An Indian parliamentary committee led by Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has described Bangladesh’s current political and security situation as India’s most serious strategic challenge since the 1971 Liberation War. The committee urged the Indian government to handle the crisis with extreme caution and issued several policy recommendations to safeguard New Delhi’s regional influence.

The report warns that Bangladesh’s shifting political alignment—marked by closer ties with Pakistan and China—could erode India’s strategic relevance in Dhaka. It cited China’s growing presence through infrastructure projects such as the Mongla port expansion, Lalmonirhat airbase, and Pekua submarine base. The committee also noted that previously banned Jamaat-e-Islami has regained registration to contest elections, while the interim government has barred the Awami League, raising concerns about electoral inclusivity.

Among its recommendations, the panel called for strict monitoring to prevent any foreign military base in Bangladesh and urged India to offer preferential access in connectivity and port development. Analysts view the report as a signal for recalibrating India’s neighborhood policy amid intensifying regional competition.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia’s health condition has remained stable over the past month, according to her personal physician and BNP Standing Committee member Dr. AZM Zahid Hossain. Speaking to reporters outside Evercare Hospital in Dhaka on Friday, Dr. Zahid said Khaleda underwent a minor medical procedure earlier in the day, which she successfully tolerated. She is currently being treated in a coronary care unit cabin equipped with full intensive care facilities.

Dr. Zahid emphasized that Khaleda’s condition has improved compared to previous weeks and that there has been no deterioration following the latest procedure. He clarified that although she is in a CCU cabin, it has all the features of an ICU. On behalf of Khaleda’s family and the BNP, Dr. Zahid requested prayers from the public for her continued recovery.

The former prime minister has been receiving long-term treatment at Evercare Hospital, and her health updates remain a matter of national attention given her political significance.

The United States Senate has confirmed Brent Christensen as the next US Ambassador to Bangladesh, making him the 18th envoy to serve in Dhaka. Christensen, a senior Foreign Service officer, announced his confirmation on LinkedIn, expressing gratitude to President Donald Trump for the nomination. His appointment follows the tenure of Peter Haas, who served as ambassador from March 2022 to April 2024.

According to the US State Department, Christensen previously served at the US Embassy in Dhaka as Counselor for Political and Economic Affairs from 2019 to 2021. His prior experience in Bangladesh and long diplomatic career are expected to strengthen bilateral cooperation in trade, governance, and regional security. The confirmation comes at a time when Washington and Dhaka are navigating sensitive issues including labor rights, democratic governance, and Indo-Pacific strategy.

Christensen’s arrival is anticipated to reinvigorate diplomatic engagement between the two nations, with observers expecting renewed focus on economic collaboration and climate resilience. His posting underscores Washington’s continued interest in deepening ties with South Asia’s emerging economy.

Authorities have deployed Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) personnel at several strategic points in Dhaka to maintain law and order following the return of Inqilab Mancha convener Sharif Osman Hadi’s body. The deployment was confirmed Friday afternoon by BGB spokesperson Md Shariful Islam, who said forces were stationed around Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, Karwan Bazar, and Hotel Intercontinental.

The heightened security comes amid a tense atmosphere in the capital after Hadi’s death was reported Thursday night. Officials said BGB units were placed in the airport’s civil aviation zone, domestic terminal, and inner roundabout to prevent any untoward incidents during the body’s arrival. Police presence has also been reinforced across major roads.

Observers note that the government’s swift security response aims to avert unrest as supporters demand justice for Hadi’s killing. Demonstrations have already been reported in parts of Dhaka, with calls for the perpetrators’ arrest and exemplary punishment. Authorities are expected to maintain the deployment until the situation stabilizes.

The port city of Chattogram witnessed daylong protests on Friday as multiple political and social groups demonstrated against the killing of Osman Hadi, spokesperson of the Inquilab Mancha and a key figure in the July Revolution. The demonstrations included funeral processions, special prayers, rallies, and road blockades organized under various banners across the city, drawing participation from political activists, professionals, and youth groups.

Protesters marched from major mosques such as Anderkilla and Jamiatul Falah, demanding the interim government ensure justice by bringing the alleged killers back from India. They accused law enforcement of failing to arrest suspects even a week after the incident, despite viral footage identifying them within hours. Leaders warned of a broader movement if the government did not act decisively.

