Bangladesh Violence: Hindu Man Lynched, Burnt To Death
Bangladesh has seen fresh violence after the killing of Sharif Osman Hadi, with unrest also leading to brutal attacks on Hindus and growing concerns over minority safety.
Bangladesh is facing fresh unrest after the killing of student leader Sharif Osman Hadi in December 2025, which triggered protests, violence, and political tension across the country.
The trouble began with student protests against the government job quota system, which many felt was unfair and reduced merit-based opportunities. What started on university campuses later turned into nationwide demonstrations.
The protests became violent in mid-2024, leading to deaths, injuries, and clashes in Dhaka. On 5 August, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled to India, and an interim government led by Muhammad Yunus took charge.
Sharif Osman Hadi rose to prominence during these protests and later became a key political figure. He was known for his strong anti-India views and was campaigning ahead of elections when he was shot in Dhaka on 12 December. After being treated in Bangladesh and Singapore, he died on 18 December.
Hadi’s death sparked large protests across Bangladesh. Demonstrators accused authorities of failing to protect him, vandalised newspaper offices, damaged political symbols, and attacked properties, including near the Indian mission in Chattogram.
Violence further escalated when a child was killed in an arson attack on the home of a BNP leader in Lakshmipur. Around the same time, a Hindu factory worker, Dipu Chandra Das, was lynched by a mob following rumours of insulting religion, an incident that shocked the country.
The interim government condemned the violence and promised strict action. India expressed serious concern over attacks on minorities, shut some visa centres for security reasons, and urged Bangladesh to restore law and order as tensions continue to rise.
