Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of the Inquilab Manch and independent candidate for Dhaka-8 in Bangladesh’s upcoming 13th national election, had been conducting his campaign entirely through public donations rather than personal or party funds. Within just over a month, he reported receiving more than 2.1 million taka from supporters through various channels, pledging to publish full financial statements after the election.

However, a day after releasing his latest fundraising update on December 11, Hadi was shot in the head during a campaign event in Bijoynagar, Dhaka, and is now in critical condition at Evercare Hospital. His approach had drawn attention as a rare example of grassroots-funded politics in a system often dominated by big money and opaque spending.

Political observers note that Hadi’s campaign challenged entrenched norms of excessive election spending, which critics say favors wealthy or corrupt candidates. His case may spark renewed debate on electoral finance reform and the viability of citizen-funded politics in Bangladesh’s evolving political culture.

Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus held a special meeting on Saturday, December 13, with representatives from three political parties — the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Jamaat-e-Islami, and the National Citizens’ Party (NCP). The meeting took place at the state guesthouse Jamuna, with two representatives from each party attending. The discussions are believed to focus on the current political climate and recent incidents of violence.

The meeting follows a violent attack on Sharif Osman Hadi, an independent candidate hopeful from Dhaka-8, who was shot on Friday. In response, Dr. Yunus convened an emergency meeting with members of the advisory council and top law enforcement officials to assess the security situation. Saturday’s dialogue with political parties is seen as part of his broader effort to maintain political stability and ensure fair electoral processes.

Observers suggest that these consultations may pave the way for broader political consensus ahead of upcoming elections, though tensions remain high across party lines.

Independent Dhaka-8 parliamentary candidate and Inquilab Moncho spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi is in critical condition at Evercare Hospital after being shot. While he remains on life support, a burglary occurred at his ancestral home in Nalchity, Jhalakathi, on Friday night. According to family members, thieves broke a window to enter the house when no one was present.

Sirajul Islam, Hadi’s cousin, confirmed the incident, saying the extent of the stolen items is still unknown. Nalchity Police Station Officer-in-Charge Ariful Alam stated that officers visited the scene and have launched an investigation, pledging to bring those responsible to justice.

The twin incidents — the shooting and subsequent burglary — have raised concerns among local residents and supporters. Authorities are under pressure to ensure security for political candidates amid heightened election tensions across the country.

A day after Bangladesh’s 13th parliamentary election schedule was announced, Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of the ‘Inquilab Moncho’, survived a gun attack allegedly aimed to kill him. Hadi, known for his vocal criticism of Indian influence and the ruling Awami League, was reportedly one of several political figures targeted in a planned series of assaults. Sources claim that credible intelligence about these threats had been conveyed to the government months earlier.

According to reports, a UK-based lawyer with links to international security agencies had warned Bangladeshi authorities in September about possible attacks on Hadi, National Citizen Party organizer Hasnat Abdullah, and Amar Bangladesh Party’s secretary general Barrister Asaduzzaman Fuad. Despite repeated alerts and meetings with officials, no preventive measures were taken. Fuad confirmed they had informed the government but received no protection.

The incident raises serious questions about pre-election security and the government’s responsiveness to credible threats. Observers warn that failure to act on such intelligence could heighten political tensions and undermine confidence in the upcoming polls.

The Liberation War memorial at Muharpara in Hili, Dinajpur, built in 2015 to honor the martyrs of the 1971 war, is now on the verge of collapse due to years of neglect and theft. The monument, constructed at a cost of about 4 million taka, has lost its iron gates and decorative metal parts, while plaster is peeling off its walls.

Local freedom fighters and residents expressed deep concern over the deterioration, saying the site once symbolized the bravery of those who fought in one of the fiercest battles of the war. Veteran Liaquat Ali urged authorities to rebuild the memorial so future generations can remember the sacrifices made for independence. Residents also criticized the lack of administrative oversight, noting that even tiles and railings have been stolen.

Hakimpur Upazila Executive Officer Ashok Bikram Chakma said the site has been inspected and renovation work will begin soon, including lighting installations, CCTV surveillance, and measures to prevent misuse of the premises.

Mirsarai Upazila in Chattogram is facing a critical shortage of assistant education officers, with eight out of nine sanctioned posts currently vacant. The lone officer in service is expected to remain until January, leaving the local primary education office under severe strain ahead of upcoming merit evaluation exams, the national election, and the annual textbook festival.

