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.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Professor Mia Golam Porwar has alleged that the 1971 killing of intellectuals was part of a planned conspiracy by the Indian Army and intelligence agencies. Speaking at a discussion organized by Dhaka North Jamaat on the occasion of Martyred Intellectuals Day, he claimed that historical evidence shows the killings occurred when Indian forces had already entered Dhaka.

Porwar argued that left-leaning and pro-India intellectuals have long blamed Jamaat for the massacre, but he said new information indicates Indian involvement. He stated that by early December 1971, Indian troops were effectively controlling Dhaka, making it implausible for Pakistani forces or their collaborators to organize such killings. Citing accounts from Rao Farman Ali and others, he claimed Pakistan’s military had planned to surrender on December 14, but the date was postponed at India’s request.

His remarks have drawn criticism from historians and liberation war researchers who maintain that pro-Pakistani militias were responsible for the targeted killings of Bangladesh’s leading intellectuals.

Bangladeshi law enforcement agencies have launched an investigation after an audio recording from a Telegram group named 'Awami League Online Community' went viral, allegedly exposing plans for coordinated violence in Dhaka and Chattogram ahead of the upcoming 13th national election. The leaked audio, reportedly shared by an Al Jazeera investigative journalist, features discussions about a multi-phase operation and references to external support and weapon licenses.

The incident follows recent attacks on independent and opposition candidates, including an assassination attempt on Sharif Osman Hadi and a deadly assault on BNP candidate Ershad in Chattogram. Political leaders across parties have expressed fear of renewed 'target killings' and urged authorities to ensure safety. Police and intelligence units are intensifying patrols, weapon recovery drives, and surveillance of suspected militant networks.

Officials have identified 15 potential cross-border arms routes from India and Myanmar, raising concerns about external involvement. Security agencies have been instructed to prioritize disarmament operations and candidate protection to prevent election-related unrest.

Fifteen army officers accused in two enforced disappearance cases and one murder case linked to the July uprising were brought before the International Crimes Tribunal-1 in Dhaka on Sunday morning. The tribunal, chaired by Justice Golam Mortuza Majumder with two other members, is hearing three separate cases involving alleged crimes against humanity committed under the previous Awami League government.

Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam earlier presented charges against 17 individuals, including former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her security adviser Major General (Retd.) Tariq Ahmed Siddiq, in the Taskforce for Interrogation (TFI) cell disappearance case. Seven accused remain fugitives, while ten are in custody. In a separate case concerning disappearances at the JIC cell, Hasina and 12 military officers face five formal charges. Another case involves the killing of 28 people in Rampura during the July uprising, with two Border Guard officers detained.

The tribunal has set today for defense arguments in all three cases. Legal analysts note that these proceedings mark a significant phase in Bangladesh’s ongoing accountability process for alleged human rights violations.

Bangladesh today marks Martyred Intellectuals Day, commemorating the tragic killings of the nation’s brightest minds on December 14, 1971. On this day, as Pakistan’s defeat became inevitable, occupation forces and their local collaborators abducted and executed teachers, doctors, journalists, artists, and other intellectuals. Their bodies were later found in mass graves at Rayerbazar and Mirpur. The day’s official observances began early morning with floral tributes at the Mirpur Martyred Intellectuals Memorial by President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus, followed by ceremonies at Rayerbazar.

Political parties including BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami also organized separate programs, discussions, and flag-hoisting ceremonies. In their messages, the President urged building a non-communal, equitable Bangladesh to honor the martyrs’ ideals, while Dr. Yunus emphasized their intellectual leadership during the Liberation War. BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman called for strengthening democracy and freedom of expression to fulfill their vision. The day remains a solemn reminder of the nation’s sacrifice and enduring commitment to justice and national unity.

Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) Vice President Sadik Kayem has expressed regret over a misunderstanding caused by his earlier social media post following reports that Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of the Inquilab Mancha and potential independent candidate for Dhaka-8, had been shot. In a Facebook post on Saturday night, Kayem clarified that his choice of words led to confusion and apologized for any misinterpretation.

Kayem also praised BNP leader Ruhul Kabir Rizvi for retracting a statement that had been influenced by AI-generated images and misinformation, calling it a positive step toward improving political culture. He emphasized that democratic politics should allow debate and disagreement, but not rely on fake or unverified content. Kayem reiterated his commitment to building a just Bangladesh while remaining vigilant against what he described as authoritarian and violent political forces.

