Bangladesh Violence: Protesters Breach Parliament, Yunus Government Given 24-Hour Ultimatum Amidst Widespread Violence

Bangladesh is currently engulfed in widespread violence and unrest following the death of Sharif Usman Hadi, a prominent spokesperson for the Inqilab Mancha. The situation remains volatile, with protesters breaking through barricades and attempting to enter the Parliament building in Dhaka, while this dramatic escalation occurred shortly after Hadi's burial, further fueling the anger of an already agitated crowd.

The Death of Sharif Usman Hadi and Subsequent Outbreak of Violence

Sharif Usman Hadi was tragically shot in the head by masked gunmen on December 12 during an election campaign in the Bijoynagar area of Central Dhaka. He succumbed to his injuries on Thursday while undergoing treatment in Singapore. His death ignited a wave of outrage across Bangladesh, exacerbating the country's political instability. Supporters, demanding justice, took to the streets in violent protests. A large number of people attended Hadi's Namaz-e-Janaza (funeral prayer), and he was subsequently laid to rest next to the grave of national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam.

24-Hour Ultimatum Issued to Yunus Government

Following Hadi's burial, his supporters issued a stern 24-hour ultimatum to the Yunus government. They warned that if all those responsible for Hadi's murder aren't arrested within this timeframe, a larger and more extensive movement would be launched. Abdull Al Jaber, a close associate of Hadi from the Inqilab Mancha, publicly demanded that the government clarify within the next 24 hours who is responsible for Hadi's assassination, what investigations have been conducted so far, and what steps have been taken for arrests. Jaber emphasized that if the government fails to meet these. Demands, they won't remain silent and will initiate nationwide protests.

Protesters Breach Parliament Building

The enraged crowd, after Hadi's burial, broke through barricades and entered the Parliament building. This incident highlights the deteriorating law and order situation in Bangladesh, while the protesters' action was aimed at pressuring the government and bringing those responsible for Hadi's death to justice immediately. Widespread violent protests are being observed in the capital Dhaka, disrupting normal life and creating a climate of fear and uncertainty. Former minister Mohibul Hassan Chowdhury labeled Hadi as a radical and accused the. Yunus government of inciting violence to postpone the upcoming elections scheduled for February 2026. The Yunus government, however, has condemned the violence and pledged to punish the killers. Experts believe that Hadi's death and the subsequent violence could create new instability in Bangladesh ahead of the February 2026 elections, further complicating the country's political landscape and potentially leading to a prolonged period of unrest.

Increased Security at Indian Assistant High Commission Office

In response to the heightened tensions following Sharif Usman Hadi's death in Bangladesh, security has been increased at the Indian Assistant High Commission office and the Visa Application Centre. According to the 'Dhaka Tribune' newspaper, Sylhet Metropolitan Police Additional Deputy Commissioner (Media) Saiful Islam stated that stringent security. Measures have been implemented to prevent any third party from exploiting the sensitive situation and to avert any untoward incidents. This step has been taken to ensure the safety and security of Indian interests in the region amidst the ongoing turmoil.

Protesters Vacate Shahbagh Square

Following the death of Usman Hadi, a key leader in the protests against Sheikh Hasina, demonstrators had blocked roads around Shahbagh Square, a significant hub for protests in Dhaka. However, after Hadi's burial, the protesters have vacated the Shahbagh Square area. Despite this, tensions remain high, and warnings of a larger movement persist, indicating that the situation is far from resolved and further demonstrations could erupt at any moment.

Attacks on Minorities and Protests in Siliguri

Reports have also emerged of minorities being targeted during the violence in Bangladesh. In Siliguri, West Bengal, people protested against the attacks on minorities in Bangladesh. Meanwhile, 10 individuals have been arrested in connection with the brutal murder of a 27-year-old Hindu youth named Deepu Chandra Das. The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) apprehended seven suspects in the case, while the police arrested three others. These attacks on minorities raise serious questions about the human rights situation. In the country and are a cause for concern for the international community. These incidents have also negatively impacted the social fabric of the nation, deepening divisions and fostering mistrust among communities.