Bangladesh’s legal adviser Dr. Asif Nazrul has expressed serious concern to Chief Justice Dr. Syed Refat Ahmed regarding what he described as indiscriminate bail granted by the High Court to individuals accused of terrorism. Speaking to reporters after meeting the Chief Justice at the Supreme Court on Thursday, Nazrul warned that such bail decisions could endanger public safety and undermine judicial integrity.

Nazrul argued that granting bail to politically motivated offenders or those accused of violent crimes contradicts the principles of justice, especially when there is a credible threat to citizens’ lives. He referenced recent threats allegedly made by exiled political figures and urged judges to exercise greater caution when considering bail for suspects with potential links to violence. His remarks have sparked debate within legal and political circles about the balance between judicial independence and national security.

The Chief Justice has not yet issued a formal response, but legal observers expect the Supreme Court to review bail procedures in sensitive cases. The issue may influence upcoming judicial reforms and public trust in the rule of law.

Bangladeshi civic alliance July Unity has strongly criticized India’s Ministry of External Affairs for describing its recent movement as an ‘extremist group activity’. At a press conference at Dhaka University’s Madhur Canteen, organizer and DUCSU Social Welfare Secretary A.B. Zubair said the Indian statement reflects political and moral bankruptcy and violates diplomatic norms. The group argued that its campaign was peaceful and democratic, aimed at defending Bangladesh’s sovereignty.

July Unity accused India of sheltering individuals allegedly responsible for atrocities in Bangladesh and failing to act against Hindu extremists involved in an attack on the Bangladeshi Assistant High Commission in Agartala. The organization urged Bangladesh’s Foreign Ministry to summon the Indian envoy and declare him persona non grata under Article 9 of the Vienna Convention. It also announced nationwide protests and a march to the Foreign Ministry if no action is taken within 72 hours.

Analysts note that the dispute underscores rising diplomatic friction between Dhaka and New Delhi amid heightened nationalist rhetoric and regional political sensitivities.

Police in Rajshahi on Thursday prevented demonstrators from reaching the Indian Assistant High Commission during a planned march and siege organized by the group 'July 36 Mancha.' The procession was stopped about 100 meters from the commission’s office, where officers had set up barricades to block access. Protesters demanded permission to proceed, and after a 15-minute standoff, attempted to move forward, leading to brief pushing and shoving with police.

Authorities had tightened security in the Vodra area earlier in the day, deploying additional law enforcement personnel and closing nearby roads. The demonstrators then held a sit-in at the barricade for over an hour, chanting slogans but failing to advance further. Rajshahi Metropolitan Police Additional Commissioner Nasir Farhad stated that police acted to prevent any attempt to besiege the diplomatic mission.

The incident underscores ongoing tensions surrounding local activism and diplomatic sensitivities. No injuries or arrests were reported, and the situation remained under control by late afternoon.

Sharif Osman Bin Hadi, spokesperson for the Inkilab Manch and a potential candidate for Dhaka-8 in Bangladesh’s upcoming 13th parliamentary election, has been moved to Singapore for a high-risk surgery after his health deteriorated sharply. Doctors advised against transferring him to Queen Elizabeth Hospital, citing his fragile condition, prompting the family to approve the operation locally in Singapore.

Fatima Tasnim Juma, DUCSU’s Liberation and Democratic Movement Secretary and a leader of Inkilab Manch, confirmed the development through a Facebook post, requesting prayers for Hadi’s recovery. She described his condition as being at the threshold between life and death and noted that the surgery’s success rate is extremely low. Juma also urged supporters to remain prepared for peaceful mobilization should Hadi not survive.

The situation has drawn attention within political circles ahead of the national polls, highlighting the emotional and organizational strain within Inkilab Manch. Further updates on Hadi’s condition are expected following the surgery in Singapore.

The Bangladesh Election Commission (EC) has announced that law enforcement agencies will be deployed across the country from February 9 to 13 to ensure security during the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election, scheduled for February 12, 2025. According to an official circular issued on Thursday, security forces will remain on duty for three days before the election, on polling day, and one day after the vote.

The EC directive specifies that all law enforcement agencies, except the Ansar and Village Defense Party, will be deployed for five days, while Ansar personnel will serve for six days, beginning four days before the election. The commission also confirmed that budget allocations for these deployments will follow existing administrative procedures.

