Fatima Tasnim Juma, spokesperson of the Dhaka University branch of Inquilab Moncho, alleged that Faisal was released on bail specifically to carry out the killing of Sharif Osman Hadi. She made the claim in a Facebook post on Saturday, questioning who in the government had influenced the bail decision, which judge granted it, and which lawyer handled the process. She also mentioned that a man named Kabir, who was arrested earlier, had been with Faisal during an initial attempt at a center and might also hold key information.

According to the report, Osman Hadi was shot in the head by assailants on December 12 on Box Culvert Road in Purana Paltan, Dhaka, a day after the announcement of the 13th national election and referendum schedule. He was treated at Dhaka Medical College Hospital and later at Evercare Hospital before being flown to Singapore for advanced care, where he died on December 18. His body was brought back to Bangladesh on December 19, and a large funeral was held the next day at the South Plaza of the National Parliament Building before burial at the National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam’s mausoleum grounds.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Sheikh Mohammad Sajjat Ali stated that the video message of Faisal, the prime accused in the murder case of Inquilab Mancha spokesperson Shahid Sharif Osman Hadi, is currently being examined. He made the remark on Saturday, January 3, during the A4 Bashundhara Paper Crab Best Reporting Award 2025 event at the Dhaka Reporters Unity auditorium. When asked about the video, the commissioner said he would comment only after the examination is complete.

Responding to questions about election-related security, the DMP Commissioner said that security is being provided to candidates based on verified threats assessed by the Special Branch (SB). He noted that several individuals, including election commissioners, have been assigned gunmen for protection. Ali emphasized that resource limitations require balancing between personal security assignments and maintaining security at polling centers.

He added that as a developing country with limited police resources, election security remains the top priority. The DMP is trying to allocate manpower efficiently to ensure both candidate safety and the protection of polling stations during the election period.

Turkey’s security forces arrested 85 suspected members of the militant group ISIS during separate anti-terror operations across the country’s eastern regions on Friday. The arrests took place in multiple provinces, including Şanlıurfa, Ağrı, and Istanbul, as part of a coordinated effort to dismantle ISIS-linked networks.

In Şanlıurfa, eight suspects were detained for allegedly posting content on social media praising ISIS. In Ağrı province, police arrested ten individuals accused of having ties to the group and seized banned books and digital materials. Istanbul’s chief public prosecutor’s office detained 67 more suspects. Authorities also transferred 32 individuals to repatriation centers after determining they posed a threat to national security. One alleged leader was identified for conducting illegal classes and recruiting supporters.

The operations followed a December 29 terrorist attack that killed three police officers, prompting Turkey to intensify its counterterrorism measures nationwide.

A video from Uttar Pradesh’s Kaushambi police station has gone viral showing Station House Officer Ajay Sharma pressing a smartphone against a resident’s back and claiming to determine whether the person is Indian or Bangladeshi. The incident, which took place in a slum area, has triggered widespread criticism after being shared on social media. The video shows police accusing a family of being Bangladeshi despite their insistence and presentation of documents proving they are from Bihar’s Araria district.

The controversy comes amid repeated warnings from India’s Home Minister Amit Shah and Prime Minister Narendra Modi about identifying illegal Bangladeshi immigrants. Following the uproar, Ghaziabad police ordered a high-level investigation into the authenticity of the video and the conduct of the officers involved. The inquiry has been assigned to the Assistant Commissioner of Police of Indirapuram Circle.

Police sources said such operations are usually conducted to maintain public safety in sensitive areas, but the unusual method and alleged harassment have drawn sharp public scrutiny.

Police in Shahrashti upazila of Chandpur recovered two pistols stolen from Dhaka’s Khilkhet police station, along with ammunition and police equipment, during a raid on Friday night. Acting on a secret tip-off, law enforcement searched the home of Alomgir Hossain in Paschim Uplata village around 8:15 p.m. and seized the weapons. The recovered items included a Taras pistol, a China-made pistol, four magazines, 30 rounds of bullets, police uniforms, belts, glasses, a body camera, and a gas mask. Alomgir’s wife, Lovely Begum, 38, and son, Foysal Hossain, 21, were detained.

According to police, Lovely Begum admitted during questioning that the seized weapons were among those looted from a police station on August 5, 2024. Additional Superintendent of Police (Crime and Ops) Md Lutfor Rahman said the operation was led by Assistant Superintendent Md A. Hai and Officer-in-Charge Mir Mahbubur Rahman after receiving intelligence about the stolen arms linked to the anti-discrimination movement.

