Dhaka Anti-India Protest HIGHLIGHTS: 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. Hadi’s funeral was held in Dhaka on Saturday, drawing a crowd amid extra-tight security after his death triggered unrest across the country.
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. He was laid to rest beside the grave of national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam next to the Dhaka University Central Mosque. Interim government Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus along with his advisory council members and Army chief General Waker-uz-Zaman attended the funeral for the 32-year-old spokesperson of ‘Inqilab Mancha’ held at the South Plaza of Parliament complex at Manik Mia Avenue.
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 had 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 HIGHLIGHTS:
Bangladesh Protest LIVE Updates: 10 arrested for murder of Hindu youth in Bangladesh
Muhammad Yunus, the Chief Adviser of Bangladesh’s interim government, on Saturday announced that ten people have been arrested in connection with the mob lynching of Dipu Chandra Das, a Hindu youth in Baluka, Mymensingh.
Among the arrested, seven were apprehended by the Rapid Action Battalion, and three by the police.
Those arrested by RAB have been identified as Md. Limon Sarkar (19) Md. Tarek Hossain (19) Md. Manik Mia (20) Ershad Ali (39) Nijum Uddin (20) Alomgir Hossain (38) and Md. Miraj Hossain Akon (46)
Those arrested by the police are Md. Azmol Hasan Sagir (26), Md. Shahin Mia (19) and Md. Nazmul.
Bangladesh Protest LIVE Updates: Dhaka court grants four-day police custody of suspects in Hadi murder
A court in Dhaka on Saturday sent the three suspects arrested in connection with the murder of Osman Hadi to four days in police custody. Faisal Karim Masud has been identified as the prime suspect in the shooting that took place on December 12. While he is still on the run, three other including his wife Saheda Parvin Samia, his brother-in-law, Wahid Ahmed Shipu, and his friend, Maria Akter Lima have been taken into custody, according to Indian Express
Bangladesh Protest LIVE Updates: Inqilab Mancha gives Bangladesh government 24 hours to arrest Hadi's killers
The Inqilab Mancha issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the government for the arrest of Hadi’s killers. Inqilab Moncho’s member secretary, Abdullah Al Jaber, said if the government does not respond by 5:15pm Sunday, they will again stage a sit-in at Shahbagh. Thousands of people had gathered at Dhaka’s Shahbagh intersection after the funeral prayers for Hadi.
Bangladesh Protest LIVE Updates: UN chief calls on all stakeholders in Bangladesh to refrain from violence
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called on all stakeholders in Bangladesh to exercise restraint, reduce tensions and refrain from violence as the country moves toward parliamentary elections scheduled for February.
Condemning the killing of youth leader Sharif Osman Bin Hadi, the UN chief urged Bangladeshi authorities to carry out a prompt, impartial investigation in line with international human rights standards.
Bangladesh Protest LIVE Updates: CPI(M) criticises fundamentalists over unrest in Bangladesh
The Politburo of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) on Saturday expressed deep concern over attacks on media outlets and minorities by fundamentalists in Bangladesh. In a statement, the CPI(M) urged the interim government of Bangladesh to act immediately and protect the rights of the people, ANI reported.
Bangladesh Protest LIVE Updates: Grave dug overnight beside mausoleum of Bangladesh's national poet'
Hadi’s elder brother Abu Bakar conducted the janaza and soon after the ritual, the body was quickly brought to Dhaka University campus under stringent security escorts for burial.
The grave was dug overnight beside the mausoleum of Bangladesh’s national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam.
Bangladesh Protest LIVE Updates: Massive turnout reported at Hadi's funeral
Hundreds of thousands of people gathered on Saturday for the funeral of prominent Bangladeshi activist Sharif Osman Hadi, who died from gunshot wounds sustained in an attack in Dhaka earlier this month. Hadi, a key participant in last year’s political uprising that ended former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s 15-year rule, died in a Singapore hospital on Thursday.
Bangladesh Protest LIVE Updates: Yunus addresses crowd at Osman Hadi's funeral
Bangladesh chief adviser Muhammad Yunus paid tribute to Inqilab Manch spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi, saying he would remain an enduring source of inspiration for the nation.
“Hadi, you will not fade. No one will forget you. You will stay with us for generations,” Yunus said while speaking at Hadi’s funeral at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban on Saturday.
Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus attended Osman Hadi’s funeral at the National Parliament’s South Plaza on Saturday.
Bangladesh Protest LIVE Updates: ‘India Must Raise Its Voice’: Shiv Sena (UBT) leader on violence against Hindus in Bangladesh
Rajya Sabha MP and Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Priyanka Chaturvedi on Saturday urged the Government of India to speak out against the violence in Bangladesh, alleging that Hindu minorities were specifically targeted. In a post on X, she said there were reports of attacks and lynchings in several places and called on India to raise its voice on the issue.
Bangladesh Protest LIVE Updates: Osman Hadi's funeral concludes in Dhaka amid strict security cover
The funeral prayer service for Sharif Osman Hadi recently concluded in Bangladesh. The prayer service drew a large crowd to pray for the Inqilab Moncho convenor. In accordance with the family's wishes, Hadi was buried beside the grave of national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam, ANI reported.
Bangladesh Protest LIVE Updates: Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury comments on Bangladesh violence
On Bangladesh violence, Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury said, "The situation in Bangladesh is becoming dire day by day. Arson, bloodshed, and looting have become common occurrences across the country. Who killed the leader there, Mr Hadi, and why was he killed? There has been no discussion on this issue, nor has there been any demand for answers."
