Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) Vice President Sadiq Kayem has called on the interim government to immediately arrest those responsible for the shooting of political activist Sharif Osman Hadi. Speaking at an international Qur’an recitation conference in Pirojpur on Friday, Kayem described Hadi as a key ally in the July Revolution and a consistent voice against aggression and domination. He linked the attack to broader conspiracies emerging after the announcement of the national election schedule. Kayem urged authorities to ensure citizens’ safety, calling it a core duty of the interim administration. He warned that continued insecurity would mark a major failure of the government. He also demanded that the state cover Hadi’s medical expenses. The event was attended by several Islamist leaders, including Jamaat-e-Islami figures, and invoked the legacy of Allama Delwar Hossain Sayeedi, portraying him as an inspiration for anti-oppression movements. The remarks reflect growing political tension in Bangladesh’s southern districts ahead of the upcoming elections, with opposition-aligned groups alleging targeted violence and state negligence.

U.S. President Donald Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, is set to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and several European leaders in Berlin on Monday, December 15. The White House confirmed the meeting on Friday, noting that it forms part of Washington’s intensified efforts to promote a peace plan aimed at ending the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine. According to a senior White House official, Witkoff will discuss progress on peace negotiations and explore ways to advance a settlement framework. The Wall Street Journal first reported the planned talks, which were later verified by the administration. German authorities also confirmed the Berlin meeting, underscoring Europe’s role in facilitating dialogue. The meeting comes shortly after Ukrainian officials submitted an updated version of Trump’s original 28-point peace proposal to Washington. Analysts say the talks could signal renewed U.S. engagement in the conflict’s diplomatic track, though skepticism remains over Russia’s willingness to participate in any Western-led peace process.

Intense gunfire was reported early Saturday along the Myanmar border near Konapara in Hnila Union’s Ward 2 of Teknaf, Cox’s Bazar. The exchange, lasting nearly an hour, occurred inside Myanmar territory, though the parties involved remain unidentified. Several bullets reportedly landed on Bangladeshi soil, striking tin roofs of two houses in Balukhali Para and Telipara villages. No casualties have been reported so far. Local residents described widespread panic as gunshots echoed across the border. Ward member Sirajul Islam Lalu said worshippers heard the firing after morning prayers and took shelter away from their homes. Hnila Union Parishad Chairman Nur Ahmad Anowari stated he was gathering information from locals. Teknaf Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md. Imamul Hafiz Nadim confirmed that law enforcement agencies were alerted and awareness campaigns were underway to prevent panic. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation amid ongoing instability in Myanmar’s border regions. Residents have been advised to remain cautious but calm as security forces assess potential cross-border risks.

A new report by the Runnymede Trust and human rights group Reprieve warns that nearly nine million British Muslims—mostly of Bangladeshi, Indian, and Pakistani heritage—could lose their citizenship under the UK Home Office’s broad and secretive powers. The study claims that these powers, which allow the government to revoke citizenship if an individual is deemed eligible for another nationality, disproportionately endanger people linked to South Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. The report argues that the policy has created a racial hierarchy in citizenship, where non-white Britons face conditional nationality. Reprieve’s Maya Foa criticized successive governments for expanding these powers for political gain, while Runnymede’s Shabna Begum described the trend as a “chilling current” within the Home Office. Data show that three in five non-white Britons are at risk, compared with one in twenty white citizens. Analysts warn that the policy undermines equality before the law and could deepen mistrust among minority communities. The Home Office has not yet commented on the findings.

