The situation went out of control in Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, when after the death of youth leader Sharif Usman Hadi, an angry mob set fire to the offices of two major newspapers of the country, Pratham Aalo and The Daily Star. The incident occurred after Hadi was shot in the head on December 12 and later died. According to witnesses, hundreds of protesters shouting slogans targeted the media house around midnight.
This is the darkest night for newspapers – Editor of Pratham Aalo
Pratham Aalo’s executive editor Sajjad Sharif described the incident as the ‘darkest night’ in the history of Bangladeshi journalism. He said that when the journalists were working for the next day’s newspaper and online platform, anti-social elements attacked the media house.
Vandalism in office, journalists ran away to save their lives
Sajjad Sharif said that the attackers caused heavy vandalism, due to which there was panic among the journalists. The situation was so bad that the employees had to leave the office and run away to save their lives. Due to this attack, the print edition of Pratham Aalo could not be published and the website is also closed since last night.
Newspaper not printed for the first time in 27 years
He said, ‘This is the first time in 27 years since our establishment in 1998 that our newspaper could not be published.’ He called it a direct attack on freedom of expression and media freedom.
VIDEO | Dhaka, Bangladesh: Protesters vandalised the office of the country’s largest newspaper, Daily Prothom Alo, amid widespread outrage over the death of Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson for the political platform Inquilab Mancha.
(Full video available on PTI Videos –… pic.twitter.com/6klEh8xj4U
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) December 18, 2025
Demand for investigation and strict action from the government
The editor of Pratham Aalo appealed to the government to conduct an impartial investigation into this attack and identify the culprits and bring them within the ambit of the law. He said that attack on media is a dangerous sign for democracy.
Anger erupted over the death of Sharif Usman Hadi
Anger has spread across the country after the death of 32-year-old student leader Sharif Usman Hadi. Hadi was shot in the head by masked assailants while riding a rickshaw near Box Calvert Road in Dhaka’s Motijheel area. He was taken to Singapore in critical condition, where he died six days later. It is reported that Hadi was starting his election campaign when he was attacked. The bullet hit him near his left ear, due to which there was a lot of bleeding and he went into a coma.
Hadi emerged from the ‘July Movement’
Hadi was one of the main leaders of the ‘July Movement’ last year. He was the convener and spokesperson of Inquilab Manch, which is a platform that raises voice against all forms of political domination. Educated at Dhaka University, Hadi was critical not only of the Awami League but of the entire mainstream politics. Rejecting traditional political leadership, he established himself as the voice of the new generation.
Still suspense on the murder case
Police say that in the initial investigation it is not clear who carried out the attack and why. Hadi’s death was confirmed by interim chief advisor Mohammad Yunus, after which demonstrations intensified in many cities including Dhaka.
Violence and political instability in Dhaka
Hadi’s death has sparked new unrest at a time when Bangladesh is preparing for crucial national elections and trying to rebalance its relations with India. Protestors vandalized buildings at many places, burned newspaper offices and targeted symbols associated with political establishments.