DHAKA –Bangladesh witnessed chaos as protesters set fire to some of the country’s most old newspapers and historic sites, after death of Sharif Osman Hadi, a 32-year-old activist associated with the student organization Inquilab Mancha.
Hadi, a vocal critic of India, was shot by unknown assailants with covered faces outside mosque in Dhaka last week. After being flown to Singapore for medical treatment, he succumbed to his injuries on Thursday, triggering nationwide outrage.
Soon after the news of his death wenr viral, protests erupted across Asian nation, rapidly escalating into violent attacks. Protesters targeted multiple key locations, including media offices, cultural institutions, and government-related sites.
There is a rising unrest in #Bangladesh
Widespread protests have erupted across Bangladesh against the killing of Usman Hadi, a prominent student leader of the July Revolution. Fires were set at several locations, and the offices of The Daily Star and Prothom Alo were set… pic.twitter.com/J0QP6B4ZyR
— Republic Policy (@republicpolicy) December 18, 2025
In Dhaka’s bustling Karwan Bazar, the four-story headquarters of Prothom Alo was engulfed in flames, leaving building completely destroyed. Smoke continued to billow from parts of the building as fire services battled to control the blaze.
The office of Daily Star, another leading newspaper, also suffered severe damage. The lower and second floors were gutted by fire, while inside, vandals ransacked the building, leaving trail of destruction and stolen equipment. Staff reported the loss of cameras, hard drives, and personal items containing irreplaceable memories. Many journalists remain traumatized, unable to resume normal work.
Officials confirmed that attacks occurred around midnight Thursday, trapping staff inside. Firefighters rescued them using cranes, but looting and destruction had already been carried out by the perpetrators.
President of the Editors Council Nurul Kabir was also harassed by the mob. Subsequently, army personnel were deployed to the area to restore order.
The violence did not spare historic and cultural landmarks. In Dhaka’s Dhanmondi area, the building of Chhayanaut, the renowned cultural institution, was severely damaged and set on fire. Activities, including music academy classes, were suspended indefinitely.
Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s historic residence was attacked again, with protesters seen breaking walls with bricks. Former Mayor Mohiyuddin’s home was set ablaze around 11 PM, and the Awami League’s local office also fell victim to the mobs.
Beyond Dhaka, the unrest spread to Chittagong, where protesters attacked office of Indian Assistant High Commissioner, pelting stones after an Inquilab Mancha sit-in. Police were forced to use tear gas to restore order.
Both Prothom Alo and Daily Star have long been considered secular and progressive. Under Sheikh Hasina, they faced government pressure for critical reporting. Recently, they published articles condemning hardline Islamist elements and exposing alleged misconduct by the caretaker government and security forces, highlighting forced disappearances and unfair arrests targeting former officials, journalists, and Awami League supporters.
The newspapers have also challenged controversial narratives about Bangladesh’s 1971 War of Independence, reporting critically on role of Awami League and Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, provoking ire from nationalist and Islamist groups.
This unprecedented wave of vandalism left Bangladesh in state of shock. Law enforcement and security forces are struggling to contain the unrest, while the media reels from what many are calling “a direct attack on press freedom.”
