According to a report, protestors roused by the death of an activist and vocal critic of India set the offices of a Bangladesh newspaper alight that was known to be pro-indian. Reportedly, Sharif Osman Hadi who was involved in pro democracy anti government protests in July 2024 which ousted former prime minister Sheikh Hasina was shot in Dhaka on Friday September 12 and died of his injuries on Thursday, his death has led to anti-government protests and anti-indian sentiment. According to the report, Ms Hasini resigned in August 2024 and has since lived in India in self imposed exile.
Reportedly, India and Bangladesh share a common history in the british indian empire. In 1950 India became a democratic secular republic with all citizens being treated equally regardless of religion according to the constitution. The 1947 partition created Pakistan with east Pakistan gaining independence in 1971 and becoming Bangladesh, a predominantly sunni muslim republic. According to the report, while muslim by birth, Ms Hasina was an advocate for democracy and secularism.
Reportedly, Bangladesh is scheduled to hold elections in February, the first since Sheikh Hasina’s ousting and Sharif Hadi had planned to be a candidate. According to the report, several people have been detained over the shooting. Reportedly, the interim government declared a day of mourning on Saturday, and tens of thousands of people attended the area surrounding Parliament house where the burial took place.