Bangladesh Protests News Live Updates: Osman Hadi laid to rest in Dhaka; Yunus attends funeral

Left parties on Saturday expressed deep concern over attacks on media outlets, cultural organisations and minorities by fundamentalists in Bangladesh.

In a statement, the CPI(M) urged the interim government of Bangladesh to act immediately and protect the rights of the people.

The party termed the attack on two most revered cultural institutions in the border country, Chhayanot and Udichi, "dastardly."

"It appears that religious fundamentalist forces are attempting to expand their influence in Bangladesh by polarising society along communal lines and attacking minorities and media outlets not favourable towards them," the CPI(M) said.

It said the growth of religious fundamentalist forces will have a debilitating impact not only on Bangladesh but on the entire region.

"Communal forces on both sides of the border may seek to exploit the situation to further incite hatred by feeding off each other. Maintaining social harmony and democracy is the need of the hour," it said.

The CPI(M) said it is confident that the people of Bangladesh will remain united in these testing times and uphold the values of the 1971 liberation struggle.

Hundreds of thousands of people attended the funeral Saturday of a leading Bangladeshi activist who died of gunshot wounds sustained in an attack in Dhaka earlier this month, as political tensions gripped the country ahead of elections.

Sharif Osman Hadi, who took part in last year’s political uprising that ended former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s 15-year rule, died in a hospital in Singapore on Thursday after being shot Dec. 12 in Dhaka.

Police said they had identified suspects and that the shooter had most probably fled to India, where Hasina has been in exile. The development sparked a new diplomatic squabble with India and prompted New Delhi this week to summon Bangladesh’s envoy. Bangladesh also summoned the Indian envoy to Dhaka.

Security was tight in Dhaka on Saturday as the funeral prayers were held outside the nation’s Parliament complex.

Hadi’s body returned on Friday night, and Saturday was declared a national mourning day.

The Politburo of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) on Saturday expressed deep concern over attacks on media outlets and minorities by fundamentalists in Bangladesh.
In a statement, the CPI(M) urged the interim government of Bangladesh to act immediately and protect the rights of the people.

The party termed the attack on two most revered cultural institutions in the border country, Chhayanot and Udichi, "dastardly."

"It appears that religious fundamentalist forces are attempting to expand their influence in Bangladesh by polarising society along communal lines and attacking minorities and media outlets not favourable towards them," the CPI(M) said.

It said the growth of religious fundamentalist forces will have a debilitating impact not only on Bangladesh but on the entire region.

Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of Inqilab Moncho and a prominent leader of the July uprising, was laid to rest this afternoon beside national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam near the Dhaka University Central Mosque.

According to Daily Star, he was buried at around 3:48pm following his namaz-e-janaza, as reported by our DU correspondent. A munajat was offered afterwards, concluding at 4:03pm.

Hundreds of thousands of people gathered on Saturday for the funeral of prominent Bangladeshi activist Sharif Osman Hadi, who died from gunshot wounds sustained in an attack in Dhaka earlier this month. His death comes as political tensions intensify ahead of national elections.

Hadi, a key participant in last year’s political uprising that ended former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s 15-year rule, died in a Singapore hospital on Thursday, days after he was shot on Dec. 12 in Dhaka.

Police said they have identified suspects and believe the gunman fled to India, where Hasina has been living in exile. The allegation has triggered a fresh diplomatic rift, with New Delhi summoning Bangladesh’s envoy earlier this week, followed by Dhaka summoning the Indian envoy in response.

Security was heightened across Dhaka on Saturday as funeral prayers were held outside the national Parliament complex. Hadi’s body was flown back on Friday night, and the government declared Saturday a national day of mourning.

Hadi, a spokesperson for the cultural platform Inqilab Moncho, will be laid to rest on the Dhaka University campus beside national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam, the group said.

Bangladesh chief adviser Muhammad Yunus on Saturday paid tribute to Inqilab Manch spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi, saying he would remain an enduring source of inspiration for the nation.

“Hadi, you will not fade. No one will forget you. You will stay with us for generations,” Yunus said while speaking at Hadi’s funeral at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban on Saturday afternoon.

