Bangladesh faces a tense moment after the death of student leader Sharif Osman Hadi sparked violent protests. With media offices attacked and a lynching condemned, the interim government urges calm- can the unrest be contained during a critical political transition?
Interim government calls for calm after Hadi’s death triggers unrest
Dhaka: Bangladesh’s interim government has appealed for calm and restraint as violent protests erupted following the death of student leader Sharif Osman Hadi. The administration, led by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, blamed the unrest on a small group of disruptive elements and warned that violence could derail the country’s fragile democratic transition.
In an official statement, the government strongly condemned acts of violence, arson, intimidation, and destruction of property, calling the current period a defining moment in the nation’s history. It stressed that Bangladesh must not allow chaos to undermine upcoming elections and the proposed July Charter referendum.
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The interim government issued an apology to journalists from Prothom Alo, The Daily Star, and New Age after their offices were vandalised during protests. Security forces were deployed to protect media personnel, and emergency services assisted journalists trapped inside affected buildings.
Calling attacks on journalists an assault on truth and democracy, the government pledged full justice for those responsible. It reaffirmed its commitment to press freedom and the safety of media workers amid the unrest.
The government also strongly denounced the lynching of a Hindu man in Mymensingh district over alleged blasphemy. Officials said there was no place for such violence in what they described as a “new Bangladesh” and assured that those involved would face strict legal action.
The incident has raised concerns over communal tensions during an already volatile period, prompting calls for unity and rule of law.
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Sharif Osman Hadi emerged as a prominent youth leader during last year’s student-led movement that reshaped Bangladesh’s political landscape. His death has sparked widespread protests, particularly among supporters of Inqilab Mancha, the platform he helped lead.
Hadi was attacked in Dhaka while campaigning ahead of elections and later succumbed to his injuries while receiving treatment abroad. His death prompted a day of state mourning, with thousands gathering in Dhaka to demand accountability and justice.
Yunus described Hadi’s death as a severe blow to the nation’s democratic journey and urged citizens to reject violence. The government reiterated that peaceful expression of dissent is essential, but warned that mob actions and communal attacks would not be tolerated.
As Bangladesh navigates political uncertainty, authorities say maintaining peace, protecting democratic institutions, and ensuring justice remain their top priorities.
