In a violent escalation of unrest in Bangladesh, a mob set fire to the offices of two prominent newspapers, Prothom Alo and The Daily Star, in Dhaka on December 19, 2025. This incident followed the death of Sharif Osman Hadi, a student leader whose passing has ignited widespread protests and unrest across the country.
The protests began shortly after Hadi’s death, which was reported to have occurred under contentious circumstances. Hadi, a member of a student organization affiliated with the opposition party, was allegedly killed during a police crackdown on a demonstration advocating for educational reforms and political freedoms. Eyewitness accounts suggest that the police used excessive force to disperse the crowd, leading to clashes that resulted in injuries and fatalities.
As news of Hadi’s death spread, thousands of students and activists took to the streets of Dhaka and other major cities, demanding justice and accountability for what they described as state-sponsored violence. The protests quickly escalated, with demonstrators clashing with law enforcement and setting up roadblocks in various locations. The unrest has drawn attention to the broader issues of political repression and the treatment of dissent in Bangladesh, where the government has faced criticism for its handling of opposition voices.
The attacks on the newspaper offices occurred amid this backdrop of heightened tensions. Protesters accused the media outlets of bias and complicity in the government’s narrative, claiming that they had failed to adequately cover the plight of student activists and the circumstances surrounding Hadi’s death. In the early hours of December 19, a large group of demonstrators gathered outside the offices of Prothom Alo and The Daily Star, where they hurled stones and set fire to the buildings. The fires were extinguished by firefighters, but not before causing significant damage to the premises.
Both newspapers have been critical of the government in their reporting, often highlighting issues of human rights abuses and political corruption. The attacks on their offices have raised concerns about press freedom in Bangladesh, where journalists and media organizations have faced increasing pressure from authorities. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and other international watchdogs have condemned the violence against the media, calling it an attack on democracy and freedom of expression.
In response to the violence, the Bangladeshi government has deployed additional security forces to the streets of Dhaka and other affected areas. Authorities have urged calm and promised to investigate the circumstances surrounding Hadi’s death, as well as the attacks on the media. However, many protesters remain skeptical of the government’s intentions, fearing that any inquiry will be superficial and fail to hold those responsible accountable.
The implications of these events extend beyond the immediate violence. The unrest highlights the growing discontent among the youth in Bangladesh, who are increasingly vocal about their demands for political reform and social justice. The student-led protests are reminiscent of previous movements in the country, including the 2013 Shahbagh Movement, which called for capital punishment for war criminals, and the 2018 Road Safety Movement, which sought reforms in traffic laws following the deaths of two students.
As the situation continues to unfold, the international community is closely monitoring developments in Bangladesh. Human rights organizations have called for an independent investigation into Hadi’s death and the subsequent violence, emphasizing the need for accountability and protection of civil liberties. The United Nations has also expressed concern over the escalating violence and urged the government to respect the rights of peaceful protesters.
The events of December 19 mark a significant moment in Bangladesh’s ongoing struggle for democracy and human rights. The attacks on the media not only threaten press freedom but also signal a broader crackdown on dissent in a country where political tensions have been simmering for years. As protests continue and calls for justice grow louder, the government’s response will be critical in shaping the future of civil society and political discourse in Bangladesh. The situation remains fluid, with the potential for further unrest as activists and students rally for their rights in the face of increasing repression.