Bangladesh's Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) has arrested seven people in connection with the lynching of a Hindu youth in Bhaluka, Mymensingh, the Chief Adviser of the Government of Bangladesh, Muhammad Yunus, stated in an X post.

The arrested suspects are Md. Limon Sarkar (19), Md. Tarek Hossain (19), Md. Manik Mia (20), Ershad Ali (39), Nijum Uddin (20), Alamgir Hossain (38), and Md. Miraj Hossain Akon (46).

RAB-14 carried out operations at different locations and arrested the suspects. .

The victim, Dipu Chandra Das (27), a garment worker and follower of Sanatan Dharma, was beaten to death on December 18 in Bhaluka area of Mymensingh district. According to police, the killing was allegedly triggered by accusations of blasphemy.

"The situation in Bangladesh is becoming dire day by day. Arson, bloodshed, and looting have become common occurrences across the country. Who killed the leader there, Mr Hadi, and why was he killed? There has been no discussion on this issue, nor has there been any demand for answers."

China on Friday said it wishes to see safe, stable and smooth elections in Bangladesh, which is currently witnessing turmoil ahead of the February general elections.

China noted that Bangladesh has announced it will hold parliamentary elections on February 12, 2026, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun told a media briefing, commenting on the current situation in Bangladesh.

"China wishes Bangladesh safe, stable and smooth elections and believes that various sectors of Bangladesh will properly advance important political agendas and uphold national solidarity and stability,” he said.

China maintained close ties with Bangladesh during the previous regime headed by Sheikh Hasina before she fled to India in August last year amid riots. Beijing scaled up ties with the interim government headed by Muhammad Yunus, who visited China seeking aid and investments

Former Indian High Commissioners to Bangladesh have expressed serious concern over the ongoing protests in the country, pointing to weak governance, the role of extremist elements, and risks to Indian diplomatic personnel and establishments.

The remarks follow a surge in unrest sparked by the death of Inqilab Moncho leader Osman Hadi, which has led to widespread mob violence and threats against Indian personnel.

Pinak Ranjan Chakravarty, who served as India's High Commissioner to Bangladesh, highlighted that the current instability is being exploited by radical elements.

"Governance is very weak. So people are taking advantage," Chakravarty stated. "These right-wing forces, criminals, and the Islamist forces are taking advantage of the situation."

Echoing these concerns, former High Commissioner Riva Ganguly Das described the unfolding events as "shocking."

"What happened is very, very unfortunate," Das said. "In fact, we have seen government advisors justifying mob violence, justifying the presence of these mobs. These are forces that have clearly been unleashed by the government, which is now unable to control them."

Protesters rallied across Bangladesh on Friday for a second straight day calling for the arrest of the gunmen who shot and killed a key figure in last year's pro-democracy uprising.

As news spread that 32-year-old student leader Sharif Osman Hadi died in hospital in Singapore on Thursday, crowds took to the streets in an outpouring of mourning and anger.

Activists of Inqilab Moncho gathered on Saturday for the funeral procession of their slain leader, Sharif Osman bin Hadi, as heavy security was deployed across parts of Dhaka, two days after he died in Singapore following his assassination.

Preparations for Hadi's funeral prayer are underway at Manik Mia Avenue, located south of the national Parliament Building. The funeral prayer is scheduled for 2 pm (local time). As the ceremony is just hours away, the area is witnessing heightened security arrangements and restricted movement.

Hadi, the Inqilab Moncho convenor, was shot at close range on December 12 while travelling in a rickshaw in Dhaka's Bijoynagar area.

On December 15, he was flown to Singapore by air ambulance for advanced medical treatment. He succumbed to his injuries on December 18.

Following news of his death, protests erupted across Dhaka, with activists demanding justice for their slain leader. Several rounds of demonstrations were reported on Friday, after Hadi's body was brought back to the capital.

Inqilab Mancha spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi will be buried next to national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam in accordance with his family’s wishes, Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (Ducsu) Liberation War and Democratic Movement Secretary Fatima Tasnim Zuma said on Friday. Zuma disclosed the information in a Facebook post at 6.00pm, which was later corroborated by Inqilab Mancha’s official Facebook page. She added that the vehicle transporting Hadi’s body has departed the airport for the morgue, after which Inqilab Mancha activists will gather and take positions at Shahbagh, Dhaka Tribune reported.

