Sharif Osman Bin Hadi, an independent candidate hopeful for Dhaka-8 and convener of the Inqilab Manch, was critically injured after being shot on Friday, December 12. He is currently receiving treatment at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka, where doctors report that bullet fragments remain lodged in his head. The attack has sparked widespread condemnation across Bangladesh’s political spectrum, with parties and government officials denouncing the violence.

However, the reaction across the border in India has taken a disturbing turn. Several Indian social media activists and accounts have celebrated the attack, spreading false claims that Hadi sought to annex India’s northeastern region to form a so-called “Greater Bangladesh.” Retired Indian Army officer Major Madhan Kumar and BJP-linked campaigners such as Dr. Rajesh Patil amplified these narratives, using hashtags like #Dhurandar to praise the attackers. Analysts from The Descent found that many of these posts originated from coordinated pro-BJP networks.

The incident underscores rising cross-border disinformation and political polarization online, raising concerns about digital extremism and its potential to inflame regional tensions.

The Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) has announced a protest program to surround the Home Affairs Adviser’s office, demanding the arrest of those involved in the shooting of student leader Osman Hadi. The announcement was made late Sunday by DUCSU Vice President Abu Sadiq Kayem through a Facebook post, calling for a nationwide crackdown on illegal firearms and banned militant groups.

According to the declaration, students will gather at the DUCSU premises at noon on Monday before marching toward the adviser’s office. The call for action follows growing student unrest after the attack on Hadi, which has raised concerns about campus security and political violence. DUCSU Social Welfare Secretary A.B. Zubair also expressed alarm on social media, warning of potential instability and foreign interference.

The protest underscores rising tensions within student politics and broader anxieties about law enforcement and governance. Authorities have yet to respond formally to DUCSU’s demands, but security measures are expected to be tightened around the adviser’s office during the demonstration.

BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman has called on party leaders and activists to take their development and governance plans directly to the public ahead of Bangladesh’s upcoming national elections. Speaking virtually from London at a discussion titled ‘Upcoming National Election and Public Expectations’ in Dhaka’s Gulshan, Rahman emphasized unity within the party and the need to clearly articulate BNP’s vision for governance if it returns to power.

Rahman outlined several priorities for a future BNP government, including establishing the rule of law, improving public safety, and addressing Dhaka’s chronic traffic congestion. He also highlighted the capital’s water crisis, citing the depletion of groundwater and pollution of major rivers. Addressing youth issues, he argued that social and cultural engagement, not punishment alone, is key to tackling drug abuse. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir chaired the event, which featured academics and policy experts.

Rahman concluded that implementing even 40 percent of BNP’s proposed plans could significantly alleviate national crises, signaling a renewed push to connect policy with public sentiment before the election season intensifies.

At a discussion marking Martyred Intellectuals Day, United Peoples Bangladesh (UP Bangladesh) chief organizer Naeem Ahmad claimed that the systematic killing of intellectuals by Pakistani forces in 1971 paved the way for the emergence of what he termed a fascist ideology, 'Mujibism,' after independence. Speaking as chief guest, Ahmad argued that opportunistic groups exploited the post-war vacuum to consolidate political control under this ideology.

Ahmad further alleged that similar tactics of silencing dissent are being revived following the July 2024 mass uprising, citing recent attacks on activists including Inquilab Mancha spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi and the killing of UP Bangladesh leader Tahmid. Other speakers, including Advocate Munshi Abdul Alim, accused the government of remaining indifferent to such violence and called for unity among pro-democracy forces.

The event concluded with prayers for the souls of intellectuals killed on December 14, 1971. Analysts note that such statements reflect ongoing tensions between opposition movements and the ruling establishment over political freedoms and historical narratives.

Inquilab Mancha has issued a strong ultimatum to the government, demanding the resignation of Bangladesh’s Home and Law Advisers if suspects involved in the shooting of its spokesperson, Sharif Osman Bin Hadi, are not arrested by tomorrow. The warning came during an emergency press conference held on Sunday night, where the group’s member secretary, Abdullah Al Jaber, expressed frustration over what he described as a deteriorating law and order situation.

Jaber stated that the authorities responsible for maintaining national security have failed to ensure safety and justice in recent incidents. He emphasized that the organization expects immediate action from law enforcement agencies to apprehend those responsible for the attack.

The demand adds pressure on the interim administration to demonstrate accountability in handling politically sensitive violence. Observers note that failure to respond promptly could escalate public criticism and further strain confidence in the government’s ability to maintain order.

