The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has organized nationwide prayers today, Friday, after Jumma prayers in mosques across the country for the recovery of party chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia and to mark the return of acting chairman Tarique Rahman to Bangladesh. The announcement was made in a press release sent to the media on Thursday night, December 25.

According to the statement, the prayers will be held in all mosques, including those in Dhaka, under the initiative of the BNP. The event is dedicated to the recovery of Khaleda Zia, who is currently receiving treatment at Evercare Hospital in the capital, and to celebrate Tarique Rahman’s homecoming with his family after 17 years abroad. The BNP has called on leaders, activists, and the general public to participate in the prayers.

The party’s directive emphasizes unity among its members and supporters during this occasion, reflecting both concern for Khaleda Zia’s health and enthusiasm over Tarique Rahman’s return.

Five days after the burial of Shaheed Sharif Osman Hadi, people continue to gather at his grave near the central mosque of Dhaka University. Hadi, a frontline participant in the July uprising and spokesperson of Inquilab Mancha, is being mourned by hundreds who visit daily to pray, recite the Quran, and lay flowers at the site near the National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam’s mausoleum. Visitors include students, workers, professionals, and families who have traveled from across the country to pay their respects.

Many mourners expressed deep emotion and admiration for Hadi’s ideals, describing him as a symbol of honesty, patriotism, and resistance against injustice. Some called for justice for his killing, echoing Hadi’s own demand for accountability. Others said his sacrifice had inspired renewed commitment to his cause and that his ideals had spread widely among the people.

The continuing crowds and tears around Hadi’s grave have turned the area into a place of collective mourning and reflection, with visitors saying his spirit and ideals remain alive and stronger than ever.

BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman claimed that spies of various imperialist powers remain engaged in conspiracies against Bangladesh. He made the statement on Thursday, December 25, during a public reception organized by the party on the 300 Feet Road in Dhaka. Rahman urged supporters to remain calm and patient in the face of provocations, emphasizing the need for peace in the country.

Drawing inspiration from Martin Luther King Jr.’s historic speech, Rahman said he too has a dream for Bangladesh and possesses a concrete plan to change the fate of its people, which requires collective cooperation. He stressed the importance of justice and vowed that future leadership would strive to govern the nation guided by the principles of fairness exemplified by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

Rahman concluded by seeking prayers for the recovery of his mother, former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, and called on the youth to take responsibility for building a strong democratic and economic foundation for the country.

Tarique Rahman, leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and potential next prime minister, returned to Dhaka on Thursday after 17 years in exile. Arriving with his wife and daughter at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, Rahman was greeted by thousands of supporters under heavy security. His return comes as Bangladesh prepares for elections on February 12 under an interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, following the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in a 2024 student-led uprising. Rahman’s mother, former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, remains critically ill in hospital.

Rahman, 60, has led the BNP as acting chairman since 2018 while living in London. Once a powerful political figure during his mother’s rule, he faced allegations of corruption and political violence, which he and the BNP have called politically motivated. Most of his convictions were stayed or overturned after Hasina’s fall, enabling his return. Analysts say his comeback completes preparations for the upcoming polls, where the BNP is seen as the frontrunner after the Awami League was barred from contesting.

A recent poll by the International Republican Institute showed the BNP leading with 30 percent support, positioning Rahman to potentially guide Bangladesh’s next government.

Bangladeshi cricketer Shakib Al Hasan, who previously contested the 12th National Parliamentary Election as an Awami League candidate, has expressed deep sorrow over the suffering of children affected by recent violence. On Thursday, December 25, he posted on his official Facebook page, mourning the deaths of several children and urging collective responsibility to ensure a better future for them. He also extended Christmas greetings at the end of his message.

The post follows a period of public criticism directed at Shakib for his silence during last year’s student and public movements and other violent incidents across the country. Critics argue that his sudden humanitarian message may be an attempt to mask a perceived lack of political neutrality.

The statement marks a rare public reflection from Shakib on social issues, contrasting with his earlier avoidance of political commentary.

Police detained a Jubo League leader named Russel Pathan at the Benapole International Checkpost immigration point on Thursday afternoon while he was allegedly attempting to flee to India. The arrest took place around 12:30 p.m. after immigration officials found his name on the stop list during passport verification. Pathan identified himself as the joint convener of the Mymensingh Metropolitan Jubo League.