"The news of the brutal murder by a mob of the Hindu youth Deepu Chandra Das in Bangladesh is extremely disturbing. In any civilised society, discrimination, violence, and murder on the basis of religion, caste, identity, etc., are crimes against humanity," Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi wrote on X.

"The Government of India should take cognisance of the rising violence against Hindu, Christian, and Buddhist minorities in the neighbouring country and firmly raise the issue of their safety with the Government of Bangladesh," the Wayanad MP wrote.

China on Friday said it wishes to see safe, stable and smooth elections in Bangladesh, which is currently witnessing turmoil ahead of the February general elections.

China noted that Bangladesh has announced it will hold parliamentary elections on February 12, 2026, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun told a media briefing, commenting on the current situation in Bangladesh.

"China wishes Bangladesh safe, stable and smooth elections and believes that various sectors of Bangladesh will properly advance important political agendas and uphold national solidarity and stability,” he said.

China maintained close ties with Bangladesh during the previous regime headed by Sheikh Hasina before she fled to India in August last year amid riots. Beijing scaled up ties with the interim government headed by Muhammad Yunus, who visited China seeking aid and investments.

The current volatility in Bangladesh is a matter for great concern among patients in need of urgent expert medical attention.

While the country features among India's major visa operations overseas, applications under medical category constitutes a huge chunk.

A Parliamentary Committee report on "Future of India-Bangladesh Relationship" has noted that among visas currently being issued, medical visas have been prioritised, "accounting for about 80 per cent of the total volume. Further easing of the number of visas will be undertaken in consultation with concerned (External Affairs) Ministry after taking various factors into consideration," it added.

Bangladesh's ongoing political crisis has significantly disrupted overall travel and trade, with many reports indicating around 90 per cent drop in travel to India.

Medical tourism was notably affected but is still allowed under visa exceptions.

Businesses such as guesthouses and hospitals near border cities have seen a steep decline in patients and visitors from Bangladesh, reflecting this disruption.

As Dhaka continues to simmer with protesters over the death of the Inqilab Moncho spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi, one of the prominent figures behind the July Uprising last year, the family of Hadi on Friday demanded the construction of a memorial in his honour at Shahbagh, where he initiated the movement leading to a regime change in Bangladesh.

According to bdnews24, Hadi's brother-in-law, Amir Hossain Howlader, said the family wanted formal recognition of his contributions as family members and supporters gathered at Hadi's residence in Nalchity, Jhalakathi district, today after news of his death surfaced.

Many mourned as they remembered his life and activism.

"Hadi rose to prominence at Shahbagh. A memorial should be built for him there," Howlader said, as quoted by bdnews24.

The family also called for Hadi's poetry to be included in school textbooks and for his biography to be taught at schools and colleges. They further demanded that those responsible for his killing be identified and given exemplary punishment.

Dhaka continues to simmer as Protestors loyal to slain nqilab Moncho leader Sharif Osman Hadi protest. On Friday, a fresh wave of protests broke out as the activists Dhaka's Shahbagh intersection to call for justice for the slain leader.

Some Anti-India slogans were also heard from the protestors who called for the interim government to make way for a "revolutionary government", reported bdnews24.

After a night of violent unrest where offices of Media house's like Daily Star and Prothom Alo were targeted, protestors vented their ire at the partially demolished home of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

As unrest erupted across the country following Osman Hadi's death, Inqilab Moncho urged the public to avoid violence, vandalism, and arson that have erupted across the country.

On the protests in Bangladesh following the death of Osman Hadi, Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury, a former minister in the Hasina cabinet, said, "He was a firebrand fanatic who was calling for the blood of others...Using that as an excuse, the Yunus regime wanted to instigate his extremists and their handful of followers with the help of other fanatic political parties and start a riot across the country. The objective is to primarily delay the election that they themselves are talking about...They have also attacked different foreign missions, including the Indian Assistant High Commission in Chittagong. They wanted to instigate a tough response from our friendly neighbour and long-standing partner in international affairs, Bangladesh, which is India...These are jihadi-minded extremists, they took over the helm of the state for some time, and having realised that it is not their job, they just want to be in the scene, remain relevant in politics and are trying to cause as much anarchy and chaos as possible..."