The upazila, covering 482.88 square kilometers, includes 191 government primary schools, 45 kindergartens, two private primary schools, and six ibtedayi madrasas, serving around 34,000 students. Officials say the shortage of officers has disrupted regular school inspections and parent–teacher meetings, which previously helped maintain educational standards. Only one of six clerical positions is also filled, further hampering administrative work.

Upazila Primary Education Officer A.K.M. Fazlul Haque warned that managing so many institutions with minimal staff will be extremely difficult during the upcoming events. He urged immediate recruitment of assistant education officers to ensure smooth operations and maintain educational quality.

Despite the government’s decision to allow onion imports from India to curb soaring prices, retail rates in Bangladesh have remained stubbornly high. Over the past week, imported onions have entered the country through several land ports, yet both local and imported varieties continue to sell at Tk 120–150 per kilogram in Dhaka’s retail markets.

According to the Department of Agricultural Extension, import permits (IPs) have been issued for 7,500 tons, though only about 3,000 tons have arrived so far. Officials attribute the delay to transport time from India’s Maharashtra region. Wholesalers report buying imported onions at Tk 95–98 per kg and selling to retailers at Tk 100–110, who then add further margins. Consumers express frustration that prices have not fallen despite imports, while traders cite limited supply and quality concerns.

Market analysts suggest that sustained import flows could ease prices by the end of the week. However, they warn that weak monitoring and profit-seeking by importers may continue to delay relief for consumers.

Bangladesh’s tea sector, long affected by sluggish sales and low profitability, has seen a dramatic turnaround in recent weeks as national election activities drive record demand. In the latest three auctions, nearly 90% of tea offered was sold at the highest prices in years, with average rates reaching BDT 265.06 per kilogram—up from BDT 218.15 in the same period last year. Major buyers, including Abul Khair, Ispahani, and Meghna, have been aggressively purchasing and stockpiling tea ahead of the upcoming parliamentary polls.

Industry insiders attribute the surge to a mix of election-related consumption, reduced production, and government adjustments to minimum auction prices. Tea production this year is estimated to be at least 10% lower than in 2023, when the country recorded its highest-ever output. Stakeholders say the short-term boom may help offset earlier losses but stress the need for long-term policy support to stabilize costs and sustain profitability.

Economists note that election seasons traditionally stimulate rural and urban economies, with tea being a symbolic and practical staple of campaign activities. The trend is expected to continue through the winter months as political competition intensifies.

Agricultural economists and policy experts in Bangladesh have called for the establishment of an Agricultural Price Commission to stabilize crop prices and safeguard farmers’ incomes. The proposed commission would be responsible for setting fair prices for key agricultural products, ensuring that farmers receive adequate returns while maintaining market stability. The call comes amid growing concerns about fluctuating commodity prices, rising production costs, and the impact of climate change on agricultural yields.

Analysts argue that a dedicated pricing body could help reduce middlemen’s influence and promote transparency in agricultural trade. They note that similar commissions in India and other countries have improved price predictability and rural livelihoods. Farmer associations have also voiced support, emphasizing that guaranteed minimum prices could prevent distress sales and encourage sustainable farming practices.

If implemented, the commission could play a pivotal role in shaping long-term agricultural policy, improving food security, and reducing rural poverty. The government is expected to review the proposal before the next fiscal policy cycle.

An arson attack occurred early Saturday at the Lakshmipur District Election Office in Bangladesh, where an unidentified individual poured petrol and set fire to the ground-floor storage area. The blaze damaged several old voter registration documents and a discarded computer before being extinguished by staff members. Firefighters arrived after the fire was already under control, and no major casualties or structural damage were reported.

District officials, including the deputy commissioner, police, and election officers, visited the site shortly after the incident. Returning Officer S.M. Mehedi Hasan and District Election Officer Md. Abdur Rashid confirmed the event, noting that the quick response prevented larger losses. Witnesses reported that the attacker entered the premises by climbing over the security gate around 3:55 a.m.

Police have launched an operation to identify and arrest those responsible. Authorities said a formal investigation is underway to determine the motive behind the attack and to strengthen security measures at election offices across the district.