Officials say the extended deployment aims to maintain order and voter confidence amid heightened political activity. The EC has also instructed police presence at returning and assistant returning officers’ offices. Applications for foreign election observers must be submitted by January 17, signaling the commission’s preparation for transparent and secure polls.

Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) Literary and Cultural Secretary Musaddiq Ali Ibn Mohammad has issued a 48-hour ultimatum demanding the resignation of the government’s home, law, and foreign advisers. In a statement released Thursday, he warned of a nationwide student movement if the advisers fail to show visible improvements in law and order and take decisive action against ruling party-linked criminals.

Musaddiq acknowledged partial satisfaction with the ongoing ‘Operation Devil Hunt Phase-2,’ which reportedly led to 4,360 arrests in three days. However, he criticized the authorities for alleged leniency toward influential offenders and warned that wrongful arrests of innocent citizens would not be tolerated. He held Home Adviser Jahangir Alam responsible for any future acts of violence by unarrested criminals and accused Law Adviser Asif Nazrul of enabling repeated bail for detained offenders.

The DUCSU leader also urged the Foreign Adviser to take concrete steps to repatriate fugitive murder suspects, including Hasina, warning that failure to act could trigger mass student protests across the country.

Leaders of Bangladesh’s Islamist political party Khelafat Majlis have expressed grave concern over what they describe as growing threats to the lives of those who led the July uprising. In a central executive meeting held in Dhaka, party officials alleged that administrative weakness and deteriorating law and order have emboldened violent groups. They claimed that fascist elements are targeting movement leaders to derail the upcoming national election.

The party criticized the administration and Election Commission for failing to take effective measures against these threats, citing the unarrested assailant of activist Osman Hadi as a key example of negligence. Senior leaders, including Maulana Sakhawat Hossain and Dr. Ahmad Abdul Kader, called for intensified police patrols, recovery of illegal arms, and nationwide crackdowns to ensure a level playing field for all political actors.

Khelafat Majlis also opposed proposed restrictions on religious gatherings during the election period, urging the Election Commission to withdraw such plans. The meeting concluded with prayers for the recovery of injured activist Sharif Osman Hadi.

Bangladesh’s Advisory Council has given final approval to the draft of the 'Prevention and Remedy of Enforced Disappearance (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025'. Under the new provisions, a tribunal will be empowered to officially declare a person as 'disappeared' if they have been missing for at least five years without returning alive. The decision was made at a council meeting chaired by Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus in Tejgaon, Dhaka.

According to Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder, the government will be able to appoint public prosecutors for the tribunal based on recommendations from the Human Rights Commission. Victims or complainants may also hire private lawyers independently. Additionally, the spouse or dependent family members of a disappeared person will be allowed to use the person’s property without prior permission from the commission.

The ordinance aims to strengthen legal mechanisms for addressing enforced disappearances, a long-standing human rights concern in Bangladesh. Legal experts and rights groups are expected to monitor its implementation closely once enacted.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman is set to return to Dhaka on December 25 after more than 17 years of self-imposed exile in London. Party sources confirmed that his flight will land at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport around 11:45 a.m., where senior BNP leaders are coordinating with civil aviation authorities to ensure security and protocol arrangements.

Following his arrival, a grand reception is planned on the 300 Feet (Purbachal Road) area of the capital, with BNP activists from Dhaka and nearby districts preparing for large-scale participation. Grassroots enthusiasm has reportedly surged since the announcement, with party leaders calling the event a historic moment in national politics. Rahman will be accompanied by his daughter, Barrister Zaima Rahman.

Upon his return, Tarique Rahman is expected to resume political activities from the BNP Chairperson’s office in Gulshan, where renovations and security upgrades are nearly complete. His home on Gulshan Avenue is being readied, with alternative arrangements at his mother’s residence ‘Firoza’ if needed.

Sharif Osman Hadi, a leading figure of the July uprising and spokesperson of Inquilab Mancha, is in critical condition in Singapore. Doctors are preparing for a complex brain operation to remove a bullet fragment lodged in his brainstem. His family has approved the surgery, and close relatives are currently by his side in Singapore.

Inquilab Mancha has called for nationwide prayers for Hadi’s recovery. In a statement, the group urged supporters to gather at Shahbagh if Hadi succumbs to his injuries, pledging to continue protests until those responsible for the attack are arrested. The organization also warned of a nationwide shutdown if justice is not served.

