Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has convened an emergency meeting of the party’s Standing Committee to be held on Friday night at the BNP Chairperson’s political office in Gulshan, Dhaka. Party sources confirmed that Rahman will preside over the meeting, which is scheduled to begin at 8:30 p.m.

According to insiders, the meeting will focus on the current political situation, recent national developments, and key organizational matters. The session comes at a time of heightened political tension, with opposition activities and government responses drawing increased public attention. Senior BNP leaders are expected to review strategies for upcoming political programs and assess the party’s stance on ongoing national issues.

Political analysts suggest that the outcome of this meeting could shape BNP’s next phase of political engagement, especially as the party seeks to strengthen its internal unity and public outreach ahead of possible electoral or protest movements.

The National Citizens’ Party (NCP) has postponed its planned sit-in at Dhaka’s Shahbagh intersection following the death of Inquilab Mancha spokesperson Sharif Osman Bin Hadi. Instead, the party announced a protest march from Banglamotor at 4 p.m. on Friday, December 19, citing safety and situational concerns. The decision was confirmed by NCP convener Nahid Islam through a verified social media post earlier in the day.

In his statement, Nahid Islam urged supporters to remain vigilant during any post-prayer gatherings, warning of possible acts of vandalism or sabotage by groups opposed to the July movement. He emphasized that the NCP rejects all forms of violence and called on participants to prevent any reckless factions from exploiting public anger for destructive purposes.

The shift in venue and tone reflects heightened caution among civic groups in Dhaka amid recent unrest. Authorities are expected to monitor the Banglamotor rally closely as organizers seek to maintain peaceful demonstrations while demanding justice for Hadi’s death.

Bangladesh’s interim government has issued a nationwide appeal urging citizens to remain vigilant and united against all forms of violence, arson, and intimidation reportedly carried out by isolated extremist groups. The statement emphasized that the country is undergoing a historic democratic transformation, and that this process must not be disrupted by those seeking to exploit unrest.

The government condemned recent attacks on journalists from The Daily Star, Prothom Alo, and New Age, expressing solidarity and promising full justice for victims. It also strongly denounced the killing of a Hindu man in Mymensingh, declaring that such acts have no place in the vision of a 'new Bangladesh.' The statement linked the call for restraint and tolerance to the legacy of Shaheed Sharif Osman Hadi, whose sacrifice was described as symbolic of the nation’s democratic aspirations.

Officials reiterated that the upcoming election and referendum represent a solemn national commitment, urging all citizens to reject hatred and provocation as the country moves toward political stability.

Multiple Indian news outlets have reported on the death of Sharif Osman Hadi, a prominent Bangladeshi student leader and vocal critic of Indian dominance. Following his death, widespread protests broke out across Bangladesh, with reports of attacks on media offices and incidents of arson in several cities.

NDTV, The Times of India, The Hindu, Hindustan Times, Zee News, India Today, Anandabazar, and Sangbad Pratidin all carried stories highlighting the unrest. Headlines described Bangladesh as being 'in turmoil' after Hadi’s death, with protesters targeting media institutions. Indian coverage emphasized the anti-India sentiment expressed during demonstrations and the violent nature of some protests.

Analysts note that Hadi’s death has reignited nationalist and anti-interventionist rhetoric within Bangladesh’s youth movements. Authorities are reportedly monitoring the situation closely as tensions remain high in Dhaka and other major cities. International observers have urged restraint and dialogue to prevent further escalation.

Preparations have been finalized to repatriate the body of Inquilab Manch spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi from Singapore to Bangladesh. According to the organization’s announcement on Thursday night, Hadi’s coffin, draped in the national flag, will depart Singapore on a Bangladesh Biman commercial flight at 3:50 p.m. local time and is expected to arrive in Dhaka at 6:05 p.m. on Friday, December 19. A funeral prayer will be held on Saturday after the noon prayer at Manik Mia Avenue in Dhaka.

Hadi passed away on Thursday night at Singapore General Hospital while undergoing treatment for gunshot injuries sustained on December 12 after an election campaign event in Dhaka. He was initially treated at Dhaka Medical College Hospital and later transferred to Evercare Hospital before being flown to Singapore for advanced care. His death has drawn condolences from government advisers and renewed calls for restraint against political violence.

Authorities are expected to investigate the shooting incident further, while Inquilab Manch has urged supporters to remain peaceful during funeral proceedings.

