- Bangladesh riots prompt advisory for Indians and students
- Bangladesh riots see attacks on offices and media houses
Fresh riots have broken out in neighbouring Bangladesh, prompting India to issue a key advisory for its nationals living there. The unrest followed the death of Sharif Osman Bin Hadi, a representative of the Bangladeshi cultural organisation Inquilab Manch, who died while undergoing treatment in Singapore. His death triggered large scale protests across several cities, including the capital Dhaka. Protesters took to the streets, damaged property, and raised slogans against India and the Awami League party. Therefore, authorities in India moved quickly to alert citizens.
In response to the tense situation, the Indian High Commission in Bangladesh issued an advisory for Indian nationals and Indian students. It advised them to remain careful and avoid unnecessary travel. It also asked them not to come out unless there is an emergency. Meanwhile, the High Commission said that Indians needing help should contact the High Commission or Assistant High Commission offices. It shared this advisory on social media to reach people quickly as the situation evolved.
The Bangladesh riots also saw widespread violence against political and media establishments. Protesters vandalised the Awami League office in Rajshahi and demolished it using a bulldozer. Meanwhile, mobs attacked media houses in Dhaka. The Daily Star office at Kawran Bazar was set on fire. Around 25 journalists trapped inside were later rescued by local people. The office of Bengali newspaper Prothom Alo was also attacked by protesters. In another major incident, protesters vandalised and set fire to the house of the family of Bangladesh’s founding president Sheikh Mujibur Rehman in the Dhanmondi 32 area. Several government offices also faced damage during the unrest.
Tensions rose further because of Sharif Osman Bin Hadi’s role in earlier movements. Hadi had played a key role in the student movement and was active in the July movement against Awami League leader and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Therefore, many protesters viewed his death as an attack on the movement itself. Thousands of students joined protests in different locations, including Dhaka, and continued raising slogans against India and the Awami League.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh government head Muhammad Yunus reacted to Hadi’s death. He said Hadi was a fearless fighter in the July movement and described his killing as very sad. He warned that those responsible would not be spared. He also said the government would take responsibility for Hadi’s wife and child. Later, he appealed to citizens to maintain peace and show restraint as tensions remained high across the country.
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