Dhaka Anti-India Protest LIVE: The death of a student leader Sharif Osman Hadi, who played a key role in the July uprising in Bangladesh and was a candidate in general elections, has stirred a massive unrest in the country. The protesters have set the offices of Awami League, media companies on blaze and disrupted the relief efforts as well. Protests have been held outside Indian Deputy High Commissioner’s house and other places.
Hadi was known for his anti-India rhetoric and was shot in the head during campaign on Dec 12. He was rushed to Singapore where he succumbed to his injuries after a week.
In Dhaka, videos circulating on social media showed mobs vandalising the offices of the country’s largest daily newspaper, Prothom Alo, as well as the Daily Star. The demonstrators raised emotionally charged slogans invoking Hadi’s name, vowing to continue their movement and demanding swift justice.
Anti-India protests
Violence was also reported in a number of cities across Bangladesh, including the port city of Chittagong, where protesters attacked the Indian Assistant High Commission and set fire to a house belonging to a former Awami League education minister.
The agitation comes amid fresh anti-India protests earlier in the week, with ties between the neighbours deteriorating since Hasina fled to Delhi. On Wednesday, hundreds of demonstrators under the banner “July Oikya” (July Unity) marched toward the Indian High Commission in Dhaka, chanting anti-India slogans, while also demanding the return of Hasina.
Yunus appeals to nation
Amid the protest, Bangladesh government’s chief adviser and Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus appealed to the nation for restraint, and assured that the culprits will be brought to justice.
“His passing represents an irreplaceable loss to the nation’s political and democratic sphere.,” he said, quoted Reuters. Yunus said the government was committed to ensuring a transparent investigation and bringing all those responsible to justice.
The interim administration has declared Saturday a day of state mourning in honour of Hadi, with national flags to be flown at half-mast and special prayers planned across the country. The home of the country’s first president, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the father of Hasina, was vandalised and set ablaze again, after having been attacked twice previously in February and August last year.
Bangladesh Protest LIVE Updates:
Bangladesh Protest LIVE Updates: China hopes for 'safe and stable' elections
China on Friday said it wishes to see safe, stable and smooth elections in Bangladesh, which is currently witnessing turmoil ahead of the February general elections.
China noted that Bangladesh has announced it will hold parliamentary elections on February 12, 2026, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun told a media briefing, commenting on the current situation in Bangladesh.
"China wishes Bangladesh safe, stable and smooth elections and believes that various sectors of Bangladesh will properly advance important political agendas and uphold national solidarity and stability,” he said.
- via PTI
Bangladesh Protest LIVE Updates: Sharif Osman Hadi to be buried next to poet Kazi Nazrul Islam
Inqilab Mancha spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi is set to be laid to rest beside Bangladesh’s revered national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam, fulfilling his family’s wish, Dhaka Tribune reported Fatima Tasnim Zuma, Secretary of Liberation War and Democratic Movement at Dhaka University Central Students’ Union, as saying.
Bangladesh Protest LIVE Updates: Sharif Osman Hadi's body reaches Dhaka
The body of Sharif Osman Hadi, slain spokesperson of Inqilab Moncho, has arrived in the Bangladeshi capital Dhaka. His remains were flown to Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport aboard a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight. The body will be kept overnight at the National Heart Institute, while the funeral is scheduled to take place on Saturday.
Bangladesh Protest LIVE Updates:: India ‘does not interfere in Bangladesh’: Bangladeshi embassy in New Delhi
India is closely watching developments in Bangladesh but will not involve itself in the country’s internal affairs, the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi said, Al Jazeera reported.
In a statement, the mission said senior officials in both countries are aware that the situation in Bangladesh remains “fluid and evolving” and requires “careful and impartial assessment”.
“Post-uprising phases in any country often give rise to unintended and tragic consequences, a reality underscored by the killing of a widely admired young leader such as [Sharif] Osman Hadi,” the spokesperson said, Al Jazeera reported.
Bangladesh Protest LIVE Updates: Fresh protests call for 'revolutionary govt'
Fresh protests erupted on Friday as activists gathered at Dhaka’s Shahbagh intersection. According to the local media, during the demonstrations, some protesters raised anti-India slogans and called on the interim government to step aside in favour of a “revolutionary government”.
The protests followed a night of violent unrest during which offices of local media houses, including The Daily Star and Prothom Alo, were targeted. Demonstrators also vented their anger at the partially demolished residence of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
As unrest spread across the country following Osman Hadi’s death, Inqilab Moncho appealed to the public to refrain from violence, vandalism and arson.
Bangladesh Protest LIVE Updates: 'Crucial juncture', says former diplomat on crisis
On the recent developments in Bangladesh, former ambassador Anil Trigunayat said that minority communities as well as the Indian High Commission have been under attack in the country.
"The country is at a crucial juncture as it plans to hold elections in February, and these developments are not good for Bangladesh," he added.
