Bangladesh’s joint law enforcement forces have arrested 5,949 individuals over the past seven days under the nationwide ‘Operation Devil Hunt Phase-2’. The Home Ministry’s public relations officer, Faisal Hasan, confirmed the figures on Saturday night, noting that several firearms were also recovered during the raids. In the last 24 hours alone, 783 people were detained, while over 20,000 motorcycles and 17,000 vehicles were searched, leading to the seizure of 356 illegal motorcycles. The intensified operation was launched following the shooting of Inquilab Mancha spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi on December 13. At a core committee meeting that day, Home Affairs Adviser Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury said the campaign aimed to recover looted and illegal weapons and suppress violent extremist groups. The first phase of the operation began in February 2025 after attacks in Gazipur prompted a coordinated law enforcement response. Authorities say the current phase will continue until stability is restored, though human rights groups have urged transparency and due process in the ongoing arrests.

Bangladesh’s elite Rapid Action Battalion (RAB-7) has arrested Shahidul Islam, known locally as Buissha and described as a key lieutenant of notorious Chattogram gangster Boro Sajjad. The arrest took place on Saturday night near Finlay Square in the city’s 2 No. Gate area, where Buissha was intercepted while riding a motorcycle. RAB officials said he attempted to draw a pistol before being subdued. According to RAB sources, Buissha had long been involved in extortion, intimidation, and armed operations across Chattogram. He allegedly managed field operations for Sajjad’s network, which has been linked to violent incidents targeting construction sites and business owners. Multiple criminal cases under the Arms Act and extortion laws are pending against him. Authorities described the arrest as a major breakthrough amid rising public concern over recent shootings and open weapon displays in the city. Investigators are now questioning Buissha to trace the group’s arms supply chain and identify other members. RAB said he will be handed over to local police following legal procedures.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is grappling with uncertainty over player selection for an alternative cricket tournament after eight teams withdrew from the Dhaka First Division Cricket League, reducing it from 20 to 12 teams. Many players who had registered or were waiting to be signed are now unable to participate, prompting them to submit a memorandum to the BCB seeking opportunities to play. The confusion stems from the ‘token’ system, which serves as a transfer permit for players switching clubs. This season, players from lower divisions also collected tokens hoping to play in the First Division, complicating the selection process. The Cricket Committee of Dhaka Metropolis (CCDM) plans to present the tournament proposal at the BCB board meeting on December 24 and will consult the Cricketers’ Welfare Association of Bangladesh (CWAB) for guidelines. BCB will cover all expenses for the new tournament but is exploring sponsorships to offset costs. However, officials indicated that player remuneration will likely be lower than in the regular First Division League.

A group of Hindu extremists under the banner of Akhand Hindu Rashtrasena staged a violent protest outside the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi on Saturday night, issuing death threats against High Commissioner Riaz Hamidullah. Witnesses said around 20 to 25 protesters breached multiple security layers in the diplomatic Chanakyapuri area before chanting anti-Bangladesh slogans and threatening to shoot the envoy. Security personnel reportedly did not intervene, leaving the High Commissioner and his family in a vulnerable position. Diplomatic sources in both capitals described the incident as unprecedented, questioning how protesters could access such a heavily guarded zone without authorization. The Bangladesh interim government has taken the matter seriously, considering temporary suspension of visa services in Delhi and Agartala as a possible response. The attack follows the killing of Sharif Osman Hadi, a Bangladeshi activist, which has already strained bilateral relations. The episode adds to escalating tensions between the two neighbors, marked by reciprocal diplomatic summons and increased border friction. Analysts warn that the incident could further complicate India-Bangladesh relations, already under pressure from political and security disputes.

Manchester City reclaimed the top spot in the Premier League with a commanding 3–0 victory over West Ham United at the Etihad Stadium. Erling Haaland scored twice, in the 5th and 69th minutes, while Dutch midfielder Tijjani Reijnders added another to seal the win. City controlled 66% of possession, registering 17 shots with eight on target, reflecting their attacking dominance under Pep Guardiola. The match marked another milestone for Haaland, who surpassed Cristiano Ronaldo’s Premier League goal tally, reaching 104 goals—one more than Ronaldo’s 103—despite playing 122 fewer matches. The Norwegian striker also reached 200 goal contributions across Europe’s top five leagues, combining 166 goals and 35 assists. His season total now stands at 19 goals. With this win, City moved to 37 points from 17 matches, one ahead of Arsenal, who have a game in hand. West Ham’s struggles continued under Nuno Espírito Santo, losing 10 of their 17 league fixtures so far.

