In brief
In the aftermath of the fatal shooting of Sharif Osman Hadi—an influential activist—protests erupted in Bangladesh, resulting in the offices of major newspapers, the Daily Star and Prothom Alo, being set on fire. Staff members described harrowing scenarios as they fought for air while trapped during the assaults. The incident marks a significant blow to independent journalism in the country as authorities are poised for a national election amidst growing tensions.
Staff at two leading Bangladeshi newspapers report feeling 'gasping for air' as protests intensified following the death of a prominent activist. Sharif Osman Hadi was a key figure after last year's anti-government protests that ousted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. He succumbed to injuries sustained from a shooting in Dhaka, igniting outrage and protests that escalated into violence against media offices.
Hundreds of demonstrators stormed the offices of the Daily Star and Prothom Alo, leading to substantial damage and making it the first time in 35 years that the Daily Star could not publish its print edition. Many journalists found themselves trapped in their offices, needing military assistance for rescue.
As media outlets known for their criticism of the interim government face attacks, officials have condemned the violence while vowing justice for the perpetrators. Amidst indicating a continuing transition to democracy, concerns mount as Bangladesh prepares for its first elections since the ousting of Hasina, with the nation on edge following Hadi's shocking death.
Hadi, a senior leader of the student protest group Inqilab Mancha, was seen as a rising star in the political landscape, aiming to run for office next February. His murder has prompted calls for justice and a national day of mourning, further stirring tensions in a country grappling with its turbulent political history.