National Citizens Party (NCP) convener Nahid Islam has called for maximum caution during any post-Friday prayer programs in Dhaka, citing potential plans for vandalism and sabotage by anti-government groups. Speaking on Friday, he emphasized that the party stands firmly against all forms of violence and destructive activities.

Islam announced the suspension of the party’s planned sit-in at Shahbagh, citing the tense security situation. Instead, the NCP will hold a protest march from Banglamotor at 4 p.m. He urged supporters to remain vigilant and prevent any opportunistic groups from exploiting public anger to incite unrest or property damage.

The decision reflects growing political tension in the capital following recent clashes and incidents of vandalism. Authorities are expected to increase security around key intersections, while political observers note that the NCP’s cautious stance may help reduce the risk of confrontation during the day’s demonstrations.

Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus held phone conversations with the editors of Prothom Alo and The Daily Star following violent attacks on their offices. During the calls on Thursday night, Yunus expressed deep sympathy to editors Matiur Rahman and Mahfuz Anam, describing the incidents as shocking and unacceptable. He assured them that the government stands firmly beside the affected journalists and their institutions.

Yunus emphasized that assaults on two of the country’s leading media houses represent an attack on press freedom itself. He warned that such incidents threaten Bangladesh’s democratic progress and the independence of journalism. The Chief Adviser also pledged full security and logistical support for the newspapers and their staff.

He further stated that he plans to meet both editors soon to discuss measures ensuring the safety of media personnel and the protection of free expression across the country.

Chattogram city remained under tight security on Friday following a night of violent protests sparked by the death of activist Sharif Osman Hadi, a leader of the Inquilab Mancha. Thousands of students and supporters took to the streets late Thursday, chanting slogans against Indian influence and demanding justice for Hadi. Demonstrators set fire to the home of former education minister Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury Nowfel in Chashma Hill and attempted to attack the residence of India’s Assistant High Commissioner Dr. Rajiv Ranjan.

Police used tear gas and sound grenades to disperse protesters, arresting 12 individuals. Witnesses reported that Chattogram Metropolitan Police Commissioner Hasib Aziz visited the Indian diplomat’s residence to assess the situation. On Friday morning, major intersections saw heavy deployment of police, RAB, and army patrols, with checkpoints established across the city. Shops remained mostly closed in key areas like Khulshi and Halishahar, and residents avoided going out except for emergencies.

Authorities have urged calm as investigations continue into Hadi’s death, while security forces maintain heightened alert to prevent further unrest.

U.S. President Donald Trump delivered a 19-minute televised address from the White House marking one year of his second term. The speech focused heavily on immigration, with Trump blaming undocumented migrants for housing shortages, job losses, and rising public costs. He also criticized former President Joe Biden for inflation and claimed credit for ending several global conflicts, including the Gaza war and Iran’s nuclear threat. Trump announced a special Christmas bonus for 1.45 million military personnel, calling it the 'Warrior Dividend.'

Fact-checkers and analysts noted that Trump’s economic claims lacked clear data sources, while independent studies show immigrants contribute significantly to the U.S. economy—paying over $650 billion in taxes in 2023. Recent polls by Reuters/Ipsos and NPR/PBS indicate declining public confidence in Trump’s economic management, with only about one-third of Americans approving his performance. Despite this, Trump projected optimism, promising major economic growth in 2026.

The speech underscores Trump’s continued reliance on nationalist rhetoric as he faces economic skepticism and seeks to consolidate support ahead of midterm political challenges.

The town of Khasmahal in Nalchity, Jhalakathi, has fallen silent following the death of Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of the Inquilab Mancha and a key figure in the 2024 uprising. Since Friday morning, residents and visitors have gathered at his dilapidated family home to console his relatives and pay their respects. Many have voiced demands for justice over his killing, while others recall his leadership and courage.

Born in 1993 to Maulana Abdul Hadi and Taslima Hadi, he was the youngest of six siblings. Known locally as a voice of protest since childhood, Hadi completed his studies at Nesarabad NS Kamil Madrasa and later at the University of Dhaka. Villagers describe him as more than a political figure — a symbol of their collective struggle. Family sources said Hadi’s final wish was to be buried beside his father, though the decision remains pending.

The community continues to await his final rites, reflecting both sorrow and defiance amid calls for accountability.