The apology has been noted as an example of accountability in political communication amid growing concerns over misinformation and AI-generated content in Bangladesh’s political discourse.

A banned Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) leader at Rajshahi University, Asadullah Hil Galib, has issued a death threat to Rajshahi University Central Students’ Union (RUCSU) General Secretary Salahuddin Ammar through a Facebook post on Friday, December 12. The post, made from Galib’s verified account, also received public support from the university BCL president, Mostafizur Rahman Babu.

In the post, Galib warned Ammar to increase his security and avoid traveling alone, implying potential harm if ignored. Babu commented under the post, praying that Ammar’s life be spared. When contacted, Ammar said he was aware of the post but not concerned, adding that such threats from political pages were frequent and did not intimidate him. He emphasized his commitment to continue his duties without fear.

The incident has sparked renewed debate over campus safety and the influence of banned political groups in public universities, with calls for authorities to investigate and ensure student security.

Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary, Shafiqul Alam, stated that his family is deeply concerned about his safety ahead of the upcoming national elections. In a Facebook post on Saturday, December 13, he revealed that his wife, children, and siblings have urged him to remain cautious, though he personally does not feel afraid. His remarks came days after a violent shooting incident that left political observers alarmed.

In his post, Alam reflected on completing 16 months in his role and expressed solidarity with the youth who, he said, have taken leadership in shaping the country’s political direction. He criticized what he described as oppressive governance and praised the new generation’s determination to continue their mission for democratic reform. He also commemorated several young activists who lost their lives in recent months, portraying them as symbols of resilience.

Alam concluded by expressing confidence in Bangladesh’s future, acknowledging potential domestic and foreign challenges but asserting that the nation’s youth remain fearless and committed to change.

Former BNP lawmaker and decorated freedom fighter Major (Retd.) Akhtaruzzaman has formally joined Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami after being expelled five times from the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). Once a two-time MP from Kishoreganj-2 and former district BNP president, Akhtaruzzaman announced his decision at Jamaat’s central office in Dhaka, calling the Islamist party 'patriotic' and accusing BNP of inconsistency and falsehoods about the Liberation War.

He argued that BNP’s leadership, particularly Tarique Rahman, misrepresented Jamaat’s role in 1971, claiming that the war was fought against Pakistani forces, not Jamaat. Akhtaruzzaman criticized BNP’s shifting alliances and divisive politics, saying the party failed to unite opposition forces after August 5. He also alleged that both BNP and Jamaat have faced state repression under the Awami League government.

His defection underscores growing rifts within Bangladesh’s opposition bloc and may complicate future coalition-building efforts ahead of national political realignments.

Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh has called for nationwide prayers for the recovery of Sharif Osman Hadi, an independent candidate from Dhaka-8 and convener of the Inquilab Mancha, who was critically injured in a shooting incident. The appeal was made through a statement issued by the group’s Amir Allama Muhibullah Babunagari and Secretary General Allama Sajedur Rahman on Saturday evening.

In the statement, Hefazat leaders described Hadi as a patriotic and courageous voice of the new generation, alleging that he was targeted by what they termed as 'Awami fascist forces'. They urged citizens, mosques, and madrasas across the country to pray for his swift recovery and demanded the immediate arrest and exemplary punishment of those responsible for the attack.

The organization also accused ruling political elements of attempting to suppress dissent through violence and called on the interim government to adopt a zero-tolerance policy against political terrorism. Hefazat emphasized that ensuring law and order is crucial for holding a fair and peaceful national election.

Chief Adviser Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus hosted a reception for the 2025 Begum Rokeya Padak winners at the state guesthouse Jamuna on Saturday evening. The honorees—Rubhana Rakib, Nabila Idris, Kalpana Akter, and Rituporna Chakma—were recognized for their contributions to women’s empowerment, labor rights, human rights, and sports. During the event, the awardees expressed concern over the recent attack on political activist Osman Hadi, urging the government to take firm action and promote political unity ahead of national elections.

Dr. Yunus condemned the attack as premeditated and assured that he was monitoring Hadi’s condition and maintaining contact with political parties. Labor rights activist Kalpana Akter thanked the interim government for reforming labor laws and ratifying international conventions, calling the steps historic. Dr. Yunus emphasized labor rights and workplace safety as top priorities. He also discussed institutional challenges with researcher Rubhana Rakib and praised footballer Rituporna Chakma and human rights advocate Nabila Idris for inspiring the nation.

The event underscored the government’s focus on women’s empowerment and accountability, signaling continued engagement with civil society and reform initiatives.