Violence Erupts Across Bangladesh After Killing of Inquilab Mancha Leader Sharif Usman Hadi
Dhaka/New Delhi, Agency:
Following the killing of Sharif Usman Hadi, a prominent leader of the Inquilab Mancha movement in Bangladesh, angry mobs went on a rampage across several cities from late Thursday night into Friday morning.
Protesters vandalised newspaper offices, resorted to arson, staged demonstrations outside the Indian High Commission, and raised anti-India slogans.
Amid the unrest, Bangladesh’s interim government chief adviser, Muhammad Yunus, on Friday appealed to citizens to stay away from violent protests.
Hadi, one of the key leaders of the uprising that took place in Bangladesh in July last year, died late Thursday night at a hospital in Singapore.
He had sustained a gunshot wound to the head during an attack on December 12 in Dhaka’s Bijoynagar area while campaigning in connection with elections.
As news of his death spread, his supporters and radical student groups poured onto the streets, launching arson attacks, vandalism, and targeted assaults.
Enraged crowds attempted to storm the Indian High Commission in Khulna and Chattogram. In Chattogram, demonstrators marched towards the High Commission building, broke through police barricades on Zakir Hussain Road, and staged a sit-in outside the premises while shouting slogans.
Police fired tear gas shells and carried out baton charges to disperse the mob. Twelve protesters were taken into custody.
Authorities assured that adequate security had been provided to the Assistant High Commission.
These incidents followed a nationwide address by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, in which he confirmed Hadi’s death and declared that there would be no leniency towards those responsible for the killing. He urged citizens to maintain patience and calm.
Yunus also announced a one-day state mourning on Saturday. Officials confirmed that Hadi’s mortal remains have been brought back to Dhaka.
Mujibur Rahman’s Historic Home Demolished:
In Dhaka, protesters arrived with bulldozers and demolished the remaining portions of the historic residence of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the father of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Several offices and homes of Awami League leaders were also attacked or set ablaze.
These included the residence of former education minister Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury Naufel in Chashma Hill, as well as the home of the brother of former Dhaka-18 Awami League MP Habib Hasan in Uttara.
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