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.

U.S. President Donald Trump has ordered the temporary suspension of the Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery Program, commonly known as the Green Card Lottery. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced the move on social media, confirming that the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) had been instructed to halt the program following Trump’s directive.

The decision follows a shooting incident at Brown University and MIT, where the suspect, Claudio Neves Valente, reportedly entered the United States through the DV program from Portugal and obtained permanent residency in 2017. Noem stated that such individuals should never have been allowed entry. The program annually grants up to 50,000 green cards to citizens of countries with low U.S. immigration rates. Nearly 20 million people had applied for the 2025 lottery.

The suspension is expected to face legal and political challenges in Congress, where lawmakers are divided over immigration policy. Analysts suggest the move could reignite debates on merit-based immigration and national security screening standards.

The Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology of Bangladesh has announced the postponement of the recruitment examination that was scheduled to take place on Saturday. According to an official notice signed by Public Relations Officer Muhammad Jasim Uddin on Friday, the decision was made due to unavoidable circumstances, though no specific reason was disclosed.

The ministry stated that a new date for the examination will be announced soon through the division’s official website and via SMS notifications to all registered candidates. The postponement affects numerous applicants who had prepared for the test, which was part of the ministry’s ongoing recruitment process for various posts under the Post and Telecommunications Division.

Officials have urged candidates to regularly check official channels for updates. The rescheduling is expected to be announced shortly, ensuring transparency and minimizing disruption to the recruitment timeline.

The National Citizen Party (NCP) has instructed its members across Bangladesh to stage peaceful nationwide protests following the killing of Inquilab Mancha spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi. The directive was issued on Friday by NCP Member Secretary Akhtar Hossain, who emphasized that demonstrations must remain non-violent and free from disorder.

Hossain warned that opportunistic groups might attempt to infiltrate the movement to create chaos, urging grassroots activists to remain alert. He reiterated demands for the arrest and trial of Hadi’s killers, the return and prosecution of those responsible for the July massacre, and the resignation of the Home Affairs adviser over alleged failures. The NCP also called for action against ruling party-linked violence and attacks on the media.

Political analysts note that the NCP’s call for restraint reflects growing concerns about maintaining stability amid heightened political tensions. The protests are expected to test the party’s organizational discipline and the government’s response to rising opposition activity.

Mahmudur Rahman, editor of the Bangladeshi newspaper *Amar Desh*, has declined an offer of personal security from the country’s interim government. According to official sources, the Special Branch (SB) chief contacted Rahman to arrange armed protection, following directives to provide security to VIPs. In response, Rahman thanked the authorities but politely refused, stating that he had decided not to accept any government security assistance.

The government’s outreach reportedly came amid heightened political sensitivity and concerns over the safety of prominent media figures. SB officials followed up with a message offering to dispatch armed guards immediately if Rahman consented. His refusal, conveyed through a written message, emphasized personal conviction and independence. Rahman’s statement, invoking faith for protection, has drawn attention within media circles.

Observers note that the editor’s decision underscores ongoing tensions between independent media and state institutions during the transitional political phase. It also raises questions about journalists’ security and trust in state mechanisms as the interim administration seeks to stabilize governance.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has convened an emergency meeting of the party’s Standing Committee to be held on Friday night at the BNP Chairperson’s political office in Gulshan, Dhaka. Party sources confirmed that Rahman will preside over the meeting, which is scheduled to begin at 8:30 p.m.

According to insiders, the meeting will focus on the current political situation, recent national developments, and key organizational matters. The session comes at a time of heightened political tension, with opposition activities and government responses drawing increased public attention. Senior BNP leaders are expected to review strategies for upcoming political programs and assess the party’s stance on ongoing national issues.

Political analysts suggest that the outcome of this meeting could shape BNP’s next phase of political engagement, especially as the party seeks to strengthen its internal unity and public outreach ahead of possible electoral or protest movements.

The National Citizens’ Party (NCP) has postponed its planned sit-in at Dhaka’s Shahbagh intersection following the death of Inquilab Mancha spokesperson Sharif Osman Bin Hadi. Instead, the party announced a protest march from Banglamotor at 4 p.m. on Friday, December 19, citing safety and situational concerns. The decision was confirmed by NCP convener Nahid Islam through a verified social media post earlier in the day.

In his statement, Nahid Islam urged supporters to remain vigilant during any post-prayer gatherings, warning of possible acts of vandalism or sabotage by groups opposed to the July movement. He emphasized that the NCP rejects all forms of violence and called on participants to prevent any reckless factions from exploiting public anger for destructive purposes.

The shift in venue and tone reflects heightened caution among civic groups in Dhaka amid recent unrest. Authorities are expected to monitor the Banglamotor rally closely as organizers seek to maintain peaceful demonstrations while demanding justice for Hadi’s death.

