Protests erupt across Bangladesh over Hadi’s death

Bangla Press Desk:   Thousands of protesters have taken to the streets across Bangladesh following the death of Inqilab Moncho spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi, a fearless frontline fighter of the July Uprising.

Blocking key points in Dhaka, Chattogram, and other parts of the country, demonstrators staged overnight protests, demanding the arrest and punishment of perpetrators.

After news of Hadi’s death spread, Dhaka University students poured out from different residential halls from around 10pm, chanting slogans such as “We are all Hadi now,” “Delhi or Dhaka, Dhaka Dhaka,” and “Golami or Azadi, Azadi Azadi.” 

They converged in the Anti-Terrorism Raju Memorial Sculpture area with processions, turning the campus into a sea of demonstrators. Many students were seen in tears during the demonstrations. 

In their speeches, students termed Hadi’s sacrifice a symbol of resistance and urged the public to reject Indian hegemony.

Protesters also thronged Shahbagh, Banglamotor, and Karwan Bazar areas, continuing their demonstrations.

Meanwhile, vandalism and arson attacks were carried out at different institutions, including the offices of the Prothom Alo and The Daily Star at Karwan Bazar.

Unruly demonstrators vandalised and set fire to The Daily Star office, forcing 30-35 media personnel to flee to the rooftop to escape the flames. Members of the Fire Service and Civil Defence brought the fire under control around 1:40am and rescued the staff. Army members took position in front of the office around 3:10am.

BP/SP