Sharif Osman Hadi, 32, a spokesperson for Inquilab Mancha and a prominent student movement leader, died in a Singapore hospital after a 12 December assassination attempt in Dhaka. Police released CCTV stills of two suspects, offered a 5 million taka reward and have arrested at least 20 people as investigations continue. His death has prompted nationwide protests, attacks on media buildings and heightened anti-India sentiment among demonstrators demanding accountability.
Who Was Sharif Osman Hadi — And Why His Killing Has Sparked Nationwide Protests In Bangladesh
Protesters block Shahbag Square in Dhaka, Bangladesh, demanding justice for the killing of Sharif Osman Hadi, a student leader who had been undergoing treatment in Singapore after being shot in the head, in Dhaka, Bangladesh December 19, 2025 [Mohammad Ponir Hossain/Reuters]
Sharif Osman Hadi, a 32-year-old youth leader and spokesperson for Inquilab Mancha (the "Platform for Revolution"), died in a Singapore hospital after suffering gunshot wounds in an assassination attempt in Dhaka on 12 December. His death has triggered violent demonstrations across Bangladesh, with protesters demanding accountability and accusing authorities of failing to protect him.
What Happened
On 12 December, two assailants on a motorcycle opened fire at the battery-powered auto-rickshaw in which Hadi was travelling in Dhaka’s Bijoynagar area. Hadi was struck in the head and taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital. Doctors diagnosed brain stem damage, and on 15 December he was transferred to the neurosurgical intensive care unit at Singapore General Hospital. Authorities in Singapore and Inquilab Mancha confirmed his death on Thursday.
Protesters shout slogans in front of the premises of the Prothom Alo daily newspaper on Friday [Mahmud Hossain Opu/AP]
Investigation And Manhunt
Bangladeshi police released CCTV stills on 13 December showing two suspects and offered a reward of 5 million taka (about $42,000) for information leading to their arrest. The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), the country’s counterterrorism unit, joined the manhunt. Local outlets report at least 20 arrests linked to the attack so far, while officials say the probe is ongoing.
Public Reaction And Protests
Hadi’s death has inflamed public anger. Mourning turned into protests in Shahbag and other parts of Dhaka and several cities, with many demonstrators demanding the resignations of the heads of the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Law, citing a failure to secure Hadi. Protesters chanted for justice and called for the perpetrators to be brought to account.
The Prothom Alo newspaper office in Dhaka is attacked following the death of Sharif Osman Hadi, a prominent student leader, on December 19, 2025 [Abdul Goni/Reuters]
Some crowds targeted media outlets they view as pro-India: protesters forced entry into the offices of Prothom Alo and The Daily Star in Dhaka, and the Daily Star building was set on fire; the outlet reported that 28 journalists and staff were trapped for several hours. Local reports also said stones were thrown at the Assistant High Commission of India in Chittagong. Security forces were deployed outside affected buildings.
Political Context And Claims
Hadi had been a prominent figure in Bangladesh’s 2024 student movement and an outspoken critic of India’s perceived influence in Bangladeshi politics. His activism included criticism of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, who fled to India following last year’s unrest and was later convicted in absentia. Protesters have accused the attackers of fleeing to India — claims some youth politicians and demonstrators have repeated — though investigators have not publicly confirmed cross-border movement by suspects.
Interim government head Muhammad Yunus described Hadi’s death as "an irreparable loss for the nation" and called for continued democratic progress despite violence. Several political parties and groups issued condolences. The government announced special prayers and a half-day of mourning.
What’s Next
Authorities say the investigation continues and the police reward remains active. Protesters have warned they will continue demonstrations until they see arrests and senior officials held accountable. The case risks further destabilising an already tense political climate ahead of expected elections in 2026.
Note: This article summarises reports from Bangladeshi media, statements from Singapore authorities, and coverage by international outlets. Some allegations circulating online and at protests — including claims the attackers fled to India — remain unverified by investigators.