Police have converted the attempted murder case of Shahid Sharif Osman Hadi, convener of the July Revolution’s Inquilab Manch, into a homicide investigation following his death from gunshot wounds sustained on December 12. The application for conversion was submitted to a Dhaka court on Saturday, which subsequently directed that the case be investigated as a murder. Detective Branch Inspector Faisal Ahmed of the Motijheel zonal team has been assigned to lead the probe. The original case was filed on December 14 by Inquilab Manch’s member secretary Abdullah Al Jaber, naming Faisal Karim Masud and several unidentified suspects. The case was later transferred from Paltan Police Station to the Dhaka Metropolitan Detective Branch. Law enforcement agencies have so far arrested 14 individuals in connection with the incident. Authorities have not yet disclosed a motive, but investigators are focusing on possible political links and internal disputes. The case’s progression to a murder investigation is expected to intensify scrutiny of political violence and law enforcement accountability in the capital.

Large numbers of people continued to gather late into Saturday night at the grave of martyr Sharif Osman Hadi, located beside the Dhaka University Central Mosque and adjacent to the mausoleum of national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam. Visitors were seen praying and waiting to view the grave, even after security barriers around the area were lifted earlier in the evening. Police officials confirmed that night-time security would remain in place for safety reasons, restricting public entry inside the cemetery. Only prayers from outside the main gates were being allowed. Earlier in the day, Hadi was buried near the mosque following a funeral prayer at the South Plaza of the National Parliament, attended by thousands, including political leaders, university officials, and family members. Authorities are expected to continue monitoring the site amid ongoing public interest. The heavy turnout reflects widespread mourning and public solidarity following Hadi’s death, while law enforcement remains alert to ensure order around the high-profile burial site.

A funeral-in-absentia (gayebana janaza) for Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of Inquilab Mancha and a key figure in the July Revolution movement, was held in Noakhali on Saturday afternoon. The prayer took place beside the district model mosque near the Deputy Commissioner’s office and drew participants from various political and social groups, including BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, Islami Andolon, NCP, and Gana Adhikar Parishad. Speakers at the event described Hadi as a selfless and courageous young man committed to non-communal ideals. They demanded a transparent investigation into his death and the immediate arrest of those responsible. Local leaders such as former Noakhali mayor Harunur Rashid Azad and student leaders from Shibir and JCD were present. Following the prayer, members of the July All-Party Alliance declared the Bangabandhu Square in front of the DC office as “Osman Hadi Square,” symbolizing their respect and commitment to his ideals.

A memorial prayer and discussion meeting was held in Nawabganj, Dinajpur, on Saturday evening to honor the memory of martyr Sharif Osman Hadi. The event took place at the local office of Jamaat-e-Islami and was attended by party leaders, local dignitaries, and community members. Professor Rezaul Islam attended as the chief guest, while Akram Hossain, a member of the Thana Working Committee, presided over the session. Speakers at the gathering reflected on Osman Hadi’s contributions to the Islamic movement and his dedication to social and religious causes. The program concluded with a prayer session led by Maulana Rahmatullah Azadi, seeking blessings for the nation and forgiveness for the departed soul. Attendees later participated in the distribution of food offerings (tobarak). The event underscored Jamaat-e-Islami’s continued efforts to commemorate its historical figures and reinforce its ideological roots within local communities in northern Bangladesh.

West Indies showed remarkable composure on the third day of the Mount Maunganui Test, responding strongly to New Zealand’s imposing first-innings total of 575 for eight declared. Kavem Hodge led the resistance with an unbeaten 109 off 254 balls, featuring 14 boundaries, while Brandon King contributed 63 and John Campbell added 45. The visitors finished the day at 381 for six, trailing by 194 runs with four wickets in hand. Earlier, New Zealand’s innings was powered by Devon Conway’s 227 and Tom Latham’s 137, setting a daunting target. Despite early setbacks, the Caribbean side displayed grit, with Allick Athanaze and Justin Greaves narrowly missing half-centuries. Jacob Duffy and Ajaz Patel claimed two wickets each for the hosts. The match remains delicately poised heading into the fourth day. West Indies will aim to narrow the deficit and avoid a follow-on, while New Zealand seeks quick breakthroughs to maintain control of the Test.