In a strongly worded statement, Abdullah Al Jaber, member secretary of Inkilab Monch, warned that Indian diplomatic activities in Bangladesh could be suspended if India refuses to cooperate in extraditing a fugitive accused of murder. Speaking at an emergency press conference on Sunday night, Jaber alleged that the suspect had fled to India and urged the Bangladeshi government to formally request the individual's return.

Jaber criticized what he described as India’s continued interference in Bangladesh’s sovereignty and accused New Delhi of sheltering individuals who threaten the country’s security. He argued that a responsible neighboring state should assist in maintaining regional stability rather than providing refuge to criminals. The statement also included sharp criticism of India’s perceived political influence in Bangladesh’s internal affairs.

The warning reflects growing nationalist sentiment among some civic groups and could strain bilateral relations if echoed by larger political movements. No official response from the Indian High Commission or the Bangladeshi government was immediately available following the remarks.

Bangladesh’s interim government has decided to transfer Sharif Osman Hadi, a key leader of the July uprising and independent candidate for Dhaka-8, to Singapore for advanced medical treatment on Monday, December 15. An air ambulance from Singapore is scheduled to arrive in Dhaka at 10:30 a.m. and depart at 1:30 p.m. with Hadi on board. The decision followed consultations among senior advisers, including Professor Muhammad Yunus, cultural adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki, and medical specialists from Evercare Hospital.

Officials confirmed that Hadi’s condition remains stable but unchanged. The government had contacted hospitals in Singapore, Thailand, and Malaysia before finalizing Singapore General Hospital’s emergency department for his care. All travel and medical arrangements have been completed, and the state will bear the full cost of treatment. The interim chief adviser has instructed continuous monitoring of Hadi’s medical progress and requested public prayers for his recovery.

The move underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring adequate medical support for prominent political figures during the transitional period.

Bangladeshi journalist Anis Alomgir has been taken into custody by the Detective Branch (DB) for questioning, according to police sources. The move followed mounting criticism from the political platform July Oikya, which accused Alomgir of inciting hostility against its spokesperson Sharif Osman Bin Hadi and defaming the July movement. The group has issued an ultimatum, threatening to besiege the Home Ministry if Alomgir is released without formal arrest.

July Oikya organizers alleged that Alomgir, known for his pro-Awami League stance, engaged in what they called 'information terrorism' and made derogatory remarks about July revolution activists. They further claimed that both government and foreign lobbyists were pressuring authorities to release him. A DB official, speaking anonymously, confirmed that Alomgir was brought in for interrogation on specific issues but did not clarify whether charges would follow.

The incident underscores growing political polarization and tensions between pro- and anti-government factions in post-Hasina Bangladesh. Observers warn that such confrontations between activist groups and state institutions could further strain the fragile political environment.

In Sitakunda, Chattogram, local sources and political observers have accused the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) of deliberately spreading misinformation on social media regarding a picnic organized by former Jamaat-e-Islami leader Tawhidul Haque Chowdhury. The event, held at the foothills of Chandranath Hill, reportedly included participants from Hindu and Buddhist communities. However, posts circulated online falsely claimed that the picnic involved cow slaughter at a Hindu pilgrimage site, sparking communal tension.

Community leaders, including Puja Committee officials, dismissed the allegations as fabricated and politically motivated. They stated that the meat was prepared offsite and that the picnic area was far from any temple or cremation ground. Local residents confirmed the location is a common picnic spot used by various social groups. Jamaat representatives alleged that the rumors were part of a broader attempt to divert attention from ongoing political controversies and disrupt communal harmony.

Authorities and civic leaders have urged restraint and fact-based reporting to prevent further unrest in the region.

Abdul Hannan Masud, Senior Joint Chief Coordinator of the National Citizens’ Committee (NCP) and candidate for Noakhali-6 (Hatiya), stated that students have historically led Bangladesh’s liberation movements. Speaking at a discussion organized by the National Student Power in Hatiya, he said students freed the country from British rule in 1947, Pakistani occupation in 1971, autocracy in 1990, and most recently, from what he termed 'Indian domination' in 2024.

Masud emphasized that the National Student Power evolved from earlier democratic student movements and now represents a mass uprising for a new Bangladesh. He urged students to unite beyond personality-based politics, reach out to farmers, workers, and citizens, and bring transformative change to Hatiya and the nation. Other NCP leaders, including Hafizur Rahman and Niamat Ullah Nirab, also addressed the event.

The remarks reflect the NCP’s attempt to position student activism as central to its political narrative ahead of upcoming national political developments.

