Protesters set fire to many offices in Bangladesh

Bangladesh has witnessed widespread unrest following the death of young political leader and Inquilab Mancha convener Sharif Osman Haidi. Protests erupted across the country and soon turned violent, with demonstrators setting fire to newspaper offices and damaging public property.

Haidi played a significant role in recent protests against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the ruling Awami League. He was shot by unidentified assailants last week and was later shifted to Singapore for advanced medical treatment. The Bangladesh Foreign Ministry confirmed that he succumbed to his injuries during treatment.

Following the news of his death, protests intensified in Dhaka, Chattogram, and several other regions. Demonstrators surrounded the Indian Assistant High Commissioner’s office in Chattogram and targeted Awami League offices along with media organizations.

Offices of leading newspapers such as Prothom Alo and The Daily Star were set on fire. Around 25 journalists trapped inside The Daily Star building were rescued by security forces. An editor from the New Age newspaper was reportedly attacked while attempting to negotiate with protesters, forcing several media outlets to temporarily suspend operations.

Protesters also vandalized the residence of Bangladesh’s founding president Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, which currently functions as a museum. With national elections scheduled next year, Haidi’s killing has further escalated political tensions across the country.