Police said a case is being prepared in connection with the recovery and arrests.

Two men were killed late Friday night in Barishal city when a speeding truck ran over their motorcycle on the Barishal-Jhalakathi inter-district highway near Rupatali Ukilbari. The victims were identified as Jewel, 28, of Rupatali, and Russell, 25, of Ruiyar Pol. Kotwali Model Police Station Officer-in-Charge Mamun-ul Islam confirmed the incident.

According to police, the two victims worked as helpers at the ACI Animal Health store. After finishing work around midnight, they were heading to the Rupatali bus terminal for a meal when a goods-laden truck (registration number Kushtia-T 11-2545) coming from the opposite direction hit them. Russell died on the spot, while Jewel succumbed to his injuries before reaching the hospital.

The report did not mention whether the truck driver was detained or if any legal action had been initiated following the accident.

A 20-year-old man named Kajol, son of Bashir Bhuiya from South Mohammadpur village in Daudkandi, Cumilla, died on December 31 after being seriously injured in a mob attack linked to a playground dispute. The incident occurred on November 27 in Mohammadpur Chowmuhani area, where a group allegedly attacked him with sharp and blunt weapons during a conflict over preparing a badminton court. Kajol was first taken to Daudkandi Upazila Health Complex and later referred to a hospital in Dhaka, where he succumbed to his injuries after prolonged treatment.

According to the case statement, ten named individuals and 10–12 unidentified others were accused in connection with the assault. Following Kajol’s death, police confirmed that the case had been reclassified as a murder investigation. The victim was buried on January 2 after a post-mortem examination. Local residents expressed grief and demanded justice for the killing.

Police stated that evidence collection and efforts to arrest the accused are ongoing as part of the investigation.

Police in Naldanga upazila of Natore recovered five cocktails and five petrol bombs abandoned beside a banner featuring former Member of Parliament Shimul near the Mahishmari Bridge on the Natore–Naogaon regional highway. The explosives were found around 9 p.m. on Friday following information from local residents, prompting immediate police action at the scene.

Officer-in-Charge Samiul Azam of Naldanga Police Station told the daily Amar Desh that the explosives were discovered next to the roadside banner and were later defused. He added that an investigation is underway to identify those involved, and legal proceedings are in progress.

Authorities have not yet disclosed any suspects or motives behind the incident, and the investigation continues to determine the source and intent of the explosives.

A government investigation has found evidence supporting 16 out of 22 allegations against Aminul Haque, principal of Mohammadpur Women’s College in Dhaka and proposer of banned Awami League leader Jahangir Kabir Nanak’s election nomination. The Directorate of Inspection and Audit (DIA) under the Ministry of Education conducted the inquiry from March 16 to 20 last year and finalized its report on December 2. The report cites proof of financial irregularities, misuse of college funds, threats to election officials, and forced dismissal of employees.

The investigation found that Haque took unauthorized commissions from exam funds, inflated vehicle purchase costs, and used political influence in recruitment. It also confirmed that he threatened presiding officers during a dummy election and misused college resources. However, some allegations, such as using college funds for private events, were not proven. Complainant lecturer Humayun Kabir accused Haque of delaying the inquiry by seeking changes in investigating officers.

Affected employees have demanded Haque’s removal, punishment, and reinstatement of dismissed staff. Haque denied the allegations, calling them false and politically motivated, and said he sought officer changes due to lack of confidence, not to delay the process.

A young man named Abdullah, aged 20, died following a motorcycle accident on the Dhaka–Bogura highway in Sirajganj’s Raiganj upazila. The incident occurred on Thursday in the Panchlia area when Abdullah lost control of his motorcycle and collided with a road divider. He was returning home to Langolmora Uttarpara village under Salanga police station after traveling from Sirajganj town.

According to police and family sources, Abdullah sustained severe head injuries in the crash. Locals rescued him and took him to Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Medical College Hospital, where he died on Friday morning while undergoing treatment. Hatikumrul Highway Police Station Officer-in-Charge Ismail Hossain said that excessive speed was initially believed to be the cause of the accident.

Police stated that legal procedures related to the incident are currently underway.

Police in Kishoreganj upazila of Nilphamari district have arrested Jubo League leader Tarapada Roy in connection with an anti-terrorism case. The arrest took place on Thursday night at the Putimari Shoshan Bazar area based on a confidential tip-off. Police confirmed that the 40-year-old leader was sent to the district jail on Friday following his detention.