VIDEO | On Bangladesh violence, Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury said,
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) December 20, 2025
"The situation in Bangladesh is becoming dire day by day. Arson, bloodshed, and looting have become common occurrences across the country. Who killed the leader there, Mr Hadi, and why was he killed?… pic.twitter.com/zXtF4RC8TW
Bangladesh Protest LIVE Updates: Large crowd gathers near Bangladesh parliament for Sharif Osman Hadi’s funeral
People gathered in large numbers near the Parliament area for the July uprising leader, Sharif Osman Hadi’s funeral.
VIDEO | Dhaka, Bangladesh: People gather in large numbers near the Parliament area for the July uprising leader, Sharif Osman Hadi's funeral. #dhaka
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) December 20, 2025
(Full video available on PTI Videos – https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/LxKmadTt8m
Bangladesh Protest LIVE Updates: Bangladesh flag flown at falf-mast in Delhi as Osman Hadi’s funeral held in Dhaka
#watch | Delhi | Bangladesh flag seen at half mast at the Bangladesh embassy.
— ANI (@ANI) December 20, 2025
The funeral procession of Osman Hadi, a key leader in the protests against Sheikh Hasina, who died on 18 December, has been organised in Dhaka, Bangladesh, today. pic.twitter.com/TOFkBTM1nE
Bangladesh Protest LIVE Updates: Security heightened at key locations across Dhaka
The Bangladesh Guard Border and police have been deployed at the Parliament building and other key locations across Dhaka ahead of the funeral prayers for Sharif Osman Hadi, as reported by BDNews24.
According to BDNews24, the border security force shared the development in a message issued on Saturday.
It further reported that the Inqilab Moncho convenor's body was taken to Suhrawardy Medical College Hospital's morgue shortly before 10AM (local time) on Saturday from the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, according to Deputy Commissioner Ibne Mizan of Dhaka Metropolitan Police's Tejgaon Division.
Bangladesh Protest LIVE Updates: UN human rights chief seeks swift probe
UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk said on Saturday that he was “deeply disturbed” by the murder of Hadi. He urged restraint and warned that violence and retaliation would only worsen divisions. Türk also called on authorities to carry out a swift, impartial and transparent investigation and ensure accountability.
Bangladesh Protest LIVE Updates: Yunus govt asks Meta to act incendiary content
According to reports, the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus has written to Meta asking it to take down violence-inciting content from Facebook. The government alleged that such content was being posted to “sabotage the election process” and “encourage attacks on media organisations”.
Bangladesh Protest LIVE Updates: Former Indian envoys warn of anarchy
Former Indian High Commissioners to Bangladesh have expressed serious concern over the ongoing protests in the country, pointing to weak governance, the role of extremist elements, and risks to Indian diplomatic personnel and establishments.
The remarks follow a surge in unrest sparked by the death of Inqilab Moncho leader Osman Hadi, which has led to widespread mob violence and threats against Indian personnel.
Pinak Ranjan Chakravarty, who served as India's High Commissioner to Bangladesh, highlighted that the current instability is being exploited by radical elements.
"Governance is very weak. So people are taking advantage," Chakravarty stated. "These right-wing forces, criminals, and the Islamist forces are taking advantage of the situation." Echoing these concerns, former High Commissioner Riva Ganguly Das described the unfolding events as "shocking." "What happened is very, very unfortunate," Das said. "In fact, we have seen government advisors justifying mob violence, justifying the presence of these mobs. These are forces that have clearly been unleashed by the government, which is now unable to control them." Referring to attacks linked to the unrest, Ganguly Das said the developments were alarming. "So what happened is very, very shocking, and the attack on Indian diplomatic establishments is absolutely unacceptable," she said.
(via ANI)
Bangladesh Protest LIVE Updates: US issues advisory for citizens
"Media reports that the body of youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi will land in Dhaka at 6:05 pm today, Friday December 19. His funeral prayer is expected to be held on Manik Mia Avenue (in front of National Parliament Building) after Duhar prayer (around 1400 hours) on Saturday December 20. Extremely heavy traffic is expected in the area and throughout Dhaka. Large spontaneous or planned gatherings are likely throughout Bangladesh," the US Embassy in Dhaka cautioned.
"Individuals are encouraged to review scheduled travel through and around Dhaka during the above listed timeframes and allow additional time for possible delays. U.S. citizens should practice vigilance and remember that gatherings intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence. You should avoid demonstrations and exercise caution in the vicinity of any large gatherings," it added.
Bangladesh Protest LIVE Updates: Security beefed up; bags, vehicles banned near Parliament
According to a Dhaka Tribune report, people from across Bangladesh have gathered at Manik Mia Avenue in the Parliament area for the funeral of Inqilab Moncho founder Sharif Osman Hadi. A reported. Security has been beefed up in the area. No bag or heavy object is being allowed into the area. Vehicles are being barred from entering the area.
Bangladesh Protest LIVE Updates: Funeral of youth leader today amid tight security
Bangladesh is set to hold the funeral of a prominent youth leader on Saturday amid tight security following unrest in the country triggered by his death.
The funeral prayer will be held at the South Plaza of the National Parliament Building at 2 pm, the press wing of the interim government of Bangladesh has announced.
The government imposed a ban on flying drones in and around the Sangsad Bhaban during janaza, Prothomalo news portal reported.
Those wishing to attend the funeral have been asked not to carry any bags or heavy objects with them.
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.