BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman has received a travel pass from the Bangladesh High Commission in London, allowing him to return to Dhaka on December 25. Party and diplomatic sources confirmed that Rahman, who has been living in exile in the United Kingdom for years, applied for the document on Thursday and received it on Friday morning local time.

Rahman’s Bangladeshi passport had expired, and he did not renew it even after the fall of the Awami League government last year. Due to this, he required a one-time travel pass to re-enter the country as a Bangladeshi citizen. His planned return marks a significant political development for the BNP, which has been reorganizing following the recent political upheaval.

Analysts suggest Rahman’s return could reshape Bangladesh’s opposition politics, potentially influencing upcoming elections and party leadership dynamics. Authorities are expected to make security and administrative preparations ahead of his arrival.

The body of July revolutionary figure Sharif Osman Hadi arrived in Dhaka on Friday evening aboard Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight BG-385. The flight landed at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport around 5:45 p.m., where government adviser Adilur Rahman Khan, environmentalist Syeda Rizwana Hasan, filmmaker Mostofa Sarwar Farooki, and several political and civil society leaders received the remains. Hadi’s brother Abu Bakar accompanied the body from Singapore.

According to organizers, Hadi’s funeral prayer will be held at 2:30 p.m. Saturday at the South Plaza of the National Parliament Building. He will be buried beside the grave of poet Kazi Nazrul Islam, following the family’s request. The Inquilab Mancha group urged supporters to maintain discipline and avoid violence during the mourning period, emphasizing that no public viewing of the body will be allowed.

The return of Hadi’s body has drawn attention from political and activist circles, with calls for calm and unity amid ongoing student-led protests linked to his death.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has called for patience, wisdom, and national unity amid growing public anger following the death of activist Sharif Osman Hadi. In a statement released Friday, he urged supporters not to respond to provocations and to maintain a peaceful, lawful movement. Hadi, a spokesperson for the Inquilab Mancha and a frontline figure in the July Movement, died in Singapore while under medical treatment, triggering widespread mourning and protests across the country.

Dr. Rahman expressed deep concern that some groups might exploit public outrage for political gain, warning against attempts to divert the movement’s objectives. He emphasized that attacks on the media undermine democracy and freedom of expression. The Jamaat chief demanded swift identification and exemplary punishment of those responsible for Hadi’s death.

Reiterating the need for restraint and responsibility, Rahman said that only a democratic, peaceful, and inclusive political environment can honor the sacrifices of fallen activists. He urged citizens and students to act with awareness and discipline during this sensitive period.

The funeral prayer for Shahid Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of the Inqilab Mancha, will be held on Saturday at 2:30 p.m. at the South Plaza of Bangladesh’s National Parliament Building. Authorities have issued special security instructions for attendees, urging them not to carry bags or heavy objects to the venue.

Officials have also announced a complete ban on drone flights over the Parliament complex and surrounding areas during the ceremony, citing security and crowd management concerns. Hadi’s body is currently kept at the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases morgue, and his death has drawn widespread attention from political and civil society groups.

Several organizations, including Citizen Initiative, have expressed concern and condemnation over Hadi’s killing, while journalist unions have denounced recent attacks on media offices. The funeral is expected to draw large crowds, reflecting Hadi’s prominence as a political activist and spokesperson.

Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of the Inquilab Mancha and a participant in the July movement, will be laid to rest beside Bangladesh’s national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam. The burial is scheduled for Saturday following a funeral prayer at Manik Mia Avenue after the noon prayer. Inquilab Mancha confirmed that Hadi’s body has been transported from the airport to a mortuary, with members gathering at Shahbagh to continue peaceful demonstrations.

According to the group’s statement, the decision to bury Hadi beside Nazrul was made at the family’s request. The organization urged supporters to maintain discipline during ongoing protests and to prevent any infiltration or violence. They also announced that public viewing of the body would not be permitted.

Hadi’s death has drawn concern from civic groups and journalists’ associations, who condemned recent attacks on media offices and called for accountability. His burial near the revered poet underscores his symbolic stature within Bangladesh’s activist community.

The body of July revolutionary leader Shaheed Hadi, who died in Singapore after being shot in Dhaka, will be taken to Dhaka University’s central mosque on Saturday for funeral prayers, according to family sources. His remains are currently preserved at the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases’ mortuary. Hadi will be buried beside the national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam, near the mosque premises.

