The death of Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of Inquilab Moncho and parliamentary candidate for Dhaka-8, has plunged Nalchity’s Khasmahal area into mourning. Hadi, who was injured by gunfire during his election campaign, died Thursday night in Singapore while undergoing treatment. Since the news broke, residents, political leaders, and activists have gathered at his ancestral home to pay respects and demand justice.

Local leaders from Jamaat-e-Islami, BNP, and other parties have called for Hadi’s killers to be arrested within 24 hours and for him to be declared a national hero. Demonstrations and road blockades erupted across Barishal and Jhalokathi, with protesters burning tires and chanting slogans against political violence. Family members said they would accept any state decision regarding his burial but urged that Hadi’s legacy be preserved.

Hadi, born in 1993 in Nalchity, was a university teacher and a key organizer of the anti-discrimination student movement. His death has sparked renewed debate over political violence and the safety of electoral candidates in Bangladesh.

Bangladesh authorities enforced an extensive security operation across Dhaka on Friday as the body of Shaheed Sharif Osman Hadi arrived from Singapore. Police, RAB, BGB, Ansar, APBn, and army units jointly established a four-tier security ring around Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport and key city points. Additional checkpoints, armored vehicles, and surveillance drones were deployed to prevent any unrest as thousands of mourners gathered across the capital.

Officials from Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) confirmed that intelligence and plainclothes teams were monitoring public gatherings and social media to detect misinformation or provocation. The DMP spokesperson said there was no specific threat but emphasized the need for heightened vigilance to ensure public safety. The body was taken to the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases under restricted access and BGB protection.

Authorities stated the security plan aimed to maintain peace during public mourning and prevent any group from exploiting the situation. The enhanced measures are expected to remain in place through the upcoming election period.

Nazmul Hasan Nahid, the central organizer of the National Youth Power, the youth wing of the National Citizen Party (NCP), has resigned following a show-cause notice issued against him. On Friday night, Nahid announced on Facebook that he was voluntarily withdrawing from all political activities of the NCP, citing a lack of respect within the organization. His resignation came hours after receiving the notice that questioned his conduct and coordination in forming the Debidwar upazila committee.

The show-cause notice, signed by Joint Member Secretary (Office) Asadur Rahman on December 19, accused Nahid of poor coordination, unprofessional behavior, and actions that allegedly disrupted party discipline and tarnished its image. He was instructed to submit a written explanation within 24 hours to the party’s convenor and member secretary. Party officials have not yet commented on his resignation, and attempts to reach Nahid for clarification were unsuccessful.

The incident highlights ongoing internal tensions within the NCP’s youth wing, raising questions about leadership accountability and organizational discipline ahead of upcoming local political activities.

Police in Ramganj, Lakshmipur, have arrested Mohammad Abul Khayer Bhuiyan, president of the Lamchar Union Awami League, a local branch of the ruling party. The arrest took place on Friday evening, December 19, 2025, at his residence in Lamchar village as part of a police operation named 'Devil Hunt'. Authorities confirmed that the organization’s activities had been previously banned in the area.

Officer-in-Charge Md. Firoz Uddin Chowdhury of Ramganj Police Station confirmed the arrest, stating that Bhuiyan faces multiple cases, including two earlier ones filed at the same station. He added that legal procedures are underway and the accused will be presented before court on Saturday.

The arrest is part of a broader crackdown on banned or irregular political activities in the district. Local observers note that the operation reflects growing law enforcement efforts to maintain political order ahead of upcoming local administrative reviews.

Bangladesh’s national political leaders have expressed deep sorrow over the death of Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of Inquilab Moncho and a potential parliamentary candidate for Dhaka-8. In a joint statement issued Friday, leaders from multiple alliances including Ganatantra Moncho, Democratic Reform Alliance, and Liberal Democratic Party described Hadi as a fearless and patriotic leader who fought for a humane and democratic Bangladesh until his final days.

The statement also condemned recent attacks on media outlets such as Prothom Alo, The Daily Star, and cultural group Chhayanaut, calling them part of a wider conspiracy against democratic values. Leaders demanded immediate arrest of Hadi’s killers, investigation into the murder, and prosecution of those responsible. They further criticized the interim government for failing to manage the crisis effectively, alleging that inconsistent official statements had worsened the situation.

