Bangladesh police have confirmed that Faisal Karim Masud, also known as Rahul, is the prime suspect in the shooting of Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of Inquilab Moncho and parliamentary candidate for Dhaka-8. The attack occurred in Bijoynagar, Dhaka, leaving Hadi critically injured. Authorities have increased surveillance around Faisal’s ancestral home in Keshabpur Union, Bauphal upazila, Patuakhali.

According to police reports, Faisal’s family no longer resides in the area, having sold their property years ago. His current address is in Dhaka’s Adabor area, where he also faces a separate legal case. The suspect’s personal details and photo circulated widely on social media, sparking public concern and debate across the country.

Superintendent of Police Md. Abu Yusuf stated that law enforcement is closely monitoring the situation to prevent unrest. Investigators are verifying all leads before taking further action. The incident has heightened security awareness in both Dhaka and Patuakhali as authorities pursue the shooter’s whereabouts.

The High Court has granted bail to listed top Chattogram crime suspect Sajjad Hossain, known as 'Chhoto Sajjad', and his wife Sharmin Akter Tamanna in four sensational murder cases. Although the bail orders were issued in mid-September 2024, the documents only reached Chattogram Central Jail on December 13, revealing the matter publicly after nearly two and a half months.

Court and prison officials confirmed that the delay occurred because the bail papers were not promptly forwarded to the relevant courts or prisons. Sajjad faces 19 cases, including 10 for murder, while his wife is accused in at least eight cases. Both remain detained—Sajjad in Rajshahi Jail and Tamanna in Feni Jail—pending verification of the bail documents. The High Court bench of Justices Mostafa Zaman Islam and Yusuf Abdullah Suman granted the bail until final rule disposal.

The delayed transmission of bail orders has raised questions about procedural transparency and coordination between court offices and prisons. Legal observers expect internal reviews to ensure timely communication in future high-profile cases.

Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of the Inquilab Mancha, remains in critical condition after being shot by unidentified assailants in Dhaka’s Bijoynagar area on Friday. Doctors at Evercare Hospital have said the next 48 to 72 hours will be crucial for his recovery, as his body’s response to ongoing treatment will determine his survival prospects. A medical board is monitoring his condition daily and has informed his family that he is not yet out of danger.

Hadi was initially taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital after being shot while traveling in a rickshaw, before being transferred for advanced care. Rashed Khan, general secretary of the Gana Odhikar Parishad, confirmed Hadi’s condition and urged supporters to pray for his recovery. Police have yet to identify the attackers or establish a motive behind the shooting.

The incident has heightened concerns over political violence in the capital, with rights groups calling for a swift and transparent investigation to ensure accountability and public safety.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Sheikh Mohammad Sajjat Ali announced that one suspect involved in the shooting of Inqilab Manch spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi has been identified. He stated that the suspect will be arrested soon, though the investigation is still ongoing. The commissioner made the remarks on Saturday, December 13, after attending the annual meeting of the Retired Police Officers Welfare Association in Rajarbagh.

According to a DMP press release, authorities have pledged to keep the informant’s identity confidential and to offer a suitable reward for information leading to the suspect’s capture. Hadi remains in critical condition at Evercare Hospital after being shot in the head on Friday in Dhaka’s Bijoynagar area. Witnesses and CCTV footage show that the attackers, riding a motorcycle, fired at Hadi while he was traveling in a battery-powered rickshaw.

Police have not yet confirmed the motive behind the attack. However, investigators noted that the shooter had earlier participated in Hadi’s election campaign activities on the same day.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) have released photos of two suspects allegedly involved in the shooting of Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of Inquilab Moncho and parliamentary candidate for Dhaka-8. Hadi was critically injured when two assailants on a motorcycle opened fire at him in the Bijoynagar Box Culvert area on Friday afternoon. He was rushed to Dhaka Medical College Hospital and later transferred to Evercare Hospital, where he remains under treatment.

Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Talebur Rahman of DMP’s Media and Public Relations Division confirmed that investigators identified the suspects through CCTV footage analysis. The police have urged the public to share any information about the suspects via hotline numbers or 999, assuring confidentiality and a financial reward for credible leads.

The attack has heightened security concerns ahead of the upcoming election. Law enforcement agencies have intensified operations across the capital to locate the perpetrators and ensure safety for political candidates and campaign activities.

