Violent protests erupted in Dhaka late Thursday night following news of the death of activist Sharif Osman Hadi, who had been receiving treatment in Singapore. Crowds of students and citizens gathered near the Prothom Alo office in Karwan Bazar, breaking windows, damaging furniture, and setting fire to papers and equipment inside the building. The building’s feature and accounts departments suffered significant damage.

Shortly after, the same group reportedly moved to The Daily Star office on Kazi Nazrul Islam Avenue, where they set fire to the ground floor, causing panic among journalists and staff. Firefighters later brought the blaze under control, while police and army personnel were deployed to secure the area. Traffic in the surrounding roads was halted during the unrest.

Authorities have not yet confirmed the extent of the damage or whether arrests have been made. The attacks have raised concerns about press freedom and public safety amid growing political tension in the capital.