Residents of Gobindaganj in Gaibandha district held protest marches and prayer gatherings on Friday demanding justice for the killing of Inquilab Mancha spokesperson Shahid Osman Hadi. Following the Friday prayers, special doa and prayers for his soul were offered at the Upazila Model Mosque and several other mosques, led by Maulana Sirajul Islam.

The demonstrations began in the afternoon from Gobindaganj Government High School field and concluded at the Shaheed Minar square, drawing participation from local political and student leaders, including Dr. Jahangir Alam Dablue, Mufti Touhidul Islam Tuhin, and Omar Faruk. Similar rallies were also held in Mahimaganj Bazar within the same upazila.

Participants called for swift investigation and punishment of those responsible for Hadi’s death, emphasizing the need for accountability. The incident has sparked growing local and regional attention, with community leaders urging authorities to ensure justice and maintain peace.

Bangladesh’s joint security forces have arrested 51 individuals in coordinated nationwide operations conducted between December 11 and 18, 2025. The operations involved multiple army infantry divisions, independent brigades, and other law enforcement agencies, focusing on curbing terrorism, drug trafficking, robbery, and organized youth crime. The arrests took place in Dhaka and several other districts.

Authorities reported seizing nine illegal firearms, 27 rounds of ammunition, explosives, narcotics, and sharp weapons during the raids. The detainees include suspected terrorists, drug dealers, addicts, robbers, and members of juvenile gangs. Officials stated that all suspects have been handed over to local police stations for interrogation and legal proceedings.

Security analysts view the coordinated effort as part of a broader government initiative to strengthen internal security and suppress rising urban crime networks. Law enforcement agencies are expected to continue similar joint drives in the coming weeks to maintain stability and public safety.

Maulana Ahmad Abdul Kaiyum, chairman of the National Tafsir Council, alleged that the killing of Sharif Osman Hadi was part of a broader conspiracy to destabilize Bangladesh. Speaking at a prayer gathering in Dhaka’s Merajnagar area on Friday, he described the murder as a grave threat to national unity and sovereignty.

Kaiyum accused external actors, particularly India, of attempting to create unrest through covert operations. He further claimed that a list of 50 patriotic figures, including prominent Islamic scholars such as Pir Saheb Charmonai and Maulana Mamunul Haque, had been marked for assassination. Other council leaders, including Maulana Bakibillah and Maulana Jalal Hossain, were also present at the event.

The cleric urged authorities to act decisively, calling for the immediate arrest and strict punishment of those responsible. His remarks come amid heightened tensions following Hadi’s death and growing calls from civil society and international organizations for a transparent investigation.

The Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) has strongly condemned the violent attacks on the offices of Bangladeshi newspapers Prothom Alo and The Daily Star following the killing of July fighter and Inquilab Mancha spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi. The attacks occurred around midnight on December 18, when unruly groups vandalized and set fire to both newspaper offices, trapping several journalists inside. Security forces and firefighters later rescued the trapped staff and brought the situation under control.

In a joint statement, DRU President Abu Saleh Akon and General Secretary Mainul Hasan Sohel denounced the assaults as direct threats to press freedom and democratic values. They demanded a swift, impartial investigation to identify and prosecute those responsible. Veteran journalist Nurul Kabir was reportedly harassed while attempting to assist colleagues during the incident.

The DRU warned that targeting media institutions undermines constitutional rights and the rule of law. It urged the government to ensure exemplary punishment for the perpetrators to prevent further intimidation of journalists and safeguard the independence of the press.

Bangladesh’s Cultural Affairs Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki announced that all individuals involved in the recent attack and looting at the Chhayanaut building in Dhanmondi are being identified through CCTV footage and will be brought under legal action. Farooki visited the damaged cultural center on Friday afternoon, inspecting the affected areas and meeting with Chhayanaut officials, including organizer Partha Tanvir Noved.

He stated that the government will provide financial and logistical support to restore the building and ensure its quick reopening. Security around the site has been reinforced with police and Border Guard Bangladesh personnel. Farooki described the incident as part of a broader conspiracy to disrupt the upcoming national election and destabilize the country, emphasizing that attacks on cultural institutions contradict the spirit of Bangladesh’s democratic and cultural movements.

Authorities are expected to complete damage assessments soon, while investigations continue to identify and prosecute those responsible for the violence.

