Sharif Osman Hadi, an independent candidate for Dhaka-8 constituency and spokesperson of Inquilab Moncho, was shot and injured in the capital’s Bijoynagar area on Friday afternoon. According to police at Dhaka Medical College Hospital, armed assailants opened fire on Hadi while he was campaigning, after which he was rushed to the hospital’s emergency unit around 2:35 p.m. The incident has sparked strong condemnation from the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD), the student wing of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). JCD President Rakibul Islam Rakib and General Secretary Nasir Uddin Nasir denounced the attack on social media, calling it a cowardly attempt to derail the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. They demanded immediate arrest of the attackers and urged the interim government and Election Commission to ensure safety for candidates and voters. The shooting, occurring just a day after the election schedule announcement, has raised concerns over political violence and security during the campaign period. Authorities have yet to identify the perpetrators, while calls for stronger election-time law enforcement continue to grow.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has strongly condemned the shooting of Sharif Osman Hadi, an independent candidate for Dhaka-8 constituency and spokesperson for Inquilab Manch, describing the attack as inhumane and brutal. The statement, signed by BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Friday, alleged that the assault was part of a broader conspiracy to destabilize the electoral environment ahead of the 13th National Parliamentary Election. BNP claimed that a group of vested interests was attempting to spread fear and chaos to derail democratic processes and obstruct the upcoming election. The party urged citizens to remain vigilant against such acts of sabotage and demanded the immediate arrest and exemplary punishment of those responsible. Hadi, who sustained gunshot injuries earlier in the day, is currently receiving treatment at Dhaka Medical College Hospital. The incident has raised concerns about election security and political violence in Bangladesh, with opposition voices warning that unchecked attacks could undermine public confidence in the democratic process.

Independent candidate and Inquilab Mancha spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi was critically injured after being shot by unidentified assailants in Dhaka’s Bijoynagar area. He is currently under intensive medical observation at Dhaka Medical College Hospital’s One Stop Service Center. The attack has sparked concerns about rising political violence ahead of the national elections. Al Jazeera journalist Zulkarnaine Saer posted on social media alleging that a neighboring country’s intelligence agency has infiltrated Bangladesh with dozens of contract killers over recent months. He claimed that extremist groups from Kushtia and Meherpur have joined forces with underworld networks to target political figures and disrupt the election process. Saer further mentioned that cross-border communications between fugitive criminals and local extremists were recently traced, suggesting coordinated planning. Authorities have not yet confirmed these claims, but the incident underscores growing fears of election-related instability. Security agencies are expected to tighten surveillance and investigate possible transnational links behind the shooting.

Independent candidate and Inqilab Moncho spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi was shot and critically injured while preparing for campaign activities in Dhaka’s Bijoynagar area on Friday, December 12. According to police, two assailants on a motorcycle opened fire shortly after Friday prayers, hitting Hadi near his ear and head. He was rushed to Dhaka Medical College Hospital at around 2:35 p.m. and admitted to the One Stop Crisis Centre. Dr. Mostak Ahmed, a resident surgeon at the hospital, stated that Hadi arrived in a critical condition and required CPR. His blood pressure has since stabilized slightly, but a bullet remains lodged inside his head. Witnesses and party colleagues described the attack as sudden and targeted, with three gunshots heard before the attackers fled. Police have launched an investigation into the incident, though no arrests have been made yet. The shooting has heightened security concerns ahead of the upcoming election in Dhaka-8, with authorities pledging to tighten surveillance in the area.

Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of Inquilab Moncho and an independent candidate for Dhaka-8 constituency, was shot and injured on Friday afternoon in the Bijoynagar area of the capital. According to police, unidentified assailants on a motorcycle opened fire at around 2:25 p.m. after Friday prayers, hitting Hadi below his left ear. He was immediately taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital, where doctors confirmed the bullet had exited and placed him under close observation at the One Stop Service Center. Police have begun an investigation into the attack, which occurred during Hadi’s election campaign activities. Witnesses said he had been distributing leaflets near a mosque before the shooting. Hadi had previously reported receiving multiple death threats from local and foreign phone numbers, alleging intimidation and threats of violence against his family. Authorities are expected to brief the media soon on Hadi’s condition and the progress of the investigation. The incident has raised fresh concerns about candidate safety ahead of the upcoming election.

