Opinion | What Bangladesh Unrest Means For Dhaka’s Politics |
On December 18, 2025, the death of Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of the Inqilab Mancha and a prospective candidate for the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election, triggered a rapid escalation of protests and violence across Bangladesh, exposing deepening political polarisation, institutional vulnerability, and rising anti-India sentiments.
Hadi, who had reportedly been shot in the head on December 12, 2025, by an armed man identified as Faisal Karim Masud aka Daud Khan, died at approximately 9:45 pm (BST) on December 18, 2025, while undergoing treatment in Singapore. His death acted as a catalyst for escalating nationwide unrest, rather than an isolated cause. Hadi was a fiery face in the July Uprising of 2024.
Masud fired the fatal shot while riding pillion on a motorcycle, and Alamgir Sheikh has been identified as the person who was driving the motorcycle at the time. The two fled after the attack and are said to have crossed into India via the Haluaghat border route the same night – a claim that authorities are still probing. A reward of BDT 5 million has been announced by the Government for Masud’s arrest.
Two persons, Sibion Diu and Sanjay Chisim, have been remanded by a Dhaka court for allegedly helping Masud escape after the shooting. Masud’s parents have also been sent to jail, after a ‘confessional statement’ before a magistrate.
Following the news of Hadi’s death, protesters began gathering in Dhaka’s Shahbagh area on the night of December 18.........