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.

Residents of Gobindaganj in Gaibandha district held protest marches and prayer gatherings on Friday demanding justice for the killing of Inquilab Mancha spokesperson Shahid Osman Hadi. Following the Friday prayers, special doa and prayers for his soul were offered at the Upazila Model Mosque and several other mosques, led by Maulana Sirajul Islam.

The demonstrations began in the afternoon from Gobindaganj Government High School field and concluded at the Shaheed Minar square, drawing participation from local political and student leaders, including Dr. Jahangir Alam Dablue, Mufti Touhidul Islam Tuhin, and Omar Faruk. Similar rallies were also held in Mahimaganj Bazar within the same upazila.

Participants called for swift investigation and punishment of those responsible for Hadi’s death, emphasizing the need for accountability. The incident has sparked growing local and regional attention, with community leaders urging authorities to ensure justice and maintain peace.

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.

Islami Andolan Bangladesh has strongly condemned the recent attacks and arson incidents targeting the offices of two major newspapers, Prothom Alo and The Daily Star, in Dhaka. In a statement issued on Friday, the party’s Joint Secretary General and spokesperson, Maulana Gazi Ataur Rahman, said that no matter the circumstances, setting fire to media offices cannot be an acceptable form of protest.

Rahman acknowledged that many citizens disagree with the editorial policies of the two newspapers, accusing them of spreading misinformation and supporting authoritarian narratives. However, he emphasized that in a modern state, violence against media institutions is unjustifiable. He further stated that no political or religious group, including those associated with the late revolutionary Osman Hadi, endorsed the attacks, describing the incidents as isolated but serious.

The party warned against attempts to destabilize the country or portray it as a failed state, urging all sides to act with restraint. Islami Andolan Bangladesh also called on the media to behave responsibly amid growing political tension.

Bangladesh’s joint security forces have arrested 51 individuals in coordinated nationwide operations conducted between December 11 and 18, 2025. The operations involved multiple army infantry divisions, independent brigades, and other law enforcement agencies, focusing on curbing terrorism, drug trafficking, robbery, and organized youth crime. The arrests took place in Dhaka and several other districts.

Authorities reported seizing nine illegal firearms, 27 rounds of ammunition, explosives, narcotics, and sharp weapons during the raids. The detainees include suspected terrorists, drug dealers, addicts, robbers, and members of juvenile gangs. Officials stated that all suspects have been handed over to local police stations for interrogation and legal proceedings.

Security analysts view the coordinated effort as part of a broader government initiative to strengthen internal security and suppress rising urban crime networks. Law enforcement agencies are expected to continue similar joint drives in the coming weeks to maintain stability and public safety.

The Amar Bangladesh (AB) Party has organized a protest march in Dhaka demanding national unity and resistance following the brutal killing of Shahid Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of Inqilab Manch. The procession began at Paltan, passed through Shahbagh and TSC, and concluded back at Paltan, led by AB Party General Secretary Barrister Asaduzzaman Fuad.

Senior party leaders and activists joined the march, chanting slogans against fascist and hegemonic forces. The demonstration reflected growing political outrage over Hadi’s killing, which has sparked calls for broader solidarity among opposition groups. Fuad emphasized the need for a united front to defend democracy and sovereignty.

The incident has intensified political tensions in Dhaka, with several parties urging swift justice and government accountability. Observers note that the AB Party’s mobilization could signal renewed opposition coordination in the coming weeks.

Shaheed Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of Inquilab Moncho, will be buried beside the grave of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam near the central mosque of Dhaka University. The burial site was jointly inspected and approved by government and university authorities, following a request from Hadi’s family. His body is currently preserved at the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases.

The funeral prayer (janaza) is scheduled to take place after the noon prayer on Saturday at Manik Mia Avenue. The decision to bury Hadi beside Nazrul’s resting place was made to honor his contributions and symbolic connection to national ideals. Officials have confirmed that preparations for the burial are complete.

Hadi’s death has drawn significant public attention, with calls for a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding it. His burial near one of Bangladesh’s most revered literary figures underscores his perceived role in national activism and the continuing resonance of his work.

Maulana Ahmad Abdul Kaiyum, chairman of the National Tafsir Council, alleged that the killing of Sharif Osman Hadi was part of a broader conspiracy to destabilize Bangladesh. Speaking at a prayer gathering in Dhaka’s Merajnagar area on Friday, he described the murder as a grave threat to national unity and sovereignty.