A mild cold wave has been sweeping across Panchagarh district in northern Bangladesh for three consecutive days, marking the season’s first significant temperature drop. On Saturday morning, the Tetulia Weather Office recorded a minimum temperature of 9.3°C, accompanied by occasional winds of 10–12 km/h. Despite sunshine during the day, the chill remains intense, particularly in the early morning and at night.

Local residents, especially low-income workers such as sand laborers and easy-bike drivers, are struggling to cope with the cold. Many report delays in starting work due to the biting morning chill. According to Jitendranath Roy, acting officer at the Tetulia weather station, temperatures fell to around 8°C the previous day, confirming a mild cold wave in the region. He added that while sunshine offers some relief, colder conditions are expected to persist through the rest of December.

Meteorologists warn that northern districts may face further temperature drops as winter deepens, potentially affecting daily livelihoods and agricultural activities.

Gono Odhikar Parishad General Secretary Rashed Khan stated that efforts to gain political advantage by shifting blame over the shooting of Inquilab Mancha spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi have failed. In a Facebook post on Friday, Khan said recent incidents show a growing trend of blaming political rivals for violent events to extract political benefits.

He cited two recent incidents at Dhaka Medical College Hospital, where a journalist was wrongly accused of being Hadi’s assailant and attacked by a mob, and BNP candidate Mirza Abbas faced harassment from a group chanting hostile slogans. Khan expressed concern that without the presence of Chhatra Dal activists, Abbas might have faced a similar fate as the journalist.

Khan warned that internal divisions among anti-fascist forces are giving the ruling Awami League more room for disruptive activities. He urged all political groups to resist fascism and work collectively to ensure that the upcoming national election is free from authoritarian influence.

Independent Dhaka-8 parliamentary candidate and Inquilab Moncho spokesperson Sharif Osman Bin Hadi was critically injured in a gun attack on Friday. He is currently receiving treatment at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka. Reports reveal that authorities were previously warned about possible assassination attempts on several July Movement leaders, including Hadi, National Citizen Party organizer Hasnat Abdullah, and Amar Bangladesh Party secretary general Barrister Asaduzzaman Fuad. Despite credible intelligence shared by a UK-based lawyer, no preventive measures were taken.

The lawyer, who claimed to have links with international security agencies, said he provided the government with detailed evidence of the threats in September. Fuad confirmed that they had repeatedly urged the authorities to launch a major anti-terror operation before the election, warning that isolated arrests would not ensure safety. Police sources suspect the involvement of an overseas-based hitman known as Philip, alias Garo Philip, and have launched a manhunt.

Government officials have yet to comment publicly, though the Inspector General of Police stated that no such prior warning had been received. The incident has raised serious concerns about political security ahead of the national elections.

A fire broke out early Saturday morning on the ground floor of Jamela Tower, a 12-storey building in Keraniganj, near Dhaka. According to the Fire Service and Civil Defence, the blaze was reported at 5:37 a.m., and the first unit arrived at the scene within minutes to begin containment efforts. Initially, 12 units were deployed, later joined by two additional teams, bringing the total to 14 units working to control the fire.

Officials said the fire caused heavy smoke that spread quickly through the building, creating panic among residents. No casualties have been reported so far, and the extent of the damage remains unknown. Law enforcement personnel were also present to assist with crowd control and safety measures.

Authorities stated that the cause of the fire will be determined after a full investigation once the situation is completely under control. The Fire Service emphasized that all available resources were mobilized to prevent the fire from spreading further.

Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus convened an emergency meeting on Friday at the state guesthouse Jamuna following a violent attack on Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of Inquilab Mancha and potential independent candidate for Dhaka-8. Senior advisers, law enforcement, and intelligence officials attended the meeting, where Yunus described the incident as a deliberate assault on the country’s democratic journey and national integrity.

Yunus vowed that the interim government would thwart any attempt to derail the upcoming national election and referendum, calling the attack a conspiracy by defeated forces. He directed security agencies to arrest the attackers swiftly and prevent their escape across borders. Police confirmed that CCTV footage and evidence from the crime scene had been collected. Hadi, in critical condition, was transferred to Evercare Hospital at his family’s request.

The meeting also decided to launch a special hotline to report election-related threats and intensify operations to recover illegal weapons. Yunus is expected to consult major political figures soon to maintain stability ahead of the polls.