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.

Former State Minister for Home Affairs and BNP leader Lutfozzaman Babar has called for restraint and adherence to diplomatic etiquette amid heightened patriotic activities. In a Facebook post on December 18, 2025, Babar expressed concern that some young people, driven by emotion and limited understanding of geopolitics, had used his name in an unwanted program. He emphasized that patriotism is admirable but should not violate political or diplomatic norms.

Babar’s statement comes at a time of political sensitivity in Bangladesh, with national stability and the upcoming election process under scrutiny. His appeal for calm and responsibility reflects broader concerns about maintaining peace and order amid rising nationalist sentiment and street mobilizations. Political observers note that such remarks aim to prevent further polarization and ensure that patriotic expressions remain within lawful and diplomatic boundaries.

The post has drawn attention within political circles, highlighting the tension between emotional nationalism and responsible civic behavior ahead of the polls.

Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus addressed the nation on Thursday night, announcing the death of Sharif Osman Hadi, a frontline leader of the July uprising and spokesperson of the Inquilab Mancha. Hadi passed away in Singapore while undergoing treatment. Yunus expressed deep sorrow, describing Hadi as a fearless fighter against fascism and authoritarianism, and declared Saturday a national day of mourning with flags to be flown at half-mast.

The Chief Adviser confirmed that the government would take responsibility for Hadi’s wife and child, and praised Singapore’s government for its medical support. He vowed that those responsible for Hadi’s killing would be brought to justice without delay. Yunus urged citizens to remain calm and avoid misinformation, emphasizing that the democratic transition process must continue.

The announcement comes at a critical political juncture as Bangladesh prepares for upcoming elections. Yunus framed Hadi’s death as a national loss and a call for unity, urging the nation to honor his ideals through patience, restraint, and commitment to democracy.

Police recovered the body of Jannat Ara Rumi, a Dhaka-based leader of the National Citizen Party (NCP), from a women’s hostel in Hazaribagh on Thursday morning. Rumi, who served as joint coordinator of the NCP’s Dhanmondi unit, was reportedly found hanging in her room. Her death has sparked widespread concern and debate over whether she took her own life following prolonged online harassment and threats.

NCP leaders allege that Rumi had filed a general diary with police a month earlier, seeking protection from persistent cyberbullying and death threats, but no action was taken. Party officials, including senior joint convener Samanta Sharmin, accused law enforcement of negligence despite having provided evidence of the alleged perpetrators. Social media reactions have been polarized, with some opposition activists expressing outrage and others making controversial remarks.

Police say an investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of death. The incident has reignited discussions about political harassment, online abuse, and the safety of female activists in Bangladesh’s volatile political climate.

A coordination and exchange meeting in Kaunia, Rangpur, led by District Commissioner and Magistrate Mohammad Enamul Ahsan, drew attention after an unexpected incident involving a local political figure. Abdul Majid, vice-president of the Rangpur District Volunteer League, attended the meeting but left shortly after introductions, prompting public discussion and speculation about his presence.

The meeting, held at the Upazila Auditorium, was attended by government officials and local dignitaries. It aimed to promote transparency in the upcoming elections and encourage cooperation in local development. However, Majid’s brief appearance raised questions, particularly as discussions continue nationwide about bringing ruling party members under legal accountability following directives from the Home Affairs Adviser.

Local residents expressed mixed views about the administration’s handling of the matter but welcomed the initiative of such meetings, suggesting that regular dialogues could help identify and resolve community issues more effectively.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) of Bangladesh has approved a corruption case against former deputy speaker and ex-MP of Pabna-1 constituency, Shamsul Haque Tuku, for allegedly acquiring assets worth over BDT 35.9 million beyond known income sources. The ACC also issued notices to his sons, former Bera municipality mayor S.M. Asif Shams and former Dhaka University associate professor S.M. Nafis Shams, along with Nafis’s wife Mumtahin Mostafa, to submit detailed statements of their assets.

