Fresh violence erupted in Bangladesh late Wednesday night after unidentified groups attacked the offices of two of the country’s most prominent newspapers—Prothom Alo and The Daily Star—in Dhaka’s Karwan Bazar area.
According to reports from civil society platform Nagorik, a group of individuals vandalised both media establishments shortly after midnight. The Daily Star’s office was reportedly set ablaze, while fires were seen burning on the road outside the Prothom Alo building. Video footage circulating on social media showed attackers damaging property with sticks and other objects.
Nagorik further stated that several employees were trapped inside the buildings during the attack, raising serious concerns over press safety and freedom of expression in the country.
Trigger: Death of Inqilab Mancha Spokesperson
The attacks followed confirmation of the death of Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of political platform Inqilab Mancha, who succumbed to injuries while receiving treatment in Singapore.
Hadi was critically injured in a shooting incident on December 12 in Dhaka’s Purana Paltan area while campaigning ahead of the upcoming national elections. Investigators said an unidentified assailant on a motorcycle shot him in the head while he was travelling in a battery-powered rickshaw.
He was initially treated at Dhaka Medical College Hospital, later moved to Evercare Hospital, and eventually airlifted to Singapore due to the severity of his injuries. He passed away during treatment, sparking widespread protests across the capital.
National Mourning Declared
Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus announced Saturday, December 20, 2025, as a national day of mourning in honour of Hadi. The national flag will be flown at half-mast across Bangladesh and at diplomatic missions abroad. Special prayers will also be held after Jummah prayers nationwide.
Yunus further stated that the state would assume responsibility for the welfare of Hadi’s wife and child. Authorities remain on high alert as demonstrations continue in Dhaka amid heightened political tension and concerns over public safety and media freedom.