Leaders and activists of the Shibganj Upazila and Municipal units of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) organized a protest march and rally condemning the recent attack on Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of Inqilab Mancha, in Dhaka. The demonstration paraded through the municipal area before concluding with a protest gathering at Shaheed Mir Mugdho Square.

The rally, presided over by Municipal BNP President Bulbul Islam, featured speeches from Upazila BNP General Secretary Advocate Abdul Wahab and several local leaders, including former secretary S.M. Tajul Islam and youth and student wing representatives. Speakers strongly condemned the attack, urging authorities to conduct a thorough investigation and bring those responsible to justice.

Local BNP leaders emphasized that such incidents reflect a deteriorating political environment and called for ensuring safety for opposition activists. They warned that continued attacks on political figures could further heighten tensions ahead of national political activities.

The Bangladesh Election Commission (EC) has established inquiry and judicial committees across all 300 parliamentary constituencies ahead of the upcoming 13th National Parliament election and a concurrent referendum. The announcement, issued on Sunday, December 14, by Deputy Secretary Mohammad Didar Hossain of the EC’s legal wing, outlines that the committees will investigate and adjudicate any irregularities during the electoral process.

According to the EC’s official schedule, nomination papers must be submitted by December 29, with scrutiny taking place from December 30 to January 4. The withdrawal deadline is January 20, followed by the final candidate list and symbol allocation on January 21. Campaigning will run from January 22 until the morning of February 10, and voting is set for February 12. The EC stated that these committees were formed in consultation with the Supreme Court and the Ministry of Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs.

Officials say the move aims to ensure transparency and accountability in the election process, as the country prepares for a competitive and closely watched national vote.

Bangladesh Election Commissioner Brigadier General (Retd.) Abul Fazl Md. Sanaullah has confirmed that the 13th National Parliamentary Election and referendum will be held on time, dismissing any concerns about disruptions. Following a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Election Commissioner A M M Nasir Uddin in Dhaka, he stated that law enforcement agencies have assured full readiness to prevent any attempts to derail the electoral process.

The meeting, attended by senior officials from the Home Ministry, Armed Forces Division, Police, BGB, Ansar, and DMP, reviewed the national security situation ahead of the polls. Sanaullah said recent covert attacks, including one targeting Sharif Osman Hadi, are under investigation. He warned political parties to remain vigilant against infiltrators and misinformation on social media that could incite unrest.

Authorities have intensified operations to recover illegal weapons, restrict militant movement, and strengthen intelligence coordination, particularly in border and Rohingya-populated areas. The Election Commission expressed satisfaction with current measures but emphasized the need for continued vigilance to ensure a peaceful election environment.

A Dhaka court has accepted a case against the online news portal ‘Dainik Ajker Kantho’ for allegedly publishing false information implicating BNP leader Mirza Abbas in the shooting of independent candidate Sharif Osman Hadi. The case was filed by Advocate Mohammad Sadiqur Rahman Bhuiyan, a member of the Dhaka Bar Association, before Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Jashita Islam’s court. The court recorded the plaintiff’s statement and directed the Detective Branch (DB) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police to investigate and submit a report.

According to the complaint, the portal knowingly spread false news on December 12, claiming that Hadi was shot by Abbas’s associates, allegedly to mislead the public and influence election outcomes in Dhaka-8 constituency. The plaintiff argued that the report aimed to damage Abbas’s electoral prospects and extract illegal benefits. Law enforcement agencies are reportedly close to identifying the actual perpetrators of the shooting.

The case highlights growing concerns over misinformation during Bangladesh’s election season, with authorities emphasizing the need for responsible reporting and fact-based political coverage.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has described the 1971 killings of Bangladesh’s intellectuals as part of a deliberate blueprint orchestrated by anti-liberation forces. Speaking at a discussion marking Martyred Intellectuals Day in Dhaka’s Engineers Institution auditorium, he said the massacre, carried out just two days before Victory Day, aimed to cripple the nation intellectually. He accused local collaborators of aiding the Pakistani army in abducting and killing the country’s brightest minds.

Fakhrul further alleged that conspiracies against the nation’s progress continue in different forms, including under the current Awami League government. He criticized what he called the weakening of education, health, and economic systems, claiming these were part of a broader effort to suppress national potential. Referring to a recent attack on Sharif Osman Bin Hadi, he said attempts are being made to instill fear and silence democratic voices.

He reaffirmed BNP’s commitment to democracy and vowed to realize the visions of Tarique Rahman, Khaleda Zia, and Ziaur Rahman for a prosperous and democratic Bangladesh.