Students Rally, Chant ‘I Am Hadi’ After Death of Radical Leader
Fresh anti-India protests have erupted at Dhaka University in Bangladesh, with hundreds of students taking to the streets and protesting near the campus following the recent death of a radical anti-India leader, leading channel’s reporters on the ground said.
Protesters raised anti-India slogans and voiced anger over the killing of Sharif Osman Hadi, a senior figure linked to the radical student group Inquilab Mancha, whose assassination has already triggered widespread unrest in the country.
‘I Am Hadi’ Chants and Rally After Friday Prayers
The demonstrations were held after Friday prayers, when students and supporters marched with chants of “I am Hadi” at Dhaka University. Protesters demanded a speedy trial and the execution of Hadi’s killers, according to leading Channel’s on-site report.
The gathering included a large procession and slogans targeting both local governance and regional relations, underscoring how Hadi’s death has inflamed political and nationalist sentiments.
Context: Unrest After Hadi’s Death
Sharif Osman Hadi was a prominent student leader and spokesperson for Inquilab Mancha, known for his vocal criticisms of India and role in student politics since the 2024 student uprising that contributed to major political changes in Bangladesh.
Hadi was shot in Dhaka earlier this month by unidentified assailants and later died in a hospital in Singapore. His death has since sparked weeks of unrest, including violent protests, attacks on media houses and anti-India rhetoric across parts of the country.
Political Tensions Ahead of Elections
Bangladesh is already under heightened political strain as it prepares for general elections in February 2026. Hadi’s death has further compounded tensions between different political factions and segments of the population, leading to large demonstrations on university campuses and in city centres.
The interim government led by Muhammad Yunus faces pressure to restore order as protests continue to spread in Dhaka and beyond.
Cross-Border Impact and Regional Concerns
The unrest in Dhaka has also had international repercussions. There have been protests in other countries, including India, over reported violence against minorities in Bangladesh during the unrest. Governments and civil society groups have called for calm and protection of all communities amid the ongoing political crisis.
Also Read : Russia Urges Bangladesh to Ease Tensions With India; Reminds Dhaka of 1971 History
