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Bangladesh’s interim government led by Muhammad Yunus urged all parties to exercise calm and blamed the unrest on “fringe elements” who thrive on chaos.
Violence broke out in Bangladesh after the death of radical student leader Sharif Osman Hadi. (Reuters)
As Bangladesh is witnessing violent protests following the death of student leader Sharif Osman Hadi, the interim government of Muhammad Yunus has urged all citizens to exercise restraint and resist all forms of mob violence, blaming the unrest on a “few fringe elements.” FOLLOW LIVE UPDATES
“We strongly and unequivocally condemn all acts of violence, intimidation, arson, and destruction of properties. This is a critical moment in our nation’s history when we are making a historic democratic transition. We cannot and must not allow it to be derailed by those few who thrive on chaos and reject peace,” said the government in a statement.
The interim government said the upcoming elections and the July Charter referendum were not just political exercises but a solemn national commitment, similar to Hadi’s dream.
Govt Apologises To Journalists, Condemns Lynching Of Hindu Man
The Bangladesh interim government also apologised to the journalists of Prothom Alo, The Daily Star and New Age, whose offices were vandalised and set ablaze as protests broke out following news of Hadi’s death. Troops were deployed to the office of The Daily Star, and firefighters rescued journalists trapped inside the building. Reports also said the Awami League’s office in Rajshahi was set ablaze.
“To the journalists of The Daily Star, Prothom Alo and New Age: we stand with you. We are deeply sorry for the terror and violence you have endured. The nation has witnessed your courage and tolerance in the face of terror. Attacks on journalists are attacks on truth itself. We promise you full justice,” the government said.
The government also condemned the brutal lynching of a Hindu man by Islamists over alleged blasphemy, saying, “There is no space for such violence in new Bangladesh. The perpetrators of this heinous crime will not be spared.”
According to reports, the victim, identified as Dipu Chandra Das, was attacked by a mob in Bangladesh’s Mymensingh district on Thursday night. It has been learnt that the mob, after killing Das, hung his body from a tree and set it on fire.
Hadi’s Death Rocks Bangladesh
Sharif Osman Hadi was a student leader who emerged from the student uprising that reshaped the country’s political landscape last year and ousted ex-PM Sheikh Hasina from the office. His killing has not only devastated supporters of the Inqilab Mancha, the anti-Hasina platform he helped lead, but has also triggered large-scale protests, attacks on media offices, and demonstrations outside Indian diplomatic premises.
Hadi was shot in the head by masked assailants in Dhaka last Friday while launching his campaign for the elections. He was initially treated at a local hospital before being flown to Singapore for advanced medical care, where he died after spending six days on life support.
Hadi rose to prominence as the convener of Inqilab Mancha and became known for his sharp attacks on both the Awami League and pro-India political alignments. He had reportedly circulated a map of a so-called Greater Bangladesh that included parts of India’s northeast.
Yunus described Hadi’s death as a profound blow to the nation’s political and democratic life and announced a day of state mourning. Thousands of his supporters gathered at Shahbag in Dhaka, chanting slogans and accusing authorities of failing to protect him.
Dhaka, Bangladesh
December 19, 2025, 1:09 pm IST
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