Bangladesh’s Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) has arrested fugitive suspect Sukanta Dutta in connection with the murder of lawyer Saiful Islam Alif, who was killed during a violent protest at the Chattogram court premises in November 2024. The arrest was made on Friday afternoon from the Nilachal Joint Farm area under Bandarban Sadar Police Station through a joint operation by RAB-7 Chattogram and RAB-15 Cox’s Bazar units. Dutta, aged 30, is a resident of Anwara upazila in Chattogram.

According to RAB, Alif was attacked and killed with sharp weapons by a group of followers of expelled ISKCON leader Chinmoy Das after Das’s bail was denied in a sedition case. The murder sparked nationwide outrage, leading to protests, human chains, and a two-day work stoppage by the Chattogram District Bar Association. Alif’s father filed a murder case naming 31 individuals and several unidentified suspects.

Authorities say the arrest marks a major breakthrough in the investigation, with further legal proceedings underway. Security agencies continue to monitor other fugitives linked to the case.

A group of unidentified attackers stormed the Chhayanaut Cultural Complex in Dhaka’s Dhanmondi area on Thursday night, vandalizing property and setting parts of the building on fire. According to Dhanmondi Police Station Officer-in-Charge Md. Saiful Islam, the assailants entered the premises, damaged furniture and other items, and ignited fires on the fourth and fifth floors. Fire service teams quickly arrived and brought the blaze under control, preventing major structural losses.

Television footage showed scattered and broken furniture across several rooms, highlighting the extent of the vandalism. Law enforcement personnel later dispersed the attackers and restored order. No casualties were immediately reported, and authorities have not yet confirmed the motive behind the assault.

The Chhayanaut building, a prominent center for Bangladeshi cultural and musical education, holds symbolic significance in Dhaka’s cultural life. The incident has raised concerns about the safety of cultural institutions and the need for enhanced security measures. Police have launched an investigation to identify those responsible and determine the cause of the attack.

Sylhet Metropolitan Police (SMP) have detained nine individuals, including several with political affiliations, under the ongoing 'Devil Hunt-2' operation. The arrests were made across different parts of the city over a 36-hour period, targeting suspects linked to explosive-related cases and other criminal charges under the Penal Code and Explosive Substances Act.

Police sources confirmed that among those detained are former and current leaders of the Awami League, Jubo League, and Chhatra League. The list includes a former vice-president of the Kulaura upazila Awami League, a city Jubo League general secretary, and several local organizational heads. Authorities stated that all detainees have been presented before the court following legal procedures.

Law enforcement officials said the operation is part of a broader crackdown on politically linked criminal networks in Sylhet. Investigations are ongoing, and further legal action will be taken based on evidence gathered during the inquiry.

Two leading Bangladeshi newspapers, Prothom Alo and The Daily Star, came under attack late Thursday night as unidentified assailants set fires and vandalized their offices in Dhaka. Fire Service officials confirmed that two units were dispatched to control the blaze at the Prothom Alo building, while separate reports indicated that The Daily Star office was also targeted by arsonists.

Army personnel were deployed to the scene to restore order and assist emergency responders. The extent of the damage and any casualties were not immediately confirmed as of early Friday morning. Authorities have yet to release details on the motive or identity of those involved.

The attacks have raised concerns about press freedom and security for journalists in Bangladesh. Media organizations and civil society groups are expected to issue statements condemning the violence and urging the government to ensure accountability. Further investigations are underway to determine whether the incidents were coordinated or politically motivated.

A 12-second video filmed in Netrakona’s Purbadhala upazila has triggered widespread outrage after going viral on social media. The footage, showing a young man appearing to harass a girl near a madrasa, was later revealed to be a staged act recorded by twin brothers Roman and Rakib, both 18, with a 13-year-old boy playing the female role. The video was reportedly made to gain online views under their page ‘Rakib is Skating Blog.’

Local authorities confirmed the video was pre-planned and condemned the act as socially harmful. Purbadhala Union Council Chairman Siddiqur Rahman Bulbul warned that such content spreads fear among schoolgirls and urged legal action. Police said the accused have gone into hiding and their social media page has been removed. The Upazila Nirbahi Officer has directed police to take immediate legal measures.

The incident highlights growing concerns over the misuse of social media for sensational content and its psychological impact on communities. Law enforcement continues efforts to locate and arrest the suspects.

The Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) seized illegal Indian sarees valued at approximately Tk 6.28 million during separate anti-smuggling operations along the Comilla border on Thursday, December 18. The raids were conducted by special patrol teams under the Comilla Battalion (10 BGB) in the Tikkar Char, Kabiraj Bazar, and Chauddagram areas, where the sarees were found abandoned within eight kilometers inside Bangladesh territory.

According to BGB sources, the operations were part of ongoing efforts to curb cross-border smuggling of goods and narcotics. Comilla Battalion Commander Colonel Mir Ali Ejaz confirmed the seizure and stated that the confiscated items would be handed over to customs authorities following legal procedures. He emphasized that the BGB would continue such drives to prevent illegal trade across the frontier.

The incident underscores persistent challenges in controlling cross-border smuggling activities along the Bangladesh-India boundary, where textile and consumer goods are frequently trafficked. Authorities are expected to strengthen surveillance and coordination with customs to enhance border security.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) arrested 392 individuals in the capital within 24 hours under 'Operation Devil Hunt Phase-2'. Among those detained were 15 active members of the banned Awami League and its affiliated organizations, while 377 were wanted in various cases or named in charge sheets. The DMP said the operation was part of ongoing efforts to maintain law and order in the city.

In addition to the arrests, police set up 11 special checkpoints at key entry and exit points of Dhaka on December 17 to inspect suspicious vehicles and ensure public safety. During these checks, 769 vehicles were searched, and five more people were detained. The DMP emphasized that such operations will continue to preserve stability in the capital.

Authorities have not disclosed further details on the charges against the detainees, but the large-scale operation signals intensified security measures amid heightened political and public safety concerns in Dhaka.

Bangladesh’s Rapid Action Battalion (RAB-6) has arrested Md. Ijazul Hossain, a listed top criminal and active member of the 'Grenade Babu' gang, for his alleged direct involvement in the daylight double murder at the Khulna District and Sessions Judge Court premises. He was detained on December 17 from the Aichgati area across the Rupsha River. According to RAB, Ijazul confessed to participating in the killing of Fazle Rabbi Rajon and Hasib Howlader on November 30.

RAB officials stated that seven attackers took part in the assault, which stemmed from a long-standing feud between the 'Grenade Babu' and 'Palash' gangs over territorial control, drug trade profits, and extortion money. CCTV and mobile footage captured Ijazul at the scene, leading to his arrest. The victims’ families did not initially file a case, prompting police to register two cases under murder and arms laws on December 3.

Authorities continue to investigate the broader network behind the attack as law enforcement intensifies operations against organized crime groups in Khulna.

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 220 million and conducting suspicious transactions totaling Tk 870 million. The charges were confirmed by ACC Director General Md. Akhter Hossain on Thursday.

According to the chargesheet, Kamal, while serving as a public official, abused his authority to acquire assets inconsistent with his known sources of income. Investigators also found evidence of money laundering through nine bank accounts, allegedly used to conceal or transfer illicit funds. The charges were filed under the Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2004, the Prevention of Corruption Act 1947, and the Money Laundering Prevention Act 2012.

Kamal was previously sentenced to death by the International Crimes Tribunal in November for crimes against humanity during the July uprising. The new corruption case adds to his legal troubles, signaling intensified scrutiny of former high-ranking officials accused of financial and wartime offenses.

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has recovered 150,000 yaba tablets valued at approximately Tk 45 million during a special operation in Ukhiya, Cox’s Bazar. The seizure took place early Thursday morning when a patrol team from BGB’s 64th Battalion spotted a suspect crossing from Myanmar. Upon being challenged, the individual abandoned a black plastic bag and fled across the Naf River back into Myanmar.

According to Lieutenant Colonel Mohammad Jasim Uddin, commander of the Ukhiya Battalion, the confiscated drugs were found inside airtight blue packets within the bag. Intelligence surveillance has been intensified to identify and arrest the fleeing trafficker. The recovered yaba consignment is being handed over to Ukhiya Police Station for further legal procedures.

BGB officials reaffirmed their commitment to combating cross-border drug trafficking and smuggling, emphasizing that such operations will continue. The seizure underscores the persistent challenge of narcotics entering Bangladesh through the Myanmar border, a hotspot for yaba trafficking in recent years.