Bangladesh is currently experiencing a wave of intense protests following the tragic death of student leader Sharif Osman Hadi. Shot in Dhaka last week, Hadi succumbed to his injuries in a Singapore hospital on Thursday, igniting widespread demonstrations across the nation.
These protests have particularly targeted Indian diplomatic missions in cities like Chittagong, Rajshahi, Dhaka, and Khulna. What began as an outpouring of grief and anger quickly escalated, with large crowds attempting to storm facilities. In Chittagong, violence broke out, injuring four people, including two police officers, as protesters hurled bricks and vandalized the assistant high commission. Media offices in Dhaka were also set on fire, underscoring the volatile situation.
Indian authorities have expressed significant concern over the safety of their officials, noting a delayed response from Bangladeshi security forces in containing the crowds. This led to India summoning Bangladesh’s High Commissioner to New Delhi, urging the interim government to uphold its diplomatic obligations and ensure mission safety.
The interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, is now grappling with rising tensions. They’ve declared a day of state mourning and issued an urgent appeal for calm, imploring citizens to reject mob violence and hatred. The government is steadfast in its commitment to keep Bangladesh’s crucial democratic transition, including upcoming elections and a constitutional referendum in February, on track amidst the unrest. They also strongly condemned the separate lynching of a Hindu man, vowing strict action against perpetrators.
As Hadi’s body is awaited back from Singapore, authorities are bracing for potential further escalation. The coming days will be critical as Bangladesh navigates this challenging period, balancing public sentiment with the imperative of peace and stability.
