Bangladesh has strongly condemned a recent airstrike on a hospital in Myanmar’s Rakhine State that killed at least 34 people and injured more than 80. The attack, reportedly carried out on a facility controlled by the Arakan Army in Mrauk-U town, drew sharp concern from Dhaka over escalating violence and violations of international humanitarian law. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed condolences to the victims’ families and sympathy for the injured in a statement issued on Saturday.

The Myanmar military has not commented on the incident, which comes amid renewed clashes between the junta and ethnic armed groups across the country. Bangladesh emphasized the need to protect all civilians and civilian infrastructure, urging restraint and adherence to humanitarian norms. Dhaka also called for safeguarding all communities in Rakhine, including Rohingya and Rakhine ethnic groups.

Observers note that the attack may further strain regional stability and complicate repatriation efforts for Rohingya refugees currently sheltering in Bangladesh.

The High Court has granted bail to listed top Chattogram crime suspect Sajjad Hossain, known as 'Chhoto Sajjad', and his wife Sharmin Akter Tamanna in four sensational murder cases. Although the bail orders were issued in mid-September 2024, the documents only reached Chattogram Central Jail on December 13, revealing the matter publicly after nearly two and a half months.

Court and prison officials confirmed that the delay occurred because the bail papers were not promptly forwarded to the relevant courts or prisons. Sajjad faces 19 cases, including 10 for murder, while his wife is accused in at least eight cases. Both remain detained—Sajjad in Rajshahi Jail and Tamanna in Feni Jail—pending verification of the bail documents. The High Court bench of Justices Mostafa Zaman Islam and Yusuf Abdullah Suman granted the bail until final rule disposal.

The delayed transmission of bail orders has raised questions about procedural transparency and coordination between court offices and prisons. Legal observers expect internal reviews to ensure timely communication in future high-profile cases.

Bangladesh’s interim government has ordered maximum border vigilance following an armed attack on Sharif Osman Hadi, an independent parliamentary candidate for Dhaka-8. Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus directed security agencies to prevent the attackers from fleeing the country, prompting heightened surveillance at the Akhaura International Immigration Checkpost and along the Brahmanbaria and Cumilla frontiers.

The directive came after an emergency meeting at the state guesthouse Jamuna, attended by key advisers and senior law enforcement and intelligence officials. Dr. Yunus described the attack as a deliberate assault on the nation’s democratic process and instructed authorities to ensure the perpetrators are swiftly apprehended. Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) units, particularly the 60th Battalion in Sultanpur, have intensified patrols, vehicle checks, and identity verifications to block any escape routes.

Officials confirmed that immigration police are scrutinizing all passport holders crossing through Akhaura. The government’s rapid response underscores its intent to maintain order and demonstrate zero tolerance for political violence ahead of the upcoming election period.

Inquilab Manch, a political platform led by Sharif Osman Hadi, organized a protest rally in Dhaka on Saturday following an armed attack on Hadi, an independent aspirant for the Dhaka-8 constituency in the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. The rally, titled 'Outraged Citizens’ Assembly and Mass Resistance,' took place in front of the National Museum at Shahbagh, drawing supporters and political activists demanding justice.

Speakers at the event, including AB Party’s General Secretary Barrister Asaduzzaman Fuad, NCP organizer Hasnat Abdullah, and journalist Mahmudur Rahman, condemned the attack and criticized mainstream political parties for fostering a culture of impunity. They called for unity against what they described as “cultural fascism” and external political influence. Dhaka University student leader Fatema Tasnim Juma urged continued resistance in defense of sovereignty and democracy.

Hadi was shot in the Bijoynagar area on Friday, a day after the election schedule was announced. He remains in critical condition at a private hospital in Dhaka. Police have yet to identify the assailants, and investigations are ongoing.

Dr. Mahmudur Rahman, editor of the Bangladeshi newspaper *Amar Desh*, has demanded the immediate arrest of those responsible for the recent attack on activist Hadi. Speaking at a rally organized by Inqilab Mancha in Dhaka’s Shahbagh on Saturday, Rahman said he had prayed for Hadi’s recovery, describing him as a symbol of the 'July Revolution.' He announced a nationwide protest on December 15 at the Central Shaheed Minar if the attackers are not apprehended within 48 hours.

Rahman accused the interim government of failing to protect July movement activists, alleging that prior warnings about threats to Hadi were ignored. He criticized what he called 'Indian hegemony' and 'Awami fascism,' urging an all-party alliance to resist such forces. Rahman also pledged to continue Hadi’s cultural initiatives, including a center promoting intellectual resistance among youth.

