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Protesters block Shahbagh again

Protesters have once again blocked Dhaka’s Shahbagh intersection to call for justice following the death of Inqilab Moncho leader Sharif Osman Hadi.

They gathered at the intersection around noon on Friday.

People of all classes and professions could be seen in the area since the morning. Slogans filled the air as protesters called for justice for Hadi’s killing, protested Indian hegemony, and called for the interim government to make way for a “revolutionary government”.

Family calls for memorial to slain activist Osman Hadi at Shahbagh

The family of Sharif Osman Hadi, the Inqilab Moncho convenor who died after being shot in Dhaka, has called for a memorial to be built in his honour at Shahbagh.

After news of Hadi's death broke on Thursday, relatives gathered at his family home in Jhalakathi's Nalchity on Friday. Several family members and supporters were seen breaking down in tears as they recalled his life and work.

They also demanded that those responsible for his killing be brought to justice and given exemplary punishment.

Speaking to journalists, Hadi's brother-in-law Amir Hossain Howlader said the family wanted his legacy to be formally recognised.

“Hadi rose to prominence at Shahbagh. A memorial should be built for him there.”

Former minister Bir Bahadur’s house torched

A house belonging to former Chattogram Hill Tracts Affairs minister Bir Bahadur Ushwe Sing has been set on fire in the Bandarban.

The fire broke out at the residence in the Rajar Math area shortly after midnight on Thursday. Bandarban Fire Service said it received a report of the blaze around 12:55am.

Witnesses said a group of around 20 to 25 men had earlier held a brief protest march at a traffic intersection in Bandarban town following news of the death of Inqilab Moncho leader Sharif Osman Hadi.

The group later moved towards the Rajar Math area, chanting slogans, before setting fire to the former minister’s residence.

The flames spread quickly through the building.

Iftekhar Mahmud, a warehouse inspector with the Bandarban Fire Service, said firefighters were initially unable to begin extinguishing the blaze despite reaching the scene promptly.

“Our personnel were prevented several times from working,” he said, adding that protesters cut three Fire Service hoses.

Shock and anger after vandals attack Chhayanaut

Inqilab Moncho leader Sharif Osman Hadi harboured an avid interest in poetry. He had founded the Inqilab Cultural Centre and often recited the works of Bangladesh’s rebel poet, Kazi Nazrul Islam. A video of him reciting "Bidrohi" (The Rebel) had drawn widespread praise on social media.

It is why Afroza Khatun struggled to come to terms with the reaction triggered by news of Hadi's death.

Standing outside the vandalised Chhayanaut building in Dhaka’s Dhanmondi on Friday, the parent said she could not accept that anger over Hadi’s death had been turned against one of the country’s most respected cultural institutions.

“My child studies here. This is a school. They set fire to my child’s school.”

Afroza said she sensed trouble hours before the attack.

“Even from inside our homes at night, we knew Chhayanaut would be attacked. But law enforcers either didn’t understand it or didn’t come forward to protect it.”

As videos of the fire and vandalism circulated on social media, her young son sat beside her, watching in silence.

“He said, ‘Mum, let’s go -- they’re destroying our school.’ I can’t describe how that felt.”

She said she tried repeatedly to reach the chief of Dhanmondi Police Station that night, but her calls went unanswered.

Fire Service weighs in on Dhaka arson attacks

As news of Inqilab Moncho leader Sharif Osman Hadi's death spread, the buildings of national dailies Prothom Alo and Daily Star, and cultural hub Chhayanaut, as well as the Uttara residence of former Awami League MP Habib Hasan, were hit by vandalism and arson attacks.

On Friday, Fire Service (Media) Officer Anwarul Islam highlighted the difficulties in bringing the fire at the Daily Star offices under control.

He said the fire was brought under control at 1:40am through the combined efforts of three firefighting units.

“With the help of the law-enforcing agencies, three units went to the scene and brought the flames under control. We rescued 29 people safe and sound from the rooftop of The Daily Star building,” he said.

The fire at the Prothom Alo building was also brought under control around the same time with the help of law enforcers.

The Fire Service said that the Chhayanaut building was also torched in the early hours. “Two of our units went there and were able to bring the fire under control within a short time.”

It was brought under control around 2:15am, Anwarul said.

Another arson attack was conducted at a house on Road No. 21 in Uttara’s Sector No. 14. Two units of firefighters went to the spot and brought the fire under control.

