Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has declared that those involved in the recent attack on activist Sharif Osman Hadi will face justice, assuring the nation that no conspirator will be spared. In a televised address marking Victory Day on December 16, Yunus described the assault as an attack on the country’s democratic journey and national integrity.

Hadi, spokesperson for the Inquilab Mancha and a key figure in the July uprising, remains in critical condition and has been transferred to Singapore for advanced treatment. The government has reportedly identified several suspects and tightened security around key political figures. Yunus condemned what he called attempts by “defeated fascist forces” to destabilize the country through violence and urged citizens to remain calm and avoid misinformation.

The statement signals the interim government’s determination to maintain stability amid political tension. Authorities are expected to announce further investigative measures in the coming days as public concern over political violence continues to rise.

Bangladesh’s Interim Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus delivered a televised address on Victory Day 2025, calling for national unity, peaceful elections, and public endorsement of the July National Charter through the upcoming February 12 general election and referendum. He condemned the recent attack on activist Sharif Osman Hadi, describing it as an assault on democracy, and assured that those responsible would face justice. Yunus also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring medical care for former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia.

The Chief Adviser highlighted major institutional reforms, including judicial independence, a new Police Commission Ordinance, and a restructured Human Rights Commission. He emphasized that the July Charter represents a historic opportunity for citizens to shape a corruption-free, accountable democracy. For the first time, expatriate Bangladeshis will be able to vote by postal ballot. Yunus urged all political parties to ensure a festive, violence-free election environment.

Analysts view the speech as a defining moment in Bangladesh’s democratic transition, setting the tone for a potentially transformative election that could determine the country’s political and constitutional trajectory for decades.

A major controversy erupted in India’s Bihar state after Chief Minister Nitish Kumar was filmed pulling off the hijab of a female AYUSH doctor during a government appointment ceremony in Patna on December 15. The 74-year-old leader was seen gesturing for the doctor to remove her hijab before reaching out himself and uncovering her head, prompting visible discomfort from the woman and laughter from some attendees. Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary reportedly tried to intervene.

The incident has triggered widespread condemnation across political and social platforms. The opposition Congress Party called the act “shameful and disgraceful,” demanding Kumar’s resignation and questioning women’s safety under his leadership. The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) also criticized the behavior, saying it exposed the ruling JD(U)-BJP alliance’s hypocrisy on women’s empowerment. Social media users have described the act as “deplorable,” with many calling for accountability.

This is not the first time Kumar has faced criticism over his behavior toward women. A similar controversy arose in November when a video showed him placing a garland on a woman during a campaign event. The latest uproar could further strain his political standing ahead of upcoming state elections.

A heated altercation broke out at Chittagong University on Tuesday when leaders of the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD), led by branch president Alauddin Mohsin, attempted to assault Ibrahim Hossain Rony, the elected vice president of the Chittagong University Central Students’ Union (Chaksu). The incident occurred around 11:45 a.m. during a Victory Day discussion at the university’s Jarultola area, disrupting the event.

Witnesses reported that the confrontation began after Rony mentioned the presence of external BNP activists on campus in his speech, which angered Mohsin. Rony later told reporters that those accustomed to bringing outsiders to campus were responsible for such unrest and urged all student leaders to act responsibly. Attempts to reach Mohsin for comment were unsuccessful.

The incident underscores ongoing tensions among student political groups at the university, raising concerns about campus safety and the influence of national politics on student affairs. University authorities have yet to issue an official statement regarding the confrontation.

The National Citizen Party (NCP) organized a symbolic rally at Dhanmondi 32 in Dhaka on December 16, displaying portraits of five prominent liberation-era figures — Sirajul Alam Khan, Siraj Sikder, Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhashani, Major Jalil, and Sharif Osman Hadi. The event, led by NCP joint member secretary Arif Sohel, coincided with Bangladesh’s Victory Day celebrations.

During the program, Sohel criticized what he described as the monopolization of the Liberation War’s legacy by the Awami League and the Sheikh family. He argued that the 1971 people’s war was driven by farmers, workers, students, and the general public, independent of any single political party. The rally aimed to reclaim the Liberation War’s spirit for the people and to honor leaders he said had been erased from official narratives.

NCP announced that similar programs would continue in the future, signaling an effort to reshape public memory around the Liberation War and to challenge the dominant political narrative surrounding Bangladesh’s independence history.

