Fri Dec 19 08:18:13 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and rewritten news article based on the provided text:
Summary:
Bangladesh is gripped by violent protests following the death of Sharif Osman Hadi, a political spokesperson and prospective candidate, who was shot during election campaigning. Protesters, including students, political activists, and members of the public, are demanding justice and denouncing perceived Indian influence. The protests have targeted media houses, cultural organizations, and political figures’ residences, causing widespread damage and disruption. The government has called for calm, but the unrest raises concerns about the upcoming national elections.
News Article:
Bangladesh Engulfed in Chaos Following Politician’s Death: Media Targeted, Elections in Doubt
Dhaka, Bangladesh – December 19, 2025 – Bangladesh is reeling from widespread violence and protests following the death of Sharif Osman Hadi, a 32-year-old spokesperson for Inqilab Mancha and aspiring candidate for Dhaka-8. Hadi, who was shot on December 12th while campaigning, succumbed to his injuries in a Singapore hospital on Thursday, sparking outrage and unrest across the nation.
Protests erupted in Dhaka and other major cities, with demonstrators chanting slogans against perceived Indian aggression and targeting media outlets deemed sympathetic to India. The offices of Prothom Alo and The Daily Star, two of Bangladesh’s largest newspapers, were attacked and severely damaged, forcing them to suspend publication. Journalists were trapped, and some were harassed.
The protests spread to other targets, including the Bengali cultural organization Chhayanaut and the residence of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Homes of political figures and the Awami League city office in Rajshahi were also attacked. Major highways were blocked, and the Indian Deputy High Commissioner’s residence in Chattogram was besieged. The army has been deployed to maintain order.
Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has urged the public to remain calm and called for unity, but the violence continues. Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami have condemned the violence and urged patience.
Political analysts warn that the unrest could derail the upcoming national elections scheduled for February 12, 2026. Some believe the violence is being exploited by various factions to undermine the credibility of the polls. Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiya, the recently resigned Local Government Adviser, has said that these people setting fires are tarnishing Hadi’s struggle.
The body of Sharif Osman Hadi is expected to return to Bangladesh on Friday. An investigation into his shooting is underway, with 14 arrests made to date. The situation remains tense, with the future of Bangladesh’s political stability hanging in the balance.
First Piper 