According to police, Russel Pathan is accused in two sabotage cases filed with Mymensingh Kotwali Police Station. He is the son of Abdur Razzak Pathan from Sankipara village in Mymensingh Sadar upazila. The Benapole Checkpost Immigration Officer-in-Charge, Sakhawat Hossain, confirmed that Pathan was detained due to his name appearing on the stop list.

After initial questioning, police handed him over to Benapole Port Police Station, from where he was later sent to the Jashore court for further legal proceedings.

The political platform Inqilab Manch has announced nationwide prayers and protest rallies on Friday, December 26, seeking justice for the killing of Sharif Osman Hadi. Hadi, a key organizer of the July uprising and spokesperson for the group, was shot on December 12 while campaigning in Dhaka’s Paltan area. He later died on December 18 in Singapore General Hospital after being transferred from Dhaka Medical College Hospital.

The organization made the call Thursday night via its official Facebook page, urging supporters to join prayers for Hadi’s soul and to demand the arrest and trial of his killers. Hadi’s funeral on December 20 drew an estimated one million mourners at the National Parliament’s South Plaza, reflecting widespread public grief.

Despite the passage of two weeks since the shooting and a week since Hadi’s death, authorities have yet to report significant progress in identifying or arresting the perpetrators, raising concerns about accountability and political violence in Bangladesh.

Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) Vice President Abu Sadiq Kayem alleged that groups aligned with the ruling Awami League and foreign interests have resorted to planned assassinations. He made the claim in a verified Facebook post on Thursday night, citing the recent killing of Sharif Osman Hadi as an example. Kayem’s post came on the eve of the Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir’s central members’ conference, scheduled to take place at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center.

In his statement, Kayem said that under previous administrations, Shibir had been denied permission to hold public conferences, forcing the organization to conduct leadership elections online. He described the upcoming 2025 conference as a continuation of the group’s struggle and a symbolic step toward fulfilling the aspirations of its fallen members. He also asserted that Shibir activists had faced severe repression, including killings, disappearances, and assaults, throughout Bangladesh’s political history.

Kayem called on supporters to remain committed to the movement’s goals and expressed hope that participants traveling to Dhaka for the conference would arrive safely.

Bangladesh’s joint security forces conducted a series of coordinated operations across the country from December 18 to 25, recovering 13 illegal firearms and arresting 21 individuals. The Inter-Services Public Relations Directorate (ISPR) announced the results in a statement released on Thursday, noting that the raids were carried out under various army infantry divisions and independent brigades in cooperation with other law enforcement agencies in Dhaka and other regions.

According to the ISPR, those detained include suspected terrorists, drug dealers, addicts, robbers, members of juvenile gangs, and smugglers. In addition to the firearms, authorities seized 114 rounds of ammunition, explosives, narcotics, and sharp weapons. The arrested individuals were handed over to local police stations for interrogation and legal proceedings.

The coordinated crackdown reflects ongoing efforts by Bangladesh’s security agencies to curb illegal arms possession and organized criminal activity across the country.

After 17 years abroad, BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman returned to Bangladesh and addressed a massive reception at Purbachal’s ‘36 July Expressway’ on Thursday, December 25, 2025. In his 16‑minute speech, he outlined his vision for a secure and discrimination‑free Bangladesh, promising equal rights and safety for all citizens regardless of religion or background. He called for national unity and collective effort to rebuild the country on democratic and economic foundations.

Rahman recalled key moments in Bangladesh’s political history, including the 1971 Liberation War, the 1975 and 1990 movements, and recent struggles in 2024. He honored those who lost their lives for democracy and sovereignty, mentioning slain activist Osman Hadi. He urged the youth to take leadership in shaping the nation’s future and emphasized patience and peace in the face of provocation.

Concluding his address, Rahman asked for prayers for his mother, BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, and appealed to all citizens to maintain peace and discipline while working together toward a just and safe Bangladesh.

A shocking incident in Eidgaon, Cox’s Bazar, has raised serious allegations against local police officers who allegedly framed an innocent autorickshaw driver, Jafar Alam, in a false weapons case. The event, which occurred on October 13, was captured on nearby CCTV cameras showing police officers planting a firearm in Jafar’s vehicle while he was sent to buy water. Moments later, he was arrested and forced to pose with the weapon for photographs. The operation was reportedly led by Sub-Inspector Badiul Alam, known for previous controversies, along with two constables.

