Bangladesh protests intensify after activist’s death, media offices set ablaze

The offices of Prothom Alo and Daily Star are being attacked and vandalised in the capitals Karwanbazar The Daily Star building was set on fire reported news agency ANIThe attack on Prothom Alos office began around 12 midnight on Thursday after the Bangladesh protests Later the Daily Star was attackedAfter the news of the death of Inquilab Mancha spokesperson Sharif Osman Bin Hadi a group of people gathered in front of the offices of the newspapers and attacked them as per Nagorik reported ANIVideos circulating on social media show people attacking and vandalising with sticks Fire was also seen on the road in front of Prothom Alo In addition some employees are trapped in the two offices according to Nagorik hellipmdash Chief Adviser of the Government of Bangladesh ChiefAdviserGoB December 18 2025Inqilab Mancha spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi who was critically injured in a gun attack in Dhaka last Friday died while undergoing treatment at Singapore General Hospital reported ANIOsman Hadi who was being considered as a potential Dhaka8 candidate for the upcoming national election was shot in the head on Friday December 12 in the Purana Paltan area of the capitalAccording to investigators an assailant opened fire on him from a motorcycle that had been following him from behind while he was travelling in a batterypowered rickshaw to conduct electioneering as per ANIHe was initially taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital DMCH where doctors performed emergency brain surgery due to massive head injuriesPhysicians described his condition as highly critical saying that the bullet entered above his left ear and exited through the right side of his head severely damaging the brain stem reported ANIHe was later transferred to Evercare Hospital for advanced treatment and was airlifted to Singapore on December 15Yunus announces a national day of mourningBangladeshs Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus on Friday announced a national day of mourning on Saturday December 20 2025 following the death of Sharif Osman Hadi spokesperson of Inqilab ManchaThe assassination of Sharif Osman Hadi a prominent figure in the July Uprising and a 2025 election candidate has sparked widespread Bangladesh protests in Dhaka Hadi was attacked during his campaign and died in Singapore further destabilising the upcoming electoral environmentChief Adviser Muhammad Yunus addressing the nation said the national flag will be flown at halfmast at all government semigovernment and private buildings as well as at Bangladesh missions abroad Special prayers will be held after Jummah prayers on Friday December 19 2025 seeking forgiveness for Hadis soulThe government will assume responsibility for the welfare of Martyr Osman Hadis wife and his only child In light of the untimely death of Martyr Sharif Osman Hadi I am declaring a oneday national day of mourning on the coming Saturday On this occasion the national flag will fly at halfmast at all government semigovernment autonomous institutions educational institutions public and private buildings and Bangladesh missions abroad on Saturday he said reported ANIWith inputs from ANI