Unrest has broken out in the nation following the demise of a prominent leader from the youth movement that removed former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Sharif Osman Hadi was shot by assailants in masks while exiting a place of worship in the capital recently and passed away from his wounds on a recent day while undergoing care in Singapore.
The incident came just a day after officials announced a schedule for the upcoming vote following the mass protests, which the slain leader had been intending to run in as an non-aligned contender.
Grief Fuels Anger
Upon learning of his passing on that day, many supporters of his followers assembled in a square in the capital city to protest.
In the hours that followed, protesters attacked the premises of major Bangladeshi publications two major dailies, with one building ignited.
"Hundreds of people have come together at this location and carried out the incident," a law enforcement official stated.
Military personnel arrived to the scene, while emergency crews rescued reporters caught inside the burning structure.
Political Reactions
The 32-year-old activist, was a senior leader of the student protest group a revolutionary forum and an sharp critic of India, where Hasina remains in stay abroad.
Political groups across the nation have lamented the loss and urged the interim government to hold the attackers accountable.
Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, who heads the caretaker government, described Hadi's death "a devastating blow for the people".
"The journey for democracy will not be stopped through coercion and violence," he stated in a televised speech on that day.
The administration declared a national day of grief on the upcoming weekend.
Attack Called Premeditated
In the immediate aftermath of Hadi was attacked, the interim leader stated it was a premeditated attack and "the goal of the those behind it is to derail the upcoming vote".
"Any attempt at violence intended to disrupt the election must be condemned," he said. "This development is a cause for concern for the political environment."
Investigations are ongoing and a number of individuals have been detained in relation to the attack.
Recent Political History
Hasina went into exile in the neighboring country on 5 August last year, after months of youth-driven demonstrations, concluding a long period of strongman politics.
In November, she was sentenced to death for crimes against humanity after being convicted of allowing lethal force to be used against demonstrators, 1,400 of whom were killed during the turmoil.
