Lagatar24 Desk
Dhaka: A senior Bangladeshi journalist has criticised the violence that followed the death of political activist Osman Hadi, warning that the unrest exposes serious law-and-order lapses and sends a disturbing signal ahead of the country’s national elections.
Journalist Flags Law and Order Failures
Dhaka Tribune editor Reaz Ahmad said public grief over Osman Hadi’s killing was understandable, but alleged that fringe elements exploited the situation to trigger violence. He said attacks on media houses and cultural institutions reflected poor preparedness by authorities and described the incidents as setting a “really bad example” for the country.
Protests Turn Violent After Hadi’s Death
Osman Hadi, an Inqilab Moncho leader linked to last year’s July uprising, was shot by masked assailants in Dhaka’s Bijoynagar area on December 12 and later died in Singapore on December 18. After his body was brought back to Dhaka, protests erupted across the capital, with some demonstrations turning violent, including arson attacks on newspaper offices and cultural institutions.
Concerns Ahead of February Elections
With Bangladesh’s general election scheduled for February 12, Ahmad warned that attacks on the media could intimidate journalists and undermine press freedom during a critical period. He urged the government to take firm action against those responsible, saying decisive steps are needed to restore order and ensure a free and fair election environment.
