Protesters Rally Outside Indian Assistant High Commission Over Hadi Killing

A group of young activists staged a protest outside the Indian Assistant High Commission in Chattogram on Thursday night, expressing outrage over the killing of Sharif Osman Hadi, convener of the Inkilab Manch. The demonstration took place in the Khulshi area of the city, beginning at approximately 10:45 pm, and was monitored closely by local law enforcement to prevent escalation.

Sharif Osman Hadi, who had been critically injured in a shooting on 12 December on Box Culvert Road in Purana Paltan, Dhaka, succumbed to his injuries while receiving treatment in Singapore at 9:45 pm Thursday night. Hadi had been campaigning as an independent candidate for the Dhaka-8 constituency and was widely discussed in the media for his outspoken anti-India and anti-Awami League statements. News of his death sparked immediate anger among supporters and politically active youth across the country.

Eyewitnesses reported that shortly after news of Hadi’s passing was published in various media outlets, approximately 20–25 young demonstrators identifying themselves as part of the “Chhatra-Jonota” movement gathered outside the Indian Assistant High Commission. They held a sit-in and chanted slogans condemning Hadi’s assassination, while also voicing anti-Awami League and anti-India sentiments.

One protester, Mohammad Tanvir, told reporters, “Sharif Osman Hadi was deliberately targeted because of his outspoken opposition to certain political and foreign influences. Leaders and operatives of the Awami League allegedly conspired from India to carry out this attack.”

Chattogram’s Khulshi Police Station Officer-in-Charge, Shahin Alam, confirmed that 15–20 protesters had gathered outside the mission. “We arrived promptly to ensure law and order. The demonstrators have been removed, though we have received reports that more individuals may attempt to join,” he stated. Police remained stationed at the site to monitor the area and prevent further unrest.

The protest highlights the continuing political tension following Hadi’s assassination and reflects broader concerns over cross-border involvement in domestic political violence. Analysts suggest that such public demonstrations, particularly outside foreign diplomatic missions, may heighten diplomatic sensitivities and put pressure on authorities to investigate Hadi’s death thoroughly.

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