Independent Dhaka-8 parliamentary candidate and Inquilab Moncho spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi is in critical condition at Evercare Hospital after being shot. While he remains on life support, a burglary occurred at his ancestral home in Nalchity, Jhalakathi, on Friday night. According to family members, thieves broke a window to enter the house when no one was present.

Sirajul Islam, Hadi’s cousin, confirmed the incident, saying the extent of the stolen items is still unknown. Nalchity Police Station Officer-in-Charge Ariful Alam stated that officers visited the scene and have launched an investigation, pledging to bring those responsible to justice.

The twin incidents — the shooting and subsequent burglary — have raised concerns among local residents and supporters. Authorities are under pressure to ensure security for political candidates amid heightened election tensions across the country.

Australia’s government has approved South Korea’s Hanwha Group to raise its stake in local shipbuilder Austal to 19.9%, while imposing strict conditions to limit foreign influence over the country’s key defense assets. The decision follows multiple failed takeover attempts by Hanwha, which already owns 9.9% of Austal. Finance Minister Jim Chalmers said the move aligns with national security interests and ensures Hanwha remains a minority shareholder.

The approval has sparked debate within Australia’s defense community, with analysts warning that Hanwha’s growing presence could affect Austal’s operations and its U.S. business segment, which generates most of its revenue. Austal plays a central role in Australia’s naval modernization and holds major contracts with Japan’s Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, a direct competitor of Hanwha.

Experts say Canberra’s decision signals a cautious openness to foreign investment but underscores the government’s intent to retain domestic control over strategic defense assets. Austal’s management has pledged to evaluate any future proposals carefully, balancing shareholder interests with national security priorities.

Despite the government’s decision to allow onion imports from India to curb soaring prices, retail rates in Bangladesh have remained stubbornly high. Over the past week, imported onions have entered the country through several land ports, yet both local and imported varieties continue to sell at Tk 120–150 per kilogram in Dhaka’s retail markets.

According to the Department of Agricultural Extension, import permits (IPs) have been issued for 7,500 tons, though only about 3,000 tons have arrived so far. Officials attribute the delay to transport time from India’s Maharashtra region. Wholesalers report buying imported onions at Tk 95–98 per kg and selling to retailers at Tk 100–110, who then add further margins. Consumers express frustration that prices have not fallen despite imports, while traders cite limited supply and quality concerns.

Market analysts suggest that sustained import flows could ease prices by the end of the week. However, they warn that weak monitoring and profit-seeking by importers may continue to delay relief for consumers.

Bangladesh’s tea sector, long affected by sluggish sales and low profitability, has seen a dramatic turnaround in recent weeks as national election activities drive record demand. In the latest three auctions, nearly 90% of tea offered was sold at the highest prices in years, with average rates reaching BDT 265.06 per kilogram—up from BDT 218.15 in the same period last year. Major buyers, including Abul Khair, Ispahani, and Meghna, have been aggressively purchasing and stockpiling tea ahead of the upcoming parliamentary polls.

Industry insiders attribute the surge to a mix of election-related consumption, reduced production, and government adjustments to minimum auction prices. Tea production this year is estimated to be at least 10% lower than in 2023, when the country recorded its highest-ever output. Stakeholders say the short-term boom may help offset earlier losses but stress the need for long-term policy support to stabilize costs and sustain profitability.

Economists note that election seasons traditionally stimulate rural and urban economies, with tea being a symbolic and practical staple of campaign activities. The trend is expected to continue through the winter months as political competition intensifies.

Agricultural economists and policy experts in Bangladesh have called for the establishment of an Agricultural Price Commission to stabilize crop prices and safeguard farmers’ incomes. The proposed commission would be responsible for setting fair prices for key agricultural products, ensuring that farmers receive adequate returns while maintaining market stability. The call comes amid growing concerns about fluctuating commodity prices, rising production costs, and the impact of climate change on agricultural yields.

Analysts argue that a dedicated pricing body could help reduce middlemen’s influence and promote transparency in agricultural trade. They note that similar commissions in India and other countries have improved price predictability and rural livelihoods. Farmer associations have also voiced support, emphasizing that guaranteed minimum prices could prevent distress sales and encourage sustainable farming practices.

If implemented, the commission could play a pivotal role in shaping long-term agricultural policy, improving food security, and reducing rural poverty. The government is expected to review the proposal before the next fiscal policy cycle.

