South Asians for Human Rights (SAHR), a regional network of human rights defenders, is deeply alarmed at the organised violence targeting progressive media and cultural institutes over the death of Sharif Osman, a leader of the July uprising. On the nights of 18 December and 19 December 2026, incidents of mob violence—including intimidation, arson, and setting fire—were carried out in Dhaka, Chottogram, and Rajshahi targeting Daily Prothom Alo and The Daily Star, well-known Bangla and English daily known for their standing for progressive and secular values, and also cultural organizations—Chhayanaut and Udichi. Sharif Osman Hadi was shot on 12 December by two assailants in the Box Culvert area of Bijoynagar in Dhaka and succumbed to injuries on the night of 18 December at a hospital in Singapore.
Sharif Osman Hadi emerged as a courageous youth leader, through July ‘24 uprising and later became the convenor of Inqilab Mancha, a cultural institution established after the July uprising. He was an active leader during the July uprising in 2024 and was known for his outspoken opposition to Indian hegemony. He had announced plans to contest the upcoming February elections as an independent candidate for the Dhaka-8 constituency.
On 18 December 2026, there were protests prior to the mob violence demanding the immediate arrest of the perpetrators and the resignation of the Home Advisor for alleged failure to take immediate action in arresting perpetrators in the capital and elsewhere in Bangladesh. Upon hearing of the death of the young leader, the protesters had blocked main roads in the capital and later started violent activities.
SAHR calls upon the Interim Government of Bangladesh to take immediate action to restore law and order across the country, ensuring the safety of all people and the protection of property. SAHR also firmly appeals to the people of Bangladesh to exercise restraint and remain calm, and to refrain from yielding to any incitement to hatred or violence. Spreading unrest at a time when the country is approaching much-awaited elections and a referendum would be gravely detrimental to Bangladesh’s transition towards a democratic process. The Interim Government of Bangladesh is obligated to conduct a transparent, independent, and unbiased investigation into the death of Sharif Osman Hadi and the arson attacks at media and cultural establishments to bring the perpetrators to justice in accordance with the law, particularly to restore and strengthen public trust in state institutions.
On behalf of the members of the South Asians for Human Rights
Dr. P. Saravanamuttu
Bureau Member
Sushil Pyakurel
Bureau Member