over alleged cross-border involvement.
Demonstrators also criticise Sheikh Hasina.
Dhaka: Tensions ran high in Chattogram as protesters gathered outside the Indian Assistant High Commission. The demonstrators raised anti-India slogans, alleging that Hadi’s killers had crossed into India. Security personnel intervened to disperse the crowd, primarily stationed outside Gate Number 2. Alongside their anger toward India, some protesters voiced opposition against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who is currently in India after leaving Bangladesh.
Sharif Osman Hadi, aged 32, was the convener of Inquilab Mancha and a prominent youth leader. He was shot in the head last week while campaigning for the upcoming parliamentary elections scheduled for February 12. Initially treated at Bangladesh Medical College, he was later moved to Singapore for advanced medical care. Authorities in Singapore confirmed his death on Thursday, marking a tragic end to his activism.
Hadi had been an outspoken critic of Sheikh Hasina and her party, the Awami League. He had participated actively in the student movements that contributed to toppling Hasina’s government and was planning to contest the forthcoming elections despite restrictions imposed by the Yunus administration. His political engagement and vocal opposition made him a prominent figure in Bangladesh’s student and youth activism.
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Supporters of Hadi have alleged that the individuals responsible for his killing have fled to India. The demonstrators demanded that the Indian High Commission cooperate in handing over the accused, with some even calling for the closure of the mission unless action is taken. The accusations have further strained public sentiment toward India, fueling protests and a sense of urgency for accountability.
The Yunus administration has vowed strict action against the perpetrators. Law enforcement has arrested family members of the main suspect as part of the investigation. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Singapore is assisting the Bangladesh High Commission with repatriation arrangements for Hadi’s body, ensuring he can be returned home for final rites.
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Hadi’s death has intensified political unrest in Bangladesh, with opposition supporters and youth groups voicing their anger publicly. Protests outside the Indian mission highlight cross-border tensions, while the political climate ahead of the February elections remains charged. The incident underscores the fragile security environment and the rising demand for justice in the country.