Authorities have yet to release details about the investigation or suspects involved in the shooting. Political observers note that Hadi’s condition and the group’s response could significantly influence the current socio-political climate in Bangladesh, particularly among pro-reform movements.

Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus chaired the weekly meeting of the Advisory Council in Dhaka, where the deteriorating health of activist and Inquilab Mancha spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi was a key topic. Hadi, a prominent figure in the July uprising, remains in critical condition at Singapore General Hospital after suffering a massive heart attack and severe infection.

According to officials, Singapore’s Foreign Minister Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan has been in regular contact with Dr. Yunus regarding Hadi’s condition. A senior Bangladeshi foreign ministry official has been dispatched to Singapore to coordinate with Hadi’s family, hospital authorities, and the Singaporean government. Doctors are reportedly preparing for a complex brain operation to remove a bullet fragment lodged in his brainstem.

The government’s press wing confirmed Hadi’s condition as “extremely critical.” His family members are by his side, and additional relatives are traveling to Singapore. The situation has drawn close attention from both Dhaka and Singapore, with urgent medical and diplomatic coordination underway.

Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has briefed foreign diplomats in Dhaka on the government’s preparations and security measures for the upcoming 13th national election and referendum. The briefing, held at the Padma State Guesthouse and led by Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam, outlined updated plans to ensure safety and order during the electoral process.

According to the ministry’s statement, armed forces and law enforcement agencies are on high alert and ready to respond to any situation. Around 40 diplomats from various embassies attended the session, where they were informed that the Election Commission will welcome foreign election observers and invited them to send monitoring teams. The government also reassured embassies about the safety of their personnel and premises.

The move comes amid heightened international attention on Bangladesh’s electoral environment. Officials emphasized transparency and cooperation with the diplomatic community, signaling efforts to maintain stability and confidence ahead of the polls.

Police recovered the body of Jannat Ara Rumi, a 30-year-old political activist known as the 'July Daughter,' from a women’s hostel in Hazaribagh, Dhaka, on Thursday morning. Rumi, who had been active in the 2024 anti-discrimination and anti-government movements, was serving as a joint coordinator for the Dhanmondi unit of the National Citizen Party (NCP). Her sudden and unexplained death has sparked widespread grief in her hometown of Patnitala, Naogaon.

Local leaders and former student movement colleagues described Rumi as a courageous figure who led early demonstrations against the then-ruling Awami League. Friends and associates have demanded a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death, urging authorities to identify and punish anyone found responsible. Rumi, a trained nurse and mother of a four-year-old, had divorced five months earlier and recently relocated to Dhaka for political work.

Police have yet to disclose preliminary findings, while the NCP and local activists are calling for transparency and justice. The incident has reignited discussions on the safety of young women in politics and the need for accountability in politically sensitive deaths.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman is set to return to Bangladesh on December 25, according to his personal secretary Abdus Sattar. His flight from London will arrive in Dhaka via Sylhet around 11 a.m., and he will be accompanied by his daughter. The announcement follows confirmation from BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir earlier this month that Rahman’s homecoming was being finalized.

Rahman, the eldest son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, left Bangladesh in 2008 after being released from an 18-month detention under the military-backed caretaker government that took power in 2007. He has since lived in London, maintaining political communication with party leaders remotely. His return marks a major political development for the BNP, which has been struggling with leadership challenges amid ongoing legal and political pressures.

Observers say Rahman’s return could reshape the opposition landscape ahead of future elections. Security arrangements and political reactions are expected to intensify as the date approaches.

Chief Justice Dr. Syed Refaat Ahmed paid a farewell visit to President Mohammed Shahabuddin at Bangabhaban on Thursday, marking the conclusion of his tenure as the head of Bangladesh’s judiciary. During the meeting, the President commended the Chief Justice for his long and distinguished career, highlighting his professionalism, dedication, and contribution to upholding justice in the country.

In response, Chief Justice Ahmed expressed his gratitude to the President for the cooperation extended to him during his tenure. He also briefed the President on key initiatives and reforms undertaken under his leadership to strengthen judicial efficiency and transparency. The meeting reflected mutual respect between the executive and judiciary at a time of transition in the Supreme Court.

The farewell marks the end of an era in Bangladesh’s judicial leadership, with the government expected to announce a new Chief Justice soon. Legal observers note that the next appointment will be crucial for maintaining judicial independence and continuity in ongoing reforms.