Bangladesh’s interim government has issued a nationwide appeal urging citizens to remain vigilant and united against all forms of violence, arson, and intimidation reportedly carried out by isolated extremist groups. The statement emphasized that the country is undergoing a historic democratic transformation, and that this process must not be disrupted by those seeking to exploit unrest.

The government condemned recent attacks on journalists from The Daily Star, Prothom Alo, and New Age, expressing solidarity and promising full justice for victims. It also strongly denounced the killing of a Hindu man in Mymensingh, declaring that such acts have no place in the vision of a 'new Bangladesh.' The statement linked the call for restraint and tolerance to the legacy of Shaheed Sharif Osman Hadi, whose sacrifice was described as symbolic of the nation’s democratic aspirations.

Officials reiterated that the upcoming election and referendum represent a solemn national commitment, urging all citizens to reject hatred and provocation as the country moves toward political stability.

Multiple Indian news outlets have reported on the death of Sharif Osman Hadi, a prominent Bangladeshi student leader and vocal critic of Indian dominance. Following his death, widespread protests broke out across Bangladesh, with reports of attacks on media offices and incidents of arson in several cities.

NDTV, The Times of India, The Hindu, Hindustan Times, Zee News, India Today, Anandabazar, and Sangbad Pratidin all carried stories highlighting the unrest. Headlines described Bangladesh as being 'in turmoil' after Hadi’s death, with protesters targeting media institutions. Indian coverage emphasized the anti-India sentiment expressed during demonstrations and the violent nature of some protests.

Analysts note that Hadi’s death has reignited nationalist and anti-interventionist rhetoric within Bangladesh’s youth movements. Authorities are reportedly monitoring the situation closely as tensions remain high in Dhaka and other major cities. International observers have urged restraint and dialogue to prevent further escalation.

Preparations have been finalized to repatriate the body of Inquilab Manch spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi from Singapore to Bangladesh. According to the organization’s announcement on Thursday night, Hadi’s coffin, draped in the national flag, will depart Singapore on a Bangladesh Biman commercial flight at 3:50 p.m. local time and is expected to arrive in Dhaka at 6:05 p.m. on Friday, December 19. A funeral prayer will be held on Saturday after the noon prayer at Manik Mia Avenue in Dhaka.

Hadi passed away on Thursday night at Singapore General Hospital while undergoing treatment for gunshot injuries sustained on December 12 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. His death has drawn condolences from government advisers and renewed calls for restraint against political violence.

Authorities are expected to investigate the shooting incident further, while Inquilab Manch has urged supporters to remain peaceful during funeral proceedings.

National Citizens Party (NCP) convener Nahid Islam has called for maximum caution during any post-Friday prayer programs in Dhaka, citing potential plans for vandalism and sabotage by anti-government groups. Speaking on Friday, he emphasized that the party stands firmly against all forms of violence and destructive activities.

Islam announced the suspension of the party’s planned sit-in at Shahbagh, citing the tense security situation. Instead, the NCP will hold a protest march from Banglamotor at 4 p.m. He urged supporters to remain vigilant and prevent any opportunistic groups from exploiting public anger to incite unrest or property damage.

The decision reflects growing political tension in the capital following recent clashes and incidents of vandalism. Authorities are expected to increase security around key intersections, while political observers note that the NCP’s cautious stance may help reduce the risk of confrontation during the day’s demonstrations.

Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus held phone conversations with the editors of Prothom Alo and The Daily Star following violent attacks on their offices. During the calls on Thursday night, Yunus expressed deep sympathy to editors Matiur Rahman and Mahfuz Anam, describing the incidents as shocking and unacceptable. He assured them that the government stands firmly beside the affected journalists and their institutions.

Yunus emphasized that assaults on two of the country’s leading media houses represent an attack on press freedom itself. He warned that such incidents threaten Bangladesh’s democratic progress and the independence of journalism. The Chief Adviser also pledged full security and logistical support for the newspapers and their staff.

He further stated that he plans to meet both editors soon to discuss measures ensuring the safety of media personnel and the protection of free expression across the country.

Chattogram city remained under tight security on Friday following a night of violent protests sparked by the death of activist Sharif Osman Hadi, a leader of the Inquilab Mancha. Thousands of students and supporters took to the streets late Thursday, chanting slogans against Indian influence and demanding justice for Hadi. Demonstrators set fire to the home of former education minister Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury Nowfel in Chashma Hill and attempted to attack the residence of India’s Assistant High Commissioner Dr. Rajiv Ranjan.

Police used tear gas and sound grenades to disperse protesters, arresting 12 individuals. Witnesses reported that Chattogram Metropolitan Police Commissioner Hasib Aziz visited the Indian diplomat’s residence to assess the situation. On Friday morning, major intersections saw heavy deployment of police, RAB, and army patrols, with checkpoints established across the city. Shops remained mostly closed in key areas like Khulshi and Halishahar, and residents avoided going out except for emergencies.

Authorities have urged calm as investigations continue into Hadi’s death, while security forces maintain heightened alert to prevent further unrest.