DHAKA, Bangladesh (AP) — Protests erupted in Bangladesh late Thursday following the death of prominent activist Sharif Osman Hadi, who succumbed to injuries sustained during a political uprising in 2024. Demonstrators stormed the offices of the country's leading newspapers, Prothom Alo and The Daily Star, setting fire to the buildings and trapping staff inside. The protests were ignited by Hadi's death in Singapore, where he had been receiving treatment after being shot while riding a rickshaw in Dhaka.

Hadi, a spokesperson for the Inqilab Moncho culture group, was known for his criticism of both the former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and neighboring India. His death has intensified existing tensions, particularly among groups opposed to Hasina's government, which has been accused of being overly compliant with Indian interests. The interim government, led by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus, has faced backlash from various factions, including Islamists who have previously organized protests against the newspapers for their perceived connections to India.

Witnesses reported that hundreds of protesters gathered in Dhaka, chanting slogans and expressing their anger over Hadi's death. The protests quickly escalated, leading to the vandalism and arson of the newspaper offices. Security forces, including soldiers and paramilitary guards, were present but did not intervene to disperse the crowds. Firefighters eventually managed to control the blazes, but not before significant damage was done.

The unrest has raised alarms about the state of human rights in Bangladesh, with organizations like Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International highlighting ongoing violations. Yunus has promised to investigate Hadi's shooting and declared a day of mourning, urging calm among the populace. However, critics of the interim government argue that the rise of Islamist groups and the suppression of political opposition under Yunus's leadership could further destabilize the country.

As the situation develops, the interim government has announced national elections for February, the first since the 2024 uprising, amid ongoing tensions and calls for accountability regarding Hadi's death.