The unrest reflects growing frustration over cross-border security and administrative inaction. Observers note that the protests could intensify if authorities fail to deliver visible progress in the investigation or address concerns about border control and accountability.

Student-led group Inquilab Mancha announced that it will soon unveil a tough action program to demand justice for Osman Hadi, who was recently killed. The announcement came through a Facebook post on Friday, where the organization urged supporters to gather at Dhaka University Central Mosque and remain active on the streets until justice is served.

The group emphasized that participants should follow only Inquilab Mancha’s directives and avoid external influence. The post reiterated their commitment to ensuring justice for Hadi, referring to him as a martyr, and vowed not to return home until their demands are met. The statement reflects growing frustration among student activists following recent incidents of violence and political tension on campuses.

Observers suggest that the upcoming program could heighten pressure on authorities to investigate Hadi’s death transparently. Law enforcement and university officials are expected to monitor the situation closely as the group prepares to announce its next steps.

Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary, Shafiqul Alam, publicly apologized following violent attacks on the offices of national dailies The Daily Star and Prothom Alo. In a verified social media post on December 19, Alam expressed deep regret for failing to protect journalists who called him in distress during the incident. He said he made numerous calls seeking help but assistance arrived too late to prevent the destruction.

The attacks occurred on the night of December 18, when an angry mob vandalized and set fire to the two media houses in Dhaka. Alam, a former journalist himself, described the events as one of the most severe assaults on the press in the country’s history. Professional journalist associations, including BFUJ and DUJ, have strongly condemned the violence and demanded accountability.

The incident has raised serious concerns about press freedom and journalist safety in Bangladesh. Authorities are under pressure to investigate the attacks and ensure protection for media workers amid growing tensions between the government and independent news outlets.

The student-led organization Inqilab Moncho has called on its supporters not to follow any instructions or provocations from groups other than its own leadership. In a Facebook post published Friday afternoon, the group announced plans to gather at Dhaka University’s central mosque with the body of Osman Hadi, whom they referred to as a martyr. Members and students were urged to remain on the streets and continue chanting for justice.

The statement emphasized unity and discipline, warning followers against being misled by external actors. Inqilab Moncho declared that it would soon announce a tougher program to demand justice for Hadi’s killing, pledging not to retreat until accountability is ensured. The incident has drawn attention from civil society groups, including Citizen Initiative, which expressed concern over the killing, while journalist unions condemned recent attacks on media offices.

Observers note that tensions remain high around Dhaka University as calls for justice and political mobilization intensify, with authorities monitoring the situation closely.

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed has alleged that a deliberate attempt may be underway to create unrest aimed at delaying Bangladesh’s upcoming national elections and obstructing the country’s democratic process. Speaking to journalists in Gulshan on Friday, he said the party strongly condemns such activities and called on the government to take strict legal measures against those responsible.

Ahmed also criticized the authorities for failing to anticipate the situation, noting that intelligence reports and preventive measures should have been in place. He claimed that certain locations were targeted in advance, suggesting a coordinated plan to destabilize the nation. The BNP leader emphasized that no conspiracy can derail Bangladesh’s democratic journey.

He further mentioned that preparations are being made for the return of acting BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman, with security coordination ongoing between the party and the government. The related program, scheduled for December 25, will be limited in scale and not a public rally, he clarified.

Bangladesh Labour Party Chairman Dr. Mostafizur Rahman Iran has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of Inquilab Manch, who succumbed to injuries sustained in a gun attack by alleged fascist forces. Hadi died while receiving treatment in Singapore after being critically wounded in a daylight shooting incident.

In a statement signed by the party’s publicity secretary, Dr. Iran described Hadi as a fearless voice against fascism and a lifelong advocate for democracy and justice. He said Hadi’s death represents not only a personal loss but also a blow to freedom of expression and the democratic movement in Bangladesh. The Labour Party leader demanded the immediate identification and exemplary punishment of those responsible for the attack.

Observers note that the incident underscores growing concerns about political violence and shrinking civic space in Bangladesh. Hadi’s death may further galvanize pro-democracy activists and intensify calls for accountability and political reform.

Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD) President ASM Abdur Rob has warned that political unrest and attacks could endanger Bangladesh’s stability following the tragic death of Inquilab Manch leader Sharif Osman Hadi. In a statement issued by party office secretary Kamrul Ahsan Apu, Rob expressed deep sorrow over Hadi’s death and urged citizens to remain calm and exercise restraint during this sensitive period.

Rob described Hadi’s passing as an irreparable loss to the nation’s political landscape but cautioned that any disorder or attacks on media could divert the situation in a dangerous direction. He condemned the reported harassment of journalist and New Age editor Nurul Kabir, calling it regrettable and harmful to democratic values.

The JSD leader appealed for vigilance to prevent emotional reactions that could undermine the achievements of past democratic movements. He emphasized that maintaining national unity and stability must remain the top priority amid growing political tension.

A youth organization affiliated with the Tipra Motha party, the Youth Tipra Federation, staged a protest on Friday outside the Bangladesh Assistant High Commission in Agartala, Tripura. Local police had increased security around the diplomatic office ahead of the demonstration, deploying officers under the supervision of Superintendent of Police Namit Pathak.

The protest followed controversial remarks by leaders of Bangladesh’s National Citizens Party (NCP), including Hasnat Abdullah, who allegedly threatened to encourage separatism in India’s northeastern region. The youth group condemned the statements as provocative and harmful to India-Bangladesh relations and to regional peace. Meanwhile, security measures were also visibly tightened around the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission in Kolkata in response to recent developments in Bangladesh.

Authorities in Agartala remain cautious, recalling that the same diplomatic office was attacked by Hindu nationalist groups last year. Officials emphasized that maintaining calm and protecting diplomatic premises are top priorities as cross-border political tensions rise.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has said that mob violence has divided the nation, urging unity and restraint during a time of political uncertainty. His remarks were shared Friday afternoon through the BNP’s verified Facebook page, quoting him in a photo message condemning recent incidents of mob unrest.

Earlier the same day, Fakhrul issued another statement denouncing mob attacks and warning against those who exploit national crises for personal or political gain. He described such actors as enemies of the country, emphasizing that opportunism during national hardship worsens division and instability.

The comments come amid heightened political tension and sporadic violence across Bangladesh, with opposition parties calling for justice and fair elections. Analysts say Fakhrul’s statement reflects growing concern over social polarization and the need for political dialogue to prevent further unrest.

The National Citizens Party (NCP) staged a blockade on the Bogura-Dhaka highway at Bonani in Shahjahanpur, Bogura, on Friday afternoon, protesting the killing of Inquilab Mancha spokesperson Shaheed Sharif Osman Hadi. The demonstrators demanded the immediate arrest and exemplary punishment of those responsible for Hadi’s death. During the protest, party leaders announced the renaming of Bonani Square to 'Shaheed Hadi Square' in his memory.

The demonstration was led by Engineer MSA Mahmud, president of the NCP’s Bogura district branch, with district secretary Sultan Mahmud making the renaming declaration. Party activists occupied the highway, disrupting traffic for several hours. Local law enforcement monitored the situation to prevent escalation.

The protest reflects growing public anger over Hadi’s killing, which has sparked similar demonstrations in other districts, including Gazipur and Taraganj. Authorities have yet to confirm arrests in connection with the case, while NCP leaders warned of intensified movements if their demands remain unmet.

The United States Embassy in Dhaka has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of Inkilab Mancha, who passed away while undergoing treatment in Singapore General Hospital on December 18. In a verified statement, the embassy conveyed condolences to Hadi’s family, friends, and supporters, saying it shared the grief of the Bangladeshi people over the loss of a young leader.

Hadi was shot on December 12 while returning home by rickshaw after an election campaign event in Dhaka. He was initially treated at Dhaka Medical College Hospital and later transferred to Evercare Hospital before being flown to Singapore for advanced care. Despite medical efforts, he succumbed to his injuries six days later.

The embassy’s message follows similar condolences from other diplomatic missions, including Canada. The incident has sparked renewed discussion about political violence and security during Bangladesh’s election season, with calls for a thorough investigation into the attack.