Security has been significantly strengthened around the residence and office of the Indian Assistant High Commissioner in Khulna following heightened tensions triggered by the killing of Sharif Osman Hadi, convener of the Inkilab Mancha. Law enforcement agencies have taken precautionary measures to safeguard diplomatic premises and maintain overall law and order in the city amid protests and public unrest.
According to police sources, security deployment began on Thursday afternoon, 18 December, after a tense situation developed during a long march organised by the Anti-Hegemony Unity Alliance. The march proceeded towards Shamsur Rahman Road, where the Assistant High Commissioner’s office is located. Anticipating possible disturbances, police cordoned off the surrounding area and stationed additional personnel to prevent any untoward incidents.
Following confirmation of Hadi’s death later that day, the security arrangements were further reinforced. From Thursday night, law enforcement agencies expanded their deployment to include the Assistant High Commissioner’s residence, situated in the Sonadanga residential area of Khulna. Patrols were intensified, and round-the-clock surveillance was put in place to ensure the safety of both the official residence and office premises.
Public anger and grief continued to manifest across the city on Thursday night and into the early hours of Friday, 19 December. At Shibbari Mor, students and members of the public staged protests, setting fire to tyres and blocking vehicular movement for several hours. The disruption caused temporary traffic paralysis in the area, prompting authorities to deploy additional police units to restore order and reopen the roads. The situation was eventually brought under control, although tension remained evident.
As of Saturday afternoon, 20 December, both the Assistant High Commissioner’s office and residence continued to remain under strict police guard. Officials indicated that the security measures would remain in force until the overall situation in the city stabilises and the risk of further unrest subsides.
Alongside the protests, a series of mourning events were held across Khulna to commemorate Sharif Osman Hadi. On Friday afternoon, a protest march and funeral prayer in absentia (gayebana janaza) took place at Shibbari Mor under the banner of revolutionary student groups. Similar prayers and gatherings were organised at various educational institutions, including Khulna University, Khulna University of Engineering and Technology, Khulna Agricultural University and Khulna Khan Bahadur Ahsanullah University. Students and faculty members joined these programmes to express grief and demand justice.
Deputy Commissioner of Khulna Metropolitan Police (South) Mohammad Tajul Islam said that police remain fully alert to ensure stability in the city. He stressed that law enforcement agencies are closely monitoring the situation to prevent any third party from exploiting public sentiment or creating further instability. “Our priority is to maintain peace and protect important establishments,” he said.
Security and Protest Developments at a Glance
| Date | Development | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 18 December (Afternoon) | Security deployed following long march | Shamsur Rahman Road |
| 18 December (Night) | Residence placed under enhanced guard | Sonadanga residential area |
| 18–19 December (Night) | Protests, tyre-burning, traffic disruption | Shibbari Mor |
| 19 December | Protest march and gayebana janaza | Shibbari Mor |
| 19–20 December | Prayers at universities | Various institutions in Khulna |
| 20 December | Security measures ongoing | House and office of Assistant High Commissioner |
Authorities have urged citizens to remain calm and cooperate with law enforcement as efforts continue to preserve peace during this sensitive period.