Bangladesh’s legal adviser Dr. Asif Nazrul has expressed serious concern to Chief Justice Dr. Syed Refat Ahmed regarding what he described as indiscriminate bail granted by the High Court to individuals accused of terrorism. Speaking to reporters after meeting the Chief Justice at the Supreme Court on Thursday, Nazrul warned that such bail decisions could endanger public safety and undermine judicial integrity.

Nazrul argued that granting bail to politically motivated offenders or those accused of violent crimes contradicts the principles of justice, especially when there is a credible threat to citizens’ lives. He referenced recent threats allegedly made by exiled political figures and urged judges to exercise greater caution when considering bail for suspects with potential links to violence. His remarks have sparked debate within legal and political circles about the balance between judicial independence and national security.

The Chief Justice has not yet issued a formal response, but legal observers expect the Supreme Court to review bail procedures in sensitive cases. The issue may influence upcoming judicial reforms and public trust in the rule of law.

Bangladeshi civic alliance July Unity has strongly criticized India’s Ministry of External Affairs for describing its recent movement as an ‘extremist group activity’. At a press conference at Dhaka University’s Madhur Canteen, organizer and DUCSU Social Welfare Secretary A.B. Zubair said the Indian statement reflects political and moral bankruptcy and violates diplomatic norms. The group argued that its campaign was peaceful and democratic, aimed at defending Bangladesh’s sovereignty.

July Unity accused India of sheltering individuals allegedly responsible for atrocities in Bangladesh and failing to act against Hindu extremists involved in an attack on the Bangladeshi Assistant High Commission in Agartala. The organization urged Bangladesh’s Foreign Ministry to summon the Indian envoy and declare him persona non grata under Article 9 of the Vienna Convention. It also announced nationwide protests and a march to the Foreign Ministry if no action is taken within 72 hours.

Analysts note that the dispute underscores rising diplomatic friction between Dhaka and New Delhi amid heightened nationalist rhetoric and regional political sensitivities.

Police in Rajshahi on Thursday prevented demonstrators from reaching the Indian Assistant High Commission during a planned march and siege organized by the group 'July 36 Mancha.' The procession was stopped about 100 meters from the commission’s office, where officers had set up barricades to block access. Protesters demanded permission to proceed, and after a 15-minute standoff, attempted to move forward, leading to brief pushing and shoving with police.

Authorities had tightened security in the Vodra area earlier in the day, deploying additional law enforcement personnel and closing nearby roads. The demonstrators then held a sit-in at the barricade for over an hour, chanting slogans but failing to advance further. Rajshahi Metropolitan Police Additional Commissioner Nasir Farhad stated that police acted to prevent any attempt to besiege the diplomatic mission.

The incident underscores ongoing tensions surrounding local activism and diplomatic sensitivities. No injuries or arrests were reported, and the situation remained under control by late afternoon.

Sharif Osman Bin Hadi, spokesperson for the Inkilab Manch and a potential candidate for Dhaka-8 in Bangladesh’s upcoming 13th parliamentary election, has been moved to Singapore for a high-risk surgery after his health deteriorated sharply. Doctors advised against transferring him to Queen Elizabeth Hospital, citing his fragile condition, prompting the family to approve the operation locally in Singapore.

Fatima Tasnim Juma, DUCSU’s Liberation and Democratic Movement Secretary and a leader of Inkilab Manch, confirmed the development through a Facebook post, requesting prayers for Hadi’s recovery. She described his condition as being at the threshold between life and death and noted that the surgery’s success rate is extremely low. Juma also urged supporters to remain prepared for peaceful mobilization should Hadi not survive.

The situation has drawn attention within political circles ahead of the national polls, highlighting the emotional and organizational strain within Inkilab Manch. Further updates on Hadi’s condition are expected following the surgery in Singapore.

The Bangladesh Election Commission (EC) has announced that law enforcement agencies will be deployed across the country from February 9 to 13 to ensure security during the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election, scheduled for February 12, 2025. According to an official circular issued on Thursday, security forces will remain on duty for three days before the election, on polling day, and one day after the vote.

The EC directive specifies that all law enforcement agencies, except the Ansar and Village Defense Party, will be deployed for five days, while Ansar personnel will serve for six days, beginning four days before the election. The commission also confirmed that budget allocations for these deployments will follow existing administrative procedures.

