Bangladesh Protests LIVE: Tensions Rise After Killing of Student Leader Hadi

The situation unfolding in Bangladesh has emerged as India’s most serious strategic test since the Liberation War of 1971, a parliamentary standing committee on external affairs led by Congress leader Shashi Tharoor warned on Thursday.

According to BD News24, the findings were presented hours before a fresh wave of violence erupted across Bangladesh following the death of a student leader. Sharif Osman Hadi, who gained popularity after the 2024 uprising, was shot on December 12 and died during treatment in Singapore on Thursday, triggering unrest in the country. Mobs torched media offices, vandalised several establishments, and hurled stones at the Indian mission in Chattogram.

However, the findings of the Shashi Tharoor-led panel preceded the fresh violence in the neighbouring nation. The panel also pointed out that New Delhi must tread carefully, even as it ruled out a slide into complete chaos.

The report outlined growing political instability, security concerns, and regional power shifts in Bangladesh that could directly impact India.

On Friday, West Bengal BJP chief Samik Bhattacharya expressed concern over the situation in Bangladesh, stating that “fundamentalists are behind the turn of events” in the neighbouring country and that they “seem to be in control” of the situation.

Responding to queries at a press conference, the Rajya Sabha MP said, “Fundamentalism and radicalism are spreading like cancer in Bangladesh. All right-thinking people should unite to fight this menace.”

The Bangladesh interim government on Friday expressed solidarity with journalists and media organisations targeted during the recent violence, saying it “stands by” Prothom Alo and The Daily Star.

In a statement, the interim administration said, “To the journalists of The Daily Star, Prothom Alo, and New Age: we stand with you. We are deeply sorry for the terror and violence you have endured,” according to news agency ANI.

Praising the response of journalists during the attacks, the statement added, “The nation has witnessed your courage and tolerance in the face of terror. Attacks on journalists are attacks on truth itself. We promise you full justice.”

The remarks come after mobs vandalised and set fire to media offices in Dhaka following the death of student leader Sharif Osman Hadi, raising serious concerns over press freedom and journalist safety in Bangladesh.

Bangladesh LIVE Updates: Protesters have once again attacked the office of leading media house The Daily Star in Dhaka.

The United States (US) Embassy in Dhaka has expressed condolences over the death of student leader Sharif Osman Hadi. In a post on X, the embassy said, “The US Embassy joins the people of Bangladesh in mourning the loss of youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi and offers our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and supporters.”