A Dhaka court on Saturday ordered Anis Alamgir to be sent to jail following the completion of a five-day police remand in a case filed under Bangladesh’s Anti-Terrorism Act. Metropolitan Magistrate Md Hasan Shahadat issued the order after the investigating officer, DB Inspector Kazi Shahnewaz, presented Alamgir before the court and sought his detention. The prosecution claimed that Alamgir provided important information during interrogation, which is now being verified.

Defense lawyers, led by Nazneen Nahar, requested that Alamgir receive division facilities in jail, which the court said would be handled according to prison regulations. The case, filed by a man named Arian Ahmed, accuses Alamgir and three others — actress Meher Afroz Shaon, model Maria Kispatta, and presenter Imtu Ratish Imtiaz — of conspiring to destabilize the state and inciting a banned organization through social media and talk shows.

The incident has drawn public attention due to Alamgir’s outspoken political commentary on television and Facebook. Authorities indicated that further remand could be sought if new evidence emerges.

Bangladesh’s interim government has formally requested Meta to remove content that allegedly incites violence and disrupts the upcoming national election and referendum. The National Cyber Security Agency sent a letter to Meta last Friday, urging the company to enforce stricter monitoring of Bangladesh-related content until February 2026. The government expressed concern that social media platforms are being used to provoke real-world violence and attacks on media institutions.

According to the letter, several Facebook posts have supported the death of Osman Hadi and called for violence against journalists, leading to attacks on two newspaper offices. The government accused Meta of failing to deactivate accounts that spread such content despite repeated appeals from authorities and civil society. Officials warned that online incitement threatens citizens’ safety, minority rights, and the country’s democratic transition.

The letter called on Meta to apply community standards more rigorously, strengthen Bangla-language moderation, enhance sentiment analysis, and ensure immediate removal of content promoting intimidation or organized harm. Meta has not yet issued a public response.

The Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) has announced a program to lay siege to the Vice-Chancellor’s office, pressing three key demands. The declaration was made on DUCSU’s official Facebook page on Saturday night, calling for immediate administrative action from the university authorities.

The demands include renaming Mujib Hall as Shaheed Osman Hadi Hall, renaming Fazilatunnesa Hall as Felani Hall, and taking disciplinary measures against teachers, officers, and staff who allegedly supported the July massacre. DUCSU leaders stated that the move seeks to honor historical figures and ensure accountability within the university community.

The announcement has sparked debate among students and faculty, with some viewing it as a legitimate expression of student activism, while others warn of political overtones. University officials have yet to issue an official response. The protest program is expected to intensify if the administration does not engage in dialogue soon.

The Bangladesh Election Commission (EC) has issued a revised gazette notification amending parts of the previously declared schedule for the 13th National Parliamentary Election. Signed by Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed, the updated notification, released on December 20, modifies several dates and references originally published on December 11.

According to the EC, three main changes were made under Article 11(1) of the Representation of the People Order, 1972. The revisions include adjustments to the appeal filing and disposal periods related to returning officers’ decisions on nomination papers. Specifically, the appeal filing window now runs from January 5–9 instead of January 5–11, and the appeal disposal period has been shifted to January 10–18 instead of January 12–18.

Election officials stated that these corrections aim to ensure procedural clarity and synchronization across all constituencies. The EC is expected to hold further coordination meetings with security agencies and returning officers ahead of the election process.

Rashed Pradhan, vice president and spokesperson of the Jatiya Ganatantrik Party (JAGPA), has announced a personal protest march against what he calls Indian dominance and interference in Bangladesh’s sovereignty. On December 21, he plans to walk alone from Paltan Box Culvert Road to the Indian Embassy in Gulshan, Dhaka, a distance of about eight kilometers, symbolically carrying a black rose as a sign of resistance.

In a video message released Saturday evening, Pradhan emphasized that the initiative is entirely his own and not linked to any political organization. He said previous attempts to submit memorandums to the Indian Embassy were blocked by police, prompting his decision to act alone and peacefully. He also warned that any obstruction to his protest would amount to an arrest.

The announcement comes amid heightened nationalist sentiment following the August 5 uprising and ongoing debates over India’s role in Bangladesh’s internal affairs. Authorities have not yet commented on whether security measures will be taken during Pradhan’s planned march.