Officials say the extended deployment aims to maintain order and voter confidence amid heightened political activity. The EC has also instructed police presence at returning and assistant returning officers’ offices. Applications for foreign election observers must be submitted by January 17, signaling the commission’s preparation for transparent and secure polls.

Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) Literary and Cultural Secretary Musaddiq Ali Ibn Mohammad has issued a 48-hour ultimatum demanding the resignation of the government’s home, law, and foreign advisers. In a statement released Thursday, he warned of a nationwide student movement if the advisers fail to show visible improvements in law and order and take decisive action against ruling party-linked criminals.

Musaddiq acknowledged partial satisfaction with the ongoing ‘Operation Devil Hunt Phase-2,’ which reportedly led to 4,360 arrests in three days. However, he criticized the authorities for alleged leniency toward influential offenders and warned that wrongful arrests of innocent citizens would not be tolerated. He held Home Adviser Jahangir Alam responsible for any future acts of violence by unarrested criminals and accused Law Adviser Asif Nazrul of enabling repeated bail for detained offenders.

The DUCSU leader also urged the Foreign Adviser to take concrete steps to repatriate fugitive murder suspects, including Hasina, warning that failure to act could trigger mass student protests across the country.

Leaders of Bangladesh’s Islamist political party Khelafat Majlis have expressed grave concern over what they describe as growing threats to the lives of those who led the July uprising. In a central executive meeting held in Dhaka, party officials alleged that administrative weakness and deteriorating law and order have emboldened violent groups. They claimed that fascist elements are targeting movement leaders to derail the upcoming national election.

The party criticized the administration and Election Commission for failing to take effective measures against these threats, citing the unarrested assailant of activist Osman Hadi as a key example of negligence. Senior leaders, including Maulana Sakhawat Hossain and Dr. Ahmad Abdul Kader, called for intensified police patrols, recovery of illegal arms, and nationwide crackdowns to ensure a level playing field for all political actors.

Khelafat Majlis also opposed proposed restrictions on religious gatherings during the election period, urging the Election Commission to withdraw such plans. The meeting concluded with prayers for the recovery of injured activist Sharif Osman Hadi.

Bangladesh’s Advisory Council has given final approval to the draft of the 'Prevention and Remedy of Enforced Disappearance (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025'. Under the new provisions, a tribunal will be empowered to officially declare a person as 'disappeared' if they have been missing for at least five years without returning alive. The decision was made at a council meeting chaired by Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus in Tejgaon, Dhaka.

According to Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder, the government will be able to appoint public prosecutors for the tribunal based on recommendations from the Human Rights Commission. Victims or complainants may also hire private lawyers independently. Additionally, the spouse or dependent family members of a disappeared person will be allowed to use the person’s property without prior permission from the commission.

The ordinance aims to strengthen legal mechanisms for addressing enforced disappearances, a long-standing human rights concern in Bangladesh. Legal experts and rights groups are expected to monitor its implementation closely once enacted.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman is set to return to Dhaka on December 25 after more than 17 years of self-imposed exile in London. Party sources confirmed that his flight will land at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport around 11:45 a.m., where senior BNP leaders are coordinating with civil aviation authorities to ensure security and protocol arrangements.

Following his arrival, a grand reception is planned on the 300 Feet (Purbachal Road) area of the capital, with BNP activists from Dhaka and nearby districts preparing for large-scale participation. Grassroots enthusiasm has reportedly surged since the announcement, with party leaders calling the event a historic moment in national politics. Rahman will be accompanied by his daughter, Barrister Zaima Rahman.

Upon his return, Tarique Rahman is expected to resume political activities from the BNP Chairperson’s office in Gulshan, where renovations and security upgrades are nearly complete. His home on Gulshan Avenue is being readied, with alternative arrangements at his mother’s residence ‘Firoza’ if needed.

Sharif Osman Hadi, a leading figure of the July uprising and spokesperson of Inquilab Mancha, is in critical condition in Singapore. Doctors are preparing for a complex brain operation to remove a bullet fragment lodged in his brainstem. His family has approved the surgery, and close relatives are currently by his side in Singapore.

Inquilab Mancha has called for nationwide prayers for Hadi’s recovery. In a statement, the group urged supporters to gather at Shahbagh if Hadi succumbs to his injuries, pledging to continue protests until those responsible for the attack are arrested. The organization also warned of a nationwide shutdown if justice is not served.

Authorities have yet to release details about the investigation or suspects involved in the shooting. Political observers note that Hadi’s condition and the group’s response could significantly influence the current socio-political climate in Bangladesh, particularly among pro-reform movements.

