Ongoing Unrest in Bangladesh

Bangladesh is experiencing heightened political instability and violence, stemming from the assassination of prominent student leader Sharif Osman Hadi and escalating into broader protests, targeted attacks and diplomatic tensions with India. The country remains under an interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus following the 2024 ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Key Trigger: Death of Sharif Osman Hadi

• Hadi, a 32-year-old leader of the 2024 student uprising (which toppled Hasina) and spokesperson for Inqilab Mancha, was shot in the head on December 12, 2025, in Dhaka while campaigning for upcoming elections.
• He died on December 18 in a Singapore hospital.
• His death sparked immediate widespread protests demanding justice, with thousands blocking intersections like Shahbagh in Dhaka.
• Violence included arson attacks on major newspaper offices (Prothom Alo and The Daily Star, accused by protesters of being pro-India), vandalism of properties linked to Awami League figures, and assaults on journalists.
• Security forces, including army and paramilitary, were deployed; the UN urged calm and a transparent investigation.

Recent Escalation: Another Leader Shot

• On December 22, 2025, another student activist linked to the 2024 movement, Muhammad Motaleb Sikdar (or Motaleb Shikdar), was shot in the head in broad daylight in Khulna.
• This has intensified fears of a cycle of targeted political assassinations ahead of national elections (originally discussed for early 2026, though timelines remain uncertain).

Anti-India Sentiment and Minority Attacks

• Protests have featured strong anti-India rhetoric, with Hadi known as an outspoken critic of India (where Hasina is in exile).
• Attacks targeted Indian diplomatic missions in Bangladesh (e.g., Chittagong Assistant High Commission).
• Reports of violence against minorities, particularly Hindus, including the lynching of Dipu Chandra Das (a Hindu factory worker accused of blasphemy), home torchings, and temple vandalism.
• This has fueled reciprocal protests in India.

Diplomatic Fallout with India

• Protests erupted outside Bangladesh missions in New Delhi, Kolkata, and other cities by groups like Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal, condemning attacks on Hindus.
• Clashes occurred as protesters broke barricades; Bangladesh suspended visa/consular services in India citing security concerns.
• Bangladesh summoned India's High Commissioner Pranay Verma on December 23, expressing "grave concern" over protests and alleged vandalism.
• India rejected claims of inadequate security and has previously raised concerns about its own missions in Bangladesh.

Broader Context

• The interim government faces criticism for failing to control violence, with calls for the Home Affairs Adviser's resignation.
• Elections are a flashpoint: Original plans for February 2026, but delays and reforms are debated amid fears of further unrest.
• Human rights groups and the UN highlight risks to civic space, journalists, and minorities as Bangladesh navigates this transition.

The situation remains fluid and tense, with potential for further escalation. Sources include Reuters, Al Jazeera, The Hindu, UN News, and others representing diverse viewpoints. For real-time updates, monitor reliable international outlets.