Clashes have flared up in Bangladesh following the death of a key leader from the student-led movement that removed ex- Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Sharif Osman Hadi was fired upon by masked attackers while exiting a mosque in Dhaka days ago and died from his wounds on a recent day while undergoing care in a foreign hospital.
The attack occurred just a day after officials announced a schedule for the first elections following the mass protests, which the slain leader had been preparing to participate in as an non-aligned contender.
Protests Turn Violent
Upon learning of his passing on that day, many supporters of his supporters gathered in a square in the capital city to voice their anger.
In the hours that followed, protesters damaged the premises of leading Bangladeshi newspapers two major dailies, with one building reportedly torched.
"Many individuals have assembled and executed the attack," a law enforcement official stated.
Security forces were sent to the scene, while rescue workers extricated journalists stranded inside the affected office.
Nation in Mourning
Hadi, 32, was a key figure of the student protest group a revolutionary forum and an outspoken critic of India, where the former prime minister continues her self-imposed exile.
Bangladeshi political parties have mourned his death and pressed the interim government to ensure those responsible face trial.
Peace prize winner Muhammad Yunus, who heads the interim administration, called Hadi's death "an irreparable loss for the country".
"Our path to a democratic system will not be stopped through intimidation, violence, or killing," he declared in a televised speech on Thursday.
The interim government designated a period of mourning on Saturday.
Attack Called Premeditated
Shortly after Hadi was shot, Yunus stated it was a planned assault and "the aim of the those behind it is to disrupt the upcoming vote".
"No form of violence designed to disrupt the election are unacceptable," he added. "This development is a cause for concern for the country's political landscape."
An inquiry is underway and a number of individuals have been arrested in relation to the attack.
Background: Hasina's Exit and Sentence
Hasina fled to India on a date last summer, following months of student-led protests, ending 15 years of strongman politics.
In November, she was sentenced to death for grave offenses after being convicted of sanctioning violence against protesters, 1,400 of whom were killed during the protests.
