Bangladesh’s security forces have been deployed across Dhaka and other major cities after violent protests erupted following the death of Sharif Osman Hadi, a prominent youth leader of the 2024 uprising.
The unrest has raised fears of further instability as the country prepares for national elections scheduled for February.
Hadi, 32, was shot by masked attackers in Dhaka while launching his election campaign and later died in a hospital in Singapore after six days on life support.
His killing has intensified political tensions and sparked demonstrations that continued into Friday.
Police and paramilitary units increased patrols across the capital after protests turned violent overnight, with demonstrators targeting media offices, political buildings, and cultural institutions.
Authorities reported arson attacks on the offices of Prothom Alo and The Daily Star, with firefighters rescuing journalists trapped inside the burning buildings.
Protests spread beyond Dhaka, with reports of highways blocked in Gazipur and unrest in cities including Chittagong and Rajshahi.
Demonstrators also attacked symbols associated with the former ruling Awami League, while additional forces were deployed to deter further violence.
Student leaders said protests would continue nationwide until those responsible for Hadi’s killing are arrested.
Hadi was a leading figure in last year’s student-led uprising that forced Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to flee to India and led to the formation of an interim government under Muhammad Yunus.
His death has fueled accusations that suspects fled to India, claims that Bangladeshi authorities have not confirmed.
At protests in Shahbag, speakers accused New Delhi of shielding those responsible for political violence, while India rejected the allegations and said it would not interfere in Bangladesh’s internal affairs.
In a televised address, Yunus urged calm and pledged a transparent investigation, saying, “His passing represents an irreplaceable loss to the nation’s political and democratic sphere.”
The interim government declared Saturday a day of state mourning as tensions remained high and the credibility of the upcoming election faced renewed scrutiny.