Police claim the residence belongs to former Awami League MP Habib Hasan.

No casualties have been reported in the fires, Anwarul said.

Police chief inspects Daily Star, Prothom Alo buildings

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Baharul Alam has inspected the damage to the buildings housing the Dhaka head offices of major newspapers Prothom Alo and The Daily Star.

The police chief spoke to people connected with the two buildings and asked about the situation.

He arrived for the inspection of the two buildings at 9am on Friday.

‘Devoted’ Hadi was voice of the youth: EC

The Election Commission has expressed its grief over the death of Inqilab Moncho leader Sharif Osman Hadi.

In a condolence message, the constitutional body said Hadi was devoted to Bangladesh, a fighter, and a voice for the youth.

The EC prayed for the eternal peace of his departed soul and expressed its condolences to his bereaved family, friends, and colleagues.

Chief justice sends condolences over Hadi's death

Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed has expressed deep shock and sorrow over the death of Inqilab Moncho leader Sharif Osman bin Hadi.

Osman Hadi died while undergoing treatment in Singapore at 9:45pm on Thursday.

In a condolence message sent late at night, the chief justice said, "The country has lost a courageous voice in the untimely and tragic death of Sharif Osman Hadi."

Trapped by flames and fear

After vandalism and arson at the English-language daily The Daily Star office in Karwan Bazar following news of Sharif Osman bin Hadi’s death, a journalist who was trapped on the rooftop has recounted the harrowing ordeal to bdnews24.com.

The journalist said they were alerted by a phone call from outside as a section of the rampaging crowd, after attacking the Prothom Alo office, began moving towards The Daily Star building.

Upon receiving the warning, the newsroom staff attempted to evacuate. By then, however, the mob had reached the ground floor, launching vandalism before setting the building on fire.

Amid thick smoke, a group of journalists abandoned attempts to get downstairs and instead fled to the rooftop on the 10th floor.

In total, there were 28 people on the roof, the journalist said, all gripped by intense anxiety and fear.

At one point, a canteen worker bravely climbed down using the external fire-exit ladder. But after reaching the ground, he was caught by the mob and beaten. Witnessing this, no one else dared attempt the descent.

Fire Service crews later arrived and extinguished the blaze on the lower floors. Four firefighters climbed to the rooftop to evacuate those trapped. But with the mob still vandalising the building below, no one felt safe enough to come down, and the rooftop door was shut.

Fire Service personnel tried to reassure them, saying the Army was present below and there was nothing to fear. Moments later, however, panic surged anew when several attackers climbed onto the roof and began pounding on the door, startling even the firefighters.

The trapped journalists gathered plant tubs from the rooftop to barricade the door, the hours dragging by in terror.

At one stage, Editors’ Council President and New Age Editor Nurul Kabir, along with photographer Shahidul Alam, arrived at the building and tried to calm the attackers. Instead, Nurul Kabir was subjected to harassment.

Later, Army personnel on the ground strategically opened one side of the staircase. The attackers surged up that side, resuming vandalism and looting.

Amid the chaos, The Daily Star staff trapped on the roof and inside the building were evacuated via the fire-exit staircase and taken out through the rear. By then, it was nearly 3:45am.

Recalling the night, the journalist told bdnews24.com: “We were lucky -- we narrowly escaped a major disaster today. I don’t know where this country is headed.”

No Friday editions of Prothom Alo, Daily Star: BBC Bangla

Following the attacks, Prothom Alo and The Daily Star will not be published on Friday, BBC Bangla reports.

Citing top officials from both newspapers, BBC Bangla notes that their online operations have also nearly come to a halt.

"They reported that after the sudden night-time attacks, vandalism, and arson, all staff were ordered to evacuate the offices immediately. Under these circumstances, all newspaper operations have been temporarily suspended," the report says.

"As a result, printing of Friday’s editions is impossible, and online platforms are effectively paralysed for the time being," BBC Bangla added.

Fire at Daily Star traps journalists on roof

In Dhaka’s Karwan Bazar, following an attack and arson at the English daily The Daily Star, many staff members became trapped on the building’s roof.

Senior reporter Zyma Islam posted on Facebook: “I can’t breathe. So much smoke. I’m inside. You are trying to kill me.”

Another journalist trapped on the roof said that while four firemen initially helped some staff descend, they too became stranded shortly after.

Despite the presence of law enforcement outside, the newspaper’s staff allege that officers failed to take any active measures to protect them.