Islami Chhatra Shibir’s central secretary general, Nurul Islam Saddam, stated that Bangladesh’s young generation is rejecting attempts to revive divisive political narratives from the past. Speaking at a bicycle rally marking the 55th anniversary of the country’s independence at Dhaka College, he accused certain groups of trying to create national division by resurrecting outdated political discourses.

Saddam recalled that post-independence restrictions on free speech and the establishment of one-party rule had led to famine and political instability, pushing the nation into crisis. He emphasized the need for patriotic and corruption-free leadership to build a new Bangladesh based on equality, human dignity, and social justice as envisioned in the independence declaration.

The rally, organized by the Dhaka College unit of Islami Chhatra Shibir, began at the central Shaheed Minar and circled the Parliament area before returning to its starting point. Around five hundred students participated, with several central leaders addressing the event.

Journalist, columnist, and corporate executive Md. Shakhawat Hossain has officially taken charge as the new editor of the Bangladeshi national daily *Amader Shomoy*, replacing Abu Sayeed Khan. The appointment ceremony took place on December 14 at the newspaper’s Tejgaon office in Dhaka, attended by publisher Dr. Khondkar Shawkat Hossain and senior staff members who welcomed the new editor with flowers.

In his address, Hossain pledged to uphold the newspaper’s legacy and strengthen its editorial quality and readership trust. He emphasized professional development for journalists and improved staff welfare. Hossain, who began his career in journalism before moving to the corporate sector, previously served as Managing Editor of *The Business Post* and currently leads Unique Hotel & Resorts PLC as CEO.

Widely recognized in Bangladesh’s tourism and hospitality industry, Hossain also serves as a Vice President of the Bangladesh Cricket Board. His appointment is seen as a bridge between media, corporate leadership, and national branding, potentially bringing a new strategic direction to *Amader Shomoy*’s editorial operations.

Social Welfare Adviser Sharmin S. Murshid stated that the 2024 mass uprising in Bangladesh represents a continuation of the 1971 Liberation War’s pursuit of economic and social justice. Speaking at the National Martyrs’ Memorial on Victory Day, she said the young protesters of 2024 embody the same spirit of freedom and equality that inspired the nation’s independence movement.

Murshid, daughter of educationist Khan Sarwar Murshid, emphasized that both movements sought democracy, equality, and fairness. She cautioned against drawing divisive comparisons between 1971 and 2024, arguing that such debates diminish national pride. According to her, the Liberation War remains a source of immense honor, and any “unwanted interpretation” of it weakens the country’s unity.

Her remarks come amid ongoing national reflection on the legacy of 1971 and the meaning of recent civic movements. Analysts note that her comments may influence how younger generations connect their activism to Bangladesh’s foundational struggles for justice and democracy.

Chief Adviser Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus attended the Victory Day celebrations at the National Parade Ground in Dhaka on Tuesday morning. He was received by Liberation War Affairs Adviser Faruk-i-Azam upon arrival at around 11:15 a.m. The event, organized under the supervision of the Armed Forces Division with support from the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs, featured a special exhibition including a fly-past, parachute jumps, and aerobatic displays.

Thousands of spectators gathered at the old Tejgaon Airport to witness the air show, marking Bangladesh’s 54th Victory Day. Security was heightened, with visitors allowed entry only after thorough screening. The Armed Forces also performed a coordinated band presentation, showcasing military discipline and national pride.

The Victory Day celebrations commemorate Bangladesh’s triumph in the 1971 Liberation War. Dr. Yunus’s presence at the event underscored the caretaker government’s emphasis on honoring the nation’s independence and unity. Officials indicated that similar programs would continue throughout the day across the country.

Environmental and climate adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan has strongly criticized the use of violence and assassination attempts as political tools in Bangladesh. Speaking to reporters at the National Martyrs’ Memorial in Savar on Tuesday, she said there is no heroism in trying to eliminate opponents through violence, calling such acts cowardly and unacceptable in a democratic society.

Hasan emphasized that true political strength lies in facing the public through democratic means, not in silencing dissent. Reflecting on Bangladesh’s post-independence aspirations, she lamented that the nation has yet to achieve a fully democratic and equitable society, which has led to repeated uprisings and unrest. She expressed hope that the upcoming February election and concurrent referendum could mark a renewed journey toward genuine democracy and reform.

Her remarks come amid heightened political tensions, as parties prepare for the national polls and debate the scope of proposed constitutional and governance reforms.

Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of Inquilab Mancha and independent candidate for Dhaka-8, is currently receiving treatment at Singapore General Hospital following gunshot injuries. His brother Omar Faruk reported early Tuesday that Hadi’s breathing and heartbeat have returned to normal, and his heart function has improved. Doctors have declared his condition stable after intensive monitoring and medication.

According to hospital sources, Hadi’s condition deteriorated during his transfer to Singapore as his heart rate and breathing increased sharply. Upon arrival, he was immediately admitted to the ICU, where doctors administered intravenous medication and kept him under close observation for two hours. After responding positively to treatment, his vital signs stabilized.

A specialized medical team has been formed to oversee Hadi’s continued care. The team is expected to review his test results and determine the next phase of treatment later Tuesday. Hadi remains under intensive observation as his recovery progresses, with family members expressing cautious optimism about his condition.

Jamaat-e-Islami organized a large youth rally in Satkania, Chattogram, on Bangladesh’s Victory Day, December 16, 2025. Thousands of party and Islami Chhatra Shibir activists joined the procession carrying national flags. The rally began at Keranihat Sea World Restaurant and concluded several kilometers away at Hasmat’s Shop area along the Chattogram–Cox’s Bazar highway.

Addressing a brief assembly before the march, Jamaat central executive member and former deputy speaker Shahjahan Chowdhury said Victory Day represents the foundation of national identity and unity against injustice. He emphasized that despite 54 years of independence, many citizens still face inequality and lack of justice. Chowdhury urged the establishment of accountability and moral governance to fulfill the true spirit of liberation.

Highlighting the role of youth, he stated that Bangladesh’s young population could transform the nation into a welfare state if guided by honesty and discipline. The event was chaired by Chattogram South District Jamaat chief Advocate Anwarul Alam Chowdhury, with leaders from district and sub-district levels in attendance.

Rashed Pradhan, vice president and spokesperson of the National Democratic Party (JAGPA), has called for what he termed an 'intellectual war' against Indian influence in Bangladesh. Speaking at the National Martyrs’ Memorial on Victory Day, he said the country must now fight for true sovereignty following the July uprising, comparing the struggle to the 1971 war against Pakistan.

Pradhan argued that Bangladesh gained independence in name only, claiming successive governments from Sheikh Mujibur Rahman to Sheikh Hasina failed to assert national dignity before India. He demanded stronger border responses, fair water-sharing through international arbitration, and resistance to what he described as Indian cultural and economic dominance. He also urged boycotts of Indian goods and services and identification of ‘domestic collaborators’.

The remarks, made during a symbolic national commemoration, reflect JAGPA’s nationalist stance and growing anti-India rhetoric within parts of Bangladesh’s opposition. Analysts suggest such statements may heighten diplomatic sensitivities as Dhaka and New Delhi maintain close but occasionally tense relations.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has expressed hope that the upcoming national election on February 12 will open a new chapter in the country’s political history. Speaking at a youth marathon organized in Dhaka on Victory Day, he urged the Election Commission and administration to ensure a fair and transparent voting process, warning against any form of manipulation or bias. He emphasized that the people’s mandate must be respected and that any attempt to undermine it would face strong public resistance.

Rahman also reflected on Bangladesh’s political past, criticizing previous governments for authoritarianism, corruption, and suppression of democratic rights. He called for a new political culture focused on justice, integrity, and national sovereignty, led by the country’s youth. Jamaat leaders including Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar and Dhaka South Ameer Nurul Islam Bulbul also addressed the event, highlighting the party’s vision for a peaceful and prosperous Bangladesh.

The remarks come as political parties prepare for the February polls, amid calls for neutrality and accountability in the electoral process.

On Bangladesh’s Victory Day, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir warned that forces defeated in the 1971 Liberation War are attempting to re-emerge. Speaking after paying tribute at the grave of BNP founder and former president Ziaur Rahman, he said the people will resist any conspiracy against the country’s independence and sovereignty. Fakhrul announced that acting BNP chairman Tarique Rahman will return to Bangladesh on December 25 to intensify the party’s pro-democracy movement.

Fakhrul emphasized that Victory Day holds special significance for the BNP, as Ziaur Rahman’s declaration of independence marked the beginning of the war that culminated in victory on December 16, 1971. He reiterated the party’s commitment to preserving independence and establishing democracy in Bangladesh. The BNP leader also expressed deep respect for the martyrs of the Liberation War and prayed for the recovery of party chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, who remains critically ill.

The statement underscores BNP’s attempt to rally supporters around nationalist and democratic ideals amid ongoing political uncertainty and leadership transitions.