The death of student leader and 'Inquilab Mancha' spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi has sparked widespread protests, vandalism, and arson across Dhaka and the entire nation of Bangladesh, the brunt of which has fallen on the offices of media organisations like 'Prothom Alo' and 'The Daily Star,' and cultural centres like 'Chhayanaut' alike.
Hindu man lynched in Mymensingh
A young Hindu man was lynched by a mob in Bhaluka Upazila of Mymensingh district over alleged remarks insulting Islam, Bangladeshi media reported. The victim, identified as 30-year-old Dipu Chandra Das, was later set on fire by the attackers.
The Muhammad Yunus-led interim government condemned the lynching, saying such violence has no place in a new Bangladesh, and vowed strict action against those responsible, NDTV reported.
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The killing of Dipu Das
Dipu Chandra Das was lynched by a mob in Mymensingh on Thursday night. According to Bangladeshi Bengali daily Barta Bazar, as reported by NDTV, Das was accused of making derogatory remarks about Islam and Prophet Muhammad during a programme at his workplace to mark World Arabic Language Day. The allegations quickly spread within the Pioneer Knit Composite Factory in the Square Masterbari area, where he worked, and nearby localities, leading to rising tension.
He was later attacked by an angry crowd and reportedly died on the spot. The violence did not end there. Reports say the mob took his body to the Square Masterbari bus stand, tied it to a tree with a rope, beat it while shouting slogans, and then set it on fire.
The crowd later moved the body to the Dhaka-Mymensingh highway and set it ablaze again, bringing traffic to a standstill and creating panic among commoners. The incident sharply escalated tensions in the area, and traffic had to be suspended on the busy highway.
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Anarchy grips Bangladesh
The death of Sharif Osman Hadi has struck a major discord throughout Bangladesh, with media houses, Awami League members, and common people under attack. The protests are mainly against India and were ignited after a rally by loyalists of Muhammad Yunus in Dhaka on December 16, coinciding with the Bangladesh Vijay Diwas, from where they spread vitriol against India.
