Bangladeshi writer, activist, and political analyst Pinaki Bhattacharya has called on citizens to remain calm and avoid rash actions amid ongoing political unrest. In a Facebook post on Thursday night, Bhattacharya urged supporters and the public to exercise patience, emphasizing that the nation’s political struggle is a long-term process. He specifically mentioned reports that several journalists were trapped inside The Daily Star building, requesting that the army be allowed to safely rescue them.

Bhattacharya’s message comes at a time of heightened tension and sporadic violence in Dhaka and other cities, as political groups continue to clash over governance and press freedom. His appeal for restraint has been widely shared online, drawing both support and criticism from different political factions. Observers note that such calls for calm from prominent civil voices may help reduce immediate confrontations.

Analysts suggest that the situation remains fluid, with security forces maintaining a visible presence in key areas. Further developments are expected as authorities work to stabilize the situation and ensure the safety of journalists and civilians.

Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of the political platform Inquilab Mancha, passed away while undergoing treatment at Singapore General Hospital. His first funeral prayer was held Friday morning at Angullia Mosque in Singapore. According to family and organizational sources, his body will be flown to Dhaka on a Bangladesh Biman commercial flight departing at 3:50 p.m. local time, with arrival expected at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport around 6:05 p.m. Bangladesh time.

Dr. Md. Abdul Ahad, a neurosurgeon at Dhaka Medical College Hospital and member secretary of the National Health Alliance, confirmed the details of the repatriation. Upon arrival in Dhaka, necessary formalities will be completed before a second funeral prayer and burial on Saturday at the family graveyard. Hadi’s death has triggered deep mourning among political colleagues and supporters, who described him as a dedicated activist and voice for reform.

The Inquilab Mancha leadership said arrangements are being made for a large public attendance at the Dhaka funeral, reflecting Hadi’s influence in grassroots political movements.

Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of the political platform Inkilab Mancha, passed away while undergoing treatment at Singapore General Hospital. His death has sparked deep sorrow among political circles and members of his organization. According to official statements, his body will be flown to Dhaka on Friday afternoon via a Bangladesh Biman commercial flight, expected to land at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport around 6:05 p.m.

Dr. Md. Abdul Ahad, a neurosurgeon at Dhaka Medical College Hospital and member secretary of the National Health Alliance, confirmed the details of the repatriation. Family sources said that after completing necessary formalities, Hadi’s funeral prayer will be held on Saturday, followed by burial at his family graveyard. Political colleagues and supporters have expressed condolences, remembering his contributions to the organization.

The passing of Hadi marks a significant loss for Inkilab Mancha, which has been active in youth and reformist political movements. The group is expected to hold a memorial event following his burial.

Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus is set to deliver a televised address to the nation following the death of Sharif Osman Hadi, the convener of the Inquilab Mancha movement. The speech will be broadcast simultaneously on Bangladesh Television and BTV News, according to a statement from the Chief Adviser’s press wing on Thursday night.

Hadi, who had been critically injured by gunfire earlier this month, passed away on Thursday in a Singapore hospital while undergoing treatment. His death has sparked widespread public reaction and renewed discussions about political violence and accountability in Bangladesh. Social media platforms have been flooded with tributes, including poems and songs dedicated to Hadi.

Yunus’s address is expected to focus on the government’s response to the incident, calls for calm, and possible measures to prevent further unrest. Observers suggest the speech could mark a pivotal moment for the interim administration as it navigates rising political tensions and public demands for justice.

Sharif Osman Hadi, a central figure in Bangladesh’s post-July uprising politics and founder of the political-cultural platform Inqilab Manch, has died following gunshot injuries sustained during an election campaign in Dhaka. His brother confirmed the death on Thursday night. Hadi had recently announced his candidacy as an independent for the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election from Dhaka-8 constituency.

A former university lecturer and political science graduate from Dhaka University, Hadi rose to prominence after the 2024 July uprising, advocating for the banning of the Awami League and voicing anti-India sentiments. His activism, including protests at Bangabhaban and involvement in controversial demonstrations, made him both a popular and polarizing figure. He had previously claimed to receive multiple death threats.

His death has sparked renewed debate about political violence and security for independent candidates. Observers note that Hadi’s outspoken positions and grassroots mobilization reflected a growing trend of alternative political movements in Bangladesh’s volatile post-uprising landscape.

