Bangladesh Protests Escalate as Analysts Point to Indian Involvement in Destabilization Efforts

Dhaka, December 20, 2025 – Violent protests swept across Bangladesh following the death of prominent student uprising leader Sharif Osman Hadi, with early political analysts and protest leaders accusing India of orchestrating efforts to destabilize the country ahead of February elections.

Hadi, a 32-year-old spokesperson for Inqilab Mancha and a key figure in the 2024 July-August protests that ousted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, succumbed to gunshot injuries on December 18 in a Singapore hospital. He was shot in the head by masked assailants on December 12 while campaigning as an independent candidate for the Dhaka-8 constituency. Interim Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus declared national mourning, pledging support for Hadi's family and a thorough investigation, while calling his death an "irreparable loss."

News of Hadi's passing triggered widespread unrest, with demonstrators chanting "We are all Hadi" in Dhaka's streets. Protests quickly turned violent, including arson attacks on offices of major newspapers Prothom Alo and The Daily Star—seen by some as pro-India—and vandalism of cultural institutions like Chhayanaut. Clashes spread to cities like Chittagong, prompting heavy deployment of police and paramilitary forces.

Amid the chaos, early analysts and leaders from the uprising, including National Citizen Party organizer Hasnat Abdullah, alleged Indian involvement in destabilizing Bangladesh. Abdullah warned that if India continued sheltering Awami League figures accused of plotting against the interim government, Bangladesh could respond by supporting separatists in India's northeastern "Seven Sisters" states. Protesters echoed claims that India is backing efforts to undermine the election process and fuel instability, pointing to Hasina's refuge in India and alleged support for attackers who fled across the border.

These accusations come against a backdrop of strained India-Bangladesh ties since Hasina's ouster. Dhaka has repeatedly demanded Hasina's extradition, while New Delhi has rejected claims of interference, emphasizing support for peaceful elections. Analysts note that Hadi himself was a vocal critic of Indian influence, often framing the uprising as resistance to perceived hegemony.

As tensions simmer, the interim government urged calm, warning against fringe elements exploiting the tragedy. With elections looming, observers fear further escalation could deepen the rift between the neighbors, raising concerns over regional stability.