The bodies of six Bangladeshi peacekeepers killed in a terrorist drone attack on a UN peacekeeping base in Sudan’s Abyei region have returned to Dhaka. The flight carrying the remains landed at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on Saturday morning, where senior military and civilian officials received them. A funeral prayer will be held on Sunday at the Dhaka Cantonment Central Mosque before the bodies are flown to their respective hometowns for burial with full military honors.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the soldiers were martyred in the December 13 attack targeting the UN Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA). Nine other Bangladeshi peacekeepers were injured, eight of whom are being treated at Aga Khan University Hospital in Nairobi and are reportedly out of danger. The Chief of General Staff, Lieutenant General Mizanur Rahman Shamim, led the reception ceremony, joined by UN and government representatives.

Bangladesh, one of the largest contributors to UN peacekeeping missions, has expressed deep sorrow over the loss while reaffirming its commitment to global peace operations.

National Life Insurance Company Limited has been awarded the Gold Medal in the Life Insurance category at the 15th ICMA Bangladesh Best Corporate Award 2024. The award ceremony took place on December 17 at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center, where Commerce Adviser Sheikh Bashir Uddin presented the honor to CEO Md. Kazim Uddin and CFO Probir Chandra Das FCA.

The Institute of Cost and Management Accountants of Bangladesh (ICMAB) recognized National Life for its excellence in corporate governance, transparency, and contribution to the national economy. Senior officials including NBR Chairman Md. Abdur Rahman Khan, Commerce Secretary Mahbubur Rahman, and Financial Reporting Council Chairman Dr. Md. Sajjad Hossain Bhuiyan attended the event.

This marks the fourth consecutive year that National Life Insurance has received the prestigious Gold Award, reinforcing its leadership in Bangladesh’s life insurance sector and its commitment to ethical business practices and financial reporting standards.

Police detained a suspected mugger in front of Dhaka University’s Central Mosque on Saturday afternoon, following swift intervention by local citizens. The incident occurred around 2:30 p.m., when the suspect allegedly attempted to snatch two mobile phones from pedestrians. Bystanders managed to apprehend the individual and handed him over to law enforcement officers.

According to police sources, the detained suspect was taken to Shahbagh Police Station for further questioning and legal processing. Witnesses reported that the quick response of nearby people prevented the suspect from escaping, highlighting growing public vigilance against street crimes in the area.

Authorities have increased patrols around the university campus in recent months due to a rise in petty thefts and snatching incidents. Police officials said the investigation is ongoing and urged residents to report suspicious activity immediately to maintain campus safety.

The funeral prayer for Osman Hadi, spokesperson of the July Warriors and Inqilab Mancha, was held on Saturday at the South Plaza of the National Parliament in Dhaka. The ceremony drew millions of mourners, including Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus, members of the advisory council, political leaders, and citizens from all walks of life. Hadi’s brother, Maulana Abu Bakar, led the prayer.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Yunus said that Hadi would remain in the hearts of Bangladeshis as long as the nation exists. He emphasized that the people had not come to bid farewell but to make a collective promise to fulfill Hadi’s vision and values. Yunus highlighted Hadi’s compassion, political insight, and humanistic approach as qualities to be remembered and followed.

The massive turnout underscored Hadi’s influence on Bangladesh’s political and social movements. Observers noted that his legacy could continue to inspire civic activism and unity across generations, reflecting a deep national sentiment of respect and remembrance.

Students of Chittagong University held an absentee funeral prayer on Saturday for Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of Inquilab Manch, who died after being shot during an election campaign in Dhaka earlier this month. The prayer took place at the university’s Zero Point following the noon prayer, led by Professor Dr. A.K.M. Abdul Kader of the Arabic Department, under the banner of the Chittagong University Central Students’ Union (CHAKSU).

Faculty members and student leaders attended the service, expressing grief and admiration for Hadi’s activism. Associate Professor Mozammel Haque described Hadi as a symbol of moral courage, while CHAKSU Vice President Ibrahim Hossain Rony praised his political awareness and influence at a young age. Hadi, aged 32, succumbed to his injuries on December 18 at Singapore General Hospital after being critically wounded in a shooting on December 12.

His death has sparked widespread mourning across campuses and political circles, with calls to honor his legacy. Memorial prayers were also held at other universities, reflecting his impact on youth activism and national politics.

