Bangladesh’s interim leader Muhammad Yunus announced a day of national mourning on Saturday following the death of Sharif Osman bin Hadi, Prothom Alo reported. Hadi, a youth leader of Bangladesh’s 2024 insurgency, died in Singapore after succumbing to injuries sustained in an assassination attempt, officials said on Thursday.Protesters destroyed the offices of the country’s largest daily newspaper, Prothom Helloas anger grew over the death of Hadi, a spokesman for the political platform Inquilab Mancha, and continued unrest caused by his assassination.Anti-India protests erupted in Bangladesh after hundreds of people marched to the Indian High Commission in Dhaka on Wednesday afternoon under the banner of “July Oikya” (July Unity), chanting anti-India slogans and demanding an end to what they called “anti-Bangladesh conspiracies” and the return of their former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.What we know so far
Yunus declares national mourning over the death of the “martyr” Hadi
In a late-night address, Yunus announced that the national flag would be flown at half-mast in all government, semi-government and autonomous offices, educational institutions, public and private buildings as well as Bangladesh’s foreign missions on Saturday. He said that after Jummah prayers on Friday, special prayers for the forgiveness of “martyr” Osman Hadi would be held in mosques across the country, with similar customs also taking place at places of worship of other faiths. The chief adviser prayed for Osman Hadi’s soul and expressed condolences to his wife, family members and colleagues. He also said the government would take responsibility for the welfare of Hadi’s wife and only child.
Protests break out after the death of a youth leader
Protests erupted in Dhaka following the confirmation of the death of Inqilab Manch convener Sharif Osman Hadi. Prothom Alo said protesters blocked the busy Shahbagh intersection in the capital. The protest began as news of Hadi’s death spread, causing significant traffic delays in the area. With slogans such as “Who are you, who am I, Hadi, Hadi”, “We will all be Hadi, we will speak in the face of the bullets” and “Catch the League, go to jail” and demanded justice and accountability. Hadi, a spokesperson of Inqilab Manch and a potential independent candidate for 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 when his condition worsened. At the government’s initiative, he was later flown to Singapore for further treatment, where he eventually succumbed to his injuries.
India resumes operations of visa center in Dhaka; Two facilities are still closed
India resumed operations at its visa application center in Dhaka, a day after it suspended services due to heightened security concerns, although two similar facilities elsewhere in Bangladesh were closed due to anti-India protests. The Indian Visa Application Centers (IVACs) in Khulna and Rajshahi were closed due to security risks as protesters attempted to march towards the site before being stopped by security forces.“The Indian Visa Application Center (IVAC) in Dhaka is now operational and functioning normally,” PTI quoted an IVAC official as saying.
Current situation in Bangladesh “complex”, says parliamentary panel
A parliamentary foreign affairs committee said the recent unrest in Bangladesh was “complex and evolving”.“The Committee was informed that the current situation in Bangladesh is complex and evolving. There is uncertainty regarding the timing of democratic elections. The political events of August 2024 have created significant instability and uncertainty as there has been violence, attacks and intimidation against minorities, tribal communities, media groups, intellectuals, journalists, academics, etc.which is becoming the norm,” it said.“Concerns were raised about human rights issues, including restrictions on freedom of expression and assembly,” the panel said.
