Fresh violence in Bangladesh following the death of student leader Sharif Osman Hadi has sparked serious allegations, with journalist Sushanta Das Gupta claiming his family home was attacked in a targeted act of intimidation.
Amid renewed unrest in Bangladesh after the death of student leader Sharif Osman Hadi, a Bangladeshi journalist has alleged that his family home was vandalised and looted by a mob, forcing his relatives to flee moments before the attack.
Speaking to India Today, Sushanta Das Gupta, a journalist and human rights activist who has been living in the United Kingdom for the past three years, claimed the violence was a direct consequence of his criticism of the Muhammad Yunus-led government and his outspoken reporting on social media.
Das Gupta said the attack occurred during a surge of violence that followed Hadi’s death, an event that has intensified political, ideological and communal tensions across parts of the country.
According to him, his family was alerted just in time and managed to escape before the mob reached the house. The property was allegedly looted and damaged, leaving his relatives shaken and displaced.
“I am doing journalism from the UK and I am not in Bangladesh for the last three years,” Das Gupta said, stressing that the attack could not have been a spontaneous act.
He believes the incident was meant to send a message-one of fear and silence-to him and others who openly criticise the government or document human rights concerns.
“An Attempt to Silence Me”: Das Gupta Speaks Out
Das Gupta, who has previously reported on political developments and rights issues in Bangladesh, alleged that his work has repeatedly drawn online threats and hostility. He claims the attack on his family home was part of a broader pattern of intimidation against journalists and activists who are perceived as critical of those in power.
“This was not random violence,” he told India Today. “It was meant to silence me for my views, my reporting and my social media posts.” He added that targeting families is a common tactic used to pressure voices of dissent, particularly when the individuals themselves are not physically present in the country.
Local residents in the area where the house is located reportedly confirmed that several properties were damaged during the unrest. While exact figures on the extent of destruction remain unclear, eyewitnesses described scenes of panic, with families fleeing their homes as mobs moved through neighbourhoods amid heightened tensions.
Official Response: Law and Order Under Strain
Bangladeshi authorities have acknowledged sporadic violence in several regions following Sharif Osman Hadi’s death. Police and administrative officials have stated that additional security forces were deployed in sensitive areas to prevent escalation and restore order.
“We are taking firm action against those involved in vandalism and violence,” a senior police official was quoted as saying in local media reports, urging citizens not to take the law into their own hands.
However, as of now, there has been no specific official statement addressing Das Gupta’s allegations or confirming whether an investigation has been launched into the attack on his family home.
Government representatives have reiterated their commitment to freedom of expression and press freedom, while also appealing for calm during a volatile period.
Rights observers note that the gap between official assurances and ground-level experiences often widens during times of unrest, leaving victims feeling unheard and unprotected.
Bangladesh Unrest 2025: Background and Build-Up
The current wave of violence is part of a broader pattern of instability that Bangladesh has witnessed in 2025. The death of Sharif Osman Hadi-a polarising figure known for his anti-India rhetoric-acted as a flashpoint, triggering protests, counter-protests and clashes in multiple locations.
Political rivalries, ideological divides and simmering communal tensions have all contributed to the volatile atmosphere.
In recent months, journalists, activists and minority communities have increasingly reported threats, harassment and attacks on property during periods of political upheaval.
Human rights organisations have warned that such incidents not only endanger individuals but also erode democratic institutions by fostering fear and self-censorship.
International watchdogs have repeatedly called on Bangladeshi authorities to ensure the safety of journalists and uphold press freedom, particularly during politically sensitive moments.
They argue that a free and secure media is essential for transparency, accountability and public trust.
Press Freedom and the Cost of Dissent
The alleged attack on Das Gupta’s family highlights the personal cost that journalists and activists often bear for speaking truth to power. Even when reporters operate from abroad, their families at home can become vulnerable targets.
This tactic, critics say, is designed to create psychological pressure and deter critical voices without directly confronting them.
Legal experts point out that attacks on journalists’ families, if proven, constitute a serious violation of human rights and international norms on press freedom.
“Protecting journalists also means protecting their families,” said a Dhaka-based rights lawyer, adding that failure to do so sends a chilling message across the media landscape.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Violence, especially when it targets families of journalists-has no place in a society that claims to value democracy and free expression.
Disagreement with ideas or criticism must be met with dialogue, not destruction; debate, not intimidation.
As Bangladesh navigates a difficult period marked by grief, anger and political polarisation, the path forward lies in empathy, accountability and the rule of law. Silencing voices through fear only deepens divisions and prolongs unrest.