According to police sources, Tarapada Roy, who had been in hiding for a long time, is the joint convener of the Putimari Union Jubo League and the son of Jitendra Roy of Sadhupara village in the same union. Kishoreganj Police Station Officer-in-Charge Lutfor Rahman confirmed the arrest and subsequent transfer to jail.

The report did not provide further details about the specific allegations or the progress of the case beyond the arrest and detention process.

Joint forces have arrested top-listed criminal 'Belgium Suman' along with local weapons and ammunition in Lakshmipur. The arrest took place on Friday, January 2, 2026, during an operation led by Major Md. Rahat Khan of the Lakshmipur Army Camp. The operation was conducted in the Hanif Miaji’s Hat area of North Joypur Union under Sadar Upazila. Authorities recovered one rifle ammunition, one pistol ammunition, a binocular, two button mobiles, three local weapons, a router, a knife, and a hammer from his possession. He was later handed over to Chandraganj Police Station.

According to Major Rahat Khan, Suman, son of Siraj from Kansh Narayanpur village in North Joypur Union, faces multiple cases including murder and arms charges and was out on bail. Acting on secret information about his involvement in illegal arms trading, the joint forces carried out the operation. Although no firearms were found, Suman reportedly admitted his involvement in arms trading. He has been transferred to Chandraganj Police Station for further legal action.

Police in Dhaka’s Uttara West area conducted a daylong special operation on Friday, arresting 17 individuals linked to various criminal cases. According to Dhaka Metropolitan Police spokesperson and Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Talebur Rahman, a significant quantity of drugs was recovered during the operation. The arrests included suspects involved in regular cases, terrorism, and drug trafficking.

Police sources said the coordinated operation took place across multiple points under Uttara West Police Station. The detainees include Sheikh Monirul Islam, Abul Kalam, Robiul Islam, Zillur Rahman Ahad, Jahangir Alam Zidan, Al Bashar alias Bashir, Ibn Sina Akash, Saifur Rahman Miraj, Mahbub, Shakil, Shariful Islam, Rakib, Momin, Jewel, Sakib, Hasib Khan, and Zahid Hasan. Officers recovered five yaba tablets, five packets of heroin, and one packet of cannabis from them. All detainees were sent to court following legal procedures.

Officials from Uttara West Police Station stated that such targeted operations will continue regularly to ensure public safety and curb criminal activities in the area.

Police have arrested Awami League leader Rashedul Islam Bhuiyan, 42, in connection with the murder of madrasa student Hafez Siam in Enayetpur, Sirajganj. The arrest took place on Friday, January 2, 2026, at Rashedul’s home in Gopinathpur village under Enayetpur Police Station. Officer-in-Charge Zahid Hossain confirmed that the arrest was made following a raid at his residence.

According to the case record, Hafez Siam was killed on August 4, 2024, during an anti-discrimination student movement in front of Enayetpur Police Station. Later, on August 21, 2024, Enayetpur unit Jubo Dal’s joint convener, Hazrat Ali Molla, filed a case over the incident. Rashedul, who serves as the office secretary of Enayetpur Thana Awami League and is the son of local rural physician Rafiqul Islam Bhuiyan, was named in that case.

Police said the arrest is linked to the ongoing investigation into the 2024 killing, which occurred amid student protests in the area.

RAB-4 has arrested three top criminals and a drug dealer during operations in Dhaka’s Pallabi and Shah Ali police station areas. The arrests were announced at a press conference at the RAB-4 headquarters in Mirpur’s Paikpara on Friday afternoon. The detainees were identified as Faizur Rahman Mukti alias Don Mukti, Shakir Ahmed Suman alias Hockey Suman, and Golam Mostafa Kamal Bappi alias Shooter Bappi. A foreign pistol, a revolver, a magazine, and 11 rounds of ammunition were recovered based on their information, along with yaba tablets seized from a drug dealer named Babu alias Picchi Babu.

According to RAB, the arrested individuals were involved in extortion, armed robbery, mugging, and other criminal activities across Mirpur, Pallabi, Rupnagar, and Shah Ali areas. They face multiple cases related to murder, weapons, and narcotics. RAB officials stated that the seized firearms were smuggled into Bangladesh through a neighboring country’s border and were used in at least four armed robberies and extortion incidents in the past six months.

RAB said further operations are planned to dismantle the wider criminal network and identify the sources of the smuggled weapons in coordination with other agencies.