Youth Leader Killing

Bangladesh deployed large numbers of police and paramilitary troops across Dhaka and other major cities on Friday following violent protests over the killing of a prominent youth activist, as fears of renewed unrest grew ahead of national elections scheduled for February.

Security forces were placed on alert after overnight demonstrations turned destructive in parts of the capital, although streets were largely calm by Friday morning. Residents said tension remained high, with concerns that protests could resume after Friday prayers.

The unrest followed the death of Sharif Osman Hadi, a 32 year old youth leader and election candidate who was shot …