Violent protests broke out in Habiganj on Friday over the killing of Sharif Osman Hadi, convener of Inquilab Moncho, with demonstrators blocking roads, staging rallies and attacking an Awami League office and a local newspaper office.
The protesters demanded the arrest of those involved in the killing and the resignation of the home adviser.
Panic spread across the town as the protests escalated.
After Jumma prayers, the Anti Discrimination students group announced a blockade and effigy burning programme at the Court Mosque area.
Protesters blocked the main road in front of the mosque and burned an effigy of the home adviser.
They later brought out a large protest march.
When the march reached the Chiriakandi area, protesters attacked and vandalised the office of the local daily Amar Habiganj, owned by Awami League leader and blogger Sushanta Das Gupta.
Some locally made weapons were found at the office and later handed over to police.
The newspaper has remained closed for the past month on the order of the district magistrate, as its editor Sushanta Das Gupta has been staying in London for a long time without following due procedures.
Protesters alleged that from the time Hadi was shot until his death, Sushanta Das Gupta had been posting obscene and abusive comments about Hadi on Facebook.
On the way back, the protesters attacked the already damaged Habiganj district Awami League office. and set fire to a mural of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
The protesters then gathered in front of the residence of the Habiganj superintendent of police and continued their demonstration.
They demanded quick arrests and security for protest leaders and July fighters. nThe programme was withdrawn after the police superintendent assured action and security.
Hadi’s namaz-e-janaza at 2:30pm Saturday
Student leader Ashraful Islam Sujon said, “Hadi was shot dead in a most brutal manner. Even seven days after the incident, no accused has been arrested. We are giving the administration a 24 hour ultimatum. If the suspects are not arrested within this time, we will shut down the country.”
Another student leader Mahdi Hasan said, “If the accused are not brought back from India quickly and given the highest punishment, we will demand the severing of diplomatic relations with them.”
Regarding the matter, Dolowar Hossain, Officer in Charge of Habiganj Sadar Model Police Station said, “The situation is currently calm.”