The upcoming December 15 rally is expected to set the tone for a renewed opposition movement ahead of Bangladesh’s Victory Day, with Rahman promising to announce a new phase of political mobilization.

Bangladesh Election Commissioner Abdur Rahmanel Mashud stated that the recent attack on Sharif Osman Hadi, a potential candidate for Dhaka-8 and convener of the Inquilab Manch, will not significantly influence the upcoming national elections. Speaking to Jamuna Television on Saturday, Mashud emphasized that isolated incidents should not undermine confidence in the electoral process and called for stronger law and order measures.

The commissioner noted that maintaining public trust is essential for credible results, urging security agencies to ensure a peaceful environment. The attack occurred on Friday in Bijoynagar, Dhaka, where unidentified assailants shot Hadi, leaving him critically injured. Doctors have placed him under intensive observation for 48 to 72 hours, and his condition remains unstable, according to hospital sources.

Authorities have yet to release detailed information about the investigation, but the Election Commission reiterated its commitment to ensuring fair and secure elections despite the incident.

Retired Major and former BNP lawmaker Akhtaruzzaman has formally joined Jamaat-e-Islami, describing the Islamist party as 'patriotic' and rejecting claims that it opposed Bangladesh’s 1971 Liberation War. The announcement came Saturday at Jamaat’s central office in Dhaka’s Moghbazar, where Akhtaruzzaman met party chief Shafiqur Rahman and completed membership formalities.

Once a vocal critic of Jamaat, Akhtaruzzaman said he left the BNP in protest against what he called Tarique Rahman’s false statements about Jamaat’s wartime role. He argued that the Liberation War was fought against Pakistani forces, not Jamaat, and accused BNP leaders of inconsistency and opportunism in their political alliances. He also alleged that Jamaat, like the BNP, has faced persecution under the Awami League government.

His defection highlights renewed political realignments following recent opposition setbacks. Analysts say Akhtaruzzaman’s move could signal attempts by Islamist and nationalist factions to rebuild alliances amid growing pressure on opposition parties after August 5 political developments.

Bangladesh’s education ministry advisor Bidhan Ranjan Roy Poddar stated that the Pay Commission will determine the final decision on primary teachers’ demand for 11th grade pay status. Speaking to reporters after a training certificate ceremony at the National Academy for Primary Education (NAPE) in Mymensingh, he said the government has communicated its position to the commission and expects the issue to be implemented soon. He also noted that teachers have withdrawn their protests after understanding the process.

Poddar added that nearly all new textbooks for primary students have reached district levels and will be distributed nationwide on January 1. He announced the launch of a pre-service “Diploma in Primary Education (DPEd)” course from January, aimed at improving teacher quality and professionalism.

The advisor further mentioned that Bangladesh plans to introduce a teacher licensing system similar to medical licensing, ensuring that only trained and qualified individuals enter the profession, aligning with global best practices.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has called on citizens to observe Martyred Intellectuals Day on December 14 and Victory Day on December 16 with solemnity and national pride. In a statement released on December 13, he paid tribute to those who sacrificed their lives for the country’s independence and sovereignty, describing the two days as symbols of sacrifice, struggle, and glory.

Rahman emphasized the enduring significance of these national days in Bangladesh’s history and urged people to organize discussions, gatherings, and prayer meetings to mark the occasions. He extended greetings to the nation and expressed hopes for peace and prosperity. Referring to recent political changes, he noted that the country stands at a crossroads after mass movements ended what he termed a “fascist regime.”

The Jamaat chief also warned against domestic and foreign conspiracies to destabilize the nation, citing a recent attack on Sharif Osman Hadi as an example. The party announced a three-day program including seminars and a youth marathon in Dhaka to commemorate the events.

A 15-member medical board at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka has announced an 11-point treatment plan for independent Dhaka-8 parliamentary candidate Sharif Osman Hadi, who remains in critical condition after suffering a gunshot wound to the head. The hospital confirmed that Hadi was transferred from Dhaka Medical College Hospital following surgery and is now under intensive post-operative care in the critical care unit.

According to the board’s statement, Hadi’s brain has sustained severe damage, requiring conservative management under brain protection protocols. His lungs and kidneys are being closely monitored, while blood pressure and heart rate fluctuations are being managed with supportive care. The board expressed gratitude to Dhaka Medical College doctors for their earlier intervention and urged the public to avoid speculation or hospital visits.

The medical team emphasized that Hadi’s condition remains extremely precarious. Family members have been briefed on his status and may share updates with the media. The hospital appealed for prayers and respect for the patient’s privacy as treatment continues.