Bangladesh’s Election Commission has outlined who can and cannot participate as candidates or voters in the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election, scheduled for February 12. The announcement follows the political transition after the fall of the Awami League government and aims to ensure transparency and inclusivity in the electoral process. The Commission has invited all political parties and interested individuals to take part under the revised legal framework. According to the Constitution and the Representation of the People Order (RPO) 1972, candidates must be Bangladeshi citizens aged at least 25. However, recent amendments have expanded disqualification criteria, including restrictions on dual citizens and individuals convicted of serious crimes. The updated voter list counts approximately 127.7 million eligible voters, including provisions for prisoners to vote under specific procedures. For the first time, expatriate Bangladeshis will be allowed to vote via postal ballots if they retain citizenship and voter registration. Legal experts note that citizenship status, court rulings, and compliance with electoral laws will determine both voting rights and candidacy eligibility in this pivotal election.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) have released photos of two suspects allegedly involved in the shooting of Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of Inquilab Moncho and parliamentary candidate for Dhaka-8. Hadi was critically injured when two assailants on a motorcycle opened fire at him in the Bijoynagar Box Culvert area on Friday afternoon. He was rushed to Dhaka Medical College Hospital and later transferred to Evercare Hospital, where he remains under treatment. Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Talebur Rahman of DMP’s Media and Public Relations Division confirmed that investigators identified the suspects through CCTV footage analysis. The police have urged the public to share any information about the suspects via hotline numbers or 999, assuring confidentiality and a financial reward for credible leads. The attack has heightened security concerns ahead of the upcoming election. Law enforcement agencies have intensified operations across the capital to locate the perpetrators and ensure safety for political candidates and campaign activities.

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.

Israeli forces carried out fresh artillery and aerial attacks in southern Lebanon, violating a recently agreed ceasefire, according to reports from local and international media. The strikes targeted areas around Al-Wazzani and Al-Majidiyah, while Israeli naval units allegedly fired at Lebanese fishing boats near Ras al-Naqoura. Witnesses reported explosions and gunfire that disrupted civilian life in several border villages. Al Jazeera and other outlets cited Lebanese sources calling the attacks a clear breach of the truce that had temporarily calmed tensions along the Israel–Lebanon frontier. The Lebanese military and UN peacekeeping forces are reportedly monitoring the situation closely. No immediate casualties were confirmed, but the incidents have raised fears of renewed escalation between Israel and Hezbollah-aligned groups operating in the region. Analysts warn that continued violations could undermine fragile diplomatic efforts to stabilize the border. Regional actors, including the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), are expected to issue statements urging restraint in the coming days.

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.

The United States military conducted a covert operation in November to seize a cargo vessel traveling from China to Iran in the Indian Ocean, according to a Wall Street Journal report published on December 12. The ship was intercepted several hundred miles off Sri Lanka, marking the first such maritime seizure of an Iran-bound cargo in several years. US forces reportedly destroyed materials found on board that were believed to be components usable in conventional weapons manufacturing. Unnamed US officials told the newspaper that the seized materials could have dual-use applications, serving both civilian and military purposes. The Indo-Pacific Command has not officially confirmed the operation, while China and Iran declined to comment when approached by the media. The ship was later allowed to continue its journey after the confiscation. The incident highlights Washington’s ongoing efforts to curb Iran’s access to military-grade materials and enforce sanctions amid rising regional tensions. Analysts suggest the move may further strain US-China and US-Iran relations, especially given the sensitive nature of maritime enforcement in international waters.

FIFA announced that it received five million ticket applications within the first 24 hours of opening sales for the 2026 World Cup, despite widespread criticism over steep price increases. The tournament, jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, will feature 48 teams and run from June 11 to July 19, 2026. Fans from more than 200 countries and territories submitted applications through FIFA’s official website. European fan groups, particularly Football Supporters Europe, have accused FIFA of pricing ordinary fans out of the event, claiming that ticket costs have risen up to fivefold compared to the 2022 Qatar World Cup. Despite the backlash, demand has been strongest from the Americas, with high application volumes from Colombia, Brazil, Argentina, and others. FIFA said the overwhelming response demonstrates the tournament’s broad appeal across the Americas. The random selection draw will continue until January 13, and the timing of applications will not affect selection chances. Successful applicants will have payments processed automatically.

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.