• Sharif Osman Hadi, a key youth leader in Bangladesh, died in Singapore after being shot in Dhaka.
• His death triggered massive protests and violence in the capital and other cities.
• Protesters targeted media houses, accusing them of pro-India bias.
• The interim government declared a half-day of mourning, urging calm.
• A manhunt is underway for Hadi's shooters, with police offering rewards for information.

Sharif Osman Hadi, the prominent youth leader and spokesperson for Inquilab Mancha, succumbed to injuries sustained during an assassination attempt in Dhaka, leading to intense protests across Bangladesh. Hadi, who was being treated in Singapore, had been shot in the head by masked assailants a week prior to his death. He was a key figure in the 2024 student-led protests that resulted in the ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who now resides in India due to political upheaval. His assassination sparked immediate outrage, with thousands marching in the streets of Dhaka demanding justice for Hadi, who was also an outspoken critic of Hasina and perceived Indian influence in Bangladesh, according to IndiaTimes, South China Morning Post, and Channel News Asia.

Following news of Hadi's death, violence erupted in Dhaka, with protesters setting fire to media houses, including The Daily Star and Prothom Alo, both widely regarded as critical of the government. Reports indicated that mobs viewed these outlets as aligned with Indian interests, which fueled their fury during demonstrations. Journalists were reportedly trapped inside the buildings during the attacks, as smoke engulfed the offices, forcing rescue operations to save them. Eyewitness accounts detailed harrowing experiences of these journalists, who felt suffocated and terrified, underscoring the instability in the region, according to Le Monde, >Reuters, and Reuters.

The interim government, led by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus, has declared a half-day of mourning and called for special prayers across the country to honor Hadi's memory. Yusuf framed the violence around Hadi’s death as a threat to the nation's democracy and stability, emphasizing the need for a peaceful resolution moving forward, while also pledging a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding Hadi's assassination. Security has been tightened nationwide, with police escalating efforts to track down Hadi's attackers, amidst growing accusations directed towards India regarding the situation, according to Al Jazeera, Al Jazeera, and IndiaTimes.