Former head of the Election System Reform Commission, Dr. Badiul Alam Majumdar, has voiced concerns about the possibility of holding a fully fair and impartial national election in Bangladesh. Speaking at a discussion titled “Bangladesh’s Upcoming Election and Electoral Reform” at the National Press Club in Dhaka on Friday, he said that while fears of election cancellation have largely subsided, doubts remain about the transparency and neutrality of the entire electoral process. Dr. Majumdar emphasized that a fair election depends on every stage—from voter registration to result declaration—being free from manipulation and bias. He warned that political violence among parties could again create uncertainty around the polls. To ensure fairness, he called for deep institutional reforms and urged the Election Commission to act neutrally while political parties show genuine commitment to democratic principles. Other speakers at the event, organized by the unregistered political group Rashtra Sangskar Andolon, echoed similar concerns about the credibility of the electoral process and the need for systemic reform.

Former interim government adviser Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan has expressed deep concern following the shooting of independent candidate Sharif Osman Hadi in Dhaka-8 constituency. Hadi, a spokesperson for the Inquilab Mancha, was shot during an election campaign in Bijoynagar shortly after the national election schedule was announced. He is currently receiving treatment at Dhaka Medical College Hospital. In a Facebook post on Friday, Asif Mahmud urged authorities to arrest those responsible and restore public confidence in law enforcement. He described the incident as an alarming sign for the upcoming national polls, emphasizing that both the government and the Election Commission must ensure security and order during the campaign period. The attack has raised fresh concerns about pre-election violence and the safety of candidates across Bangladesh. Observers warn that failure to address such incidents promptly could undermine voter turnout and trust in the electoral process.

Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of Inquilab Moncho and independent candidate for Dhaka-8, was shot during an election campaign on Friday in the capital’s Paltan area. According to police, unidentified assailants on motorcycles opened fire near DR Tower around 2:20 p.m., injuring Hadi below his left ear. He was rushed to Dhaka Medical College Hospital, where he remains under observation. The attack has sparked outrage among supporters and student activists. Dhaka University Central Students’ Union Vice President Sadiq Kayem condemned the shooting in a verified Facebook post, warning of an imminent uprising to “free Dhaka from extortionists and gangsters.” Police officials said an investigation team has been dispatched to verify details and identify the attackers. Hadi, known for his role in July’s student-led uprising, had previously reported receiving death threats from local and foreign numbers. The incident raises concerns over election security and political violence ahead of the upcoming national polls.

Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has expressed deep concern after independent candidate and Inquilab Moncho spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi was seriously injured in a shooting in Dhaka’s Bijoynagar area. In a statement issued on Friday, Yunus directed law enforcement agencies to immediately identify and arrest those responsible for the attack. Calling the incident unacceptable during an election period, Yunus emphasized that such violence undermines the country’s peaceful political environment. He instructed authorities to ensure Hadi receives the best possible medical care and ordered the Health Ministry to closely monitor his treatment. The Chief Adviser also urged investigators to collect evidence from the scene, review CCTV footage, and determine whether the attack was part of an organized plot. Yunus warned that any attempt to disrupt the upcoming election through violence would not be tolerated. He appealed to all political groups, supporters, and citizens to maintain calm and restraint to ensure a peaceful and participatory electoral process.

Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam declared that no power on earth can obstruct the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. Speaking to reporters after visiting Sureshwar Darbar Sharif in Naria, Shariatpur, on Friday, he said the people of Bangladesh are eagerly waiting to vote and that any attempt to disrupt law and order will be met with firm action. Alam warned that those seeking to derail the election through unlawful or unethical means would face strict measures from the government. Responding to a question about the banned Awami League’s participation, he claimed that the party, which he described as a “fallen autocrat’s group,” had voluntarily withdrawn from the electoral process. He also accused its members of resorting to violence instead of peaceful political movement. Local officials, including the Naria Upazila Executive Officer, were present during the press briefing. The statement underscores the administration’s determination to proceed with the election despite political tensions and security concerns.