West Bengal BJP chief Samik Bhattacharya on Friday voiced concern over the state of affairs in Bangladesh and said that "fundamentalists are behind the turn of events" in the neighbouring country and they "seemed to be in control" of the situation.

He said the Union government and the Ministry of External Affairs are dealing with the situation in an appropriate manner and they will respond accordingly.

Responding to queries on the Bangladesh situation at a press conference, the Rajya Sabha MP said, "Fundamentalism and radicalism are spreading like cancer in Bangladesh. All the right-thinking people should unite to fight this menace."

"Since the 1980s, fundamentalist forces have been spreading their base in Bangladesh... This has crossed all proportions. Even free-thinking and liberal-minded individuals are coming under attack, as seen last night. The entire world is facing the brunt of radicalism. A nationalist government and party will thwart these challenges," he said.

Bangladesh police have launched an intensive manhunt for those responsible for Sharif Osman Hadi’s killing, releasing photographs of two key suspects and announcing a reward of five million taka for information leading to their arrest.

Officials said the attack was being treated as a premeditated assassination aimed at destabilising the political process ahead of elections. Investigators are examining CCTV footage, phone records and possible cross-border movements of the suspects.

The interim government said it was cooperating with international authorities, including Singapore, as part of the investigation. Yunus has described the shooting as part of a broader conspiracy to derail democratic reforms.

The outcome of the investigation is being closely watched, with many viewing it as a test of the interim government’s ability to deliver justice amid rising instability.

The interim government in Bangladesh, headed by Muhammad Yunus, on Friday issued its first official response to the unrest gripping the country, calling on citizens to reject mob violence and warning that disorder could undermine the democratic transition.

In a statement, the government said it “strongly and unequivocally” condemns violence, intimidation, arson and destruction of property, describing such acts as a threat to Bangladesh’s democratic process. It urged people to resist mob violence, stating that the unrest was being driven by a small number of fringe elements.

“We strongly and unequivocally condemn all acts of violence, intimidation, arson, and destruction of properties”, the interim government said.

Referring to the broader political moment, the statement said, “This is a critical moment in our country's history. We cannot and must not allow it to be derailed by those few who thrive on chaos and reject peace.”

The government also stressed the importance of the forthcoming elections and referendum, calling them “not merely political exercises, but a solemn national commitment.” It added, “This promise is inseparable from the dream for which Shaheed Sharif Osman Hadi gave his life. Honouring his sacrifice demands restraint, responsibility, and a firm commitment to reject hatred.”

Expressing solidarity with journalists, the government said, “To the journalists of The Daily Star, Prothom Alo, and New Age: we stand with you. We are deeply sorry for the terror and violence you have endured. The nation has witnessed your courage and tolerance in the face of terror. Attacks on journalists are attacks on truth itself. We promise you full justice.”

The statement also addressed the lynching of a Hindu man in Mymensingh, calling it unacceptable. “There is no space for such violence in the new Bangladesh. The perpetrators of this heinous crime will not be spared,” it said.

“We wholeheartedly condemn the lynching of a Hindu man in Mymensingh. There is no space for such violence in the new Bangladesh. The perpetrators of this heinous crime will not be spared”, the statement added.

“At this critical hour, we call upon every citizen to honour Saheed Hadi by rejecting and resisting violence, incitement and hatred”, it said.

The appeal came as protests over the death of Inqilab Moncho leader Sharif Osman bin Hadi continued to intensify. Following a night of violence in which offices of media organisations such as The Daily Star and Prothom Alo were attacked, protesters also targeted the partially demolished residence of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

Amid nationwide unrest triggered by Osman Hadi’s death, Inqilab Moncho itself urged supporters to steer clear of violence, vandalism and arson.

In a late-night Facebook post on Thursday, the group said, “Through destruction and fire, certain groups aim to render Bangladesh an ineffective state. They seek to undermine the independence and sovereignty of our country. You must understand -- 32 and 36 are not the same.”

