Dr. Zubaida Rahman, wife of BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman, left Dhaka for London on Saturday morning. Her flight departed around 8:30 a.m., marking the end of her brief visit to Bangladesh. Zubaida had returned from London on December 5 to see her mother-in-law, BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, who remains under treatment at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka.

During her stay, Zubaida Rahman focused on family matters and Khaleda Zia’s medical care. BNP Standing Committee member Dr. A.Z.M. Zahid Hossain told reporters that Khaleda Zia’s health condition has remained relatively stable over the past month. He shared this update during a media briefing outside Evercare Hospital on Friday evening.

Zubaida Rahman’s departure comes amid continuing concern within the BNP over Khaleda Zia’s long-term health and the party’s leadership dynamics. No official statement was issued regarding the duration of Zubaida’s stay in London or her next visit to Bangladesh.

Protests have swept across Bangladesh demanding justice for the killing of Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of the Inqilab Manch and a potential independent candidate for Dhaka-8 constituency. Demonstrations took place in nearly every district and sub-district on Friday, with students and citizens blocking major highways including Dhaka–Chattogram, Dhaka–Mawa, and Dhaka–Demra, causing severe traffic congestion.

Reports from Feni, Gopalganj, Cumilla, Nilphamari, and other regions describe large processions, prayer gatherings, and protest rallies calling for the arrest and exemplary punishment of those responsible. Religious leaders, student groups, and political activists from parties such as the National Citizen Party (NCP) and various student alliances joined the demonstrations. Many mosques held special prayers for Hadi’s soul, while his hometown in Jhalokathi remained in mourning.

Authorities have yet to announce any arrests related to the killing. Observers note that the widespread protests reflect growing public frustration over political violence and demand for accountability. Further nationwide demonstrations are expected if progress in the investigation remains slow.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman returned to Dhaka early from his London trip to pay respects to the late Osman Hadi. Upon arrival at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on Saturday morning, he went directly to the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, where Hadi’s body was kept. Senior party leaders, including Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar and central executive member Md. Mobarak Hossain, accompanied him.

At the hospital, Dr. Rahman met Hadi’s two elder brothers, offering condolences and prayers for the departed soul. The party chief led a collective prayer seeking divine acceptance of Hadi’s martyrdom. Later in the day, Jamaat leaders planned to attend Hadi’s funeral prayer at the South Plaza of the National Parliament complex at 2 p.m. The information was shared through a Facebook post by Secretary General Porwar.

The visit underscores Jamaat’s continued emphasis on honoring deceased members and maintaining unity among its leadership during politically sensitive times.

In Dinajpur’s Chirirbandar upazila, around 10,000 residents of Satnala and Akodihi unions continue to rely on a 250-foot bamboo bridge over the Ichamati River for daily travel. The makeshift structure, built and repaired repeatedly by locals, remains the only link between markets, schools, and villages. Despite repeated pledges from political leaders before every election, no permanent bridge has been constructed in the 54 years since independence.

Local farmers, students, and traders say the bamboo bridge poses severe safety risks, especially during the monsoon when rising water and debris often damage it. Residents like schoolteacher Rezaul Islam and farmer Mokbul Hossain expressed frustration at the unfulfilled promises, noting increased transport costs and long detours. Union Parishad Chairman Enamul Haque Shah acknowledged the hardship and said he is in contact with authorities to expedite a permanent bridge project.

The continued neglect highlights rural infrastructure disparities and voter disillusionment. Locals hope that renewed attention from authorities will finally bring lasting relief to the community.

Bangladesh has been gripped by grief and anger following the death of Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of the Inquilab Mancha and a prominent figure in the July Revolution. Hadi, who was shot in Dhaka on December 12, succumbed to his injuries at Singapore General Hospital on Thursday night. His body was flown to Dhaka on Friday evening, with a state funeral scheduled at the South Plaza of the National Parliament before burial beside poet Kazi Nazrul Islam’s grave at Dhaka University.

The government declared a day of national mourning, lowering flags at all public institutions and missions abroad. Thousands took to the streets across major cities, including Dhaka, Chattogram, and Rajshahi, chanting anti-government and anti-Indian slogans. Some protests turned violent, with attacks on political offices and media houses. Interim authorities urged citizens to resist extremist violence and maintain calm during the country’s ongoing democratic transition.

Analysts warn that Hadi’s assassination could further inflame political tensions ahead of the upcoming national elections, testing the interim government’s ability to preserve order and public trust.