All activities at Chhayanaut suspended

Inqilab Moncho calls for restraint

As unrest erupted across the country following Osman Hadi’s death, Inqilab Moncho has urged the public to avoid violence, vandalism, and arson that have erupted across the country.

In a late-night Facebook post on Thursday, the organisation said: "Through destruction and fire, certain groups aim to render Bangladesh an ineffective state. They seek to undermine the independence and sovereignty of our country. You must understand -- 32 and 36 are not the same."

The post continued: "As the February elections approach, consider who truly benefits if unrest is created in the country. To maintain stability in Bangladesh, fully cooperate with the government and refrain from violence."

Rajshahi AL office bulldozed

Amid protests over Hadi’s death, Somoy TV reported that an Awami League party office in Rajshahi was demolished using a bulldozer, highlighting the escalation of unrest across multiple cities.

Roadblock in Jhalakathi

In Jhalakathi, a separate protest was held against Hadi’s killing, with demonstrators blocking the main highway. 

The march began at 11pm from the College Mor area and continued to the Barisal–Khulna regional highway, where protesters set fires on the road, halting traffic well past midnight.

DUCSU students take to Shahbagh

Following the news of Sharif Osman bin Hadi’s death, leaders and activists from Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) and other student organisations gathered at Shahbagh intersection in protest.

The Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal led a protest march, while members of the Chhatra Union also joined demonstrations. At one point, Nahid Islam, convener of the NCP, along with Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain and Mahfuj Alam, recently resigned from the Advisory Council, joined the gathering.

DUCSU Vice-President Abu Shadik Kayem and leaders from various student organisations participated in the protest.

Justice for Hadi march in Jamalpur

In Jamalpur, students and activists staged a protest march demanding justice for the killing of Sharif Osman bin Hadi. 

The march began on Thursday night from Doyamoyee Chattar and concluded at Bokultola Chattar.

At Bokultola, demonstrators held a rally on the road outside the district Awami League office, setting tyres ablaze. 

Later that night, leaders and activists from the NCP, Students Against Discrimination, and Inqilab Moncho marched through Fouzdari Chattar, burning tyres along the road in protest.

Roadblocks in Barisal over Hadi’s death

Students also staged roadblock protests at three locations along the Dhaka–Barisal–Kuakata Highway. Beginning at 11pm on Thursday, demonstrations took place at Nathullabad Bus Terminal, Hatem Ali College Choumatha, and in front of the university road.

Protesters raised slogans against India and the Awami League, blocking traffic for nearly 45 minutes, leaving hundreds of vehicles stranded in all three locations.

Shahjalal University students march

At Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, students staged a protest march following the death of Osman Hadi. 

Starting around 11:30pm from Shah Paran Hall, the march concluded at the university’s main gate. 

Demonstrators raised slogans including: “Stop Indian aggression, break and destroy”, “Inquilab Inquilab Zindabad”, “We are Hadi”, “Not Delhi, Hadi Hadi”, “Who are you, who am I, Hadi Hadi”, “Why is my brother in the grave, why are the killers in India?”

JnU students block Tantibazar

In Old Dhaka’s Tantibazar, Jagannath University students staged a protest and blocked roads in response to Hadi’s death. 

Beginning at the university’s main gate around 11pm, the march proceeded via Raisaheb Bazar and ended at Tantibazar Mor. Many female students from Nawab Faizunnesa Chowdhurani Hall joined the demonstration. 

Nur Mohammad, coordinator of Jagannath University’s Inqilab Moncho, said: “Anyone who has opposed domination in this land has had every voice silenced.”

Vandalism, fire at Chhayanaut

In the wake of Osman Hadi’s death, anger and protests spread to Dhanmondi, where the Chhayanaut building was attacked.

After 1am, a group of individuals broke in through the back door, carrying out extensive vandalism and looting. The mob later set fire to the building’s frontage.

Police and military personnel quickly arrived on the scene and brought the situation under control.

Fire and vandalism at Dhanmondi 32

Following attacks on the Prothom Alo and Daily Star offices, a group of individuals targeted a residence at Dhanmondi 32, setting fires and causing widespread damage.

Around 1:30am, the mob reportedly carried out the attack while shouting different slogans, smashing property and igniting fires.

This location has a history of similar unrest. After the Aug 5, 2024 government collapse, the house was previously vandalised and set ablaze. 

