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.

Mahmudur Rahman, editor of the Bangladeshi newspaper *Amar Desh*, has called on citizens to remain calm following the death of activist Sharif Osman Hadi in a Singapore hospital on Thursday night. Hadi, described as a young leader in the anti-Indian hegemony movement, passed away while undergoing treatment. Rahman expressed deep sorrow and urged the government to grant Hadi a state funeral and declare a national day of mourning in recognition of his contributions.

In his statement, Rahman emphasized that Hadi’s revolutionary ideals should inspire future generations and asked supporters to attend the funeral peacefully and in an orderly manner. He warned that “enemies of the nation” might exploit any unrest arising from public emotion over Hadi’s death. Rahman also prayed for patience and strength for Hadi’s family and colleagues.

The call for restraint comes amid heightened political sensitivities, as authorities reportedly denied permission for funeral prayers in Singapore. Observers note that Rahman’s appeal seeks to prevent potential clashes while maintaining Hadi’s symbolic legacy within nationalist circles.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has collected nomination papers to contest from the Thakurgaon-1 constituency in the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. The papers were collected on his behalf on Thursday, December 18, by former district BNP vice-president Nur-e-Shahadat Swajan, confirmed District Election Officer Md. Waliullah.

Following the announcement, local BNP leaders and supporters expressed enthusiasm, with discussions spreading across tea stalls and community gatherings in Thakurgaon. Swajan stated that he collected the forms as instructed by Mirza Fakhrul, who had earlier declared his intention to run from the same seat during a press conference in Dhaka on November 3.

The move marks the beginning of BNP’s formal participation in the upcoming election process. Political observers note that Mirza Fakhrul’s candidacy could energize the party’s grassroots in northern Bangladesh, though challenges remain amid the broader political climate and electoral uncertainties.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar has accused law enforcement and intelligence agencies of repeated failures in maintaining national stability. Speaking at a courtyard meeting in Kharnia Union, Dumuria, Khulna, on Thursday, he said that while citizens are preparing for elections, a group is attempting to destabilize the situation through violence, referring to the shooting of Inquilab Mancha convener Sharif Osman Hadi.

Parwar urged government institutions to strengthen monitoring and called on political parties to cooperate in ensuring a peaceful election under the government’s declared timeline. He emphasized the need for tolerance, patience, and sincerity among political actors, and urged the media to act responsibly in coordination with both parties and the public.

Addressing another event in Bamundia, he called for national unity across gender, religion, and ethnicity to build a new Bangladesh after recent upheavals, and encouraged citizens to support a referendum providing legal basis for the July Charter reforms.

National Citizen Party (NCP) central organizing secretary for the southern region, Hasnat Abdullah, emphasized peaceful political competition during a series of campaign rallies across Cumilla-4’s Debidwar constituency. Speaking in Elahabad and Jafarganj unions, he declared that love and public trust cannot be won through fear or violence, asserting that his campaign would focus on constructive work rather than confrontation.

Abdullah accused rival political groups of using phone threats and intimidation to influence voters, claiming such actions stem from their own insecurity. He also vowed to end extortion and tender manipulation if elected, suggesting that opposition to his campaign arises from vested interests. Addressing threats to his life, Abdullah expressed confidence in local women and residents to protect him, adding that even opposition activists would stand against fascism.

The NCP candidate’s remarks come amid heightened political activity ahead of the upcoming national elections, as parties intensify grassroots campaigns across Bangladesh’s constituencies.

Bangladesh police have arrested 67 individuals across eight districts of Rangpur Division during a 24-hour operation named ‘Devil Hunt Phase-2’. The detainees are reportedly members and affiliates of the banned Awami League and its associated organizations. The arrests took place between Wednesday and Thursday morning, confirmed Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Aminul Islam of the Rangpur Range.

According to police sources, the operation covered Rangpur, Kurigram, Lalmonirhat, Nilphamari, Gaibandha, Dinajpur, Thakurgaon, and Panchagarh districts. Those arrested face charges related to murder, attempted murder, and terrorism under the Anti-Terrorism Act, many linked to the anti-discrimination student movement. DIG Islam described the operation as part of a broader effort to curb political violence and enforce the ban on the party’s activities.

Authorities have not disclosed whether further arrests are expected, but security operations are likely to continue across northern Bangladesh as part of the ongoing crackdown on banned political networks.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced sweeping reforms to strengthen hate speech laws following the Bondi Beach massacre that killed 15 people. After a National Security Committee meeting, Albanese outlined new federal offenses targeting hate speech promoters and leaders, with increased penalties for incitement to violence. The reforms also classify hate motivation as an aggravating factor in online harassment and threats.

The proposed legislation comes amid a surge in hate crimes and extremist rhetoric across Australia. Authorities have reported a rise in both anti-Muslim and anti-Jewish incidents since the Bondi attack. In one case, a Muslim cemetery was desecrated with a pig’s head, highlighting growing communal tensions. The government has also begun listing organizations whose leaders advocate racial hatred or supremacy.

Analysts say the measures mark one of the most significant updates to Australia’s hate crime framework in decades. Lawmakers are expected to debate the bill early next year, with civil rights groups urging careful balance between security and free speech protections.

Shamaruh Mirza, daughter of BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, publicly criticized a Jamaat-e-Islami leader’s recent statement suggesting that joining the party is necessary to attain heaven. In a Facebook post on Thursday, she expressed dismay, calling the remark potentially un-Islamic and urging reflection on its implications for faith and politics.

The controversy stems from a viral video showing Jamaat-affiliated lawyer Barrister Shahriar Kabir allegedly telling supporters that paradise is reserved for those aligned with Jamaat-e-Islami. Kabir has since denied the authenticity of the footage, claiming it was manipulated. The video has sparked widespread debate on social media, with many questioning the use of religious rhetoric in political mobilization.

Analysts note that the incident underscores growing tensions between Islamist and secular political narratives in Bangladesh. The Election Commission and religious scholars have yet to comment, but observers warn that such statements could deepen ideological divides ahead of the next national polls.

The century-old Bangladesh Muslim League has announced its reunification and decision to field candidates in all 300 constituencies in the upcoming 13th national election. The announcement came after a meeting in Old Dhaka, chaired by senior leader Md. Sharafuddin, where previously divided factions pledged unity against what they termed foreign dominance. Leaders including Secretary General Kazi Abul Khair and Vice President Nazrul Islam attended, while senior figures Abdul Aziz Hawlader and Aftab Hossain Molla joined virtually to endorse the move.

Party leaders described the unification as a historic step to restore the League’s nationalist identity and influence. Kazi Abul Khair accused a neighboring state of undermining Bangladesh’s sovereignty, while organizational secretary Khan Asad admitted internal divisions had weakened the party’s public appeal. The leadership vowed to rebuild the organization under its traditional lantern symbol and reconnect with grassroots supporters.

Analysts note that the League’s decision to contest all seats signals an attempt to reassert relevance in a polarized political landscape dominated by larger parties. The move may reshape alliances and test the party’s organizational strength nationwide.