According to the ACC, Asif Shams is accused of possessing illegal wealth amounting to BDT 266.6 million, while Nafis Shams allegedly holds BDT 56.4 million in unaccounted assets. His wife is accused of owning BDT 14.8 million in unexplained property. The commission stated that the charges fall under sections of the Anti-Corruption Commission Act, 2004, and the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1947.

The move underscores the ACC’s renewed focus on high-profile corruption cases. Legal proceedings are expected to follow once the asset declarations are reviewed, potentially expanding the scope of investigation into political families’ wealth accumulation.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) of Bangladesh has approved a chargesheet against former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, his wife, and two children for allegedly amassing illegal wealth worth over Tk 225.8 million. The announcement was made at a press briefing in Dhaka, where ACC Director General (Prevention) Md Akhter Hossain confirmed the move. Kamal, who reportedly fled to India after being sentenced to death in a separate case, faces allegations of abuse of power, bribery, money laundering, and corruption.

According to the ACC, the investigation revealed suspicious transactions totaling Tk 874.6 million across nine bank accounts linked to Kamal. The chargesheet also accuses his family members of aiding in concealing illicit funds through property and business ventures. The case was originally filed in October 2024 by ACC Deputy Director Md Jahangir Alam.

Legal analysts suggest the case could become a key test of Bangladesh’s anti-corruption enforcement, especially involving high-profile political figures. The court is expected to set a hearing date soon, while the ACC continues to trace additional assets allegedly tied to the former minister.

Bangladeshi coalition July Oikya has issued a 72-hour ultimatum to the Indian government, demanding an explanation for a statement by India’s Ministry of External Affairs that described its recent ‘March to Indian High Commission’ protest as an extremist movement. The ultimatum was announced at an emergency press conference held at Dhaka University’s Madhur Canteen, where organizers condemned the Indian characterization as a violation of diplomatic norms and an affront to democratic rights.

July Oikya, a coalition of over 100 social, cultural, and political groups, accused India of undermining Bangladesh’s sovereignty and shielding individuals allegedly involved in past human rights abuses. Group leader A.B. Zubair called for Indian High Commissioner Pranay Kumar Verma to be declared persona non grata under the Vienna Convention, citing loss of diplomatic trust. The coalition also announced nationwide protests in Chattogram, Barishal, and Sylhet on December 19.

If the Bangladesh Foreign Ministry fails to seek clarification from New Delhi within the deadline, July Oikya warned it will march to the ministry on December 23 to submit a memorandum. The standoff adds new strain to Bangladesh–India relations amid ongoing regional political sensitivities.

National Citizen Party (NCP) leader Hasnat Abdullah declared that opposition activists from BNP and Jamaat, along with anti-fascist supporters, would stand as a shield to protect him. He made the remarks during an election march and courtyard meeting at Barur village in Jafarganj Union, Debidwar upazila of Cumilla on Thursday night.

Hasnat Abdullah praised those who have long opposed what he called fascist politics, noting that many endured imprisonment and harassment for their beliefs. He emphasized that local women and supporters would be enough to defend him against threats, followed by BNP-Jamaat activists. Rejecting intimidation politics, he said that fear cannot win people’s love or sustain leadership.

The event was attended by local NCP, Jubo Shakti, and Chhatra Shakti members, along with residents from various professions. Hasnat’s comments come amid heightened political tensions in the region ahead of upcoming elections, reflecting growing alliances between smaller parties and opposition groups.

Mahmudur Rahman, editor of the Bangladeshi newspaper *Amar Desh*, has called on citizens to remain calm following the death of activist Sharif Osman Hadi in a Singapore hospital on Thursday night. Hadi, described as a young leader in the anti-Indian hegemony movement, passed away while undergoing treatment. Rahman expressed deep sorrow and urged the government to grant Hadi a state funeral and declare a national day of mourning in recognition of his contributions.