The post further said, “As the February elections approach, consider who truly benefits if unrest is created in the country. To maintain stability in Bangladesh, fully cooperate with the government and refrain from violence.”

The situation in Bangladesh is “complex and evolving”, a parliamentary standing committee on external affairs has said, with the Ministry of External Affairs informing the panel that the government “remains concerned” about attacks on minorities in the neighbouring country.

In its report titled Future of India-Bangladesh Relationship, the committee said the MEA has sought to insulate bilateral ties from the impact of recent political developments in Bangladesh. The report of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs, chaired by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, was presented in Parliament on Thursday.

“The committee has been informed that the current situation in Bangladesh is complex and evolving. There is uncertainty regarding the schedule of democratic elections. The political events of August 2024 have created significant instability and uncertainty with incidents of violence, attacks and intimidation of minorities, tribal communities, media groups, intellectuals, journalists, academicians, etc., becoming the norm,” the report said.

It added that “concerns have been raised about human rights issues, including restrictions on freedom of speech and assembly”.

According to the panel, political instability has fuelled social unrest and protests in several parts of Bangladesh, while rising inflation and an economic slowdown have worsened hardship for citizens. The economy, the report said, has been affected by multiple factors, including the global economic downturn.

The MEA told the committee that India has maintained engagement with Bangladesh’s interim government and continues to support the aspirations of the Bangladeshi people. “While communicating our support, the government of India has underlined that our policies are people-oriented and not aimed at any particular political dispensation,” it said.

The report also cited remarks made by India’s foreign secretary during a committee meeting on August 4. “I want to begin by saying that there is no change in our overall approach in relations with Bangladesh following the events of August, 2024 and that policy can be summed up by saying that we remain interested in a constructive, pragmatic, mutually-beneficial, and forward-looking relationship with Bangladesh.”

“Having said that, we have engaged with the interim government on several issues of strategic interest to us as well as issues related to the regional security. We, of course, have concerns arising from increased extremism, attacks on minorities, and the overall bilateral environment,” the foreign secretary was quoted as saying.

The panel said the MEA also outlined the key challenges in India-Bangladesh ties, identifying “illegal immigration, radicalisation and extremism, regional security and extremist rhetoric against the sovereignty and territorial integrity of India” as major areas of concern.

“These are sought to be addressed through cooperation with the Bangladesh government and dissemination of facts. The government of India also remains concerned about the attacks on minorities in Bangladesh. This has been taken up at different levels,” the report said.

The committee selected the subject Future of India-Bangladesh Relationship for detailed examination during 2024-25 and 2025-26, holding briefings with MEA officials on December 11, 2024, and taking evidence on March 26 and August 4 this year.

During testimony before the panel on June 26, 2025, two non-official witnesses described the situation as India’s “greatest strategic challenge in Bangladesh since 1971”. One witness said, “India faces its greatest strategic challenge in Bangladesh since the Liberation war of 1971. While the challenge in 1971 was existential, a humanitarian and a birth of a new nation, the latter was of a graver, a generational discontinuity, a shift of political order, and a potential strategic realignment away from India.”

“The event was marked by collapse of Awami League dominance, the surge of youth-led nationalism, the re-entry of Islamists and intensifying Chinese and Pakistani influence collectively...if India fails to recalibrate at this moment, it risks losing strategic space in Dhaka not to war, but to irrelevance,” the witness added.

In a later appearance before the committee on August 4, 2025, the foreign secretary reiterated the importance of the 1971 legacy. “Even as the relationship is becoming more multidimensional and there is a new generation that is growing up in Bangladesh, we have no doubt that the legacy of 1971 will continue to foster goodwill and reinforce the sense of historical brotherhood between our two countries.”

“We do have to tackle the vested interests that would like to pursue a counter-narrative to the spirit of 1971, but we continue to do our part, especially through annual celebrations and commemorations of Victory Day, 16th December, where India's involvement is acknowledged by the government of Bangladesh,” he added.

One of Bangladesh's oldest heritage-rich cultural organizations, Chhayanaut became the target of violent attackers who had gone on a riot after the death of Inquilab Moncho Leader Osman Hadi.
The Chhayanaut office in Dhanmondi was vandalized and set on fire on fire by protestors. Inside the office remains of destroyed furniture and musical instruments bear testament to a night of extreme violence.

