Dhaka, Dec 19 — Violence erupted outside the Indian Assistant High Commission in Chittagong on Friday following the death of Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of the radical group Inqilab Mancha, leaving at least four people injured, including two police personnel, according to local media reports.
The unrest broke out in the early hours of Friday when protesters gathered outside the Indian mission’s office in the Khulshi area of Chittagong and allegedly hurled bricks and stones, vandalising parts of the premises. Police said the situation quickly escalated, forcing law enforcement agencies to intervene to disperse the crowd.
Chittagong Metropolitan Police (CMP) Commissioner Hasib Aziz said the police action led to a chase and counter-chase between officers and protesters in the area. He confirmed that at least four people, including two police officers, were injured in the clashes and were rushed to Chittagong Medical College Hospital for treatment. Aziz added that several individuals were detained from the scene and would likely be booked under the Anti-Terrorism Act, the Bangladeshi daily Dhaka Tribune reported.
The protests were triggered by the death of Hadi, who succumbed to his injuries while undergoing treatment abroad after being critically injured in a shooting incident earlier this month. His death has sparked widespread demonstrations and violent incidents in different parts of Bangladesh, particularly targeting political figures and institutions.
Earlier this week, India expressed strong concerns over the deteriorating security situation in Bangladesh. On Wednesday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) summoned Bangladesh’s High Commissioner to India, Riaz Hamidullah, to convey New Delhi’s concerns, especially regarding threats to Indian diplomatic missions.
According to the MEA, the Bangladeshi envoy’s attention was drawn to the activities of extremist elements who have reportedly announced plans to create a security situation around the Indian mission in Dhaka. India firmly rejected what it described as a false narrative being pushed by extremist groups over recent developments in Bangladesh. The MEA also expressed concern that the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government has neither carried out a thorough investigation nor shared credible evidence with India regarding the incidents. New Delhi urged the interim government to ensure the safety and security of Indian missions and personnel in Bangladesh in line with its diplomatic obligations.
Meanwhile, in a separate incident in Chittagong linked to protests over Hadi’s death, demonstrators set fire to the house of former Awami League Education Minister Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury Naufel. The incident occurred on Thursday night in the Chashmahill area, where protesters also torched a motorcycle inside the house belonging to former Chittagong mayor Mohiuddin Chowdhury.
Confirming the incident, Panchlaish Police Station Officer-in-Charge Md Solaiman said around 200 protesters had gathered in the Soloshahar and No. 2 Gate areas before marching towards Mayor Goli. Police were present at the scene and attempted to control the situation, he said.
Bangladesh has witnessed a sharp rise in violent protests and a worsening law and order situation under the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government, raising serious concerns over public safety and the security of diplomatic missions.
