Dhaka: Bangladesh has slipped into a new phase of political volatility after the killing of student leader Sharif Osman bin Hadi sparked protests and sporadic violence in several parts of the country, raising concerns just weeks ahead of the scheduled national election.
Hadi, a prominent organiser of the platform Inquilab Moncho, was killed amid clashes that also saw attacks on media offices and damage to public property. His death has become a rallying point for opposition groups and student organisations, intensifying pressure on the interim government tasked with steering the country toward the February 12 polls.
The unrest comes at a sensitive moment, with the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) signalling a possible shift in its leadership dynamics. According to local reports, senior BNP figure Tarique Rahman, who has lived in London for years, is preparing to return to Dhaka on December 25. His expected arrival has added to political speculation and heightened security concerns in the capital.
In response to the deteriorating situation, Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam held briefings with foreign diplomats, including representatives from India, to outline the government’s security measures. Officials said additional steps have been taken to safeguard diplomatic missions and key installations, while reiterating the administration’s commitment to conducting a credible and peaceful election.
Tensions have not been confined to Dhaka alone. Incidents of violence were reported from multiple cities, including Chittagong, as protests spread. Earlier in the week, demonstrators associated with a group calling itself “July Oikya” marched toward the Indian High Commission, voicing anger over regional developments and demanding the return of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, who fled to India following last year’s student-led uprising.
Since August 2024, Bangladesh has been governed by an interim setup led by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus. Addressing the nation after Hadi’s death, Yunus described the loss as a severe blow to the country’s democratic discourse and appealed for restraint. He promised a thorough investigation and warned that continued violence could jeopardise the legitimacy of the upcoming election.
As a mark of respect, the interim administration has announced a day of state mourning, with flags flown at half-mast and prayers organised nationwide. Whether the call for calm will ease tensions remains uncertain, as Bangladesh navigates a fragile political landscape with the election clock steadily ticking.
