Bangladesh - December 2025

On 12 December, prominent student leader and independent parliamentary candidate Sharif Osman Hadi was assassinated by masked gunmen. Although the assailants have been identified, none have been apprehended yet.  Hadi’s assassination sparked violent protests that included arson attacks on two leading media offices and a cultural landmark. In a separate incident, a Hindu youth was lynched amid blasphemy allegations. United Nations officials condemned both the killings and the vandalization of media offices, urging authorities to ensure accountability and conduct an impartial investigation into all incidents. Rights experts warn that the escalating political violence threatens the protection of civic space and broader participation ahead of the elections scheduled for February 2026.

Sources: United Nations, Reuters, Article 19, The Daily Star, BBC News