Bangladesh Unrest Deepens: Full Story on Sharif Osman Hadi's Assassination and Fallout
Published: December 19, 2025
The assassination of Sharif Osman Hadi, a 32-year-old icon of Bangladesh's 2024 July Uprising, has plunged the nation into chaos just months before pivotal February 2026 elections. Shot by masked gunmen on December 12 outside a Dhaka mosque after Friday prayers, Hadi was airlifted to Singapore where he died early December 19 from his wounds.[page:2] His death—described by interim chief Muhammad Yunus as an "irreparable loss"—sparked nationwide protests turning violent, with arson, blockades, and clashes dominating headlines on December 19.[page:1][page:2]
Hadi's Rise as Uprising Hero
Hadi emerged as a fearless leader in the student-led Inquilab Mancha coalition, which mobilized Gen-Z protesters to topple Sheikh Hasina's 15-year autocratic regime in August 2024 amid deadly crackdowns killing over 1,000.[page:2] A vocal critic of India for allegedly backing Hasina, Hadi symbolized anti-corruption youth activism and was running as an independent parliamentary candidate from Dhaka's Uttara area.[page:1][page:2] Eyewitnesses reported three assailants firing at close range post-mosque, with Hadi's family alleging a targeted hit by Hasina loyalists or pro-India elements; police released suspect photos and a 5 million taka (about $42,000) reward.[page:2]
Nationwide Violence Erupts
By midday December 19, protests swelled in Dhaka, Chattogram, Sylhet, and Barishal, drawing thousands chanting "Justice for Hadi" and "Down with traitors."[page:1][page:2] Key incidents included:
- Arson on Media Outlets: Mobs torched The Daily Star and Prothom Alo headquarters in Dhaka, accusing them of pro-India bias and Hasina sympathy; staff escaped amid smoke as firefighters battled blazes.[page:1][page:2]
- Highway Blockades: Protesters halted Dhaka-Mymensingh and Dhaka-Barishal roads with burning tires, stranding vehicles for hours.[page:1]
- Diplomatic Tensions: Crowds surrounded India's deputy high commissioner's residence, prompting tear gas; Bangladesh summoned India's envoy over visa center attacks, while India closed centers citing security.[page:1][page:2]
- Chattogram Clashes: Former minister Naufel Ahmed's home was gutted by fire, with police firing shots in the air.[page:1]
At least 20 injuries reported, no deaths confirmed yet, as security forces imposed checkpoints.[page:2]
Yunus's Crisis Management
In a national address, Nobel laureate Yunus mourned Hadi as a "bright star" of democracy, ordering special Friday prayers nationwide and a half-day mourning on Saturday.[page:1][page:2] He vowed a thorough probe, blaming a "sinister network" tied to Hasina's exiled camp aiming to sabotage polls where BNP leads surveys.[page:2] The interim government, installed post-uprising, faces pressure from rising Gen-Z parties like National Citizen Party (NCP) challenging BNP and Awami League remnants.[page:1]
Geopolitical Ripples and Election Stakes
India-Bangladesh ties, already frayed by Hasina's refuge in Delhi, hit new lows with mutual diplomatic protests and minority attacks in Bangladesh.[page:1] BNP chairwoman Khaleda Zia lies critically ill, while her son Tarique Rahman plans return from London, amplifying uncertainties.[page:2] Hadi's death galvanizes youth voters, potentially shifting dynamics in a nation where 65% are under 35, amid economic woes and reform demands.[page:1][page:2]
This tragedy underscores Bangladesh's fragile transition, with protests likely to persist until justice is seen. Stay tuned for updates as investigations unfold.[page:1][page:2]
Sources: Le Monde, The Indian Express. All citations refer to full page content retrieved on December 19, 2025.