Widespread Unrest in Bangladesh Following Death of Young Political Leader

Widespread Unrest in Bangladesh Following Death of Young Political Leader
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Widespread protests and riots have erupted across Bangladesh following the death of Sharif Hadi, a young political leader and prominent activist, according reports viewed by Shia Waves Persian. The unrest has seen attacks on media offices and public buildings, prompting a government response.

Hadi, the spokesperson for the cultural group Munshu Revolution and a key figure in last year’s uprising, was shot while riding in a rickshaw in the capital, Dhaka, last Friday. After several days of treatment locally, he was transferred to Singapore, where he died six days later.

A vocal critic of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Indian policies, Hadi had intended to run as an independent candidate in the national elections scheduled for February 2026. News of his death sparked public fury.

On Thursday evening, protesters attacked the offices of major newspapers Prothom Alo and Daily Star. Social media footage showed demonstrators entering the buildings and causing damage to equipment and documents. Security forces were deployed but did not immediately disperse the crowds.

The unrest was not confined to Dhaka; the office of the Indian Deputy High Commission in Chittagong was also targeted.

The interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, has declared a national day of mourning and urged for calm and restraint. It condemned the attacks on media and cultural institutions and promised to deliver justice.

Independent human rights groups have warned that this violence poses a serious threat to Bangladesh’s democratic space and have called on the government to ensure both justice for the victims and the protection of key institutions.