Bangladesh is in a state of mourning for Sharif Osman Hadi, which continues today. The country halts normal activities to honour the slain activist from the 2024 uprising. His death triggered widespread violence, including attacks on central newspaper offices.
Dhaka, Saturday, 20 December 2025 – Bangladesh is in a state of mourning following the passing of Sharif Osman Hadi, reflecting deep national grief. The interim government declared a one-day mourning after the activist died in a hospital abroad. Sharif Osman Hadi, a prominent leader in the July-August 2024 uprising, passed away late Thursday from gunshot injuries sustained earlier this month. His funeral drew massive crowds in the capital despite security concerns.
The government ordered flags to be flown at half-mast across all official buildings. Educational institutions and Bangladesh missions overseas also observed the protocol. Religious leaders led special prayers in mosques, temples, and churches across the nation.
Thousands gathered for the funeral of Sharif Osman Hadi in Bangladesh at the South Plaza of the National Parliament. The ceremony highlighted his role in the student-led movement that changed the country’s political landscape.
Sharif Osman Hadi Funeral Bangladesh: A Nation in Grief
The funeral of Sharif Osman Hadi in Bangladesh became a focal point of collective mourning. Mourners lined the streets from Shahjalal International Airport to the parliament complex. Hadi’s body arrived from Singapore on Friday evening via a special flight.
Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus joined the funeral prayers. He placed a wreath on the coffin and stood in silence. Other cabinet members and military officials paid respects.
Yunus later addressed the media. He described Hadi as one of the bravest voices of the younger generation. The chief adviser assured the bereaved family of full government support. He emphasised commitment to justice for the killing.
Security forces maintained strict vigilance throughout the funeral of Sharif Osman Hadi in Bangladesh. Armoured vehicles patrolled key areas. Police and Rapid Action Battalion personnel formed human chains to manage crowds.
Hadi’s final resting place lies near the Central Mosque at Dhaka University. He joins national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam in that honoured location. Family members and close associates completed burial rites after the main ceremony.
The state of Bangladesh is in mourning for Sharif Osman Hadi, underscoring the activist’s lasting impact. His speeches during the uprising inspired millions seeking change.
Prothom Alo Daily Star Torched Bangladesh: Media Under Attack
Violence broke out hours after the confirmation of Hadi’s death. Angry mobs targeted prominent media houses in Dhaka.
Prothom Alo, Daily Star, and torched Bangladesh offices faced devastating arson attacks. The assault began at Prothom Alo headquarters in Karwan Bazar around midnight Thursday. Hundreds stormed the building, smashing furniture and setting fires on multiple floors.
The mob then moved to the nearby Daily Star office. Flames engulfed parts of the structure. Dozens of journalists remained trapped inside for hours. Firefighters battled blazes amid chaotic scenes.
Army personnel eventually evacuated staff from both locations. Several reporters suffered smoke inhalation. No fatalities occurred in the media attacks. Both publications halted operations immediately. Prothom Alo failed to produce its Friday edition, breaking a 27-year streak. The Daily Star also temporarily suspended its print and digital updates.
Protesters claimed the outlets showed bias against the uprising. Similar incidents hit regional bureaus and affiliated printing presses. The Prothom Alo Daily Star’s coverage of Bangladesh events shocked the journalism community. Editors issued statements condemning the destruction.
Bangladesh Newspaper Offices Attack 2025: Threat to Press Freedom
The 2025 attack on Bangladesh newspaper offices represents a severe blow to media independence. Leading English and Bengali dailies suffered coordinated assaults within hours.
Authorities deployed additional forces across the capital. Curfews are applied in sensitive zones. Border Guard Bangladesh units reinforced police lines. Interim government spokespersons denounced the violence. They called for restraint and promised protection for media workers.
International press freedom organisations expressed alarm. They urged swift investigations and accountability. The attacks disrupted information flow during a critical period. Citizens relied on social media for updates on the state of mourning in Bangladesh following the passing of Sharif Osman Hadi.
Journalists’ unions demanded immediate security measures. They highlighted risks faced by reporters covering political transitions.
Details of the Shooting Incident
Sharif Osman Hadi received fatal wounds on 12 December. Unknown assailants shot him multiple times in Purana Paltan. The attack occurred while he was campaigning as an independent candidate for the upcoming elections.
Witnesses reported motorcycle-borne gunmen. Hadi was critically injured at the scene. Emergency services rushed him to a local hospital. Doctors initially stabilised him before airlifting him to Mount Elizabeth Hospital in Singapore. Medical teams there fought to save his life for over a week.
Hadi served as spokesperson for the Inqilab Moncho platform. He gained prominence coordinating protests against the previous government. His criticism extended to foreign policy issues. Hadi advocated stronger national sovereignty positions.
Police registered a murder case after his death. Detectives collect evidence and review footage. No arrests announced yet.
Background
The 2024 July uprising began as student protests against job quotas. It escalated into a mass movement demanding political reform. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned and left the country in August.
An interim administration under Muhammad Yunus took charge. It pledged to hold fair elections and implement institutional changes. Figures like Sharif Osman Hadi emerged as symbols of youth activism. Their safety remains a concern amid lingering tensions.
Political parties across the spectrum mourned the loss. Leaders of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party and Jamaat-e-Islami issued condolences. Awami League representatives also expressed sorrow. They distanced themselves from any violence.
What’s Next
Authorities continue probes into both the assassination and media attacks. Security remains heightened in Dhaka and major cities.
Media houses assess damage and plan resumption. Prothom Alo and The Daily Star aim to restore full operations soon. The government faces pressure to ensure a safe democratic space. Upcoming elections depend on stabilising the situation.
Civil society groups organise vigils honouring uprising martyrs. Discussions focus on preventing further bloodshed.
Bangladesh’s state mourning serves as a reminder of Sharif Osman Hadi. The nation grapples with transition challenges while honouring those who fought for change. Stability requires justice and dialogue across divisions.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, December 20th, 2025
Follow SouthAsianDesk on X, Instagram, and Facebook for insights on business and current affairs from across South Asia.
