Hindu Groups Stage Nationwide Protests After Osman Hadi Murder in Bangladesh

Protests continued to intensify across Bangladesh on December 23, 2025, as the Inqilab Moncho platform held a significant rally in Dhaka demanding justice for the murder of activist Sharif Osman Hadi, who was shot on December 12 and died on December 18 after treatment in Singapore. Hadi, a key spokesperson for the Inqilab Moncho and a prominent figure in the 2024 student-led uprising, was widely mourned, with his outfit threatening a sustained movement against the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus if accountability is not ensured. The rally saw large crowds gathering in the capital, with participants chanting slogans against perceived failures of the Yunus administration in maintaining law and order.

In a separate development, cultural organization Chhayanaut staged a protest in Dhaka against the recent arson and vandalism targeting media offices and cultural institutions, including attacks on Prothom Alo and The Daily Star. At least 17 arrests were made in connection with these incidents, and the Bangladesh home adviser confirmed efforts are underway to apprehend those responsible for Hadi's murder, which will be tried under the Speedy Trial Tribunal. Meanwhile, the interim government described the lynching of Hindu man Dipu Chandra Das in Mymensingh as a "heinous criminal act," with the education adviser visiting Das's family to express condolences.

Diplomatic fallout escalated as Bangladesh summoned the Indian envoy following protests outside the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi and the Deputy High Commission in Kolkata. Protests by Hindu groups, including Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal, saw demonstrators demanding justice for Dipu Chandra Das, with some attempting to march toward diplomatic missions despite police baton charges and detentions in multiple cities, including Mumbai, Bhopal, Jammu, Hyderabad, and Delhi. Posters reading "All eyes on Bangladesh Hindus" were prominent at the Delhi protest, while West Bengal opposition leader Suvendu Adhikari warned that the Bangladesh mission in Kolkata would not be allowed to function unless the envoy meets him.

Also Read: Bangladesh Media Sound Alarm After Arson Attacks, Cite Press Freedom Risks

Security was beefed up outside Bangladesh's diplomatic missions in India, and visitor entry was banned at Dhaka airport ahead of BNP leader Tarique Rahman's expected arrival. The UN Secretary-General voiced concern over the killing of Dipu Chandra Das, while US lawmakers condemned the incident. Indian medical students remained stranded in Bangladesh amid the unrest, and former diplomats described the situation as "delicate and dangerous." Bangladesh's interim government reiterated that elections would proceed as scheduled in February 2026.

The unrest follows weeks of tension since the 2024 uprising that ousted Sheikh Hasina, with ongoing accusations of minority persecution, vandalism of media and cultural sites, and political violence. The killing of another leader after Hadi and threats from student groups have further deepened divisions, with calls for accountability growing louder both within Bangladesh and internationally. The situation remains fluid, with authorities stepping up security measures while protests continue in Dhaka and across Indian cities.

Also Read: Inside The Ferrari 296 GTS: The 819 HP Supercar Involved in Vince Zampella’s Fatal Accident