Bangladesh Burns: Student's Death Sparks Nationwide Protests

In Bangladesh, the death of a key student activist has set off a wave of protests. Sharif Osman bin Hadi, 32, passed away in a Singapore hospital. He had been fighting for his life since being shot in the head on December 12th. Hadi was a vocal opponent of the former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's government, which fell apart last August after months of tension with a youth-led movement. The United Nations reported that over 1, 400 protesters were killed last year by security forces and members of Hasina's party. News spread quickly of Hadi's death, and by Thursday night, protesters took to the streets of Dhaka. They demanded justice and set fire to newspaper offices and politicians' homes across the country.One journalist, Zyma Islam, shared a desperate message on Facebook. She was trapped inside The Daily Star's newsroom as a mob set the building on fire. Another journalist saw a group marching towards their office, shouting anti-India slogans. The protests show deep anger and frustration among the people. Bangladesh has a history of political unrest. The country has struggled with democracy, and incidents like this highlight its ongoing challenges. The protests are a sign of the people's desire for change and accountability. However, the violence and destruction also raise concerns about the path forward.