Later, on Feb 5, marking six months since the fall of the Awami League government, part of the Bangabandhu residence was reportedly demolished with heavy equipment.

New Age editor assaulted outside Daily Star

At The Daily Star’s Farmgate office in Dhaka, New Age Editor Nurul Kabir was reportedly harassed by a group of individuals.

On Thursday night, after protesters vandalised and set fire to the Daily Star building, Kabir, who is also president of the Executive Committee of the Newspaper Editors’ Council, arrived at the scene to intervene. In attempting to stop the attackers, he came under direct threat from the mob.

Multiple videos circulating on social media show him being jostled by the crowd, verbally abused as an “Awami League agent”, and even having his hair pulled by one of the assailants.

Ex-mayor Mohiuddin’s Ctg home torched

A group of protesters set fire to the residence of former Chattogram City Corporation mayor ABM Mohiuddin Chowdhury (Nowfel) during demonstrations in the city over the death of Inqilab Moncho Convenor Sharif Osman bin Hadi.

The arson attack occurred at 11:15pm on Thursday in the Sholoshahar area, where the house stands on Mayor Goli in Chashma Hill.

Mohibul Hassan Chowdhoury Nowfel, the eldest son of the late mayor and the former education minister, used to live there.

Arson at Prothom Alo, Daily Star offices

Following earlier attacks, fires were set at the Prothom Alo and The Daily Star offices.

Two fire service units rushed to the scene and managed to bring the flames under control. Later, the Daily Star office was extensively vandalised before another fire was ignited.

Military personnel are now present, attempting to restore order. By around 1:45 am, the fire at Daily Star was largely contained, though flames could still be seen on the ground floor.

Attacks on Prothom Alo, Daily Star offices

Following Hadi’s death and protests at Shahbagh, mobs targeted the offices of Prothom Alo and The Daily Star in Karwan Bazar.

Around midnight Thursday, the Prothom Alo office was attacked, with widespread vandalism reported. Later, some attackers moved across the street to The Daily Star office.

Live videos circulating on social media show rioters wielding sticks and carrying out the destruction.

Tarique condemns Hadi killing: “Bloodshed for a far-reaching plan”

The BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman expressed deep grief over the death of Inqilab Moncho spokesperson Sharif Osman bin Hadi, offering prayers for his soul and condolences to his family.

In a statement on Thursday, he said, “We are watching with concern as criminal networks carry out planned killings and attacks across the country. This bloodshed is part of implementing a far-reaching plan. Those who are enemies of democracy and the nation shot Hadi, leaving him critically injured, and today he has died in Singapore.”

Calling the young politician’s killing a grave injustice, Tarique demanded the immediate arrest of those responsible and urged exemplary punishment, reiterating his heartfelt sympathies to Hadi’s family.

DU hall leaders rename Bangabandhu Hall after Hadi

Leaders of the hall union have put up posters renaming Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Hall at Dhaka University as “Shaheed Osman Hadi Hall".

The decision came amid widespread protests on campus following the death of Inqilab Moncho Convenor Sharif Osman bin Hadi in Singapore on Thursday night.

By midnight on Friday, the union leaders had affixed posters bearing Hadi’s name at the front of the residential hall.

Stones hurled at Indian mission in Chattogram

Protesters attacked the Indian Assistant High Commission in Chattogram with bricks and stones following the earlier demonstration against the killing of Inqilab Mancha Convenor Sharif Osman bin Hadi.

The initial protest, which began around 11pm near the Khulshi office, had ended by 12:55am, allowing traffic to resume. But shortly after, another group gathered at the same location. Witnesses reported that within minutes, protesters began hurling bricks at the building.

Police responded with tear gas and baton charges, prompting protesters to throw stones in retaliation. The crowd scattered into nearby lanes, and law enforcement regained control around 2am.

Earlier, demonstrators had blocked the main road in front of the mission, shouting slogans such as “Stop Indian aggression”, “We will all be Hadi, we will fight under fire”, and “Hadi’s blood will not go in vain”, disrupting traffic for a period.

Khulshi Police chief Shahin Alam confirmed police presence and said that after initially dispersing the crowd, more people regrouped, leading to further protests on the road in front of the mission.

Family, neighbours rush to Hadi’s home

News of the death of Inqilab Moncho Convenor Sharif Osman bin Hadi drew neighbours and relatives to his ancestral home in Nalchity, Jhalakathi.

