Bangladesh’s Adviser on Shipping and Labour, Brigadier General (Retd.) Dr. M Sakhawat Hossain, inaugurated a new launch terminal at Dhalchar (Ananda Bazar) in Charfashion upazila of Bhola district. The terminal, established by the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA), aims to provide safe and regular river transport to one of the country’s most remote island regions near the Meghna River estuary and the Bay of Bengal.

For decades, residents of Dhalchar faced severe travel hardships due to unsafe and irregular boat services, especially during adverse weather and tidal conditions. Speaking at the inauguration, Dr. Hossain said the new facility would ease access to healthcare, education, and administrative services while boosting local economic activity. BIWTA Chairman Rear Admiral Arif Ahmed Mostafa and local officials attended the event.

The government has prioritized developing water transport infrastructure to integrate marginal and isolated island communities into the national development framework. Officials said the project reflects a broader goal of ensuring equitable growth across Bangladesh’s riverine regions.

BNP Standing Committee member Mirza Abbas declared that the return of acting party chairman Tarique Rahman will mark the revival of democracy in Bangladesh. Speaking at a preparatory meeting in Dhaka’s Gopibagh area on Saturday, Abbas said the people are ready to welcome Tarique, linking his homecoming with the democratic legacy of Ziaur Rahman and Khaleda Zia.

Abbas accused anti-national forces of trying to destabilize the country through violence and conspiracies, citing recent arson attacks on media offices. He criticized the government for allegedly siding with such elements instead of cooperating with the BNP to ensure peace. Abbas reiterated that the BNP introduced multiparty democracy and remains committed to protecting it against authoritarian tendencies.

The remarks come amid heightened political tension ahead of Tarique Rahman’s anticipated return. Abbas warned that undemocratic forces cannot survive against popular will, urging the government to act against mob violence. His comments signal BNP’s attempt to rally supporters and frame Tarique’s return as a turning point for democratic restoration.

A group of students under the banner of the Conscious Students’ Society (BASSHIS) installed a signboard naming a section of Paltan Culvert Road as 'Shaheed Osman Hadi Road' on Saturday. The initiative took place at the exact location where activist and Inquilab Mancha convener Sharif Osman Hadi was shot on December 12 while riding a rickshaw in Dhaka’s Bijoynagar area.

Hadi, who sustained a critical head injury from the gun attack, was first treated at Dhaka Medical College Hospital before being transferred to a private hospital and later flown to Singapore for advanced care. He succumbed to his injuries there on Friday. Students displayed banners and festoons to honor his memory, calling him a revolutionary figure of July’s movement.

The symbolic renaming reflects growing student outrage and grief over Hadi’s killing. Authorities have yet to announce arrests or progress in the investigation, while civic groups continue to demand justice and official recognition of his contributions.

A group of people attempted to enter Bangladesh’s National Parliament complex in Dhaka on Saturday following the funeral prayer of Osman Hadi. The incident occurred around 2:30 p.m., when attendees moved toward the main gates of the parliament building. On-duty army personnel immediately intervened, forming a security cordon and urging the crowd through loudspeakers to disperse peacefully.

Witnesses reported that the group stood in front of the army cordon for some time before eventually retreating. No violence or injuries were reported during the standoff. Security forces maintained their positions at the gates to prevent any breach of the restricted area.

Authorities have not yet commented on the motive behind the attempted entry. The incident underscores heightened public emotion surrounding Osman Hadi’s death and the government’s focus on maintaining order near key state institutions. Additional security measures are expected to remain in place around the parliament complex in the coming days.

Thousands gathered at Dhaka’s Manik Mia Avenue on Saturday, December 20, 2025, to attend the funeral prayer of Osman Hadi, spokesperson of the July Fighters and Inquilab Mancha. The event drew a massive turnout, including Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus, members of the advisory council, political leaders, and citizens from across the country. Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) leaders Sadiq Kayem and S.M. Farhad were seen in tears during the ceremony.

Before the prayer, Dr. Yunus addressed the crowd, describing the overwhelming attendance as a reflection of Hadi’s enduring influence and the nation’s collective grief. He stated that millions across Bangladesh and abroad were united in mourning, emphasizing that Hadi’s legacy would remain in the hearts of all Bangladeshis.

