Bangladesh has tightened security across the country following the killing of a prominent youth leader and election candidate. The move comes amid rising violence and coordinated attacks on media outlets and cultural institutions. Authorities fear the unrest could threaten public order ahead of national elections scheduled for February 12.
Police and paramilitary forces were deployed in large numbers across Dhaka on Saturday. Security was increased ahead of funeral prayers for Sharif Osman Hadi. His death has become a rallying point for protesters. Officials say intelligence warnings prompted the heightened security measures.
Killing Sparks Nationwide Protests
Sharif Osman Hadi was shot in the head last week in Dhaka. Masked attackers targeted him while he was launching his election campaign. He was rushed abroad for treatment. Hadi died on Thursday night in Singapore after spending six days on life support. He was 32 years old.
Hadi was a key figure in the student-led uprising last year. That movement toppled long-serving prime minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024. Many young voters viewed Hadi as a symbol of political change. His killing has shocked the nation and intensified existing tensions.
Following his death, protests erupted in several parts of the country. Demonstrators demanded justice and swift arrests. Some protests turned violent. Mobs attacked newspaper offices, political websites, and cultural landmarks. Several buildings were set ablaze during the unrest.
The interim government declared a day of state mourning. Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus, who leads the interim administration, urged calm. He warned citizens against mob violence by fringe groups. The government said instability could derail the democratic transition.
Media Under Attack as Rights Groups Raise Alarm
Several major media outlets were targeted during the protests. Newspaper offices were vandalized and burned. Journalists reported threats and harassment. Rights groups say these attacks undermine free expression and press freedom.
Human Rights Watch condemned Hadi’s killing. The group called it a terrible act of violence. It urged authorities to act urgently to stop further unrest. Amnesty International also demanded independent and transparent investigations. The organization highlighted attacks on journalists and activists.
Bangladesh ranks 149th out of 180 countries in the World Press Freedom Index. Analysts warn that continued violence could shrink civic space further. They fear the environment may become more hostile ahead of the election.
Demonstrations continued in Dhaka’s Shahbagh area on Friday. Protesters called for accountability and justice. A mob also stormed the Dhaka office of Udichi Shilpigosthi. The group is one of Bangladesh’s leading progressive cultural organizations.
Election Fears Grow Amid Political Tensions
The violence has spread beyond the capital. In Chittagong, protesters attacked the Indian Assistant High Commission. The incident reflects rising anti-India sentiment. Former prime minister Sheikh Hasina fled to New Delhi after her removal from power.
Her party, the Awami League, has been barred from contesting the election. Party leaders have warned of further unrest. Observers fear attempts to disrupt the vote. Analysts say the interim government faces serious challenges in maintaining order.
Bangladesh hopes the February election will restore stability. The country has endured nearly two years of political uncertainty. Many citizens fear that continued violence could undermine that goal.
