Bangladesh on edge after killing of 2024 uprising activist triggers unrest
Al Jazeera
Security forces fan out nationwide after violent demonstrations follow the shooting of an election candidate.
Bangladesh’s security forces have moved onto the streets of the capital, Dhaka, and other major cities after overnight violence erupted over the death of a prominent youth leader of the 2024 uprising, raising fears of further unrest ahead of February’s national elections.
Police and paramilitary units increased patrols across Dhaka after protests turned violent late on Thursday, targeting media offices, political buildings and cultural institutions. While streets were largely calm on Friday morning, residents said tensions remained high, particularly before Friday prayers.
The unrest followed the death of Sharif Osman Hadi, a 32-year-old spokesperson for Inquilab Mancha, or Platform for Revolution, who had planned to contest the upcoming election. Masked attackers shot Hadi in the head last Friday in Dhaka as he launched his campaign.
He was first treated at a local hospital before being flown to Singapore for advanced care, where he died after six days on life support.
Hadi was a leading figure in last year’s student-led uprising that forced Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to flee the country. Inquilab Mancha describes itself as a “revolutionary cultural platform inspired by the spirit of uprising,” while Hadi was also known for his outspoken criticism of India.
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