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.

A 25-year-old man named Rashedul Islam Tanvir died after an alleged assault at a rehabilitation center in Dhaka’s Malibagh area on Friday night. He was taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital in critical condition, where doctors declared him dead upon arrival. Tanvir, originally from Rajbari’s Baliakandi, had been undergoing treatment for drug addiction at the facility.

According to his brother, Monirul Islam, Tanvir had a dispute with another resident at the rehab center, which escalated into physical violence. He claimed that Tanvir was kicked and beaten, leading to severe injuries. The family alleged that the center’s staff failed to provide proper medical care and later informed them only after Tanvir’s condition worsened.

Police confirmed the death and said the body has been kept at the hospital morgue for autopsy. Authorities from Ramna Police Station have been notified, and an investigation is expected to determine whether negligence or intentional assault led to the fatality.

A journalist has claimed that one individual involved in the shooting of Osman Hadi, spokesperson of Inquilab Moncho and independent candidate for Dhaka-8, has been identified. In a verified Facebook post published late Friday night, journalist Julkar Nain Sayer stated that the suspect, Faisal Karim Masud, also known as Dawood bin Faisal, is a former vice-president of the Dhaka North Chhatra League and former president of the Adabor unit.

Sayer shared a photograph marking Faisal in a red circle, claiming he was seated next to Osman Hadi during a meeting on December 9, 2025. According to the post, Faisal is known to be a close follower of senior Awami League leaders Jahangir Kabir Nanak and Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal. Authorities have not yet confirmed the claim, and no official statement has been issued regarding the alleged identification.

The incident has drawn public attention amid heightened political tensions ahead of the upcoming elections. Observers expect law enforcement to verify the claims and provide updates on the investigation soon.

Bangladeshi businessman Osman Hadi remains in critical condition after being shot in Dhaka on Friday evening. According to Health Directorate Director General Dr. Md. Abu Zafar, the bullet entered through Hadi’s right side and exited through the left, causing severe brain injury. After emergency surgery at Dhaka Medical College Hospital, his family transferred him to Evercare Hospital for further treatment.

Dr. Zafar stated that Hadi’s Glasgow Coma Scale score was at its lowest upon arrival but later improved slightly under medical care. Neurosurgeons performed a decompressive surgery to relieve pressure from brain swelling. He remains on artificial ventilation. The DG added that initial plans were to move him to the Combined Military Hospital, but the family opted for Evercare instead.

Witnesses reported that two helmeted assailants on a motorcycle shot Hadi near Baitus Salam Jame Mosque in Paltan before fleeing. Police are reviewing CCTV footage showing the attackers following Hadi’s rickshaw and firing from close range. Authorities have yet to confirm any motive or arrests.

Bangladesh’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has recovered crucial evidence related to the shooting of Sharif Osman Hadi, an independent candidate for Dhaka-8 and convener of the Inquilab Moncho. The attack occurred on Friday afternoon in the Bijoynagar culvert area, where armed assailants opened fire on Hadi. He was rescued in a bloodied state and taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital around 2:35 p.m.

CID officials confirmed the recovery of two bullet casings from the scene, which have been seized as significant evidence. Forensic tests are underway to determine the weapon type and source of the bullets. Investigators have also collected CCTV footage from nearby areas to trace the attackers. Earlier, on November 14, Hadi had alleged receiving death threats and surveillance messages from foreign numbers targeting him and his family.

Following the incident, security has been tightened around the hospital, with army personnel deployed to ensure safety. Authorities have not yet identified any suspects, but the investigation remains active.

Dhaka’s metro rail operations were suspended on Friday, December 12, after employees launched a full-scale strike protesting the government’s failure to implement an independent employment regulation. Trains scheduled to depart from Uttara at 3:00 p.m. and from Motijheel at 3:20 p.m. did not operate, leaving hundreds of passengers stranded across multiple stations.

The strike was called by a section of regular officers and staff of Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL), which oversees metro construction and operations. Despite DMTCL’s assurance on Thursday that services would run as usual, protesting workers refused to comply. DMTCL spokesperson Zahidul Islam stated that the authorities were working to address the employees’ demands, noting that procedural steps were underway but service disruption still occurred.

The sudden shutdown caused significant inconvenience for commuters and families planning weekend outings. Government officials are now reviewing the situation, though no timeline has been announced for service resumption.

Sharif Osman Bin Hadi, spokesperson of the Inquilab Mancha and an independent parliamentary candidate, has been transferred to Evercare Hospital in Dhaka following a gun attack that left him critically injured. The decision was made by his family after he underwent emergency surgery and was placed on life support at Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH). Hospital director Brigadier General Md Asaduzzaman confirmed the transfer on Friday evening.