Bangladesh police have filed a case under the Anti-Terrorism Act, 2009 against 14 government officials and employees for allegedly violating the civil service code of conduct during a protest at the Secretariat. The case, lodged at Shahbagh Police Station, accuses the officials of organizing unauthorized demonstrations, meetings, and confining Economic Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed for six hours while demanding a 20% Secretariat allowance. The accused include officers from the Health, Public Administration, Finance, and Information ministries, many of whom hold leadership roles in the Secretariat Officers and Employees Combined Council. Police stated that video evidence of the incident has been collected, and four individuals were arrested on the spot. Enhanced security measures have since been deployed around the Secretariat and the Finance Ministry. The protest followed delays in implementing a promised allowance and the pending finalization of a new pay commission. Authorities have warned that further disruptions or violations of conduct rules will result in legal action, as the government seeks to maintain order within administrative offices.

Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of Inquilab Moncho and an independent candidate for Dhaka-8 constituency, was shot and critically injured in Bijoynagar, Dhaka, shortly after Friday prayers. According to police, unidentified assailants arrived on three motorcycles and opened fire before fleeing the scene. Hadi was rushed to Dhaka Medical College Hospital, where doctors confirmed he had sustained a gunshot wound to the head and was placed in intensive care. Police officials said they are investigating the incident but have yet to identify the attackers or determine a motive. Witnesses reported that Hadi had been distributing campaign leaflets following prayers when the shooting occurred. Supporters gathered at the hospital seeking B-negative blood donations as his condition remained critical. Hadi had previously reported receiving multiple death threats from local and foreign numbers in November, alleging that he and his family were under surveillance. Authorities have not confirmed whether the earlier threats are linked to the attack, but security around independent candidates is expected to come under renewed scrutiny.

The National Curriculum and Textbook Board (NCTB) of Bangladesh has released a new directive regarding the syllabus for the 2026 Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) and equivalent examinations. According to the notice, irregular and grade-improvement candidates will continue to follow the 2025 revised syllabus, rather than a newly developed one. All education boards have been instructed to take necessary measures to implement this decision. The Dhaka Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education confirmed the implementation through an official letter issued on Thursday, December 11. The letter clarified that the 2025 HSC, equivalent, and Alim examinations were conducted under the NCTB’s revised curriculum, and the same syllabus will remain valid for those retaking or improving their results in 2026. Education officials say the move aims to ensure consistency and fairness for students who could not pass or wish to improve their grades. Further updates on any future curriculum changes are expected to be announced later by the NCTB.

Independent candidate Sharif Osman Hadi, representing Dhaka-8 and spokesperson for the Inqilab Mancha, was shot while campaigning in the capital’s Bijoynagar area on Friday afternoon. Witnesses said unidentified assailants opened fire near Kalvert Road shortly after Friday prayers. Hadi was rushed to the emergency department of Dhaka Medical College Hospital, where he is receiving treatment. Following the incident, National Citizens Party (NCP) South Region organizer Hasnat Abdullah posted a prayer on his verified Facebook account, expressing concern and calling for Hadi’s recovery. Hadi had previously alleged receiving threats from ruling party affiliates, including warnings of arson and sexual violence against his family. The attack has sparked renewed debate over election security and the safety of independent candidates. Authorities have yet to confirm any arrests or motives. Election observers warn that escalating violence could undermine public confidence ahead of the upcoming polls, urging immediate investigation and stronger protection for all candidates.

Fayez Ahmad Tayyeb, the Prime Minister’s Special Assistant on ICT, has sharply criticized the Awami League for what he described as severe technical deficiencies in the implementation of national mega projects. In a verified Facebook post, he highlighted that the design of Dhaka Airport’s Third Terminal lacked essential telecommunication and data infrastructure, calling the oversight a ‘technical disaster.’ Tayyeb detailed multiple design flaws, including the absence of plans for indoor telecom coverage, optical fiber ducts, and dedicated spaces for data centers and routers. He argued that these omissions would force engineers to retrofit critical systems outside the original design, increasing costs and reducing efficiency. His remarks suggested that the project prioritized aesthetics over functionality, relying heavily on foreign contractors. The comments have sparked debate over the government’s project management and technical oversight. Analysts warn that such gaps could undermine the long-term operational capacity of key infrastructure. The government has yet to issue an official response to the criticism.