The Rajshahi University administration has extended the tenure of 12 deans, including six identified as pro-Awami League, despite their official terms ending on December 17, 2025. The decision, approved by Vice-Chancellor Prof. Saleh Hasan Nakib and Registrar Prof. Iftekharul Alam Masud, will remain in effect until new elections are held. The administration cited logistical reasons, including the recent convocation and upcoming admission tests, for delaying the election process.

The extension has triggered controversy on campus, with critics alleging political bias and lack of transparency. A senior faculty member argued that the move contradicts efforts toward institutional neutrality following the August 5 uprising. Rajshahi University Central Students’ Union (RACSU) General Secretary Salahuddin Ammar issued a public ultimatum demanding the deans’ resignation, warning of student action if they remain in office.

University officials defended the decision as temporary and procedural, noting that the extended deans will not participate in key policymaking meetings. However, tensions remain high, with observers warning that continued administrative politicization could deepen campus divisions ahead of the next academic cycle.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is set to finalize seat-sharing arrangements with its allied political parties within the next two days, according to party Standing Committee member Major (Retd.) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed. Speaking to reporters after a meeting with 100 nominated candidates at the BNP Chairperson’s office in Gulshan, he confirmed that the party has already announced candidates for 266 constituencies.

Ahmed added that decisions on the remaining 36 seats will be made soon, emphasizing that the party is focusing on strengthening the electoral readiness of its nominees. BNP leaders are reportedly guiding candidates on campaign strategies and responsibilities aimed at aligning with public expectations.

The move comes as part of BNP’s broader effort to consolidate opposition forces ahead of the upcoming national elections. Political analysts suggest that the final seat-sharing decisions could shape the opposition’s overall electoral strength and coordination in key constituencies.

Sylhet Metropolitan Police (SMP) have detained nine individuals, including several with political affiliations, under the ongoing 'Devil Hunt-2' operation. The arrests were made across different parts of the city over a 36-hour period, targeting suspects linked to explosive-related cases and other criminal charges under the Penal Code and Explosive Substances Act.

Police sources confirmed that among those detained are former and current leaders of the Awami League, Jubo League, and Chhatra League. The list includes a former vice-president of the Kulaura upazila Awami League, a city Jubo League general secretary, and several local organizational heads. Authorities stated that all detainees have been presented before the court following legal procedures.

Law enforcement officials said the operation is part of a broader crackdown on politically linked criminal networks in Sylhet. Investigations are ongoing, and further legal action will be taken based on evidence gathered during the inquiry.

BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman has formally applied for a travel pass at the Bangladesh High Commission in London, signaling his intent to return home on December 25 after 18 years in exile. Reliable sources confirmed that the application was submitted through an intermediary, and Rahman plans to travel on a regular Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight scheduled to land in Dhaka at 11:55 a.m. on the same day.

Party leaders, including BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed, have confirmed the travel details, noting that Rahman’s return follows the resolution of his political asylum case in a London court. Despite years abroad, he reportedly did not accept a British passport. During a recent meeting organized by the UK chapter of BNP, Rahman publicly announced his decision to return, describing it as a personal and political milestone.

BNP supporters have expressed strong enthusiasm, viewing his homecoming as a turning point in Bangladesh’s political landscape. Analysts suggest his return could reshape opposition dynamics and influence the party’s strategy ahead of future elections.

Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has called on citizens to remain calm and avoid falling into any destabilization attempts following the death of Inquilab Manch convener Sharif Osman Hadi. In a televised address to the nation on Thursday night, Yunus urged people not to react hastily or be influenced by misinformation and rumors circulating after the incident.

He emphasized that Hadi’s ideals and sacrifice should serve as a source of strength for the nation, calling for unity in upholding democracy, justice, and people’s rights. The Chief Adviser warned that those seeking to disrupt national stability would not succeed, asserting that fear, violence, or bloodshed cannot halt Bangladesh’s democratic progress.

The statement comes amid widespread mourning and heightened political tension. Observers noted that Yunus’s message aimed to prevent potential unrest and reinforce public confidence in the interim government’s commitment to peace and democratic transition.

