Dhaka, Dec 20: The United Nations has expressed grave concern over the killing of Bangladeshi student protest leader Sharif Osman Hadi, urging authorities to carry out a swift, impartial investigation and to ensure calm as unrest spreads across the country.
Hadi, 32, a prominent figure in the 2024 pro-democracy movement, was shot by masked assailants on December 12 while leaving a mosque in Dhaka, according to media reports. He was airlifted to Singapore for medical treatment but succumbed to his injuries on December 18.
The killing has triggered nationwide protests, with demonstrators taking to the streets in several cities. Media reports said that some protests turned violent, with buildings torched, property vandalised and journalists attacked, including at offices of major newspapers.
In a statement issued in Geneva, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk called for a “prompt, impartial, thorough and transparent investigation” into the attack and accountability for those responsible. He warned against retaliatory violence, saying that “retaliation and revenge will only deepen divisions and undermine the rights of all.”
Türk stressed that the killing comes at a critical political juncture, as Bangladesh prepares for parliamentary elections scheduled for February 2026. He urged authorities to safeguard freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and the security of journalists, and to prevent further escalation of unrest.
Separately, UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the killing and echoed calls for accountability in line with international human rights standards. His spokesperson said Guterres appealed to all sides to refrain from violence, reduce tensions and exercise maximum restraint to preserve a peaceful electoral environment.
Hadi emerged as one of the most visible youth leaders during the student-led protests of 2024, which began over civil service job quota reforms and later expanded into a nationwide movement demanding political change and accountability for a violent crackdown. According to a UN-led investigation, up to 1,400 people, including children, may have been killed during the unrest in July and August last year.
Media reports indicated that Hadi had planned to contest the 2026 elections, heightening concerns over political violence and democratic space in the country.
The UN has reiterated its call on Bangladeshi authorities to protect fundamental freedoms, ensure justice for the killing, and take steps to restore calm amid continuing demonstrations.