According to the organization many rare items like books, musical instruments, and other cultural artefacts were completely destroyed. Many students who were there during the violent attack were left in tears.

Chhayanaut's general secretary, Laisa Ahmed condemned the attack and called for an investigation.

"We condemn this incident and demand a thorough investigation. It's not possible to say much right now, in such a short time; there has been considerable damage. You have witnessed it yourselves. It's not possible to state that in financial terms. Some rare books may have been lost. However, we are so distressed that we are not providing any details at this time. But we demand a proper investigation into this matter," she said.

Chhayanaut was established in 1961. The organization was founded after hosting the birth centenary celebrations of Rabindranath Tagore. Chhayanaut nurtures Bengali culture with the study of Tagore as its central focus. Chhayanaut is an open forum for people to stand in solidarity with the oppressed and the distressed.

During the Bangladesh liberation war, Chhayanaut singers organised performances to inspire freedom fighters and refugees. After independence, Chhayanaut has been involved in seeking creative ways to broaden and intensify the practice of music and, more broadly, the celebration of Bangla culture.

Meanwhile, protests over the death of Inqilab Moncho leader Sharif Osman bin Hadi continues to spiral. After a night of violent unrest where offices of Media house's like Daily Star and Prothom Alo were targeted, protestors vented their ire at the partially demolished home of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

Protestors were seen attempting to tear down the remaining portion of the house and setting fire to a poster of former PM Sheikh Hasina there.

As unrest erupted across the country following Osman Hadi's death, Inqilab Moncho urged the public to avoid violence, vandalism, and arson that have erupted across the country.

In a late-night Facebook post on Thursday, the organization said: "Through destruction and fire, certain groups aim to render Bangladesh an ineffective state. They seek to undermine the independence and sovereignty of our country. You must understand -- 32 and 36 are not the same."

The post continued, "As the February elections approach, consider who truly benefits if unrest is created in the country. To maintain stability in Bangladesh, fully cooperate with the government and refrain from violence."

Earlier, after vandalism at the English-language daily The Daily Star office, a journalist who was trapped on the rooftop recounted the harrowing ordeal. The journalist said they were alerted by a phone call from outside as a section of the rampaging crowd, after attacking the Prothom Alo office, began moving towards The Daily Star building, reported bdnews24.

Upon receiving the warning, the newsroom staff attempted to evacuate. By then, however, the mob had reached the ground floor, launching vandalism before setting the building on fire. Amid thick smoke, a group of journalists abandoned attempts to get downstairs and instead fled to the rooftop on the 10th floor.

Fire Service crews later arrived and extinguished the blaze on the lower floors. Four firefighters climbed to the rooftop to evacuate those trapped.

Following the attacks, Prothom Alo and The Daily Star will not be published on Friday.

The body of Sharif Osman Hadi is scheduled to arrive in Bangladesh on Friday evening, with his relatives leaving Singapore with the remains at around 3.50 pm local time and landing in Dhaka at approximately 6 pm, according to a statement shared by Inqilab Manch on Facebook.

The platform said Hadi’s first funeral will be held in Singapore on Friday before the body is flown back to Bangladesh. A larger funeral prayer has been planned in Dhaka on Saturday after Zohr at Manik Mia Avenue, a key public space in the capital.

Hadi, a prominent youth leader and key figure in last year’s uprising, died on Thursday while undergoing treatment at a hospital in Singapore after being shot earlier this month. His death has triggered widespread protests and unrest across Bangladesh, including violent demonstrations in Dhaka and attacks on media houses.

Authorities are expected to deploy additional security around Manik Mia Avenue ahead of Saturday’s funeral, given the heightened political tensions and large public gatherings anticipated. The funeral arrangements are being closely watched amid concerns that emotions surrounding Hadi’s death could further inflame the situation in the capital.

The interim government has urged supporters to maintain peace during the funeral events, even as investigations into Hadi’s killing continue and police pursue suspects linked to the shooting.