The funeral, led by Hadi’s elder brother Maulana Abu Bakar, symbolized a moment of national unity and remembrance. Observers noted that the emotional farewell underscored Hadi’s role as a figure of resistance and inspiration for youth movements in Bangladesh.

Residents of Nalchhiti municipality in Jhalakathi district are mourning the death of revolutionary figure Sharif Osman Hadi, whose home and former educational institution, SS Kamil Madrasa, have become centers of grief. Locals expressed deep sorrow for not being able to see him one last time and have called for the highest punishment for those responsible for his killing.

Teachers, classmates, and residents recalled Hadi as a fearless voice of protest since childhood. He began his education at Neserabad NS Kamil Madrasa in 2000, completing his Dakhil and Alim degrees by 2009, and later graduated from the University of Dhaka. Known for his leadership during the 2024 mass uprising, Hadi was regarded as a symbol of courage and activism in his community.

The killing has sparked widespread outrage and calls for justice across Jhalakathi and beyond. Memorial prayers have been held in several districts, with many describing Hadi as an enduring inspiration against oppression and authoritarianism.

Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus paid tribute to martyr Osman Hadi during his funeral at Manik Mia Avenue on Saturday, emphasizing that Hadi’s teachings and ideals would continue to inspire the nation. Addressing mourners before the funeral prayer, Yunus said Hadi’s compassion, humility, and political vision had earned admiration across society and should remain a guiding force for Bangladesh’s future.

The funeral, held at the South Plaza of the National Parliament, drew hundreds of thousands of people, including members of the advisory council, political leaders, and citizens from all walks of life. Imam Abu Bakar, Hadi’s elder brother, led the prayer. Hadi, known as a spokesperson for the July Fighters and the Inquilab Mancha, was remembered for his activism and commitment to social justice.

Observers noted that the massive turnout reflected Hadi’s influence on Bangladesh’s contemporary political movements. The interim government’s participation signaled an effort to unify diverse political groups around shared values of humanity and reform.

Prominent Islamic scholar Maulana Mizanur Rahman Azhari shared an emotional message following the burial of Sharif Osman Hadi, the convener of the Inquilab Mancha and a key figure in the July revolutionary movement. Hadi was laid to rest beside national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam’s grave at the Dhaka University Central Mosque complex on Saturday afternoon, where thousands gathered to bid farewell.

In a verified Facebook post, Azhari described Hadi as a ‘symbol of rebellion’ and praised his courage and devotion to justice. He reflected on Hadi’s death, noting that he was shot after Friday prayers and attained martyrdom a week later. Azhari’s tribute emphasized Hadi’s patriotism, anti-imperialist stance, and strong moral values, calling him an inspiration for future generations.

The burial and Azhari’s remarks have drawn widespread attention, highlighting Hadi’s influence among youth movements and his symbolic role in contemporary social activism in Bangladesh.

The sister of slain activist Sharif Osman Hadi arrived at Dhaka University on Saturday afternoon to visit her brother’s grave, located beside the tomb of national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam at the university’s central mosque complex. Hadi, a key organizer of the Inquilab Mancha and known as a July revolutionary, was buried there following his death in Singapore after sustaining gunshot wounds in Dhaka.

According to reports, Hadi was shot in the head on December 12 while traveling in a rickshaw near Bijoynagar. He was first treated at Dhaka Medical College Hospital and later transferred to a private hospital before being flown to Singapore for advanced care. He succumbed to his injuries on December 19. Family members, friends, and supporters gathered at the funeral, many breaking down in tears as they bid farewell.

The killing has sparked widespread grief and renewed discussions about political violence and safety for activists in Bangladesh. Authorities have yet to release details about the investigation or identify suspects involved in the shooting.

An absentia funeral prayer was held in Jhalokathi on Saturday for revolutionary martyr Osman Hadi, drawing large crowds from various walks of life. The prayer took place at the Jhalokathi Eidgah field following the noon prayer, where participants gathered to honor Hadi, who was recently killed under disputed circumstances.

Before the funeral, local leaders including NCP district convener Mainul Islam Manna, Gonodhikar Parishad candidate Mahmudul Hasan Sagor, and representatives from Islami Chhatra Shibir addressed the gathering. They demanded immediate action through Interpol to arrest those responsible for Hadi’s killing, warning of strict protest programs if arrests were not made by Sunday morning.

