desk
Share
News Topical, Digital Desk : Widespread violence has erupted in Bangladesh following the death of Sharif Osman Hadi, a prominent young leader of the July 2024 Bangladesh uprising. Hadi's death has led to arson, vandalism, and anti-India slogans in several cities, including Dhaka.
In fact, political instability and tensions have increased in India-Bangladesh relations ahead of the upcoming elections in Bangladesh in February 2026. Osman Hadi was known for his anti-India rhetoric.
Violence erupts in Bangladesh after Hadi's death
- Sharif Osman Hadi was shot in the head by masked assailants in the Bijoynagar area of Dhaka on December 12. He died while undergoing treatment at a Singapore hospital on December 18.
- A prominent leader of the July 2024 uprising, spokesperson of the Inquilab Manch, he was known for his anti-Hasina and anti-India stance.
- Sharif Osman Hadi, known for his anti-Hasina and anti-India stance, was an independent candidate from Dhaka-8 in the upcoming election.
- As news of Hadi's death spread, thousands of protesters took to the streets in Dhaka, demanding justice.
- The protesters alleged that the attackers had fled to India.
- Violence erupted again in Bangladesh ahead of the February 2026 elections.
Who attacked and why?
Osman Hadi was attacked while riding a rickshaw. He was shot in the left ear and was treated at Dhaka Medical College before being flown to Singapore for further treatment, where he died. It is not yet clear who attacked Hadi and why.
As soon as interim Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus confirmed Sharif Osman Hadi's death, protests erupted in several cities across Bangladesh, including Dhaka. Crowds set fire to media offices and targeted political offices.
Three suspects identified
According to a Prothom Alo report, police have identified three suspects, allegedly linked to organizations affiliated with the Awami League. The attacker has been identified as Faisal Karim Masood, alias Rahul, a former leader of the now-banned Chhatra League. He reportedly fired from the back of a motorcycle driven by Alamgir Sheikh. Another man, Rubel, associated with the Swayamsevak League, provided surveillance before the attack.
What is India's connection with Hadi's death?
Local reports regarding Sharif Osman Hadi's death claim, without any evidence, that Indians were behind the attack and that he escaped with Indian help. These misinformation are being seen as attempts to incite anti-India sentiment ahead of the Bangladesh elections. Osman Hadi was not only a staunch enemy of Sheikh Hasina, but also harbored a deep-seated hatred for India.
Sheikh Hasina was ousted from power
Hadi's death is significant in Bangladesh because he played a key role in the violent protests that ousted Sheikh Hasina from power in July 2024. Hadi was a candidate in the upcoming elections, scheduled for February 2024, and was campaigning as an independent candidate from the Dhaka-8 constituency at the time of the attack.
--Advertisement--
