Bangladesh Newspaper Offices Hit as Protests Erupt After Leader's Death

Protests in the capital Dhaka intensified after activist Sharif Osman Hadi died from his injuries. Two major newspapers were attacked as offices were set on fire, raising concerns about press freedom during a tense political transition ahead of elections.

What happened

On Thursday night, hundreds of protesters attacked the offices of the English-language Daily Star and the Bengali daily Prothom Alo in Dhaka. The Daily Star could not publish its print edition on Friday for the first time in 35 years, and staff were trapped on a rooftop for hours before security forces rescued them.

Context and consequences

Sharif Osman Hadi, 32, was a senior leader of the student group Inqilab Mancha and a leading voice in last year's protests that helped remove Prime Minister Hasina from power. He planned to run as an independent candidate in the February election. He died after being shot while leaving a mosque in Dhaka; authorities said he died in Singapore after medical care.

The aftermath saw several historic sites damaged, including public buildings linked to the country’s founding family. The interim government condemned the attacks and pledged full justice for those responsible. Investigations are ongoing and several people have been detained.

Political fallout

Hasina fled to India in August 2024 after weeks of student protests that challenged her long rule. In November she was sentenced to death for crimes against humanity for permitting lethal force against protesters, a ruling that added to the turmoil around the election. The transition remains under pressure as the country prepares for the February polls.

The interim administration, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, urged calm and said the democracy movement should proceed peacefully.

Authorities said the violence was not limited to the newspapers; other landmarks, including the former home of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, were vandalised during the same wave of attacks.

Investigations continue, and the government declared a day of national mourning in response to the violence.

Expert commentary

A media analyst notes that attacks on newspapers highlight the fragility of press freedom during political change, and urges authorities to protect journalists and outlets from intimidation. The analyst adds that independent reporting remains essential for an informed public during elections.

Summary

In Dhaka, protests followed the death of activist Sharif Osman Hadi and led to attacks on two major newspapers. The episodes disrupted newsroom operations, drawing government promises of accountability. The events underscore the ongoing tension between political upheaval and press freedom ahead of the February vote.

Key takeaway: The assault on news outlets during political upheaval shows why protecting journalists is vital for a functioning democracy. BBC News

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