City on Edge as Protests Follow Sharif Osman Hadi’s Death

Widespread unrest broke out in Chattogram on Thursday night following the death of Sharif Osman Hadi, Convener of the Inkilab Manch, as supporters and protesters took to the streets demanding accountability. The demonstrations, which began peacefully, later escalated into violence, including arson, vandalism, and road blockades across several key areas of the port city and its outskirts.

According to eyewitnesses, shortly after news of Hadi’s death spread, his supporters gathered in the Sholoshahar No. 2 Gate area of Chattogram. Protesters occupied the road, chanting slogans for a prolonged period and disrupting traffic in one of the city’s busiest intersections. The demonstration reflected deep public anger and grief, particularly among young supporters who accused unnamed quarters of being responsible for the incident.

Later that night, after 11:00 pm on Thursday (18 December), a group of youths marched under the banner of “students and people” from the No. 2 Gate area towards the residence of former Awami League-era Education Minister Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury Nowfel, located in the Chashma Hill neighbourhood. The situation quickly spiralled out of control.

Protesters initially set fire to a motorcycle parked in front of the residence. Subsequently, they forcibly entered the house, carrying out extensive vandalism and setting parts of the property ablaze. The attack caused significant damage and sparked fear among local residents, many of whom described the scene as chaotic and alarming.

Confirming the incident, the Officer-in-Charge of Panchlaish Police Station stated briefly, “We are currently busy managing the situation. Further details will be shared later.” Law enforcement agencies were reportedly deployed to regain control and prevent further escalation, though no immediate information regarding arrests or injuries was released.

Meanwhile, protests linked to Hadi’s death also spread beyond the city. In Bibirhat area of Fatikchhari Upazila in Chattogram district, another group of youths blocked the Chattogram–Khagrachhari highway. Demonstrators burned tyres on the road, bringing vehicular movement to a standstill and intensifying pressure on the authorities to respond.

The incidents have raised serious concerns about law and order, political unrest, and the safety of public and private property. Analysts warn that without swift and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding Sharif Osman Hadi’s death, tensions may continue to rise, potentially leading to further unrest.

Key Incident Summary