Bangladesh has been plunged into turmoil after death of Sharif Osman Hadi, a youth leader of political organization who played key role in toppling former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wajed’s government.
Osman’s death ignited violent protests, arson, and attacks on media houses in the capital, prompting the interim government to declare a one-day national mourning. Hadi was shot last week in Dhaka as he stepped out of a mosque.
According to witnesses, unknown gunmen with covered faces opened fire before fleeing the scene. Critically injured, Hadi was rushed first to Dhaka Medical College Hospital, then shifted to a private hospital, and later flown to Singapore for advanced treatment. Despite days of medical intervention, he succumbed to his injuries on Thursday.
The assassination occurred just one day after the interim government announced date for general elections, the polls Hadi himself planned to contest as an independent candidate, raising serious questions about political motives behind the attack.
Anger had been simmering across Bangladesh since the shooting, but the situation exploded Thursday night after news of Hadi’s death broke. Hundreds of supporters flooded the streets of Dhaka, chanting slogans and clashing with authorities.
The protests soon turned violent. Demonstrators stormed the offices of leading Bangladeshi newspaper The Daily Star and another media outlet, setting at least one building on fire.
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