According to Jafar’s family, the incident was an act of revenge after they filed an eve-teasing case against local miscreants. His wife claimed police took money to frame him, while his daughter described ongoing harassment by the same group. Locals alleged that influential youths have long manipulated police actions in the area. Additional Superintendent of Police Alok Biswas confirmed after reviewing the footage that Jafar was indeed framed and promised strict action.

Badiul Alam has faced multiple prior accusations, including extortion and wrongful arrests, but had avoided punishment due to lack of evidence. Authorities now say the CCTV proof leaves little room for impunity.

The National Citizens Party (NCP), known as the July fighters’ group, has formally decided to form an electoral alliance with Jamaat-e-Islami, according to party sources. Discussions on seat-sharing between the two parties are already underway, and a formal announcement of the alliance could come soon. Jamaat’s Assistant Secretary General Dr. Hamidur Rahman Azad confirmed that talks with NCP are in progress and that several other parties have also reached out to Jamaat.

An NCP joint convener, speaking anonymously, confirmed that the party passed a resolution approving the alliance and assigned its president and secretary to handle communications. The move has sparked discussions among eight other parties already engaged in seat-sharing talks with Jamaat, as NCP’s inclusion may require adjustments in seat allocations.

Former student leader Abdul Kader criticized the decision on social media, calling it a betrayal of youth politics. He claimed NCP initially sought 50 seats but settled for 30, agreeing not to field candidates in the remaining 270 constituencies where it would support Jamaat candidates.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami convened a preparatory meeting of its Grand Rally Implementation Committee at the party’s central office in Moghbazar, Dhaka, ahead of a major rally scheduled for January 3. The meeting, chaired by Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar, focused on ensuring the successful organization of the event, which aims to promote social awareness amid the country’s evolving political situation.

During the session, committee members reviewed logistical and organizational aspects of the rally and formed several subcommittees to oversee specific responsibilities. Senior leaders including Maulana ATM Masum, Maulana Abdul Halim, Advocate Ehsanul Mahbub Zubair, and Dr. Shafiqul Islam Masud were among those present. The participants emphasized coordination and community engagement to maximize turnout and impact.

The upcoming rally is expected to serve as a key platform for Jamaat-e-Islami to demonstrate its organizational strength and political relevance. Party officials expressed optimism about broad participation and concluded the meeting with prayers for the event’s success.

Hasnat Abdullah, chief coordinator for the southern region of the National Citizen Party (NCP), described the return of BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman as a significant achievement in Bangladesh’s continuous democratic movement. He made the statement on Thursday through a verified Facebook post, emphasizing that Rahman’s homecoming after nearly fifteen years of exile should not be viewed as a personal or organizational success but as a collective democratic victory.

In his post, Abdullah argued that Rahman’s return demonstrates that a Bangladeshi citizen’s right to return home cannot be permanently suppressed by state power. He linked the event to the sacrifices of countless martyrs and the emergence of a new political reality shaped by public movements. Abdullah also expressed hope for a Bangladesh where differing political opinions are treated as rights, not crimes, and where democracy ensures freedom of expression and fair political competition.

He concluded that Rahman’s return would strengthen multiparty democracy and called for mutual respect and coexistence among political forces in the evolving national landscape.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has returned to Bangladesh after nearly sixteen years abroad, receiving a large public reception upon arrival. Following his return, he visited his ailing mother, former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka’s Bashundhara area.

According to party sources, after taking rest from his long journey from London, Rahman will begin his official programs on Friday. His schedule includes visiting the grave of his father, former President Ziaur Rahman, at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, followed by paying tribute to the martyrs of the Liberation War at the National Memorial in Savar. On Saturday, he is expected to go to the Election Commission in Agargaon to register as a voter and potential candidate for the upcoming elections.

Later, Rahman will visit the Dhaka University campus to pay respects at the graves of national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam and martyr Osman Hadi, before visiting the National Orthopedic Hospital to meet those injured in the July uprising. His return marks a significant political moment for the BNP ahead of the national polls.