Bangladesh Protests Erupt After Death of Student Leader Sharif Osman Hadi

Violent protests erupted across Bangladesh after the death of student uprising leader Sharif Osman Hadi, who died from gunshot wounds on December 18 while being treated in Singapore. Hadi was shot earlier during his election campaign in Dhaka. His death sparked nationwide unrest, with demonstrators chanting in support and clashes breaking out in Dhaka and other cities. Protests escalated into violence, including arson attacks on major newspaper offices and vandalism of cultural institutions, prompting heavy security deployments. Interim Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus declared national mourning and promised a full investigation. Amid the turmoil, protest leaders and political analysts accused India of attempting to destabilize Bangladesh ahead of February elections, citing India's sheltering of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and alleged cross-border involvement. Indian officials denied the accusations, stressing support for peaceful elections. The crisis has further strained already tense India-Bangladesh relations, with ongoing questions about Hasina's status.

Correction: Some claims in circulating reports about Hasina's status are disputed; Sheikh Hasina remains the Prime Minister of Bangladesh as of the date of this report.