In addition, the leaders denounced the killing of a Hindu man in Mymensingh, urging swift legal action. They emphasized that Hadi’s vision of social harmony and democratic transformation must continue beyond his death.

India has reiterated that it will not interfere in Bangladesh’s internal political affairs, even as it closely monitors the country’s evolving situation. The statement came from the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi, which emphasized that both nations’ senior officials recognize the fluid and developing nature of Bangladesh’s current political climate.

The High Commission’s spokesperson noted that post-uprising periods in any country often bring unforeseen and tragic consequences, citing the recent killing of young political leader Sharif Osman Hadi as an example. The statement underscored India’s commitment to non-interference, asserting that New Delhi remains attentive but refrains from engaging in Bangladesh’s domestic political processes.

Meanwhile, some protest groups in Bangladesh have accused India of sheltering members of the previous government, including former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who faces a death sentence. These allegations have added tension to bilateral perceptions, though India has not publicly responded to the claims.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has alleged that the recent wave of violent attacks, including the killing of Inqilab Mancha spokesperson Osman Sharif, is part of a conspiracy to destabilize the country and derail the upcoming national election. Following an emergency meeting at the party chairperson’s office in Gulshan, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir condemned the killing and urged the government to immediately arrest and prosecute those responsible.

Alamgir also denounced subsequent attacks on newspaper offices, journalists, and cultural institutions, describing them as deliberate attempts to push the country into chaos. He accused a 'well-known group' of trying to reintroduce fascism under the government’s watch, while criticizing authorities for failing to maintain order. The BNP called for unity among all democratic and anti-anarchy forces to resist such conspiracies.

Political analysts note that the incident and BNP’s strong rhetoric could heighten political tensions ahead of the election. The government has yet to issue a detailed response, though pressure is mounting domestically and internationally for accountability and stability.

A torch procession was held in Shariatpur on Friday night demanding justice for the murder of Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of Inquilab Mancha. Organized by the National Citizens Party (NCP) and the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, the rally began at the July Memorial Square and marched through the main streets before blocking the Shariatpur–Dhaka highway for half an hour. Protesters chanted slogans calling for the arrest and exemplary punishment of those involved in the killing.

Speakers at the rally, including NCP district secretary Sabuj Talukder, alleged that Hadi’s murder was part of a broader effort to silence dissenting voices. They criticized law enforcement for failing to make any arrests a week after the incident and demanded a transparent investigation. Student leader Amin Mohammad Jitu described Hadi as a courageous activist and said his death represented an attack on freedom of expression.

Participants warned that if justice is delayed, they would escalate their movement. The demonstration drew local citizens alongside political and student activists, reflecting growing concern over political violence and accountability in Bangladesh.

BNP-nominated candidate for Narayanganj-5, Md. Masuduzzaman Masud, has reversed his earlier decision to withdraw from the upcoming parliamentary election. Speaking before supporters at his residence on Friday, Masud announced that he would again contest the polls, expressing regret for his previous withdrawal announced on December 16 due to family issues and security concerns.

Masud stated that his earlier decision had hurt party leaders and activists, including acting BNP chairman Tarique Rahman and members of the standing committee. He apologized unconditionally, saying that the party’s unity and the nation’s interest come first. He reaffirmed his loyalty to the party’s leadership and pledged to follow whatever decision the BNP makes.

His renewed participation is expected to strengthen BNP’s campaign in Narayanganj-5, a key constituency. Masud emphasized his commitment to voters’ safety and trust, declaring he would fight “risking his life” for the cause. The announcement may help stabilize BNP’s local campaign momentum ahead of the election.

Dhaka University’s White Panel, a teachers’ organization, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Sharif Osman Hadi, a prominent voice of the July 2024 uprising and spokesperson for the Inquilab Mancha. In a condolence statement issued on December 19, the group’s conveners described Hadi as not only an organizer but also a visionary of post-revolution Bangladesh, whose fearless activism against authoritarianism left a lasting mark on the nation’s conscience.

The White Panel leaders, including Professors Morshed Hasan Khan, Abdus Salam, and Md. Abul Kalam Sarkar, condemned the killing as a brutal act reflecting the resurgence of violent politics before the upcoming 13th national election. They asserted that Hadi’s ideals and democratic struggle would continue to inspire future generations to resist oppression. The statement also conveyed prayers for Hadi’s departed soul and sympathy for his grieving family and supporters.

