Police Step Up Security at Assistant High Commissioner’s Residence, Office

Security has been tightened around both the residence and office of the Indian Assistant High Commissioner in Khulna following the killing of Sharif Osman Hadi, convener of the Inkilab Mancha, which has led to heightened tensions and widespread public reaction in the city. Law enforcement agencies have been deployed to ensure the safety of diplomatic premises and to maintain overall law and order amid protests and demonstrations.

According to local authorities, police and other law enforcement personnel have been guarding the Indian Assistant High Commissioner’s office on Shamsur Rahman Road since Thursday afternoon, 18 December. The move followed a tense situation that developed around the area during a long march organised by the Anti-Hegemony Unity Alliance. The march, directed towards the diplomatic office, raised concerns among authorities about potential unrest, prompting immediate security measures.

Following confirmation of Hadi’s death later that day, security arrangements were further strengthened from Thursday night. In addition to the office premises, the residence of the Indian Assistant High Commissioner, located in the Sonadanga residential area of Khulna city, was placed under enhanced protection. Patrols were increased and checkpoints established as a preventive measure to avert any untoward incidents.

Public agitation continued into Thursday night and the early hours of Friday, 19 December, when students and members of the public staged protests at Shibbari Mor. Demonstrators reportedly set fire to tyres, resulting in the suspension of vehicular movement through the area for several hours. To restore normalcy, additional police forces were deployed, and traffic was gradually brought back under control.

As of Saturday afternoon, 20 December, both the office and residence of the Indian Assistant High Commissioner remained under strict law enforcement surveillance. Authorities indicated that the security measures would remain in place until the situation fully stabilises.

Meanwhile, expressions of grief and protest were observed across Khulna. On Friday afternoon, a protest march and funeral prayer in absentia (gayebana janaza) were organised at Shibbari Mor under the banner of Khulna’s revolutionary student groups. Similar prayers and memorial gatherings were held at several higher educational institutions, including Khulna University, Khulna University of Engineering and Technology, Khulna Agricultural University and Khulna Khan Bahadur Ahsanullah University. Students, teachers and activists participated to pay tribute to Sharif Osman Hadi and to demand justice.

Deputy Commissioner of Khulna Metropolitan Police (South) Mohammad Tajul Islam stated that law enforcement agencies remain fully alert to control the overall law and order situation in the city. He emphasised that police are taking all necessary steps to ensure that no third party takes advantage of the prevailing situation to create instability or provoke violence.

Key Developments at a Glance