The event reflects growing political tension and public anger surrounding Hadi’s death. Organizers said similar prayers were being held in other districts, signaling a widening movement seeking accountability and justice for the slain activist.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has condemned the killing of Shahid Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson for the July Revolutionary and Inqilab Mancha in Bangladesh, and called for a swift, transparent, and impartial investigation in line with international human rights standards. His spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, shared the statement during a briefing at UN headquarters in New York, extending condolences to Hadi’s family and urging calm ahead of Bangladesh’s upcoming national elections.

The UN Human Rights Commission had earlier expressed deep concern over the incident, urging the Bangladeshi government to ensure accountability and conduct a thorough, unbiased inquiry. High Commissioner Volker Türk emphasized the need to maintain peace and prevent further violence. The calls come amid heightened political tensions and sporadic unrest as Bangladesh prepares for elections, with international observers closely monitoring developments.

Analysts suggest that the UN’s intervention underscores growing global concern over political violence and human rights conditions in Bangladesh. The government’s response and the transparency of the investigation are expected to shape international perceptions in the coming weeks.

Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus delivered an emotional tribute to martyred Osman Hadi bin Hadi during his funeral prayer at Manik Mia Avenue on Saturday, December 20, 2025. Addressing mourners before the janaza, Dr. Yunus said he had not come to bid farewell but to reaffirm that Hadi’s spirit would remain with the nation forever.

In his remarks, Dr. Yunus emphasized that Hadi’s message of freedom and sovereignty would continue to inspire Bangladesh’s journey toward a just and independent future. He urged citizens to carry forward the ideals Hadi stood for, pledging that his government would preserve the values of independence and unity. The funeral drew a massive crowd, including young people carrying the national flag, reflecting the widespread respect for Hadi’s sacrifice.

The event underscored a moment of national solidarity, with the interim government reaffirming its commitment to the principles of democracy and national dignity that Hadi symbolized.

An eight-year-old girl was killed and at least six others injured when unidentified assailants locked the doors of a BNP leader’s home from outside and set it ablaze in Lakshmipur early Friday. The attack targeted the residence of Belal Chowdhury, assistant organizing secretary of Bhabaniganj Union BNP, in Char Mansa village. Firefighters recovered the child’s body and rescued several family members with severe burns, two of whom were later transferred to Dhaka for advanced treatment.

Family members alleged that the fire was a deliberate act, with petrol poured before ignition. Local BNP leaders condemned the attack as a barbaric assault and demanded exemplary punishment for those responsible. Police have visited the scene, confirming one fatality and multiple injuries, and said an investigation is underway to identify the perpetrators.

Authorities are treating the case as a serious criminal incident, with community members urging swift justice. The tragedy has sparked local outrage and renewed concerns over political violence in rural Bangladesh.

Multiple houses belonging to former State Minister for Shipping Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury and two former mayors, Aslam and Abdus Sabur, were set on fire in Bochaganj upazila of Dinajpur on Friday night. The incidents occurred around 8 p.m. in the Dhanatola area of Setabganj village, reportedly after a group of agitated locals attacked the properties. Police and fire service units from Setabganj and Kaharol quickly responded, bringing the blaze under control within half an hour. No casualties were reported, though furniture and household items were destroyed.

Local residents said the unrest followed the circulation of a viral video showing Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury allegedly making controversial remarks about Sharif Osman Hadi. The video’s spread across social media reportedly fueled anger in the area. Law enforcement has cordoned off the site, and senior police officials have visited to assess the situation. Fire officials stated that investigations are underway to determine the exact cause of the fires.

Authorities have urged calm as tensions remain high in the region, with police maintaining heightened security to prevent further violence.

The body of Shaheed Osman Hadi arrived at the Dhaka University Central Mosque premises on Saturday afternoon, where he was laid to rest beside the grave of national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam. The funeral took place earlier in the day at Manik Mia Avenue near the National Parliament, drawing hundreds of thousands of mourners from diverse political, professional, and social backgrounds.

The funeral procession was accompanied by Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) Vice President Sadiq Kayem and several associates. Leaders and activists from the Inquilab Mancha, including its General Secretary Abdullah Al Jaber, were also present. The large public participation reflected widespread respect and emotional solidarity across the nation.

Observers noted that the burial site’s proximity to Nazrul’s grave symbolizes Hadi’s perceived role as a figure of resistance and sacrifice. Authorities ensured tight security around the area as the nation paid its final tribute to the slain activist.