Interim leader Muhammad Yunus addressed the nation following confirmation of Hadi’s death, calling it an “irreparable loss for the nation.” In a televised statement, Yunus urged protesters to remain calm and warned that violence would only weaken Bangladesh’s democratic transition.

The government announced special prayers at mosques on Friday and declared a day of mourning on Saturday. Yunus said the country’s march towards democracy could not be halted through “fear, terror or bloodshed.”

While acknowledging public anger, Yunus stressed that justice would be pursued through lawful means. He also promised swift action against those responsible for the killing, as police launched a nationwide manhunt for the attackers.

The speech was aimed at restoring confidence in the interim administration, which has struggled to balance public expectations with security challenges since taking charge.

Interim leader Muhammad Yunus addressed the nation following confirmation of Hadi’s death, calling it an “irreparable loss for the nation.” In a televised statement, Yunus urged protesters to remain calm and warned that violence would only weaken Bangladesh’s democratic transition.

The government announced special prayers at mosques on Friday and declared a day of mourning on Saturday. Yunus said the country’s march towards democracy could not be halted through “fear, terror or bloodshed.”

While acknowledging public anger, Yunus stressed that justice would be pursued through lawful means. He also promised swift action against those responsible for the killing, as police launched a nationwide manhunt for the attackers.

The speech was aimed at restoring confidence in the interim administration, which has struggled to balance public expectations with security challenges since taking charge.

Amid the deteriorating security situation, India suspended visa services at its assistant high commissions in Khulna and Rajshahi after protesters marched towards the missions and issued threats. Officials said the decision was taken as a precautionary measure based on ground assessments.

Security around the Indian High Commission in Dhaka was tightened, while visa operations at other centres, including Chittagong and Sylhet, are being reviewed. The Indian Visa Application Centre in Dhaka, which was briefly shut, later resumed limited operations.

The Muhammad Yunus-led interim government assured diplomats that all necessary steps were being taken to ensure their safety and security. However, officials acknowledged that the situation remained fluid and required constant monitoring.

The suspension of visa services highlighted the broader diplomatic fallout of the unrest, with people-to-people movement between the two countries also being affected.

A Hindu youth was beaten to death by a mob and his body set on fire in Bangladesh’s Mymensingh district on Thursday night following allegations of blasphemy, police told BBC Bangla, adding to growing concerns over minority safety amid continuing unrest in the country.

The incident occurred in the Dubalia Para area of Square Master Bari in Bhaluka upazila. Police identified the victim as Dipu Chandra Das, who worked at a local garment factory and had been living in the area as a tenant.

According to police, the attack took place around 9 pm on Thursday. “A group of agitated people caught him and beat him up around 9 pm on Thursday for insulting the Prophet. Then they set his body on fire,” Ripon Mia, duty officer of Bhaluka police station, told BBC Bangla. He said the attackers tied the body to a tree before setting it ablaze.

Police reached the spot after receiving information and brought the situation under control. The body was later recovered and sent to the morgue of Mymensingh Medical College Hospital for autopsy. No case has been filed in connection with the killing so far. “We are searching for his relatives. If they come and file a case, action will be taken according to the law,” Mia said.

The unrest also took on a strong anti-India dimension, with protesters surrounding the residence of India’s deputy ambassador in Dhaka. According to local media, police were forced to use tear gas to disperse the crowd and prevent a sit-in near the diplomatic premises.

Student groups and political outfits alleged that Hadi’s attackers had fled to India, a claim that has not been substantiated by authorities. Slogans accusing India of interfering in Bangladesh’s internal affairs were raised at multiple protest sites.

Demonstrators also called for action against Indian diplomatic missions, further straining already sensitive bilateral relations. The developments prompted heightened security around foreign missions in Dhaka as authorities sought to prevent any breach of diplomatic norms.

The anti-India rhetoric reflects broader anxieties within sections of Bangladesh’s youth movement about regional influence and sovereignty in the post-Hasina political order.

As violence escalated and police resources were stretched thin, Bangladeshi authorities deployed army contingents in parts of Dhaka to secure key locations and prevent further attacks. Troops were stationed near media houses, major intersections and sensitive government installations.

