In the wake of recent violent attacks against journalists and media institutions in Bangladesh, the United Nations has raised urgent concerns over the escalating threats to freedom of expression. This comes in the aftermath of the assassination of Sharif Osman Hadi, a youth leader whose murder has ignited widespread protests. The alarm has been sounded by UN experts and rights organizations, as the attacks pose a significant danger to democratic participation in the country, particularly as it approaches parliamentary elections in February 2026.
Sharif Osman Hadi, a 32-year-old leading figure in the 2024 student-led uprising that ended the tenure of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, was fatally shot in Dhaka on December 12. Hadi, well-known for his vocal stance against perceived Indian influences in Bangladesh’s domestic politics, succumbed to his injuries a week later in a Singapore hospital. His activism had previously polarized segments of society, notably amidst controversies surrounding civil service quotas designed for descendants of 1971 war veterans.
The reaction to Hadi’s assassination has been notably intense, with mobs targeting prominent media establishments such as Prothom Alo and The Daily Star, in addition to cultural figures and institutions, like Chhayanaut. Human Rights Watch reported alarming incidents of journalists being trapped in burning buildings, alongside threats of violence disseminated through social media platforms.
The interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, has taken steps to quell the violence by deploying police and paramilitary forces, and declaring a day of mourning for Hadi. Despite the arrests of several suspects tied to the violence, editors from various news outlets argue that the threat level against journalists has not dissipated. Instances of direct death threats and calls for violence against media personnel have intensified, painting a grim picture of the current state of press freedom.
Historical precedents reveal a longstanding pattern of political unrest in Bangladesh. Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has recently been charged with inciting violence during the 2024 protests, further illustrating the nation’s turbulent political landscape. It is imperative to note that Bangladesh is obligated under its Constitution and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights to safeguard freedom of expression and maintain democratic spaces.
Despite the calls for peace and a constructive resolution from figures like UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk, there has been little progress towards de-escalation. The current situation reflects a critical juncture for Bangladesh’s media and broader society as they navigate these challenges. As these developments unfold, voices from the international community continue to emphasize the need for justice and protection of fundamental rights, as highlighted by JURIST.