Bangladesh: Youth leader Usman Hadi was shot, why did the mob attack the media and journalists after his death?

After the death of young Bangladeshi activist Usman Hadi, violence has erupted in Bangladesh, his supporters are on the streets and many buildings have been set on fire. After the death, the mob created a ruckus throughout the night and especially targeted media journalists. Hadi’s death is being linked to his anti-India and anti-Awami League stance.

32 years old Hadi During the election campaign in Bijoynagar area of ​​Dhaka, he was shot in the head by masked assailants riding a motorcycle. This attack on him happened on December 12, when shortly before he had posted a controversial Facebook map of ‘Greater Bangladesh’ including some parts of Eastern India, after which people are linking this attack with India as well.

After his death during treatment in Singapore, Sheikh Mujib’s house was vandalized by the mob, the offices of Prothom Alo and The Daily Star newspapers were set on fire and there were also reports of looting. Apart from this, there are also reports of assault on many journalists. In which New Age editor Noorul Kabir was fatally attacked. More than 30 employees of the Daily Star newspaper were rescued by the army and taken out from the roof of the building.

Why was only the media house targeted?

The attacks on Bangladesh’s English newspaper The Daily Star and Bengali newspaper Prothom Alo took place in the Caravan Bazaar area in the early hours of 19 December, when the news of Sharif Osman Hadi’s death spread in Singapore. The angry mob vandalized buildings, looted furniture and documents and set them on fire. Many journalists present in the office also got trapped inside amidst the smoke.

Although there were no casualties, staff like Daily Star reporter Zaima Islam pleaded for help on social media, saying, “I can’t breathe anymore. You are killing me.” The fire brigade controlled the arson at around 1:40 pm and the police sealed the areas.

The reason for targeting the Daily Star is that the newspaper was said to be pro-government during Sheikh Hasina’s rule. Hadi has been a staunch opponent of Sheikh Hasina government, so it is believed that the mob supporting her burnt down this newspaper office in anger.

Violence again in Bangladesh after Hadi’s death

After Hadi’s death, the head of the interim government, Mohammad Yunus, while addressing the nation, described Hadi as a fearless frontline fighter and vowed to defeat fascist terrorists. Bhils protesting in Dhaka chanted ‘End Indian attack!’ And slogans like ‘Catch and kill people associated with the League’ have been raised.

Who is Osman Hadi?

Hadi was the co-founder and spokesperson of Inquilab Manch. This is a political group of youth formed after the rebellion. The platform advocates justice, protecting the sovereignty of Bangladesh, opposing foreign influence (especially Indian influence), and accountability for the martyrs of July. Apart from this, Hadi was also an independent candidate from Dhaka-8 constituency in the upcoming national elections to be held on February 12, 2026.

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