Bangladesh’s Religious Adviser Dr. A.F.M. Khalid Hossain attended the funeral prayer of Sharif Osman Hadi, a key figure in the July uprising and spokesperson of the Inquilab Mancha, held at the South Plaza of the National Parliament on Saturday. Addressing mourners, he said that the entire nation is grieving Hadi’s death, describing him as a martyr who sacrificed his life for justice and equality.

Dr. Hossain prayed for Hadi’s forgiveness and eternal peace, urging the nation to fulfill his dream of building a fair, anti-hegemonic society. He also noted that, under the directive of the Ministry of Religious Affairs, prayers and recitations were held in mosques across the country in Hadi’s memory.

The large turnout at the funeral reflected Hadi’s influence as a political and social activist. Observers say his death could further galvanize movements advocating social justice and reform, while the government’s involvement in national mourning underscores his symbolic importance.

Inqilab Manch has issued a 24-hour ultimatum to Bangladesh’s Home Adviser Jahangir Alam Chowdhury and Chief Adviser’s Special Assistant Khoda Box Chowdhury, demanding they present progress on the murder investigation of Shaheed Osman Hadi or resign. The warning came from the platform’s member secretary Abdullah Al Jaber during Hadi’s funeral prayer at Manik Mia Avenue in Dhaka on Saturday.

Jaber accused the government of inaction, claiming that despite a week passing since Hadi’s shooting in Bijoynagar, no arrests had been made and no official updates provided. He alleged that a criminal network, not a lone assailant, was behind the killing and called for public mobilization toward Shahbagh to demand justice. The slain activist’s family echoed calls for the perpetrators to be exposed and prosecuted.

The ultimatum adds pressure on the interim administration amid rising public anger and political tension. Authorities have yet to comment on the demand or provide new details about the investigation.

Sharif Osman bin Hadi, spokesperson of the Inquilab Manch and a key figure in the July revolutionary movement, was laid to rest beside the grave of national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam at the Dhaka University Central Mosque complex on Saturday, December 20, 2025. The funeral followed a public prayer at the South Plaza of the National Parliament, attended by thousands of mourners, fellow activists, and political figures.

Hadi, aged 34, was fatally shot on December 12 while campaigning in the Bijoynagar area of Dhaka. He was initially treated at Dhaka Medical College Hospital and later transferred to Singapore, where he succumbed to his injuries on December 18. His death has sparked widespread grief and condemnation, with colleagues describing him as a courageous voice for political reform. Among those present at the burial were journalist Mahmudur Rahman and Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Niaz Ahmad Khan.

The killing has intensified calls for accountability and raised concerns about political violence ahead of upcoming elections. Authorities have yet to announce any arrests or investigation outcomes.

James Cameron’s long-awaited science fiction sequel, *Avatar: Fire and Ash*, premiered worldwide yesterday, marking a synchronized release in Bangladesh’s Star Cineplex alongside major global markets. The film continues the saga of the Sully family, exploring grief, identity, and survival amid new threats on Pandora. Critics at a London preview praised its visual scale and reaffirmed the cinematic importance of large-screen storytelling.

Cameron revealed at a Paris press conference that the film delves into themes of displacement and the search for belonging, aiming to connect emotionally with audiences. Composer Simon Franglen spent seven years crafting the score, writing over 1,900 pages of notation and inventing new instruments for Pandora’s inhabitants. Early reviews highlight the film’s technological innovation and emotional depth.

The director noted that the commercial success of *Fire and Ash* will determine the future trajectory of the *Avatar* franchise, which has already grossed billions worldwide through its previous installments.

Dhaka University (DU) has laid to rest martyred student leader Sharif Osman Hadi beside the grave of national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam at the university’s central mosque premises. Following the burial, DU Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan stated that the university had embraced its son, symbolizing a mother’s reunion with her child. The decision to bury Hadi on campus was unanimously approved in an emergency Syndicate meeting held late Friday night with the consent of his family.

The Vice-Chancellor emphasized that the burial site represents the university’s highest honor, as it also holds the graves of several DU members who sacrificed their lives during Bangladesh’s Liberation War. He expressed gratitude to Hadi’s family and those who assisted in the funeral, including journalist Dr. Mahmudur Rahman. The ceremony was attended by senior DU officials, political leaders, and student representatives.

Hadi, remembered as a courageous voice in the July uprising, now rests among the nation’s revered figures. His burial at DU symbolizes institutional recognition of his sacrifice and the enduring spirit of student activism in Bangladesh.