Bangladesh on edge: Amnesty condemns lynching, US and Canada issue travel advisories

US issues travel advisory for Bangladesh amid unrest over youth leader’s death

The United States on Saturday issued a travel advisory for its citizens in Bangladesh as heightened security measures were put in place ahead of the funeral of prominent youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi, whose death has triggered widespread protests and violence in Dhaka and other parts of the country.

The advisory comes after demonstrators vandalised property and set fire to the offices of two major media organisations in the capital on Friday, demanding swift action against those responsible for Hadi’s killing.

Advisory warns of protests, traffic disruption

In its advisory, Washington cautioned American citizens about potential disruptions in Dhaka and urged them to reassess travel plans and remain alert.

According to PTI, Bangladesh’s interim government said funeral prayers for Hadi would be held at the South Plaza of the National Parliament Building at 2 pm.

“Individuals are encouraged to review scheduled travel through and around Dhaka during the above listed timeframes and allow additional time for possible delays," the advisory said.

It warned that “gatherings intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence,” adding, “You should avoid demonstrations and exercise caution in the vicinity of any large gatherings."

The advisory also cautioned that “extremely heavy traffic is expected in the area and throughout Dhaka,” noting that large spontaneous or planned gatherings were likely across Bangladesh.

The US urged its citizens to:

• Review and reconsider travel plans
• Exercise additional caution near protests
• Stay aware of surroundings
• Monitor local media updates

Amnesty International condemns violence, lynching

Amnesty International strongly criticised the violence, including the lynching of Hindu garment worker Dipu Chandra Das in Mymensingh, and called for independent investigations.

“Amnesty International calls on the interim government of Bangladesh to ensure prompt, thorough, independent, and impartial investigations into the killing of youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi, and the subsequent mob violence which led to the burning of the offices Prothom Alo and Daily Star and Chhayanaut, and the harassment of New Age editor, Nurul Kabir," the organisation said.

“Furthermore, we are alarmed by the lynching of Hindu garment worker Dipu Chandra Das following allegations of blasphemy,” it added.

Das was attacked by a mob on Thursday night, after which his body was reportedly hung from a tree and set on fire.

Canada also updates travel warnings

Canada also updated its travel advisory, citing threats of terrorism, politically motivated violence, and attacks on minorities.

“Since July 2024, the security situation has been volatile in Bangladesh,” the advisory said, warning of demonstrations, arson attacks and sudden violent clashes.

It noted that religious minorities, including Hindus, Christians and Buddhists, have been targets of attacks, and cautioned that violence could escalate ahead of national elections scheduled for February 12, 2026.

Protests erupt after Sharif Osman Hadi’s death

Dhaka has seen sustained protests following the death of Inqilab Mancha spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi, a key figure associated with last year’s July Uprising that led to a change in government.

Hadi’s family has demanded that a memorial be built at Shahbagh intersection, where he launched the movement.

Bangladesh’s interim government said unrest flared again as Hadi’s body arrived from Singapore, blaming the violence on “fringe elements.”