The death of Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of Inquilab Moncho and parliamentary candidate for Dhaka-8, has plunged Nalchity’s Khasmahal area into mourning. Hadi, who was injured by gunfire during his election campaign, died Thursday night in Singapore while undergoing treatment. Since the news broke, residents, political leaders, and activists have gathered at his ancestral home to pay respects and demand justice.

Local leaders from Jamaat-e-Islami, BNP, and other parties have called for Hadi’s killers to be arrested within 24 hours and for him to be declared a national hero. Demonstrations and road blockades erupted across Barishal and Jhalokathi, with protesters burning tires and chanting slogans against political violence. Family members said they would accept any state decision regarding his burial but urged that Hadi’s legacy be preserved.

Hadi, born in 1993 in Nalchity, was a university teacher and a key organizer of the anti-discrimination student movement. His death has sparked renewed debate over political violence and the safety of electoral candidates in Bangladesh.

Bangladesh authorities enforced an extensive security operation across Dhaka on Friday as the body of Shaheed Sharif Osman Hadi arrived from Singapore. Police, RAB, BGB, Ansar, APBn, and army units jointly established a four-tier security ring around Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport and key city points. Additional checkpoints, armored vehicles, and surveillance drones were deployed to prevent any unrest as thousands of mourners gathered across the capital.

Officials from Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) confirmed that intelligence and plainclothes teams were monitoring public gatherings and social media to detect misinformation or provocation. The DMP spokesperson said there was no specific threat but emphasized the need for heightened vigilance to ensure public safety. The body was taken to the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases under restricted access and BGB protection.

Authorities stated the security plan aimed to maintain peace during public mourning and prevent any group from exploiting the situation. The enhanced measures are expected to remain in place through the upcoming election period.

Nazmul Hasan Nahid, the central organizer of the National Youth Power, the youth wing of the National Citizen Party (NCP), has resigned following a show-cause notice issued against him. On Friday night, Nahid announced on Facebook that he was voluntarily withdrawing from all political activities of the NCP, citing a lack of respect within the organization. His resignation came hours after receiving the notice that questioned his conduct and coordination in forming the Debidwar upazila committee.

The show-cause notice, signed by Joint Member Secretary (Office) Asadur Rahman on December 19, accused Nahid of poor coordination, unprofessional behavior, and actions that allegedly disrupted party discipline and tarnished its image. He was instructed to submit a written explanation within 24 hours to the party’s convenor and member secretary. Party officials have not yet commented on his resignation, and attempts to reach Nahid for clarification were unsuccessful.

The incident highlights ongoing internal tensions within the NCP’s youth wing, raising questions about leadership accountability and organizational discipline ahead of upcoming local political activities.

Police in Ramganj, Lakshmipur, have arrested Mohammad Abul Khayer Bhuiyan, president of the Lamchar Union Awami League, a local branch of the ruling party. The arrest took place on Friday evening, December 19, 2025, at his residence in Lamchar village as part of a police operation named 'Devil Hunt'. Authorities confirmed that the organization’s activities had been previously banned in the area.

Officer-in-Charge Md. Firoz Uddin Chowdhury of Ramganj Police Station confirmed the arrest, stating that Bhuiyan faces multiple cases, including two earlier ones filed at the same station. He added that legal procedures are underway and the accused will be presented before court on Saturday.

The arrest is part of a broader crackdown on banned or irregular political activities in the district. Local observers note that the operation reflects growing law enforcement efforts to maintain political order ahead of upcoming local administrative reviews.

Bangladesh’s national political leaders have expressed deep sorrow over the death of Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of Inquilab Moncho and a potential parliamentary candidate for Dhaka-8. In a joint statement issued Friday, leaders from multiple alliances including Ganatantra Moncho, Democratic Reform Alliance, and Liberal Democratic Party described Hadi as a fearless and patriotic leader who fought for a humane and democratic Bangladesh until his final days.

The statement also condemned recent attacks on media outlets such as Prothom Alo, The Daily Star, and cultural group Chhayanaut, calling them part of a wider conspiracy against democratic values. Leaders demanded immediate arrest of Hadi’s killers, investigation into the murder, and prosecution of those responsible. They further criticized the interim government for failing to manage the crisis effectively, alleging that inconsistent official statements had worsened the situation.

In addition, the leaders denounced the killing of a Hindu man in Mymensingh, urging swift legal action. They emphasized that Hadi’s vision of social harmony and democratic transformation must continue beyond his death.

