Dhaka and several other parts of Bangladesh witnessed widespread protests today following the death of Sharif Osman Hadi, who succumbed to his injuries while undergoing treatment in Singapore last night. Jahangirnagar University and Mymensingh also saw highway blockades, while traffic in central Dhaka remained paralysed for hours. Security was tightened ahead of the repatriation of Hadi’s body, which arrived in Dhaka this evening.

Border Guard Bangladesh deployed additional personnel around the airport, Karwan Bazar and Hotel InterContinental. The unrest also coincided with attacks on media houses, prompting condemnation from international bodies. The Media Freedom Coalition and the Committee to Protect Journalists expressed deep concern over violence, vandalism and arson targeting journalists and news organisations, calling for swift investigations and protection of media professionals.