Dhaka, Bangladesh — Bangladesh is facing waves of protests and unrest after the shocking death of Osman Hadi, a well-known political leader and activist. Hadi, who was preparing to run in the upcoming parliamentary elections, was shot by two masked attackers on 12 December in central Dhaka. Despite being rushed to hospitals in Dhaka and later moved to Singapore for treatment, he passed away on 18 December. [NDTV]

News of his death sparked immediate outrage across the country. Thousands of people gathered in Dhaka’s Shahbagh area after Friday prayers, marching from nearby mosques including Dhaka University and Baitul Mukarram National Mosque. Demonstrators demanded justice and called on authorities to hold the killers accountable. [The Business Standard]

Student leaders and activists declared Shahbagh “Hadi Square” as a symbol of mourning and resistance. Protests also spread to Gazipur and Sylhet, where demonstrators blocked roads and held rallies calling for exemplary punishment for those responsible. Authorities increased security to prevent violence, but crowds continued to gather in large numbers. [Daily Sun]

Osman Hadi’s assassination highlights Bangladesh’s ongoing political tensions. Since mass protests in July 2024 led to major political changes, the country has been deeply polarized. Hadi had become a leading voice for democratic reform and youth activism. His candidacy in the upcoming elections represented hope for political accountability and systemic change. [AP News]

Witnesses said two masked men on a motorcycle approached Hadi and shot him. The attack appears deliberate and politically motivated, though authorities have not yet confirmed the perpetrators’ identities. The interim government has promised a full investigation. [Reuters]

The protests have not been limited to the streets. Demonstrators attacked the offices of major newspapers such as Prothom Alo and The Daily Star, setting fire to buildings and halting publication temporarily. International press organizations condemned these attacks, emphasizing the need to protect journalists and press freedom. [Reuters]

Universities became hubs of activism, with students marching, blocking roads, and holding sit-ins to honor Hadi. Many saw his death as symbolic of broader problems in Bangladesh’s political system. [The Business Standard]

Outside Dhaka, protests erupted in smaller towns, including Gazipur and Sylhet. People blocked major roads and demanded swift justice. These actions show Hadi’s influence and the public’s determination to hold the system accountable. [Daily Sun]

The interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, declared a national day of mourning and called for calm. In a televised address, Yunus promised a transparent investigation and urged citizens not to resort to violence, warning that unrest could affect the credibility of the upcoming elections. [Times of India]

Human rights groups have raised concerns about civil liberties, stressing the importance of protecting the right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression. International observers, including the UN and foreign embassies in Dhaka, have urged restraint and dialogue. [Human Rights Watch]

The protests also reflect broader regional and political tensions. Some demonstrators voiced anti-foreign influence sentiments, particularly regarding India, highlighting concerns about national sovereignty. [Al Jazeera]

Meanwhile, demolition work continued at the former residence of Bangladesh’s founding president in Dhanmondi, even as the protests unfolded, raising questions about security priorities. [Newsgram]

Osman Hadi’s death is not just a personal tragedy; it reflects deep political, social, and institutional challenges in Bangladesh. As the country approaches its 2026 parliamentary elections, the coming weeks will test the resilience of its democracy, the strength of civil society, and the commitment to justice and accountability.