Hadi’s death has sparked widespread mourning across campuses, with symbolic funeral prayers held at several universities, underscoring his influence on student and civic activism in Bangladesh.

Islami Andolan Bangladesh has strongly condemned the recent attacks and arson incidents targeting the offices of two major newspapers, Prothom Alo and The Daily Star, in Dhaka. In a statement issued on Friday, the party’s Joint Secretary General and spokesperson, Maulana Gazi Ataur Rahman, said that no matter the circumstances, setting fire to media offices cannot be an acceptable form of protest.

Rahman acknowledged that many citizens disagree with the editorial policies of the two newspapers, accusing them of spreading misinformation and supporting authoritarian narratives. However, he emphasized that in a modern state, violence against media institutions is unjustifiable. He further stated that no political or religious group, including those associated with the late revolutionary Osman Hadi, endorsed the attacks, describing the incidents as isolated but serious.

The party warned against attempts to destabilize the country or portray it as a failed state, urging all sides to act with restraint. Islami Andolan Bangladesh also called on the media to behave responsibly amid growing political tension.

The Amar Bangladesh (AB) Party has organized a protest march in Dhaka demanding national unity and resistance following the brutal killing of Shahid Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of Inqilab Manch. The procession began at Paltan, passed through Shahbagh and TSC, and concluded back at Paltan, led by AB Party General Secretary Barrister Asaduzzaman Fuad.

Senior party leaders and activists joined the march, chanting slogans against fascist and hegemonic forces. The demonstration reflected growing political outrage over Hadi’s killing, which has sparked calls for broader solidarity among opposition groups. Fuad emphasized the need for a united front to defend democracy and sovereignty.

The incident has intensified political tensions in Dhaka, with several parties urging swift justice and government accountability. Observers note that the AB Party’s mobilization could signal renewed opposition coordination in the coming weeks.

Shaheed Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of Inquilab Moncho, will be buried beside the grave of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam near the central mosque of Dhaka University. The burial site was jointly inspected and approved by government and university authorities, following a request from Hadi’s family. His body is currently preserved at the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases.

The funeral prayer (janaza) is scheduled to take place after the noon prayer on Saturday at Manik Mia Avenue. The decision to bury Hadi beside Nazrul’s resting place was made to honor his contributions and symbolic connection to national ideals. Officials have confirmed that preparations for the burial are complete.

Hadi’s death has drawn significant public attention, with calls for a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding it. His burial near one of Bangladesh’s most revered literary figures underscores his perceived role in national activism and the continuing resonance of his work.

The United Nations has expressed deep concern over the killing of Shahid Sharif Osman Bin Hadi, convener of the Inquilab Mancha, urging the Bangladesh government to conduct a rapid, impartial, and transparent investigation. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk issued a statement from Geneva on Friday, calling for accountability and restraint amid rising political tensions ahead of the national elections.

Türk said he was deeply saddened by Hadi’s death in Singapore after being shot during an election campaign in Dhaka’s constituency-8 on December 12. He emphasized that retaliation would only deepen divisions and undermine human rights. The UN also called on the interim government to ensure the safety of public figures and maintain peace during the pre-election period.

The incident has drawn national and international attention, with human rights groups demanding justice. Observers warn that failure to ensure transparency could further erode public trust as Bangladesh prepares for its February parliamentary polls.

Nasiruddin Patwari, chief coordinator of the National Citizen Party (NCP), has cautioned that any attack on foreign embassies in Bangladesh could invite external intervention. Speaking at a sit-in in Dhaka’s Banglamotor area on Friday, organized to protest the killing of Inquilab Mancha spokesperson Osman Hadi, Patwari urged supporters to avoid violence and maintain discipline during demonstrations.

He emphasized that sabotage or assaults on diplomatic missions would harm Bangladesh’s sovereignty and image, calling instead for non-violent, democratic movements. Patwari also accused the Indian government of backing anti-Bangladesh conspiracies but clarified that his party opposes any attack on the Indian embassy. Senior NCP leaders and student representatives attended the event, which replaced a previously planned protest march.

The NCP’s stance reflects growing political tension following Hadi’s death and concerns over infiltration by violent groups in ongoing street movements. Observers note that the party’s call for restraint may signal an attempt to distance itself from extremist elements while maintaining pressure on the government.