Hadi’s body arrived at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on Friday evening, received by several prominent figures including government adviser Adilur Rahman Khan, environmentalist Syeda Rizwana Hasan, filmmaker Mostofa Sarwar Farooki, and journalist Mahmudur Rahman. Political leaders from BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, and NCP were also present, along with Hadi’s family members.

Hadi was critically injured on December 12 when unidentified assailants opened fire on his rickshaw in Dhaka’s Bijoynagar area. After initial treatment in Dhaka, he was flown to Singapore for advanced care but succumbed to his injuries. His death has sparked concern and condemnation from civil society and rights groups.

The Ganosamhati Andolon (GSA) has called for justice following the killing of political activist Sharif Osman Hadi, urging citizens to unite against recent attacks on media institutions and rising political unrest. In a statement issued Friday, GSA chief coordinator Zonayed Saki said the murder represents a grave assault on democratic politics and press freedom in Bangladesh. He demanded immediate arrest and prosecution of those responsible.

GSA leaders, including Abul Hasan Rubel, Firoz Ahmed, and Taslima Akhter, visited the offices of Prothom Alo, The Daily Star, and Chhayanaut, which were attacked the previous night. They criticized the interim government’s silence, calling it “mysterious and condemnable,” and accused authorities of failing to ensure media safety. Rubel demanded the resignation of the home affairs adviser for negligence.

The party warned that continued violence threatens the upcoming national election and the broader democratic transition. They called for a united front to resist organized groups allegedly seeking to destabilize the country and suppress free expression.

At a protest held on Friday at Jahangirnagar University, Ziauddin Ayon, president of the university unit of Chhatra Shakti, alleged that revolutionary activist Sharif Osman Hadi was killed with Indian support. The demonstration demanded justice for Hadi’s death and immediate action from the interim government to apprehend the suspects reportedly hiding in India.

Ayon criticized the interim government for failing to protect activists and called for the arrest and extradition of the alleged killers within 48 hours. He warned that if the demand was not met, protesters would push for severing diplomatic ties with the Indian High Commission and for the resignation of the home affairs adviser. He also urged swift trials for Jahangirnagar University teachers and students accused in the July campus attack.

The incident has sparked renewed student unrest and calls for accountability, with university authorities acknowledging Hadi’s death as a major loss for the democratic movement. Further protests are expected if the demands remain unaddressed.

The United States, United Kingdom, and European Union missions in Dhaka have expressed deep condolences following the death of Sharif Osman Hadi, a prominent youth leader and convener of the Inquilab Mancha, known for his role in the July uprising. The embassies issued separate verified Facebook statements on Friday, extending sympathy to Hadi’s family, friends, and supporters.

The US Embassy said it stands in solidarity with the people of Bangladesh in mourning Hadi’s death, while the UK High Commission described the loss as deeply saddening and offered heartfelt condolences. The EU mission echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing its sorrow and support for those grieving. Hadi’s death has drawn attention from both domestic and international observers, with civil society groups expressing concern over the circumstances surrounding it.

Authorities have not yet released official details about the cause of death. Hadi’s body was reportedly kept at the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases morgue, as investigations and public reactions continue to unfold.

A large gathering at Shahbagh’s July Square on Friday announced a proposal for the sister of slain activist Sharif Osman Hadi to contest in the upcoming national parliamentary elections. Hadi, spokesperson of the Inquilab Mancha and a leading figure of the July Revolution movement, was recently killed, sparking widespread protests across Bangladesh. Participants at the rally also demanded that Shahbagh Square and Hadi’s Inquilab Cultural Center be renamed and brought under state patronage in his honor.

Thousands of supporters, including students, families, and activists, joined the rally carrying flags and chanting slogans against authoritarianism. Supreme Court lawyer S.M. Shahriar Kabir stated that Hadi’s death symbolizes resistance to oppression and called for recognition of his sacrifice. Protesters expressed anger over perceived government inaction and vowed to continue Hadi’s mission.

The proposal to nominate Hadi’s sister reflects growing political mobilization around his legacy. Observers say this move could influence youth participation and opposition dynamics ahead of the next general election.

The United States, United Kingdom, and European Union missions in Dhaka have expressed deep condolences following the death of Sharif Osman Hadi, a prominent youth leader and convener of the Inquilab Manch, who was reportedly shot dead by terrorists. The embassies issued separate verified Facebook statements on Friday, mourning his loss and extending sympathy to his family, friends, and supporters.