In Rajshahi, Bangladesh, protesters demolished the city Awami League office early Friday following the death of Sharif Osman Hadi, convener of the Inquilab Moncho. The attack began around 12:30 a.m. in Kumarpara and continued until dawn, with demonstrators reportedly using a bulldozer to destroy the building. The incident followed a night of rallies and slogans demanding justice for Hadi’s alleged killing.

Earlier, student and activist groups including July Moncho and NSCP marched from Rajshahi University and Saheb Bazar Zero Point, chanting anti-government and anti-Indian slogans. A verified social media post by Rajshahi University Central Students’ Union leader Salauddin Ammar reportedly called on supporters to gather and bring bulldozers to the Awami League office.

Local authorities have yet to confirm arrests or the extent of damage. Political observers warn the event could escalate tensions ahead of national elections, as opposition groups intensify criticism of the ruling party’s alleged authoritarianism and foreign policy stance.

The Bangladesh government has announced renewed efforts to curb the growing commercialization of private coaching and tutoring, which has increasingly overshadowed formal classroom education. The newly issued 2025 MPO and staffing policy for private schools and colleges explicitly prohibits teachers from engaging in coaching businesses. Teachers found involved may face salary suspension, demotion, or dismissal. The Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education (DSHE) has also been instructed to identify and report teachers participating in such activities.

Despite the existence of the 2012 anti-coaching policy, enforcement has been weak, with monitoring committees largely inactive. Parents complain that many teachers pressure students to join private batches, creating financial strain and educational inequality. Education officials admit that previous rules failed due to lack of accountability and are now seeking to modernize the policy.

Advocacy groups argue that only a dedicated law—not just policy—can effectively end the coaching trade. The government’s next steps will determine whether classroom learning can regain priority over the entrenched private tutoring culture.

The Bangladesh Election Commission (EC) has removed all restrictions on the use of loudspeakers in parliamentary election campaigns, allowing candidates to deploy as many microphones as they wish within their constituencies. The decision comes through major amendments to the Political Parties and Candidates’ Code of Conduct 2025. Previously, candidates were limited to using three microphones per day. The EC also reduced the maximum fine for code violations from BDT 150,000 to BDT 100,000 and introduced several changes to the Representation of the People Order (RPO) 1972.

Election Commissioner Anwarul Islam Sarkar said the relaxation aims to make the election more festive and participatory. However, internal EC sources revealed growing criticism over the influence of inexperienced and controversial officials in drafting these changes, with some alleging procedural errors in the election schedule and candidate nomination process. Critics warned that such missteps could undermine the credibility of the upcoming 13th parliamentary polls.

The EC’s revisions also allow previously banned political groups to nominate candidates under certain conditions, raising concerns about fairness and impartiality in the electoral process.

Protests erupted across Bangladesh following the death of Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson for the Inquilab Mancha, whose passing late Thursday night triggered widespread outrage among students and activists. In response, the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) announced an 'anti-hegemony rally' at Shahbagh for Friday afternoon, leading to road closures as preparations for the event began early in the day.

Students from various halls of Dhaka University marched under the banner of 'Anti-Hegemony Students' to the TSC Raju Sculpture, demanding justice for Hadi’s death and the immediate arrest of those responsible. Crowds from different parts of the city gathered at Shahbagh, intensifying calls for accountability.

Authorities are monitoring the situation closely amid concerns of further unrest. Hadi’s body is expected to arrive in the country Friday evening, and organizers have indicated that additional protest programs may follow depending on the government’s response to their demands.

Student and citizen groups in Bangladesh have announced a nationwide program to protest the killing of Sharif Osman bin Hadi, described by organizers as a leader in the anti-hegemony movement. The central event, an 'Anti-Hegemony Rally,' is scheduled for Friday afternoon at Shahbagh’s Shaheed Hadi Square in Dhaka, following prayer gatherings across mosques to pray for Hadi’s soul.

Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) Vice President Sadik Kayem shared the announcement on his verified social media account, accusing ruling party activists of involvement in Hadi’s death. He called on students and the public to continue the movement against what he termed Indian dominance and political violence. The rally is expected to draw large crowds, with heightened security measures likely in the capital.

The protest comes amid rising political tension and sporadic violence in several districts. Analysts suggest the event could test the government’s tolerance for dissent and may influence the direction of ongoing student-led movements in the coming weeks.