Bangladesh’s interim government chief Muhammad Yunus announced a day of state mourning on Saturday following the death of Sharif Osman bin Hadi, Prothom Alo reported. Hadi, a youth leader of Bangladesh’s 2024 uprising, died in Singapore after succumbing to injuries from an assassination attempt, officials said on Thursday.Protesters vandalised the offices of the country’s largest daily, Prothom Alo, as anger mounted over the death of Hadi, a spokesperson for the political platform Inquilab Mancha, amid continuing unrest sparked by his killing.Bangladesh witnessed anti-India protests after hundreds, rallying under the banner “July Oikya” (July Unity), marched toward the Indian High Commission in Dhaka on Wednesday afternoon, chanting anti-India slogans and demanding an end to what they called “anti-Bangladesh conspiracies,” along with the return of their former prime minister Sheikh Hasina.What we know so far
Yunus declares state mourning over ‘martyr’ Hadi’s death
In a late-night address, Yunus announced that the national flag would be flown at half-mast on Saturday at all government, semi-government and autonomous offices, educational institutions, public and private buildings, and Bangladesh missions abroad. He said special prayers would be held after Jummah prayers on Friday in mosques nationwide for the forgiveness of “martyr” Osman Hadi, with similar observances to take place at places of worship of other faiths. The chief adviser offered prayers for Osman Hadi’s soul and conveyed condolences to his wife, family members and colleagues. He also said the government would assume responsibility for the welfare of Hadi’s wife and his only child.
Protests erupt following youth leader’s death
Protests erupted in Dhaka following confirmation of the death of Inqilab Manch convener Sharif Osman Hadi, with demonstrators blocking the busy Shahbagh intersection in the capital, according to Prothom Alo. The protest began as news of Hadi’s death spread, causing major traffic disruption in the area. Chanting slogans such as “Who are you, who am I, Hadi, Hadi,” “We will all be Hadi, we will speak in the face of bullets,” and “Catch the league, go to jail,” protesters demanded justice and accountability. Hadi, a spokesperson for Inqilab Manch and a prospective independent candidate for the Dhaka-8 constituency, was shot in the head by assailants on Box Culvert Road in Purana Paltan on December 12. He was initially treated at Dhaka Medical College Hospital before being shifted to a private hospital as his condition worsened. At the government’s initiative, he was later airlifted to Singapore for advanced treatment, where he ultimately succumbed to his injuries.
India resumes visa centre operation in Dhaka; two facilities still shut
India resumed operations at its visa application centre in Dhaka, a day after suspending services over heightened security concerns, even as two similar facilities elsewhere in Bangladesh were shut amid anti-India protests. The Indian Visa Application Centres (IVACs) in Khulna and Rajshahi were closed citing security risks, as demonstrators attempted to march toward the premises before being stopped by security forces.“The Indian Visa Application Centre (IVAC) in Dhaka is now operational and functioning normally,” PTI quoted an IVAC official saying.
Current situation in Bangladesh ‘complex’, says parliamentary panel
A parliamentary committee on external affairs said that the recent unrests in Bangladesh were “complex and evolving”.“The committee has been informed that the current situation in Bangladesh is complex and evolving. There is uncertainty regarding the schedule of democratic elections. The political events of August 2024 have created significant instability and uncertainty with incidents of violence, attacks and intimidation of minorities, tribal communities, media groups, intellectuals, journalists, academicians, etc., becoming the norm,” it said.“Concerns have been raised about human rights issues, including restrictions on freedom of speech and assembly,” the panel said.
