Security has been tightened across the country following a wave of arson, vandalism and violent attacks targeting major media outlets, cultural institutions and private properties in Dhaka and several other cities, sparking fear and widespread disruption.
The violence followed the death of Inqilab Moncho spokesperson and prospective independent candidate for Dhaka-8 constituency, Osman Hadi, who succumbed to gunshot injuries while undergoing treatment at a Singapore hospital on Thursday night.
In the aftermath, the offices of Prothom Alo, The Daily Star and the cultural organisation Chhayanaut were attacked, vandalised and set on fire, causing extensive damage. Further incidents were reported at Udichi’s Dhaka office, private homes, shops and political figures’ residences, both in the capital and beyond.
Amid the unrest, two leading newspapers, Prothom Alo and The Daily Star, were unable to publish on Friday due to the damages caused to printing and office facilities.
On Friday evening, despite heightened security, attackers vandalised and set fire to the Udichi office on Topkhana Road in Dhaka. Fire service officials said four units were dispatched after receiving reports at around 7:45pm, and the blaze was brought under control shortly after 8:15pm. Police were deployed to the scene.
Outside Dhaka, further incidents of vandalism and arson were reported at various installations and residences. In Khulna and Chattogram, overnight protests aimed towards the Indian Assistant High Commission’s offices and residences created tension, with law enforcement dispersing crowds.
In Dhaka’s Dhanmondi area, groups attempted to further demolish the already damaged residence of slain president Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on Road 32, using an excavator and hammers. Work was briefly halted after the machine ran out of fuel. Around the same time, Chhayanaut’s office in Dhanmondi was extensively vandalised, looted and set ablaze.
The Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre in Dhanmondi was also vandalised and torched. In Uttara, at least 32 shops were damaged, and the residence of former Awami League lawmaker Habib Hasan was set on fire.
In Rajshahi, the offices of Prothom Alo and The Daily Star were vandalised. In Chattogram, the residence of former education minister Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury Nowfel was again attacked, while in Bandarban, the home of former minister Bir Bahadur was vandalised and torched.
On Thursday night, protesters blocked several roads and highways, demanding the arrest and punishment of those responsible for Hadi’s killing. As fear and uncertainty spread, authorities announced enhanced security nationwide on Friday.
Osman Hadi was shot in the head in Dhaka’s Bijoynagar area on 12 November, a day after the national election schedule was announced. After receiving initial treatment in Bangladesh, he was flown by air ambulance to Singapore on Monday. He died on Thursday night at around 9:30pm Bangladesh time.
Attack on Prothom Alo
According to accounts, shortly after news of Hadi’s death broke, the chief adviser addressed the nation at around 11:00pm on Thursday. Before midnight, a procession marched from Shahbagh towards Karwan Bazar, eventually gathering in front of the Prothom Alo office.
The crowd surrounded the premises and began protesting. Soon after, attackers armed with sticks vandalised the building, smashing most of its windows. Around midnight, part of the group forced entry, dragged tables, chairs and important documents onto the street and set them on fire. The building itself was later torched.
On Friday morning, large numbers of onlookers gathered around the damaged premises.
The four-storey building houses Prothoma Prokashon, the OTT platform Chorki, accounts and marketing departments, and a canteen. Prothom Alo’s reporting and online departments are located in an adjacent high-rise building.
Following the attack on Prothom Alo, attackers moved towards The Daily Star Centre near Farmgate.
During the violence, calls were circulated on social media urging attacks and arson against Prothom Alo and The Daily Star. Authorities said damage assessments were ongoing.
The Daily Star Centre
After attacking Prothom Alo, the group moved to The Daily Star Centre, an eight-storey building with three basement levels. The fourth floor houses the canteen, the fifth floor the accounts, marketing, circulation and photography departments, the sixth floor the reporting desk, and the seventh floor the editor and editorial departments.
The entire building sustained damage, with staff saying it would be unsafe to use without major repairs. Despite the destruction, staff managed to continue publication on Friday under special arrangements.
Assault on Editor Nurul Kabir
New Age editor and president of the Editors’ Council, Nurul Kabir, was harassed and assaulted by a group of individuals when he went to the front of The Daily Star building at night in an attempt to stop the attackers. Witnesses said he was targeted with slogans labelling him a “collaborator of the Awami League”.
Attack on Chhayanaute
After fresh vandalism at the Dhanmondi Road 32 house, attackers moved to Chhayanaut’s premises, vandalising all floors before setting the building on fire.
Chhayanaut General Secretary Laisa Ahmed Lisa questioned the motive behind the attack, saying the organisation was deeply shaken and demanding a proper investigation.
Rabindra Sangeet teacher Partha Pratim Roy told TIMES of Bangladesh that floors from the ground to the sixth level were ransacked. Musical instruments were destroyed, the library was burned, and furniture was smashed.
By midday Friday, many guardians gathered outside the building, saying they were severely traumatised by the attack.
Security measures intensified
Following the widespread violence, a tense calm prevailed across the capital. Law enforcement agencies increased patrols and deployed additional personnel to prevent further unrest.
Police, RAB and army members were seen on alert at key points in Dhanmondi, Farmgate, Bangla Motor, Karwan Bazar and Shahbagh.
Inspector General of Police Baharul Alam visited the damaged buildings of Prothom Alo and The Daily Star on Friday afternoon and spoke with officers on duty.
Dhaka Metropolitan Police Additional Commissioner (Crime and Operations) SN Md Nazrul Islam said those involved in the attacks would be identified and brought under the law.
At Chhayanaut, Dhanmondi Police Station Sub-Inspector Khalilur Rahman said security personnel had been on duty since morning and no further incidents had occurred.
Heavy police presence remains in front of Prothom Alo’s Karwan Bazar office and The Daily Star Centre in Farmgate.