Fire officials confirmed that the blaze at the Daily Star building was brought under control around 1.40 am, but security forces remained on high alert as crowds continued to gather nearby. Witnesses said the presence of the army helped disperse protesters in some areas, though tensions remained high.

The deployment of troops underscored the severity of the situation, with the interim government facing mounting pressure to restore law and order without resorting to excessive force. Officials said additional security measures could be introduced if violence continued.

Bangladesh has a history of using military support during periods of extreme unrest, but the move also raised concerns among rights groups about the potential for further escalation if dialogue fails.

Journalists trapped inside the burning media offices described harrowing scenes as smoke engulfed the buildings and exits were blocked by fire and debris. Zyma Islam, a reporter for The Daily Star, shared a desperate message on social media while still inside the building: “I can’t breathe anymore. There’s too much smoke. I am inside. You are killing me.”

Other journalists said they took refuge on staircases, rooftops and rear sections of the buildings as protesters chanted slogans outside. Ahmed Deepto, another reporter, told news agencies that staff huddled together at the back of the building, fearing that the fire could spread further.

According to bdnews24, at least 25 journalists were rescued over several hours using ladders as firefighters worked through thick smoke and unstable conditions. Officials said 27 employees were still inside the Daily Star building even after the main fire was brought under control.

The incident has sparked outrage among journalist groups and civil society, with growing calls for accountability and stronger protection for media workers operating amid political unrest.

The unrest took a darker turn when protesters targeted major media houses in Dhaka, storming and setting fire to buildings housing two of the country’s leading newspapers, The Daily Star and Prothom Alo. According to fire and police officials, at least three incidents of arson were reported overnight in the capital.

Groups of protesters vandalised the lower floors of the newspaper offices before setting parts of the buildings on fire, trapping journalists and staff inside as smoke rapidly filled the premises. Panic spread among newsroom employees, many of whom were working the night shift when the attacks began.

Emergency services were called in as flames spread and visibility inside the buildings dropped sharply. Firefighters battled for hours to bring the blazes under control, while police attempted to disperse protesters gathered outside.

The targeting of media organisations raised serious concerns about press freedom and the safety of journalists amid Bangladesh’s ongoing political instability. It remained unclear why the two newspapers were singled out, though both have been perceived as supportive of the interim leadership following the 2024 uprising.

Protests that erupted after confirmation of Sharif Osman Hadi’s death turned violent overnight, with large crowds flooding key areas of Dhaka. Demonstrators blocked major roads, vandalised public and private property, and clashed with security forces in several parts of the capital.

Witnesses reported that hundreds of protesters gathered at Shahbagh intersection near Dhaka University, chanting slogans in support of Hadi and accusing the authorities of failing to protect leaders of the youth movement. Similar scenes were reported along arterial roads leading out of the city, causing major disruptions to traffic and emergency services.

Police struggled to contain the rapidly spreading unrest, as protests appeared to break out spontaneously in different neighbourhoods. In some areas, demonstrators targeted symbols associated with the political establishment and institutions they accused of being complicit in violence against dissenting voices.

Local media reported that several buildings were vandalised, while tensions remained high well into the early hours of Friday. The unrest marked a sharp escalation in Bangladesh’s already fragile political climate, with fears growing that violence could spread beyond Dhaka if calm was not restored quickly.

Sharif Osman Hadi, a prominent youth leader of Bangladesh’s 2024 pro-democracy uprising, died late Thursday at a hospital in Singapore, triggering widespread unrest across the country. Hadi, 32, had been undergoing advanced medical treatment after he was shot by masked assailants on December 12 while travelling in a rickshaw in Dhaka. He was later airlifted to Singapore, where doctors fought to save his life for nearly a week.

His death came at a politically sensitive moment, just days after Bangladeshi authorities announced a timeline for the country’s first national elections since the uprising that toppled former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Hadi was expected to contest the polls as an independent candidate and had emerged as a vocal critic of both the old political establishment and foreign influence in domestic affairs.

As news of his death spread late Thursday night, thousands of supporters took to the streets of Dhaka, demanding justice and the immediate arrest of those responsible for the shooting. What began as mourning gatherings quickly escalated into aggressive demonstrations, setting the stage for one of the most volatile nights Bangladesh has witnessed since the 2024 upheaval.