National Citizens Party (NCP) South Region chief organizer Hasnat Abdullah has called for calm and unity among supporters following heightened political tension surrounding the death of activist Hadi. In a Facebook post on Thursday night, Abdullah emphasized the importance of rebuilding rather than destruction, urging followers to remain peaceful and committed to collective strength.

His message came as protests and anti-hegemony gatherings were being planned in Dhaka’s Shahbagh area, where traffic disruptions were reported. Abdullah’s remarks appeared aimed at preventing escalation and maintaining organizational discipline. He stressed honesty, transparency, and cultural resilience as key principles to preserve Hadi’s legacy.

Observers see the appeal as an attempt to stabilize the NCP’s southern base and prevent unrest from spreading. With Hadi’s body expected to arrive in the country soon, authorities are preparing for large-scale gatherings, while political leaders continue to call for restraint and dialogue.

Two leading Bangladeshi newspapers, Prothom Alo and The Daily Star, came under attack late Thursday night as unidentified assailants set fires and vandalized their offices in Dhaka. Fire Service officials confirmed that two units were dispatched to control the blaze at the Prothom Alo building, while separate reports indicated that The Daily Star office was also targeted by arsonists.

Army personnel were deployed to the scene to restore order and assist emergency responders. The extent of the damage and any casualties were not immediately confirmed as of early Friday morning. Authorities have yet to release details on the motive or identity of those involved.

The attacks have raised concerns about press freedom and security for journalists in Bangladesh. Media organizations and civil society groups are expected to issue statements condemning the violence and urging the government to ensure accountability. Further investigations are underway to determine whether the incidents were coordinated or politically motivated.

Violent protests erupted in Dhaka late Thursday night following news of the death of activist Sharif Osman Hadi, who had been receiving treatment in Singapore. Crowds of students and citizens gathered near the Prothom Alo office in Karwan Bazar, breaking windows, damaging furniture, and setting fire to papers and equipment inside the building. The building’s feature and accounts departments suffered significant damage.

Shortly after, the same group reportedly moved to The Daily Star office on Kazi Nazrul Islam Avenue, where they set fire to the ground floor, causing panic among journalists and staff. Firefighters later brought the blaze under control, while police and army personnel were deployed to secure the area. Traffic in the surrounding roads was halted during the unrest.

Authorities have not yet confirmed the extent of the damage or whether arrests have been made. The attacks have raised concerns about press freedom and public safety amid growing political tension in the capital.

Bangladeshi writer, activist, and political analyst Pinaki Bhattacharya has called on citizens to remain calm and avoid rash actions amid ongoing political unrest. In a Facebook post on Thursday night, Bhattacharya urged supporters and the public to exercise patience, emphasizing that the nation’s political struggle is a long-term process. He specifically mentioned reports that several journalists were trapped inside The Daily Star building, requesting that the army be allowed to safely rescue them.

Bhattacharya’s message comes at a time of heightened tension and sporadic violence in Dhaka and other cities, as political groups continue to clash over governance and press freedom. His appeal for restraint has been widely shared online, drawing both support and criticism from different political factions. Observers note that such calls for calm from prominent civil voices may help reduce immediate confrontations.

Analysts suggest that the situation remains fluid, with security forces maintaining a visible presence in key areas. Further developments are expected as authorities work to stabilize the situation and ensure the safety of journalists and civilians.

Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of the political platform Inquilab Mancha, passed away while undergoing treatment at Singapore General Hospital. His first funeral prayer was held Friday morning at Angullia Mosque in Singapore. According to family and organizational sources, his body will be flown to Dhaka on a Bangladesh Biman commercial flight departing at 3:50 p.m. local time, with arrival expected at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport around 6:05 p.m. Bangladesh time.

Dr. Md. Abdul Ahad, a neurosurgeon at Dhaka Medical College Hospital and member secretary of the National Health Alliance, confirmed the details of the repatriation. Upon arrival in Dhaka, necessary formalities will be completed before a second funeral prayer and burial on Saturday at the family graveyard. Hadi’s death has triggered deep mourning among political colleagues and supporters, who described him as a dedicated activist and voice for reform.

The Inquilab Mancha leadership said arrangements are being made for a large public attendance at the Dhaka funeral, reflecting Hadi’s influence in grassroots political movements.

Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of the political platform Inkilab Mancha, passed away while undergoing treatment at Singapore General Hospital. His death has sparked deep sorrow among political circles and members of his organization. According to official statements, his body will be flown to Dhaka on Friday afternoon via a Bangladesh Biman commercial flight, expected to land at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport around 6:05 p.m.

Dr. Md. Abdul Ahad, a neurosurgeon at Dhaka Medical College Hospital and member secretary of the National Health Alliance, confirmed the details of the repatriation. Family sources said that after completing necessary formalities, Hadi’s funeral prayer will be held on Saturday, followed by burial at his family graveyard. Political colleagues and supporters have expressed condolences, remembering his contributions to the organization.

The passing of Hadi marks a significant loss for Inkilab Mancha, which has been active in youth and reformist political movements. The group is expected to hold a memorial event following his burial.

Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus is set to deliver a televised address to the nation following the death of Sharif Osman Hadi, the convener of the Inquilab Mancha movement. The speech will be broadcast simultaneously on Bangladesh Television and BTV News, according to a statement from the Chief Adviser’s press wing on Thursday night.

Hadi, who had been critically injured by gunfire earlier this month, passed away on Thursday in a Singapore hospital while undergoing treatment. His death has sparked widespread public reaction and renewed discussions about political violence and accountability in Bangladesh. Social media platforms have been flooded with tributes, including poems and songs dedicated to Hadi.

Yunus’s address is expected to focus on the government’s response to the incident, calls for calm, and possible measures to prevent further unrest. Observers suggest the speech could mark a pivotal moment for the interim administration as it navigates rising political tensions and public demands for justice.

Sharif Osman Hadi, a central figure in Bangladesh’s post-July uprising politics and founder of the political-cultural platform Inqilab Manch, has died following gunshot injuries sustained during an election campaign in Dhaka. His brother confirmed the death on Thursday night. Hadi had recently announced his candidacy as an independent for the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election from Dhaka-8 constituency.

A former university lecturer and political science graduate from Dhaka University, Hadi rose to prominence after the 2024 July uprising, advocating for the banning of the Awami League and voicing anti-India sentiments. His activism, including protests at Bangabhaban and involvement in controversial demonstrations, made him both a popular and polarizing figure. He had previously claimed to receive multiple death threats.

His death has sparked renewed debate about political violence and security for independent candidates. Observers note that Hadi’s outspoken positions and grassroots mobilization reflected a growing trend of alternative political movements in Bangladesh’s volatile post-uprising landscape.

At a discussion and prayer event in Nalchity, Jhalokathi, the sister of Inquilab Mancha spokesperson Sharif Osman bin Hadi declared that their movement against Indian dominance and domestic corruption would continue. She asserted that India has never been a true friend of Bangladesh and that only a just state could stand against foreign influence. The event was organized by the Jhalokathi district branch of the National Citizen Party (NCP) following an attack on Osman bin Hadi.

Family members demanded the immediate arrest of those responsible for the assault, warning that the interim government would not be allowed to leave office with dignity if justice was not served. The meeting was chaired by NCP’s joint coordinator Mufti Masum Billah and attended by several local political and religious leaders. The gathering reflected growing frustration among activists over perceived political violence and foreign interference.

Observers note that the call for justice and anti-hegemony rhetoric may intensify political tensions in the lead-up to national elections, as smaller parties seek to assert nationalist narratives.

Police in Dhaka recovered the hanging body of Jannatara Rumi, a 30-year-old women’s leader of the NCP’s Dhanmondi branch, on Thursday afternoon. Hours later, political activist Sharif Osman Hadi, who had been critically injured in a shooting on December 12, died at Singapore General Hospital following unsuccessful surgery to remove a bullet from his brain. Rumi’s final social media posts referenced Hadi, expressing concern for his condition.

Authorities are investigating whether Rumi’s death was a suicide or homicide. Reports indicate she had faced severe online harassment, including threats of violence and exposure of personal information by activists linked to the banned Awami League. Rumi had filed a general diary with Dhanmondi police in November, citing fears for her safety.

The deaths of both figures—prominent in the so-called July Revolution movement—have sparked widespread grief and renewed debate over political violence and digital harassment in Bangladesh. Police have yet to confirm any suspects or motives, while civil society groups are calling for transparent investigations.