Bangladesh’s Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter announced that a nationwide awareness campaign will begin in January to reduce unnecessary antibiotic use and promote public understanding of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Speaking at the opening of the Veterinary Vaccine Conference 2025 at the Livestock Research Institute in Dhaka, she emphasized that the initiative aims to protect public health by encouraging responsible antibiotic practices.

Akhter highlighted that misuse of antibiotics in animals increases AMR risks for both humans and livestock. She urged stronger vaccination programs to reduce disease incidence and antibiotic dependency. The adviser also stressed the need for domestic vaccine production capacity to ensure sustainable disease control and food safety. Experts, including Professor Dr. Robyn Alders from the Australian National University, presented research on sustainable vaccine-based disease prevention.

Officials and researchers attending the conference welcomed the government’s plan, noting that awareness and vaccination are key to safeguarding animal health, food security, and economic stability. Implementation details of the January campaign are expected to be finalized in the coming weeks.

BNP Standing Committee member Mirza Abbas described independent candidate Sharif Osman Hadi, who was recently shot in Dhaka-8 constituency, as his 'child-like competitor' rather than a rival. Speaking at a protest rally organized by Dhaka South BNP, Abbas expressed sympathy for Hadi and condemned the attack, calling it an assault on democracy. He emphasized that his supporters remained peaceful to avoid disrupting Hadi’s medical treatment.

Abbas alleged that the chaos at the hospital following his visit was a premeditated conspiracy by a specific political group aiming to destabilize the situation. He claimed that individuals who incited unrest were not Hadi’s supporters but members of another party seeking to obstruct his recovery. Without naming the group, Abbas accused them of having a long history of political intrigue and attempts to create instability in the country.

The rally, attended by senior BNP leaders including Ruhul Kabir Rizvi and Tanvir Ahmed Robin, concluded with a protest march demanding the arrest of those responsible for the attack and exposure of the alleged conspirators.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Sheikh Mohammad Sajjad Ali announced that comprehensive security measures are being implemented to protect all candidates contesting in Bangladesh’s 13th national parliamentary election. His statement came a day after an attack on Osman Hadi, an independent candidate from Dhaka-8 constituency and spokesperson of Inquilab Manch. The commissioner confirmed that police are actively investigating the incident and working to identify and apprehend the main suspect.

Speaking to reporters at the Rajarbagh Police Lines Auditorium following the 42nd annual meeting of the Retired Police Officers’ Welfare Association, Sajjad Ali said the investigation is progressing despite less than 24 hours having passed since the attack. He noted that the police have identified a prime suspect but declined to disclose details for investigative reasons. Authorities have also appealed to the public for information to aid the probe.

The incident has raised concerns over candidate safety ahead of the upcoming election. Law enforcement agencies are expected to heighten surveillance and deploy additional personnel to prevent further violence and ensure a secure campaign environment.

BNP central leader and Natore-2 candidate Advocate Ruhul Kudduz Talukder Dulu alleged that the shooting of Inquilab Mancha spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi was carried out by Chhatra League members under the directive of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Speaking at a BNP-organized rally in Natore on Saturday, Dulu claimed the attack was politically motivated and aimed at intimidating opposition voices across Bangladesh.

He further accused the Awami League of orchestrating the incident to undermine the country’s democratic process and suppress dissent. Dulu urged party members and supporters to remain united and vigilant against what he described as repeated attempts by ruling party forces to destabilize the nation’s peace and order. The rally concluded with a protest march through the main streets of Natore, joined by several local BNP and affiliated organization leaders.

The allegation adds to rising political tension ahead of the national elections, with opposition parties accusing the government of using violence and intimidation to silence critics.

Cultural affairs adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki has called for national unity following the shooting of activist and independent candidate Sharif Osman Hadi in Dhaka. Speaking on Saturday, Farooki said that the violence recalls the 'killings of July,' when pro-liberation voices were targeted, and warned that the perpetrators, some of whom remain abroad, continue to threaten Bangladesh’s democratic values.

Farooki criticized growing political infighting ahead of the upcoming elections, saying that internal divisions strengthen those who oppose freedom and justice. He urged political parties to act responsibly, emphasizing that Bangladesh faces a decade-long struggle to preserve its independence and sovereignty. He declared that fascist forces have yet to accept justice and continue to pursue a politics of violence.

Hadi, spokesperson of Inquilab Mancha and a potential independent candidate for Dhaka-8, was shot on Friday in Bijoynagar. Doctors at Dhaka Medical College and later Evercare Hospital reported his condition as stable after surgery. A medical board stated no further operations are planned for now.