Violent protests have swept through Bangladesh's capital, Dhaka, after the death of a prominent political activist, leading to the storming and arson of the country's two leading newspaper offices.
Newspaper Buildings Set Ablaze in Night of Violence
On Thursday evening, angry mobs targeted the headquarters of the Bengali-language Prothom Alo and the English-language Daily Star. Protesters surged into the buildings in the Karwan Bazar area, vandalising property before setting them on fire. The attacks trapped journalists and staff inside the burning structures as thick smoke filled the offices.
One Daily Star journalist, Zyma Islam, posted a desperate plea on Facebook from inside the building, writing, "I can't breathe anymore. There's too much smoke." Firefighters eventually brought the blazes under control by early Friday morning, and all staff were safely evacuated. Both publications halted their online updates and did not print their Friday broadsheet editions.
Death of Activist Sparks Widespread Unrest
The violence was triggered by the death of Sharif Osman Hadi, a spokesperson for the Inqilab Moncho cultural group. Hadi was shot last Friday while riding a rickshaw in Dhaka. After a week-long fight for his life, he died in a hospital in Singapore on Thursday evening.
Hadi was a fierce critic of both former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and neighbouring India. The Inqilab Moncho group, formed after Hasina's ouster in a 2024 political uprising, has been organising protests denouncing her and Indian influence. Hadi had planned to run as an independent candidate in Dhaka in the national elections scheduled for February.
Authorities claim to have identified suspects in the shooting, suggesting the gunman likely fled to India—a remark that has ignited a diplomatic row. Both nations have summoned each other's envoys in a war of words.
Protests Spread and Interim Leader Appeals for Calm
Following news of Hadi's death, hundreds of protesters gathered at Shahbagh Square near Dhaka University, chanting slogans. The unrest was not confined to the newspaper offices; protesters also targeted Chhayanaut, a respected liberal cultural institution in Dhaka's Dhanmondi area.
Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus, who leads the country's interim government, addressed the nation late on Thursday. He promised to bring Hadi's killers to justice and declared Saturday a day of national mourning. "I urge all citizens to maintain peace and patience," Yunus stated, calling for calm amidst the escalating tensions.
The situation remains volatile. Dozens of protesters remained at Shahbagh Square on Friday morning, vowing to continue their demonstrations. Hadi's body is expected to be returned to Dhaka from Singapore on Friday evening, which may fuel further unrest.
