International media outlets have reported violent protests across Bangladesh following the death of Osman Hadi, spokesperson of the Inquilab Stage.
Reuters
Reuters published a report headlined, “Bangladesh rocked by unrest over student leader’s death”. It said violent demonstrations erupted in multiple cities after news of Hadi’s death late Thursday night. The agency noted that the unrest raises concerns about political instability ahead of the upcoming national elections.
The report highlighted that the incident occurred one day after the first national election date was announced following the 2024 mass uprising. Hadi had been planning to contest as an independent candidate. Reuters also cited leading Bangladeshi newspapers Prothom Alo and The Daily Star, reporting vandalism, arson, and other violent acts during protests.
Protesters vowed to continue their movement, demanding swift justice for those involved in Hadi’s killing. The agency noted the deployment of additional police and law enforcement to control nationwide violence.
BBC
The British broadcaster BBC reported under the headline, “Violence breaks out in Bangladesh after death of youth protest leader”. The report said that youth movement leader, Osman Hadi, was fatally attacked, sparking violence nationwide.
According to BBC, Hadi had been shot by masked assailants after leaving a mosque in Dhaka the previous week. He was seriously injured and transferred to Singapore for treatment, where he died on Thursday.
A police officer told BBC that hundreds of supporters gathered at Shahbagh in Dhaka after the news spread. Some protesters reportedly attacked offices of Prothom Alo and The Daily Star.
NDTV
Indian news outlet NDTV reported two separate news under the headline, “Massive protests in Bangladesh as anti-India leader dies after being shot” and “Bangladesh’s top newspaper shuts ops after office set on fire by protesters.”
It said violent protests were also reported outside the Indian Assistant High Commission in Chattogram, where demonstrators shouted anti-India slogans.
NDTV noted that protesters damaged Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s residence and set fire to offices of the Awami League and its leaders. They also vandalised the offices of Prothom Alo and The Daily Star, trapping staff inside.
Osman Hadi, spokesperson of Inquilab Stage and a potential candidate in the upcoming elections, was critically shot by masked attackers on a motorcycle during his election campaign in Dhaka last Friday.
He was initially treated at Dhaka Medical College Hospital and Evercare Hospital before being flown to Singapore for advanced care. Hadi remained on life support for six days before passing away Thursday night.
