The political climate in Bangladesh, which is preparing for elections, has been shaken by the death of young leader Sharif Osman Hadi. He died while undergoing treatment at Singapore General Hospital on Thursday night.

Soon after, violent protests and arson broke out in Bangladesh. On December 12, two masked men on a motorcycle opened fire on him in Dhaka. He was taken to a Dhaka hospital for treatment after being shot in the head. From there, he was flown to Singapore for further treatment. 

Hadi, 32, was at the forefront of the student-led movement in 2024. The movement ousted Sheikh Hasina's government. Born on June 30, 1993 in Nalchitty in Jhalokathi district of southern Bangladesh, Hadi had been active in student politics since he came to Dhaka to pursue higher education.

Hadi, who was recently the spokesperson for the Inquilab Manch, planned to contest from the Dhaka-8 constituency in the parliamentary elections scheduled for February 12. He was known as an anti-India leader. Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who was ousted by a student movement in Bangladesh, is currently seeking asylum in India. 

The search for the perpetrators is ongoing 

Bangladesh's anti-terror unit Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) said it is searching for the person who shot Hadi. Police released CCTV footage of the incident on December 13, showing two suspects.

They are wearing black clothing and glasses. Police have also announced a reward of 5 million taka for information on the perpetrators. According to the Bangladeshi newspaper 'The Daily Star', police have so far arrested 20 suspects in connection with the incident. But the investigation is ongoing. 

What is the reaction in Bangladesh?

Bangladesh's interim government chief Mohammad Yunus has said Hadi's death is an irreparable loss to the nation. "Fear, panic and bloodshed cannot stop the country's journey towards democracy," he said in a televised address on Thursday. Bangladesh National Party (BNP) Executive Chairman Tariq Rahman, National Citizens Party (NCP) and leaders of various parties have expressed their condolences. After his death, the protesting students have demanded the resignation of the Home Minister. 

The protesters allege that the government has failed to provide adequate security to Hadi. They also allege that the masked men who shot Hadi fled abroad. The protesters have demanded that the perpetrators be brought to justice immediately. On Friday, the protesters set fire to various places in the country. They also set fire to the offices of two popular media houses, 'Prothom Alo' and 'The Daily Star'. 

The protesters in Bangladesh have raised anti-India slogans. They have protested that India is interfering in Bangladesh's internal affairs. They also allege that Sheikh Hasina is taking refuge in India and making statements against Bangladesh. 

Visa application center closed in Chittagong

India has closed the services of the Visa Application Center in the city of Chittagong, Bangladesh, until further notice. India has stated in a statement that it had to close the services due to security reasons. "An announcement will be made to reopen the visa center in view of the situation," the statement said. 

Similarly, India has expressed concern over the deteriorating situation of religious minorities in Bangladesh. Last Thursday night, 25-year-old Hindu youth Deepuchandra Das was beaten to death by militants in Bhaluka town. Indian External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that India is closely monitoring the developments in Bangladesh. "Our officials are in touch with the Bangladeshi authorities and we have expressed deep concern about the attack on the minority. We have also stressed that those involved in the barbaric attack on Das be brought to justice," he said.