Thousands of demonstrators took to the streets of Dhaka on Thursday night following the death of prominent student leader Sharif Osman Hadi in a Singapore hospital. Hadi, a key figure in the 2024 student-led uprising that ousted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, succumbed to injuries from a gunshot wound to the head sustained in an apparent assassination attempt.
According to details received by The Chenab Times, Hadi was shot by masked assailants on December 12 while traveling in an auto-rickshaw near Paltan in Dhaka. As per reports, he was airlifted to Singapore General Hospital for treatment but died on December 18 despite efforts by doctors from the hospital and the National Neuroscience Institute.
The 32-year-old, born in Nalchity, Jhalakathi district, served as spokesperson for Inqilab Mancha, a radical youth group. BBC reported violence erupted across the capital as news spread, with protesters attacking and ransacking the office of Prothom Alo newspaper. Demonstrations centered in Shahbagh and other areas, including midnight gatherings amid rising tensions.
The Guardian noted Hadi was leaving a mosque when attacked. Protests turned violent in multiple locations, with reports of clashes and property damage. TRT World confirmed widespread unrest, highlighting Hadi’s role in the anti-Hasina movement.
Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed condolences, noting the medical team’s best efforts. The Hindu described the death as sparking outrage, with thousands in Shahbag gathering to mourn and demand justice.
X posts showed footage of crowds and chants, with one user reporting attacks on media outlets. No arrests related to the shooting were confirmed as of Friday morning. Authorities urged calm amid ongoing investigations into the assassination attempt.
Interim government officials have not issued statements on the protests.
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