Earlier in the day, Hadi was shot while preparing for an election campaign near Bijoynagar Kalvert Road after Friday prayers. Witnesses reported that two assailants on a motorcycle fired multiple shots before fleeing the scene. DMCH doctors said Hadi sustained severe head injuries and required CPR upon arrival. Police have launched an operation to apprehend the attackers, according to the Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner.

The incident has heightened security concerns ahead of the upcoming election, with political observers warning of potential escalation of violence during campaign activities.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Sheikh Mohammad Sajjat Ali announced a large-scale operation to capture the gunmen who shot independent Dhaka-8 parliamentary candidate and Inquilab Mancha spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi. The attack occurred Friday afternoon when armed assailants on motorcycles opened fire on Hadi while he was riding a rickshaw. He was rushed to Dhaka Medical College Hospital in critical condition, suffering a gunshot wound to the head.

Commissioner Ali said police, intelligence units, and the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) are jointly conducting raids to locate the attackers. Deputy Commissioner Harun-or-Rashid confirmed that multiple teams are investigating the incident and reviewing leads. Hospital officials reported that Hadi remains in a coma.

The shooting has sparked outrage among political activists and supporters, who gathered outside the hospital demanding justice and swift arrests. Authorities have pledged to bring the perpetrators to justice as the investigation continues ahead of the upcoming national election.

Bangladesh authorities have deployed army personnel and reinforced police presence at Dhaka Medical College Hospital following the shooting of independent candidate and Inquilab Mancha spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi. The attack occurred on Friday, December 12, near Bijoynagar Kalvert Road, as Hadi was preparing for an election campaign event. He was rushed to the hospital around 2:35 p.m. with critical gunshot wounds to the head and ear area and is currently on life support at the One Stop Crisis Center.

Hospital officials confirmed that Hadi’s condition remains critical despite emergency interventions. Dhaka Medical’s director, Brigadier General Md. Asaduzzaman, stated that the patient required CPR upon arrival. In response to the incident, four army platoons and additional police units have been stationed at the hospital to ensure security.

Police sources said the attackers arrived on motorcycles and fled immediately after opening fire. The shooting has heightened security concerns ahead of the upcoming election, with investigations underway to identify and apprehend the assailants.

British police have confirmed that more than 600 historical artifacts were stolen from a museum in Bristol between 1 a.m. and 2 a.m. on September 25. CCTV footage captured four suspects carrying bags near the museum on Cumberland Road. The stolen items include military medals, jewelry, badges, carved ivory, silverware, bronze statues, and specimens from natural history collections.

Investigating officer Dan Burgan described the theft as a significant cultural loss, noting that many of the items were donations that help interpret complex periods of British history. Bristol City Council’s head of culture, Philip Walker, expressed deep regret, emphasizing that the collection was vital for understanding Britain’s imperial past and its connections with other nations.

The stolen collection had been under the care of the council since the closure of the British Empire and Commonwealth Museum in 2012. The incident comes amid a rise in museum thefts across Europe, following similar losses at the Louvre in Paris and the British Museum in London.

Prices of daily essentials in Bangladesh remain stubbornly high, with only marginal relief for consumers. Although onion prices have dipped slightly, they still hover around BDT 140 per kilogram for older stock, while newly harvested varieties sell for BDT 110–120. Despite increased imports and fresh supply entering the market, traders say meaningful price reductions will depend on greater availability in the coming weeks.

Fish prices also show little sign of easing, with popular varieties such as rohu, pabda, and shrimp maintaining elevated rates between BDT 300 and BDT 900 per kilogram. Retailers note that fluctuations in wholesale prices rarely translate into relief for end buyers. Meanwhile, chicken and egg prices have stabilized somewhat, while new potatoes have entered the market at lower—but still high—rates compared to previous weeks.

Market observers warn that sustained high food prices could strain household budgets further, especially ahead of the Ramadan season, when demand typically spikes and unscrupulous traders may exploit the situation.

A mild cold wave has persisted for a second consecutive day in Panchagarh district, northern Bangladesh, with the lowest temperature recorded at 9.3°C in Tetulia on Friday morning, according to the local weather office. The previous day saw a minimum temperature of 8.9°C, marking one of the season’s coldest spells so far.

Officials from the Tetulia Meteorological Office reported that the cold wave has spread across surrounding areas, bringing biting cold and prompting residents to light fires for warmth. While daytime temperatures reached around 26.8°C, nighttime cold intensified due to chilly winds descending from the Himalayas. Light fog was observed early Friday, though dense fog remained absent.

Acting officer Jitendranath Roy stated that the mild cold wave is expected to continue for another one to two days. Authorities have advised residents, especially children and the elderly, to take precautions against the increasing cold as winter conditions deepen across northern Bangladesh.