An arson attack occurred early Saturday at the Lakshmipur District Election Office in Bangladesh, where an unidentified individual poured petrol and set fire to the ground-floor storage area. The blaze damaged several old voter registration documents and a discarded computer before being extinguished by staff members. Firefighters arrived after the fire was already under control, and no major casualties or structural damage were reported.

District officials, including the deputy commissioner, police, and election officers, visited the site shortly after the incident. Returning Officer S.M. Mehedi Hasan and District Election Officer Md. Abdur Rashid confirmed the event, noting that the quick response prevented larger losses. Witnesses reported that the attacker entered the premises by climbing over the security gate around 3:55 a.m.

Police have launched an operation to identify and arrest those responsible. Authorities said a formal investigation is underway to determine the motive behind the attack and to strengthen security measures at election offices across the district.

A mild cold wave has been sweeping across Panchagarh district in northern Bangladesh for three consecutive days, marking the season’s first significant temperature drop. On Saturday morning, the Tetulia Weather Office recorded a minimum temperature of 9.3°C, accompanied by occasional winds of 10–12 km/h. Despite sunshine during the day, the chill remains intense, particularly in the early morning and at night.

Local residents, especially low-income workers such as sand laborers and easy-bike drivers, are struggling to cope with the cold. Many report delays in starting work due to the biting morning chill. According to Jitendranath Roy, acting officer at the Tetulia weather station, temperatures fell to around 8°C the previous day, confirming a mild cold wave in the region. He added that while sunshine offers some relief, colder conditions are expected to persist through the rest of December.

Meteorologists warn that northern districts may face further temperature drops as winter deepens, potentially affecting daily livelihoods and agricultural activities.

Japan’s Meteorological Agency has issued a rare warning for a potential mega-earthquake, forecasting the possibility of a magnitude 8 or higher quake within the coming week. The alert follows a series of powerful tremors that recently struck northeastern Japan, including a 7.5-magnitude quake off the northern coast on Monday. Local authorities have strengthened emergency preparedness in coastal areas and urged residents to stay alert and follow safety instructions.

Experts warn that the ongoing seismic activity could significantly impact millions in northern Japan. The country, located along the Pacific ‘Ring of Fire,’ experiences frequent earthquakes, but this is the first time such a high-level alert has been issued. Disaster management agencies are advising people to maintain safe distances from coastal zones and prepare emergency supplies.

While no travel bans have been issued, several foreign governments have advised caution for travelers to Japan. The government remains on high alert, recalling the devastating 2011 quake and tsunami that killed over 18,000 people. Authorities emphasize that Japan’s early warning systems remain among the most advanced globally.

A fire broke out early Saturday morning on the ground floor of Jamela Tower, a 12-storey building in Keraniganj, near Dhaka. According to the Fire Service and Civil Defence, the blaze was reported at 5:37 a.m., and the first unit arrived at the scene within minutes to begin containment efforts. Initially, 12 units were deployed, later joined by two additional teams, bringing the total to 14 units working to control the fire.

Officials said the fire caused heavy smoke that spread quickly through the building, creating panic among residents. No casualties have been reported so far, and the extent of the damage remains unknown. Law enforcement personnel were also present to assist with crowd control and safety measures.

Authorities stated that the cause of the fire will be determined after a full investigation once the situation is completely under control. The Fire Service emphasized that all available resources were mobilized to prevent the fire from spreading further.

A suspect allegedly involved in the shooting of activist Sharif Osman Hadi has been identified, according to reports by local outlet *Amar Desh*. The publication obtained several photographs showing the suspect sitting beside Hadi at the Inqilab Cultural Center shortly before the attack. However, the outlet withheld the suspect’s name. Investigative journalist Zulkarnain Saer claimed in a social media post that the man is Faisal Karim Masud, also known as Daud bin Faisal, a former leader of the ruling party’s student wing, Bangladesh Chhatra League.

Saer alleged that Masud is a close associate of senior Awami League leaders Jahangir Kabir Nanak and Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal. He further claimed that Masud had previously been arrested in November 2024 for an armed robbery in Dhaka but was later released on bail. Police confirmed that Hadi was critically injured after being shot in the head near Bijoynagar on Friday afternoon. Doctors describe his condition as extremely critical, with severe brainstem damage.

The attack follows Hadi’s earlier public statement alleging threats to his life and blaming the Awami League. Authorities have yet to confirm the suspect’s identity or motive.