Osman Hadi Death Protest LIVE: 'Despicable attack', Yunus on vandalisation of media offices in Bangladesh
Muhammad Yunus, the chief advisor to the interim government of Bangladesh, expressed 'deep condolences' to Prothom Alo Editor Matiur Rahman and Daily Star Editor Mahfuz Anam.
He told BBC Bangla that this "unwanted and despicable attack on your organization and journalists has deeply saddened me. The government stands by you in this difficult time".
"This incident has created a major obstacle to the country's democratic progress and independent journalism," he added.
Bangladesh Protest LIVE Updates: 'We can't suddenly abandon Bangladesh', says Shashi Tharoor on current situation
Speaking on violent protests in Bangladesh, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor expressed his disappointment and said, "The Foreign Affairs Committee of Parliament just issued a report in which we urged the government to engage constructively with the government of Bangladesh and try to move relations to a stable level."
The MP said that India-Bangladesh is a relation the country has a great stake in, after all "we were instrumental in freedom of Bangladesh in 1971 and after all these years, we can't suddenly abandon the people of Bangladesh. At the same time the kind of hostility that is being drummed up against Indians, against people who deemed to be on the Indian side is very worrying," he added.
Bangladesh Protest LIVE Updates: Protesters damage office of Chhayanaut, institution devoted to Bengali culture
The protesters vandalised the office of Chhayanaut, an institution devoted to Bengali culture in Bangladesh.
Their main office in Dhanmondi was vandalized and set on fire.
Protesters have partially demolished Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s house.
Many are now tearing down the remaining parts. They have also set fire to a poster of Sheikh Hasina there.
#watch | Dhaka, Bangladesh: At number 32 Dhanmondi, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s house had already been partially demolished, and now protesters are tearing down the remaining parts. They have also set fire to a poster of Sheikh Hasina there. pic.twitter.com/fC37MSkXDB
— ANI (@ANI) December 19, 2025
Bangladesh Protest LIVE Updates: Prothom Alo and Daily Star announce temporary closure after offices damaged
Bangladesh's newspapers Prothom Alo and Daily Star have not been published since their offices were vandalised and set on fire last night.
In a statement, they said their online editions have also been temporarily closed, reported BBC Bangla.
Osman Hadi Death Protest LIVE: Hindu man lynched by violent mob over blasphemy allegations
In a horrific development, a violent mob in Bangladesh’s Mymensingh district beat a Hindu man to death and burned his body following allegations of blasphemy. The incident occurred on Thursday night in the Dubalia Para area of Square Master Bari under Bhaluka Upazila, said police and BBC Bangla.
Bangladesh Protest LIVE Updates: Country India helped establish standing against us, says Congress MP
On the ongoing protests in Bangladesh, Congress MP Sukhdeo Bhagat said it is an "unfortunate" development.
He said that Bangladesh, a country India helped establish, "is now standing against us".
"The current situations in Nepal and Sri Lanka, and previously in Pakistan, highlight the importance of diplomatic responsibility. The government must manage relations with neighboring countries carefully. Peace comes through strength, which is crucial. I believe the government should take a firm stand and ensure action..." he added.
Bangladesh Protest LIVE Updates: Security forces on street as fear of more violence sweeps across Bangladesh
Police and paramilitary troops marched out across Dhaka and other cities in Bangladesh on Friday after violent protests overnight over the death of a popular youth leader.
Reuters reported that streets were calm in the morning, but residents were still worried there could be fresh violence after Friday prayers later in the day.
Osman Hadi Death Protest LIVE: Protesters vandalise newspaper office - Video
Bangladesh protesters vandalise the office of Daily Star newspaper. See video
https://twitter.com/PTI_News/status/2001874388078240071?s=20
Bangladesh Protest LIVE Updates: Situation remains tense in Bangladesh after Thursday's protest
The situation in Bangladesh continues to remain tensed hours after massive violence over youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi's death.
Osman Hadi Death Protest LIVE: BJP MP calls it 'tragic', says 'concerning for those...'
On the situation in Bangladesh, Union Minister Giriraj Singh said it is "tragic".
"It is especially concerning for those who frequently talk about secularism within India," he said.
Bangladesh Protest LIVE Updates: Protesters burn house of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman
Protesters on Thursday took to the streets and attacked offices of newspapers and vandalised 32 Dhanmandi, the home of Bangladesh's founding father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
Bangladesh Protest LIVE Updates: What led to Bangladesh protests?
The protests erupted in Bangladesh after Sharif Osman Hadi, a spokesperson for the Inquilab Mancha platform and a candidate in general elections, died.
He was shot in the head by masked assailants last Friday while launching his election campaign in Dhaka. He was first treated at a local hospital before being flown to Singapore for advanced medical care, where he died after spending six days on life support.
Bangladesh Protest LIVE Updates: Protesters torch media offices - video
Protesters torched the offices of top news paper office, Prothom Alo in Dhaka. Firefighters are present on the spot as well.