India has reiterated that it will not interfere in Bangladesh’s internal political affairs, even as it closely monitors the country’s evolving situation. The statement came from the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi, which emphasized that both nations’ senior officials recognize the fluid and developing nature of Bangladesh’s current political climate.

The High Commission’s spokesperson noted that post-uprising periods in any country often bring unforeseen and tragic consequences, citing the recent killing of young political leader Sharif Osman Hadi as an example. The statement underscored India’s commitment to non-interference, asserting that New Delhi remains attentive but refrains from engaging in Bangladesh’s domestic political processes.

Meanwhile, some protest groups in Bangladesh have accused India of sheltering members of the previous government, including former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who faces a death sentence. These allegations have added tension to bilateral perceptions, though India has not publicly responded to the claims.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has alleged that the recent wave of violent attacks, including the killing of Inqilab Mancha spokesperson Osman Sharif, is part of a conspiracy to destabilize the country and derail the upcoming national election. Following an emergency meeting at the party chairperson’s office in Gulshan, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir condemned the killing and urged the government to immediately arrest and prosecute those responsible.

Alamgir also denounced subsequent attacks on newspaper offices, journalists, and cultural institutions, describing them as deliberate attempts to push the country into chaos. He accused a 'well-known group' of trying to reintroduce fascism under the government’s watch, while criticizing authorities for failing to maintain order. The BNP called for unity among all democratic and anti-anarchy forces to resist such conspiracies.

Political analysts note that the incident and BNP’s strong rhetoric could heighten political tensions ahead of the election. The government has yet to issue a detailed response, though pressure is mounting domestically and internationally for accountability and stability.

A torch procession was held in Shariatpur on Friday night demanding justice for the murder of Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of Inquilab Mancha. Organized by the National Citizens Party (NCP) and the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, the rally began at the July Memorial Square and marched through the main streets before blocking the Shariatpur–Dhaka highway for half an hour. Protesters chanted slogans calling for the arrest and exemplary punishment of those involved in the killing.

Speakers at the rally, including NCP district secretary Sabuj Talukder, alleged that Hadi’s murder was part of a broader effort to silence dissenting voices. They criticized law enforcement for failing to make any arrests a week after the incident and demanded a transparent investigation. Student leader Amin Mohammad Jitu described Hadi as a courageous activist and said his death represented an attack on freedom of expression.

Participants warned that if justice is delayed, they would escalate their movement. The demonstration drew local citizens alongside political and student activists, reflecting growing concern over political violence and accountability in Bangladesh.

BNP-nominated candidate for Narayanganj-5, Md. Masuduzzaman Masud, has reversed his earlier decision to withdraw from the upcoming parliamentary election. Speaking before supporters at his residence on Friday, Masud announced that he would again contest the polls, expressing regret for his previous withdrawal announced on December 16 due to family issues and security concerns.

Masud stated that his earlier decision had hurt party leaders and activists, including acting BNP chairman Tarique Rahman and members of the standing committee. He apologized unconditionally, saying that the party’s unity and the nation’s interest come first. He reaffirmed his loyalty to the party’s leadership and pledged to follow whatever decision the BNP makes.

His renewed participation is expected to strengthen BNP’s campaign in Narayanganj-5, a key constituency. Masud emphasized his commitment to voters’ safety and trust, declaring he would fight “risking his life” for the cause. The announcement may help stabilize BNP’s local campaign momentum ahead of the election.

Dhaka University’s White Panel, a teachers’ organization, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Sharif Osman Hadi, a prominent voice of the July 2024 uprising and spokesperson for the Inquilab Mancha. In a condolence statement issued on December 19, the group’s conveners described Hadi as not only an organizer but also a visionary of post-revolution Bangladesh, whose fearless activism against authoritarianism left a lasting mark on the nation’s conscience.

The White Panel leaders, including Professors Morshed Hasan Khan, Abdus Salam, and Md. Abul Kalam Sarkar, condemned the killing as a brutal act reflecting the resurgence of violent politics before the upcoming 13th national election. They asserted that Hadi’s ideals and democratic struggle would continue to inspire future generations to resist oppression. The statement also conveyed prayers for Hadi’s departed soul and sympathy for his grieving family and supporters.

Hadi’s death has sparked widespread mourning across campuses, with symbolic funeral prayers held at several universities, underscoring his influence on student and civic activism in Bangladesh.