In his statement, Rahman emphasized that Hadi’s revolutionary ideals should inspire future generations and asked supporters to attend the funeral peacefully and in an orderly manner. He warned that “enemies of the nation” might exploit any unrest arising from public emotion over Hadi’s death. Rahman also prayed for patience and strength for Hadi’s family and colleagues.

The call for restraint comes amid heightened political sensitivities, as authorities reportedly denied permission for funeral prayers in Singapore. Observers note that Rahman’s appeal seeks to prevent potential clashes while maintaining Hadi’s symbolic legacy within nationalist circles.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has collected nomination papers to contest from the Thakurgaon-1 constituency in the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. The papers were collected on his behalf on Thursday, December 18, by former district BNP vice-president Nur-e-Shahadat Swajan, confirmed District Election Officer Md. Waliullah.

Following the announcement, local BNP leaders and supporters expressed enthusiasm, with discussions spreading across tea stalls and community gatherings in Thakurgaon. Swajan stated that he collected the forms as instructed by Mirza Fakhrul, who had earlier declared his intention to run from the same seat during a press conference in Dhaka on November 3.

The move marks the beginning of BNP’s formal participation in the upcoming election process. Political observers note that Mirza Fakhrul’s candidacy could energize the party’s grassroots in northern Bangladesh, though challenges remain amid the broader political climate and electoral uncertainties.

Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) has reported that 98.9% of households in the country now use mobile phones, reflecting the deep penetration of mobile technology across both rural and urban areas. The data comes from the first-quarter report of the 2025–26 ICT Use and Application Survey, conducted between July and September 2025, covering over 61,000 households nationwide.

According to the survey, 72.4% of households use smartphones, a slight decline from 72.8% in the previous fiscal year. Individual mobile phone usage, however, rose to 80.6% from 78.9% last year. Internet usage also increased modestly, reaching 48.9% of the population. Gender disparities persist: 80.9% of men and 78.8% of women use mobile phones, but ownership rates remain lower among women (52.8%) than men (63.2%).

Urban households show higher smartphone adoption (80.8%) compared to rural ones (68.8%). BBS noted that such data will help policymakers assess progress toward Sustainable Development Goals and design targeted ICT development programs.

A 12-second video filmed in Netrakona’s Purbadhala upazila has triggered widespread outrage after going viral on social media. The footage, showing a young man appearing to harass a girl near a madrasa, was later revealed to be a staged act recorded by twin brothers Roman and Rakib, both 18, with a 13-year-old boy playing the female role. The video was reportedly made to gain online views under their page ‘Rakib is Skating Blog.’

Local authorities confirmed the video was pre-planned and condemned the act as socially harmful. Purbadhala Union Council Chairman Siddiqur Rahman Bulbul warned that such content spreads fear among schoolgirls and urged legal action. Police said the accused have gone into hiding and their social media page has been removed. The Upazila Nirbahi Officer has directed police to take immediate legal measures.

The incident highlights growing concerns over the misuse of social media for sensational content and its psychological impact on communities. Law enforcement continues efforts to locate and arrest the suspects.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar has accused law enforcement and intelligence agencies of repeated failures in maintaining national stability. Speaking at a courtyard meeting in Kharnia Union, Dumuria, Khulna, on Thursday, he said that while citizens are preparing for elections, a group is attempting to destabilize the situation through violence, referring to the shooting of Inquilab Mancha convener Sharif Osman Hadi.

Parwar urged government institutions to strengthen monitoring and called on political parties to cooperate in ensuring a peaceful election under the government’s declared timeline. He emphasized the need for tolerance, patience, and sincerity among political actors, and urged the media to act responsibly in coordination with both parties and the public.

Addressing another event in Bamundia, he called for national unity across gender, religion, and ethnicity to build a new Bangladesh after recent upheavals, and encouraged citizens to support a referendum providing legal basis for the July Charter reforms.