In their messages, the US Embassy said it stands with the people of Bangladesh in grief, while the UK High Commission and EU Delegation described Hadi’s death as deeply saddening, offering solidarity with those mourning him. The coordinated diplomatic responses underscore international concern over the violent incident and its implications for Bangladesh’s political stability.

Hadi, known for his role in the July uprising, had been a rising figure in youth activism. His death has sparked widespread reactions from civil society and media organizations, with calls for justice and stronger protection for political activists. Authorities have yet to release details on the perpetrators or the investigation’s progress.

An Indian parliamentary committee led by Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has described Bangladesh’s current political and security situation as India’s most serious strategic challenge since the 1971 Liberation War. The committee urged the Indian government to handle the crisis with extreme caution and issued several policy recommendations to safeguard New Delhi’s regional influence.

The report warns that Bangladesh’s shifting political alignment—marked by closer ties with Pakistan and China—could erode India’s strategic relevance in Dhaka. It cited China’s growing presence through infrastructure projects such as the Mongla port expansion, Lalmonirhat airbase, and Pekua submarine base. The committee also noted that previously banned Jamaat-e-Islami has regained registration to contest elections, while the interim government has barred the Awami League, raising concerns about electoral inclusivity.

Among its recommendations, the panel called for strict monitoring to prevent any foreign military base in Bangladesh and urged India to offer preferential access in connectivity and port development. Analysts view the report as a signal for recalibrating India’s neighborhood policy amid intensifying regional competition.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia’s health condition has remained stable over the past month, according to her personal physician and BNP Standing Committee member Dr. AZM Zahid Hossain. Speaking to reporters outside Evercare Hospital in Dhaka on Friday, Dr. Zahid said Khaleda underwent a minor medical procedure earlier in the day, which she successfully tolerated. She is currently being treated in a coronary care unit cabin equipped with full intensive care facilities.

Dr. Zahid emphasized that Khaleda’s condition has improved compared to previous weeks and that there has been no deterioration following the latest procedure. He clarified that although she is in a CCU cabin, it has all the features of an ICU. On behalf of Khaleda’s family and the BNP, Dr. Zahid requested prayers from the public for her continued recovery.

The former prime minister has been receiving long-term treatment at Evercare Hospital, and her health updates remain a matter of national attention given her political significance.

The United States Senate has confirmed Brent Christensen as the next US Ambassador to Bangladesh, making him the 18th envoy to serve in Dhaka. Christensen, a senior Foreign Service officer, announced his confirmation on LinkedIn, expressing gratitude to President Donald Trump for the nomination. His appointment follows the tenure of Peter Haas, who served as ambassador from March 2022 to April 2024.

According to the US State Department, Christensen previously served at the US Embassy in Dhaka as Counselor for Political and Economic Affairs from 2019 to 2021. His prior experience in Bangladesh and long diplomatic career are expected to strengthen bilateral cooperation in trade, governance, and regional security. The confirmation comes at a time when Washington and Dhaka are navigating sensitive issues including labor rights, democratic governance, and Indo-Pacific strategy.

Christensen’s arrival is anticipated to reinvigorate diplomatic engagement between the two nations, with observers expecting renewed focus on economic collaboration and climate resilience. His posting underscores Washington’s continued interest in deepening ties with South Asia’s emerging economy.

Authorities have deployed Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) personnel at several strategic points in Dhaka to maintain law and order following the return of Inqilab Mancha convener Sharif Osman Hadi’s body. The deployment was confirmed Friday afternoon by BGB spokesperson Md Shariful Islam, who said forces were stationed around Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, Karwan Bazar, and Hotel Intercontinental.

The heightened security comes amid a tense atmosphere in the capital after Hadi’s death was reported Thursday night. Officials said BGB units were placed in the airport’s civil aviation zone, domestic terminal, and inner roundabout to prevent any untoward incidents during the body’s arrival. Police presence has also been reinforced across major roads.

Observers note that the government’s swift security response aims to avert unrest as supporters demand justice for Hadi’s killing. Demonstrations have already been reported in parts of Dhaka, with calls for the perpetrators’ arrest and exemplary punishment. Authorities are expected to maintain the deployment until the situation stabilizes.