Flashpoint Dhaka: Protests Errupt at DU Following Assassination of Student Leader

DHAKA – The killing of Sharif Osman Hadi, a prominent figure in the July revolution and spokesperson for the Inqilab Mancha, has plunged the Bangladesh capital into a new wave of instability. Reporting from the historic heart of Dhaka University, India Today’s Ashutosh Mishra highlights a rapidly deteriorating security situation as student groups take to the streets.

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Escalating Tensions on Campus

The university’s iconic square has become the epicenter of agitation. Various factions, including the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal and supporters of Jamaat-e-Islami, have mobilized to demand accountability for Hadi’s death.

• The Incident: Hadi was shot in the head by masked gunmen on December 12 and succumbed to his injuries on December 18.
• The Atmosphere: The mood is described as “highly volatile,” with protesters expressing deep-seated anger toward both domestic law enforcement and foreign influence.

The “India Factor” and Political Fallout

A significant element of the current unrest is a surge in anti-India sentiment. Protesters have frequently linked the assassination to “hegemonic interests,” leading to the following developments:

• Targeted Attacks: Demonstrators have targeted media houses and institutions perceived as having pro-India or secular leanings.
• Diplomatic Strain: Security has been fortified around Indian diplomatic missions as nationalist rhetoric intensifies.

Impact on the 2026 Elections

With national elections scheduled for February 2026, this violence has cast a shadow over the country’s democratic transition. Mishra reports that the incident raises fundamental questions regarding:

1. Political Certainty: Can the interim government maintain order during an election cycle?
2. Regional Stability: How will the shift in student-led politics affect relations with neighboring India?

“The incident of violence is raising several questions about the political certainty and stability of the neighboring nation ahead of upcoming elections.” — Ashutosh Mishra,