Police in Patiya, Chattogram, are under scrutiny after a detained student leader, Sheyaib-ul Islam Fahim, allegedly posted selfies and Facebook statuses while in police custody. Fahim, president of the Baralia Union Ward 7 unit of the banned Chhatra League, was arrested on December 17 on charges of involvement in anti-state activities. Despite being detained, he reportedly used a hidden mobile phone to post photos and messages, including one showing a sleeping police officer.

The incident sparked widespread criticism on social media, with many questioning how a detainee could access a phone under police supervision. Patiya Police Station Officer-in-Charge Ziaul Haque stated that Fahim had concealed the phone in his undergarments, which was later confiscated. He confirmed that the suspect was sent to court under the Anti-Terrorism Act.

The controversy has raised concerns about custodial oversight and police accountability, prompting calls for an internal investigation into the breach of detention protocols.

Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus chaired the weekly meeting of the Advisory Council in Dhaka, where the deteriorating health of activist and Inquilab Mancha spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi was a key topic. Hadi, a prominent figure in the July uprising, remains in critical condition at Singapore General Hospital after suffering a massive heart attack and severe infection.

According to officials, Singapore’s Foreign Minister Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan has been in regular contact with Dr. Yunus regarding Hadi’s condition. A senior Bangladeshi foreign ministry official has been dispatched to Singapore to coordinate with Hadi’s family, hospital authorities, and the Singaporean government. Doctors are reportedly preparing for a complex brain operation to remove a bullet fragment lodged in his brainstem.

The government’s press wing confirmed Hadi’s condition as “extremely critical.” His family members are by his side, and additional relatives are traveling to Singapore. The situation has drawn close attention from both Dhaka and Singapore, with urgent medical and diplomatic coordination underway.

Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has briefed foreign diplomats in Dhaka on the government’s preparations and security measures for the upcoming 13th national election and referendum. The briefing, held at the Padma State Guesthouse and led by Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam, outlined updated plans to ensure safety and order during the electoral process.

According to the ministry’s statement, armed forces and law enforcement agencies are on high alert and ready to respond to any situation. Around 40 diplomats from various embassies attended the session, where they were informed that the Election Commission will welcome foreign election observers and invited them to send monitoring teams. The government also reassured embassies about the safety of their personnel and premises.

The move comes amid heightened international attention on Bangladesh’s electoral environment. Officials emphasized transparency and cooperation with the diplomatic community, signaling efforts to maintain stability and confidence ahead of the polls.

Bangla Academy has announced the recipients of its 2025 awards, recognizing eight individuals for their contributions to literature, science, and the arts. The awards will be formally presented on December 27 during the Academy’s 48th annual general meeting. Each award carries a monetary prize ranging from fifty thousand to two hundred thousand Bangladeshi taka.

Among the honorees are Professor Mansur Musa for linguistic research, Khosru Chowdhury for science communication, and Sanaul Haque Khan for poetry. Hafiz Rashid Khan will receive the Sa’dat Ali Akhand Literary Award for his research on ethnic literature, while actor-director Tariq Anam Khan will be honored for his contributions to theatre. Shibabrata Barman is recognized for translation, Safiq Islam for his mathematics book, and fiction writers Subrata Barua and Anisur Rahman for their storytelling achievements.

The Bangla Academy awards, established to promote intellectual and creative excellence, remain among Bangladesh’s most prestigious honors. The 2025 selections highlight the diversity of contemporary Bangladeshi scholarship and creativity across disciplines.

Former anti-discrimination student movement coordinator Tarekul Islam, known as Tarek Reza, has claimed that the death of activist Jannat Akter Rumi was not a suicide but a murder. In a Facebook post on Thursday, he accused ruling party supporters of relentless cyberbullying and threats that allegedly drove Rumi to take her own life. Rumi, a joint coordinator of the NCP Dhanmondi unit, reportedly faced continuous online harassment and phone threats over the past month.

According to Reza, despite repeated appeals, authorities failed to provide protection or take action against those responsible. He vowed to seek justice, declaring that those who destroyed his “sister’s life” would not live in peace. The incident has sparked outrage among student activists and renewed debate over digital harassment and political intimidation in Bangladesh.

Observers say the case highlights the growing dangers of online abuse targeting political activists, particularly women. Calls are mounting for a transparent investigation and stronger cybercrime enforcement to prevent similar tragedies.