By 10:30pm on Thursday, Khaskhal area of the village was filled with mourners, many openly weeping at the tragic news. Some relatives and neighbours demanded the immediate arrest and exemplary punishment of those responsible.

Hadi’s sister was present at the house, and law-enforcing officers remained on site to ensure security. However, no family members spoke to the media.

A 30-year-old local woman said, “Everyone here is devastated by Hadi’s death. Words fail us. He was the proud, courageous voice of Nalchity. If justice is not served, no future Hadi will rise. In protest, we must unite like during the July Uprising.”

Another neighbour, aged 50, remarkedL “Hadi departed while preaching the truth of faith. His family is very good. The killers must face justice on this land of Bengal. That is our demand.”

A 45-year-old woman added, “Hadi was Khaskhal’s own child. He and his father were both good people. Today, he left the world speaking the truth. We demand the harshest punishment for his killers.”

President expresses grief

President Md Shahabuddin expressed his condolences over the passing of Osman Hadi. In a statement issued by his office on Thursday, he extended deep sympathy to Hadi’s family.

Hadi’s body to return home Friday

The body of Inqilab Moncho Convenor Sharif Osman bin Hadi will be brought back to Bangladesh from Singapore on Friday.

Dr Md Abdul Ahad, neurosurgeon at Dhaka Medical College Hospital and secretary of the National Health Alliance (NHA), confirmed the details.

According to a post on Inqilab Moncho’s official Facebook page, the coffin will be transported on a commercial Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight. The flight is scheduled to depart Singapore at 3:50pm local time and arrive in Dhaka at 6:05pm.

Hadi’s funeral prayers will be held at The Angullia Mosque in Singapore on Friday at 10am local time. After the body arrives in Dhaka, a public funeral prayer will be held on Saturday after Zuhr at Manik Mia Avenue.

Yunus urges restraint

Following the death of Inqilab Moncho Convenor Sharif Osman bin Hadi, Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus has appealed for calm and restraint, while pledging swift legal action against all those involved in the killing.

In an address to the nation on Thursday night, he said: “I sincerely appeal to all citizens of the country to maintain patience and restraint. Law-enforcing agencies and the relevant authorities are conducting the investigation with professionalism. The state is fully committed to upholding the rule of law.”

He also urged people not to fall prey to misinformation or rumours, and to refrain from taking any rash or provocative actions.

State mourning Saturday

The government has declared Saturday a day of state mourning over Hadi’s death.

Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus announced the decision during his address to the nation on Thursday night, shortly after news of Hadi’s death in Singapore reached Bangladesh.

He also said the state would assume responsibility for the welfare of Osman Hadi’s wife and his only child.

Chief advisor’s address to the nation

Shahbagh in turmoil, protests at DU

Protests erupted across the Dhaka University campus after the news of Hadi’s death spread. Activists and supporters of the July Moncho moved to block Shahbagh, bringing traffic in the zone to a halt.

Students marching from different residential halls converged in front of the Teacher–Student Centre (TSC) under the banner Anti-Hegemony Students, staging a demonstration as anger spilled onto the streets.

Protesters shouted slogans, including calls to dismantle what they described as Awami League strongholds, demands for answers over why “Brother Hadi had to die”, appeals to the interim authorities for accountability, and slogans opposing what they termed Indian aggression.

Addressing the gathering, DUCSU Social Welfare Secretary AB Zubair said he was struggling to speak. “After the loss of thousands of lives, why did we have to lose him again today?” he asked. “Because of the failure of this interim administration, Hadi has become a martyr.”

He alleged that the killers were operating nearby and that law enforcement and state intelligence agencies were aware of the situation. 

“They knew everything. If the intelligence agencies truly did not know, then why are they being paid?” he said, also criticising what he described as the role of televised talk shows in normalising violence.

At the end of his speech, Zubair led the crowd in a pledge, declaring: “We will all become Hadi, and we will keep fighting, generation after generation.”

Activists of the National Student Power marched out from TSC, shouting “Delhi or Dhaka? Dhaka, Dhaka”, “Resist Indian aggression”, and “One Hadi may be gone, but thousands of Hadis will rise in every home.”

Hadi dies

Sharif Osman bin Hadi, convenor of Inqilab Moncho, who was shot while campaigning a week ago, has died while undergoing treatment at a hospital in Singapore.

As news of Hadi’s death reached Bangladesh, protests erupted in Dhaka and across the country. In several places, the unrest escalated into vandalism and incidents of arson.