Kaiyum accused external actors, particularly India, of attempting to create unrest through covert operations. He further claimed that a list of 50 patriotic figures, including prominent Islamic scholars such as Pir Saheb Charmonai and Maulana Mamunul Haque, had been marked for assassination. Other council leaders, including Maulana Bakibillah and Maulana Jalal Hossain, were also present at the event.

The cleric urged authorities to act decisively, calling for the immediate arrest and strict punishment of those responsible. His remarks come amid heightened tensions following Hadi’s death and growing calls from civil society and international organizations for a transparent investigation.

The Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) has strongly condemned the violent attacks on the offices of Bangladeshi newspapers Prothom Alo and The Daily Star following the killing of July fighter and Inquilab Mancha spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi. The attacks occurred around midnight on December 18, when unruly groups vandalized and set fire to both newspaper offices, trapping several journalists inside. Security forces and firefighters later rescued the trapped staff and brought the situation under control.

In a joint statement, DRU President Abu Saleh Akon and General Secretary Mainul Hasan Sohel denounced the assaults as direct threats to press freedom and democratic values. They demanded a swift, impartial investigation to identify and prosecute those responsible. Veteran journalist Nurul Kabir was reportedly harassed while attempting to assist colleagues during the incident.

The DRU warned that targeting media institutions undermines constitutional rights and the rule of law. It urged the government to ensure exemplary punishment for the perpetrators to prevent further intimidation of journalists and safeguard the independence of the press.

The United Nations has expressed deep concern over the killing of Shahid Sharif Osman Bin Hadi, convener of the Inquilab Mancha, urging the Bangladesh government to conduct a rapid, impartial, and transparent investigation. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk issued a statement from Geneva on Friday, calling for accountability and restraint amid rising political tensions ahead of the national elections.

Türk said he was deeply saddened by Hadi’s death in Singapore after being shot during an election campaign in Dhaka’s constituency-8 on December 12. He emphasized that retaliation would only deepen divisions and undermine human rights. The UN also called on the interim government to ensure the safety of public figures and maintain peace during the pre-election period.

The incident has drawn national and international attention, with human rights groups demanding justice. Observers warn that failure to ensure transparency could further erode public trust as Bangladesh prepares for its February parliamentary polls.

The Islamic Arabic University has postponed the Fazil (Honours) 2024 examination scheduled for Saturday, citing unavoidable circumstances. The decision was confirmed on Friday by the university’s Controller of Examinations, Mohammad Ali. Authorities have stated that a new date for the exam will be announced later through an official notice.

The postponement affects thousands of students across Bangladesh who were preparing for the Fazil (Honours) examination under the university’s supervision. While the university did not specify the reason behind the delay, officials assured that the rescheduled date will be communicated promptly to minimize disruption. Students have been advised to monitor official channels for updates.

Education observers note that such postponements can impact academic calendars and student planning, especially during the year-end examination period. The university is expected to coordinate with affiliated colleges to ensure a smooth rescheduling process once the new date is finalized.

Nasiruddin Patwari, chief coordinator of the National Citizen Party (NCP), has cautioned that any attack on foreign embassies in Bangladesh could invite external intervention. Speaking at a sit-in in Dhaka’s Banglamotor area on Friday, organized to protest the killing of Inquilab Mancha spokesperson Osman Hadi, Patwari urged supporters to avoid violence and maintain discipline during demonstrations.

He emphasized that sabotage or assaults on diplomatic missions would harm Bangladesh’s sovereignty and image, calling instead for non-violent, democratic movements. Patwari also accused the Indian government of backing anti-Bangladesh conspiracies but clarified that his party opposes any attack on the Indian embassy. Senior NCP leaders and student representatives attended the event, which replaced a previously planned protest march.

The NCP’s stance reflects growing political tension following Hadi’s death and concerns over infiltration by violent groups in ongoing street movements. Observers note that the party’s call for restraint may signal an attempt to distance itself from extremist elements while maintaining pressure on the government.

BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman has received a travel pass from the Bangladesh High Commission in London, allowing him to return to Dhaka on December 25. Party and diplomatic sources confirmed that Rahman, who has been living in exile in the United Kingdom for years, applied for the document on Thursday and received it on Friday morning local time.

Rahman’s Bangladeshi passport had expired, and he did not renew it even after the fall of the Awami League government last year. Due to this, he required a one-time travel pass to re-enter the country as a Bangladeshi citizen. His planned return marks a significant political development for the BNP, which has been reorganizing following the recent political upheaval.

Analysts suggest Rahman’s return could reshape Bangladesh’s opposition politics, potentially influencing upcoming elections and party leadership dynamics. Authorities are expected to make security and administrative preparations ahead of his arrival.