At a discussion and prayer event in Nalchity, Jhalokathi, the sister of Inquilab Mancha spokesperson Sharif Osman bin Hadi declared that their movement against Indian dominance and domestic corruption would continue. She asserted that India has never been a true friend of Bangladesh and that only a just state could stand against foreign influence. The event was organized by the Jhalokathi district branch of the National Citizen Party (NCP) following an attack on Osman bin Hadi.

Family members demanded the immediate arrest of those responsible for the assault, warning that the interim government would not be allowed to leave office with dignity if justice was not served. The meeting was chaired by NCP’s joint coordinator Mufti Masum Billah and attended by several local political and religious leaders. The gathering reflected growing frustration among activists over perceived political violence and foreign interference.

Observers note that the call for justice and anti-hegemony rhetoric may intensify political tensions in the lead-up to national elections, as smaller parties seek to assert nationalist narratives.

Police in Dhaka recovered the hanging body of Jannatara Rumi, a 30-year-old women’s leader of the NCP’s Dhanmondi branch, on Thursday afternoon. Hours later, political activist Sharif Osman Hadi, who had been critically injured in a shooting on December 12, died at Singapore General Hospital following unsuccessful surgery to remove a bullet from his brain. Rumi’s final social media posts referenced Hadi, expressing concern for his condition.

Authorities are investigating whether Rumi’s death was a suicide or homicide. Reports indicate she had faced severe online harassment, including threats of violence and exposure of personal information by activists linked to the banned Awami League. Rumi had filed a general diary with Dhanmondi police in November, citing fears for her safety.

The deaths of both figures—prominent in the so-called July Revolution movement—have sparked widespread grief and renewed debate over political violence and digital harassment in Bangladesh. Police have yet to confirm any suspects or motives, while civil society groups are calling for transparent investigations.

Former State Minister for Home Affairs and BNP leader Lutfozzaman Babar has called for restraint and adherence to diplomatic etiquette amid heightened patriotic activities. In a Facebook post on December 18, 2025, Babar expressed concern that some young people, driven by emotion and limited understanding of geopolitics, had used his name in an unwanted program. He emphasized that patriotism is admirable but should not violate political or diplomatic norms.

Babar’s statement comes at a time of political sensitivity in Bangladesh, with national stability and the upcoming election process under scrutiny. His appeal for calm and responsibility reflects broader concerns about maintaining peace and order amid rising nationalist sentiment and street mobilizations. Political observers note that such remarks aim to prevent further polarization and ensure that patriotic expressions remain within lawful and diplomatic boundaries.

The post has drawn attention within political circles, highlighting the tension between emotional nationalism and responsible civic behavior ahead of the polls.

Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus addressed the nation on Thursday night, announcing the death of Sharif Osman Hadi, a frontline leader of the July uprising and spokesperson of the Inquilab Mancha. Hadi passed away in Singapore while undergoing treatment. Yunus expressed deep sorrow, describing Hadi as a fearless fighter against fascism and authoritarianism, and declared Saturday a national day of mourning with flags to be flown at half-mast.

The Chief Adviser confirmed that the government would take responsibility for Hadi’s wife and child, and praised Singapore’s government for its medical support. He vowed that those responsible for Hadi’s killing would be brought to justice without delay. Yunus urged citizens to remain calm and avoid misinformation, emphasizing that the democratic transition process must continue.

The announcement comes at a critical political juncture as Bangladesh prepares for upcoming elections. Yunus framed Hadi’s death as a national loss and a call for unity, urging the nation to honor his ideals through patience, restraint, and commitment to democracy.

Police recovered the body of Jannat Ara Rumi, a Dhaka-based leader of the National Citizen Party (NCP), from a women’s hostel in Hazaribagh on Thursday morning. Rumi, who served as joint coordinator of the NCP’s Dhanmondi unit, was reportedly found hanging in her room. Her death has sparked widespread concern and debate over whether she took her own life following prolonged online harassment and threats.

NCP leaders allege that Rumi had filed a general diary with police a month earlier, seeking protection from persistent cyberbullying and death threats, but no action was taken. Party officials, including senior joint convener Samanta Sharmin, accused law enforcement of negligence despite having provided evidence of the alleged perpetrators. Social media reactions have been polarized, with some opposition activists expressing outrage and others making controversial remarks.

Police say an investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of death. The incident has reignited discussions about political harassment, online abuse, and the safety of female activists in Bangladesh’s volatile political climate.

A coordination and exchange meeting in Kaunia, Rangpur, led by District Commissioner and Magistrate Mohammad Enamul Ahsan, drew attention after an unexpected incident involving a local political figure. Abdul Majid, vice-president of the Rangpur District Volunteer League, attended the meeting but left shortly after introductions, prompting public discussion and speculation about his presence.