Hundreds of thousands of mourners gathered on Saturday at Dhaka’s Manik Mia Avenue for the funeral of revolutionary leader Sharif Osman Hadi, whose death has sparked widespread emotion across Bangladesh. The massive crowd, stretching around the National Parliament complex, was described by witnesses as one of the largest public gatherings in the country’s recent history. Many attendees traveled from distant districts to pay their final respects to the slain activist, known for his fiery speeches and commitment to justice. Participants described Hadi as a symbol of honesty and courage, with many calling him the voice of the working class. The funeral was marked by chants, tears, and expressions of frustration over the lack of arrests in connection with his killing. Security forces struggled to manage the overwhelming turnout, as some mourners scaled barriers to enter the area. Observers compared the scale of the event to the funeral of former President Ziaur Rahman, underscoring Hadi’s enduring influence. The unprecedented turnout reflects deep public sentiment and may signal growing political mobilization around Hadi’s ideals of justice and equality.

A thick blanket of fog has spread across Bangladesh, causing delayed sunlight and an increased feeling of cold, according to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD). The agency said the condition is expected to persist for the next two to three days, with fog stretching from Delhi to Cumilla. Although temperatures have not dropped significantly, the combination of limited sunlight and cold winds from the north has made conditions feel colder. Meteorologist A.K.M. Nazmul Haque explained that the fog is part of a regional weather pattern influenced by a subcontinental high-pressure ridge extending over West Bengal and adjoining areas. The BMD forecast indicates that Rangpur, Rajshahi, and Khulna divisions may experience moderate to dense fog from midnight to morning, while other regions may see lighter fog. On Saturday, the lowest temperature was recorded at 13°C in Srimangal, and 19.2°C in Dhaka. The department expects dry weather nationwide with partly cloudy skies until Sunday morning. Daytime temperatures may drop slightly in the northern divisions, though no cold wave has been declared yet.

A commemorative discussion on Hazrat Fatima (RA), daughter of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), was held in Dhaka on Saturday night at the Kabi Nazrul Islam Institute auditorium. The event was jointly organized by the Bangladesh office of Al-Mustafa International University and the Bangladesh Imamia Ulama Society. Iranian Ambassador to Bangladesh Dr. Jalil Rahmani Jahanabadi attended as chief guest, alongside cultural and academic representatives from Iran and Dhaka University. Speakers reflected on Hazrat Fatima’s exemplary character, describing her as a symbol of piety, wisdom, and devotion. They emphasized her balanced role as both a family figure and a contributor to society, portraying her as a timeless model for women worldwide. Islamic scholar Dr. Anwarul Kabir presented the keynote paper, stressing that her life demonstrates how faith and moral integrity can empower women to make meaningful social contributions. Participants noted that Hazrat Fatima’s teachings remain relevant for modern women seeking harmony between family duties and public engagement, offering guidance for ethical and spiritual empowerment in contemporary society.

For the first time in two years, students have returned to in-person classes at Gaza’s Islamic University, reopening amid widespread destruction and displacement caused by Israeli military operations. The partial resumption of teaching marks a fragile step toward normalcy on a campus that has been largely reduced to rubble, with only four classrooms currently functional. According to Al Jazeera, around 500 displaced families are now sheltering within the university grounds, where lecture halls have become makeshift living spaces. UNESCO reports that more than 95% of Gaza’s higher education institutions have been damaged or destroyed since the 2023 conflict began. Human rights groups and UN experts have described the systematic devastation of Gaza’s education sector as “scholasticide.” Despite dire conditions, faculty members continue teaching with minimal resources, covering open walls with plastic sheets and borrowing generators for electricity. Observers warn that the destruction of schools and universities threatens the social and intellectual foundation of Palestinian society, with over 750,000 students deprived of education for two consecutive academic years.

At least eight people were killed and 27 injured after a Russian missile strike hit the southern Ukrainian port city of Odesa late Friday, according to Ukraine’s emergency services. The attack targeted port infrastructure, igniting fires in nearby vehicles and damaging facilities. Odesa regional governor Oleh Kiper said ballistic missiles were used in the strike, which caused extensive destruction in the port area. In a parallel development, Ukraine claimed responsibility for drone attacks on a Lukoil-operated oil rig and a Russian patrol vessel named ‘Okhotnik’ in the Caspian Sea. The Ukrainian General Staff described the operation as part of an ongoing campaign against Russian energy infrastructure, marking the first official acknowledgment of such strikes in the region. Damage was also reported to a radar system in Crimea’s Krasnosilske area, occupied by Russia since 2014. Kyiv maintains that Russian oil facilities are legitimate military targets, arguing that energy revenues directly fund Moscow’s war effort. The escalation underscores the widening geographic scope of the conflict and the growing use of long-range strikes by both sides.