The meeting, held at the Upazila Auditorium, was attended by government officials and local dignitaries. It aimed to promote transparency in the upcoming elections and encourage cooperation in local development. However, Majid’s brief appearance raised questions, particularly as discussions continue nationwide about bringing ruling party members under legal accountability following directives from the Home Affairs Adviser.

Local residents expressed mixed views about the administration’s handling of the matter but welcomed the initiative of such meetings, suggesting that regular dialogues could help identify and resolve community issues more effectively.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) of Bangladesh has approved a corruption case against former deputy speaker and ex-MP of Pabna-1 constituency, Shamsul Haque Tuku, for allegedly acquiring assets worth over BDT 35.9 million beyond known income sources. The ACC also issued notices to his sons, former Bera municipality mayor S.M. Asif Shams and former Dhaka University associate professor S.M. Nafis Shams, along with Nafis’s wife Mumtahin Mostafa, to submit detailed statements of their assets.

According to the ACC, Asif Shams is accused of possessing illegal wealth amounting to BDT 266.6 million, while Nafis Shams allegedly holds BDT 56.4 million in unaccounted assets. His wife is accused of owning BDT 14.8 million in unexplained property. The commission stated that the charges fall under sections of the Anti-Corruption Commission Act, 2004, and the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1947.

The move underscores the ACC’s renewed focus on high-profile corruption cases. Legal proceedings are expected to follow once the asset declarations are reviewed, potentially expanding the scope of investigation into political families’ wealth accumulation.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) of Bangladesh has approved a chargesheet against former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, his wife, and two children for allegedly amassing illegal wealth worth over Tk 225.8 million. The announcement was made at a press briefing in Dhaka, where ACC Director General (Prevention) Md Akhter Hossain confirmed the move. Kamal, who reportedly fled to India after being sentenced to death in a separate case, faces allegations of abuse of power, bribery, money laundering, and corruption.

According to the ACC, the investigation revealed suspicious transactions totaling Tk 874.6 million across nine bank accounts linked to Kamal. The chargesheet also accuses his family members of aiding in concealing illicit funds through property and business ventures. The case was originally filed in October 2024 by ACC Deputy Director Md Jahangir Alam.

Legal analysts suggest the case could become a key test of Bangladesh’s anti-corruption enforcement, especially involving high-profile political figures. The court is expected to set a hearing date soon, while the ACC continues to trace additional assets allegedly tied to the former minister.

Bangladeshi coalition July Oikya has issued a 72-hour ultimatum to the Indian government, demanding an explanation for a statement by India’s Ministry of External Affairs that described its recent ‘March to Indian High Commission’ protest as an extremist movement. The ultimatum was announced at an emergency press conference held at Dhaka University’s Madhur Canteen, where organizers condemned the Indian characterization as a violation of diplomatic norms and an affront to democratic rights.

July Oikya, a coalition of over 100 social, cultural, and political groups, accused India of undermining Bangladesh’s sovereignty and shielding individuals allegedly involved in past human rights abuses. Group leader A.B. Zubair called for Indian High Commissioner Pranay Kumar Verma to be declared persona non grata under the Vienna Convention, citing loss of diplomatic trust. The coalition also announced nationwide protests in Chattogram, Barishal, and Sylhet on December 19.

If the Bangladesh Foreign Ministry fails to seek clarification from New Delhi within the deadline, July Oikya warned it will march to the ministry on December 23 to submit a memorandum. The standoff adds new strain to Bangladesh–India relations amid ongoing regional political sensitivities.

National Citizen Party (NCP) leader Hasnat Abdullah declared that opposition activists from BNP and Jamaat, along with anti-fascist supporters, would stand as a shield to protect him. He made the remarks during an election march and courtyard meeting at Barur village in Jafarganj Union, Debidwar upazila of Cumilla on Thursday night.

Hasnat Abdullah praised those who have long opposed what he called fascist politics, noting that many endured imprisonment and harassment for their beliefs. He emphasized that local women and supporters would be enough to defend him against threats, followed by BNP-Jamaat activists. Rejecting intimidation politics, he said that fear cannot win people’s love or sustain leadership.

The event was attended by local NCP, Jubo Shakti, and Chhatra Shakti members, along with residents from various professions. Hasnat’s comments come amid heightened political tensions in the region ahead of upcoming elections, reflecting growing alliances between smaller parties and opposition groups.