Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus delivered an emotional address at the funeral of martyred political activist Sharif Osman Hadi on Saturday at Manik Mia Avenue in Dhaka. Yunus said the nation had not come to bid farewell but to reaffirm Hadi’s enduring presence in the hearts of Bangladeshis. He praised Hadi’s contributions to democratic movements and vowed that his ideals would guide the country’s progress. The funeral drew hundreds of thousands of mourners, including interim government advisers, senior officials, and citizens from all walks of life. Religious Affairs Adviser A.F.M. Khalid Hossain and Inqilab Mancha’s Abdullah Al Jaber also spoke, recalling Hadi’s leadership and humanist vision. Yunus emphasized adopting Hadi’s approach to fair elections and civic engagement, pledging that future generations would uphold his values. The event underscored Hadi’s symbolic role in Bangladesh’s political conscience. His death has sparked renewed calls for unity and moral leadership amid ongoing national transitions. Authorities confirmed that investigations into his killing are continuing.

Bangladesh witnessed an unprecedented public gathering on Saturday as millions attended the funeral of Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of the Inquilab Manch and a key figure in the July movement. The funeral prayer took place at the South Plaza of the National Parliament, followed by burial beside poet Kazi Nazrul Islam’s grave at Dhaka University. The event drew people from across the country, turning central Dhaka into a sea of mourners. Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus, political leaders, and diplomats joined the ceremony, expressing grief and pledging to continue Hadi’s struggle for justice and sovereignty. Hadi, 32, died in a Singapore hospital after being shot in Dhaka on December 12. His death has sparked widespread outrage, with his supporters demanding the arrest of those responsible. Dr. Yunus called Hadi a symbol of national pride, while Hadi’s brother urged exemplary punishment for the killers. Following the funeral, protesters at Shahbagh issued a 24-hour ultimatum for the Home Adviser’s resignation, warning of intensified demonstrations if demands remain unmet. The massive turnout underscored Hadi’s influence among youth and the growing frustration over political violence and impunity in Bangladesh.

The Commonwealth has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Sharif Osman bin Hadi, spokesperson of the Inquilab Mancha, who died in Singapore after being shot in Dhaka on December 12. In a statement issued on December 20, Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Botchwey conveyed condolences to Hadi’s family and the people of Bangladesh, describing the situation in the country as deeply concerning following recent violent incidents. Botchwey urged Bangladesh’s interim government to uphold the rule of law and ensure the safety of all citizens, including journalists. She welcomed the government’s pledge to bring those responsible for violence to justice and called for restraint, responsibility, and rejection of hatred. Her remarks come amid heightened political tension and public mourning across Bangladesh. Observers note that the Commonwealth’s statement reflects growing international attention to Bangladesh’s internal stability. The organization’s call for peace and accountability may influence diplomatic engagement and domestic responses in the coming weeks.

A massive funeral prayer for Sharif Osman Bin Hadi, spokesperson of the Inqilab Mancha, was held on Saturday, December 20, 2025, at the South Plaza of Bangladesh’s National Parliament. The event drew millions of mourners, marking one of the largest public gatherings in the nation’s history since the funeral of former President Ziaur Rahman. Attendees included members of the interim government, political leaders from various parties, foreign diplomats, and citizens from all walks of life. Security was unprecedented, with police, RAB, Ansar, and army personnel deployed across Manik Mia Avenue and surrounding areas. Over a thousand body-worn cameras and advanced surveillance technologies were used to maintain order. Hadi’s body was brought to the site in a large mourning procession before being buried beside national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam at Dhaka University Mosque Complex. Hadi, who was shot on December 12 during an election campaign in Bijoynagar, succumbed to his injuries in Singapore on December 18. His death has sparked widespread mourning and renewed discussions on political violence and national unity.

Samsul Islam Haidar, a centenarian and veteran of Bangladesh’s 1952 Language Movement, passed away late Friday night while undergoing treatment at a hospital in Dhaka. He was a resident of Saitkahan village in Chandipasha Union under Pakundia upazila of Kishoreganj district. His funeral prayer was held on Saturday afternoon at Saitkahan Government Primary School field, followed by burial at his family graveyard. Haidar was among the early activists who took part in the historic Language Movement that secured Bangla as a state language. He also served as the founding president of the Kaliyachapra Sugar Mill Workers’ Union in Pulerghat. Family members said he had been suffering from age-related complications for a long time and was first admitted to Kishoreganj’s Shaheed Syed Nazrul Islam Medical College Hospital before being transferred to Dhaka. His death has cast a shadow of mourning across the local community, with residents remembering him as a dedicated activist and respected elder who contributed to both the labor movement and the nation’s linguistic heritage.

Hundreds gathered at the South Plaza of Bangladesh’s National Parliament and Manik Mia Avenue to bid farewell to Sharif Osman Hadi, a youth activist killed during the July Revolution protests. Among the mourners were young people from Hindu, Christian, and Muslim communities, reflecting a rare moment of interfaith unity in grief and respect. Many also joined demonstrations at Shahbagh demanding justice for Hadi’s killing. Aditya Chowdhury, a Hindu student from Northern University, attended the funeral alongside his Christian friend Arnab D’Cruz from Notre Dame University. Chowdhury described Hadi as a brother beyond religious boundaries, saying his death had shaken the conscience of the youth. Another friend, Hridita Das, joined protests calling for the arrest of those responsible. Observers note that Hadi’s funeral has become a symbol of cross-community solidarity and youth activism in Bangladesh. Calls for justice continue to grow, with civil society urging authorities to ensure accountability and prevent further violence against demonstrators.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to meet former U.S. President Donald Trump later this month to discuss Iran’s expanding ballistic missile program and potential military responses, according to an NBC News report citing Israeli officials. The meeting is likely to take place at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, where Netanyahu plans to outline Israel’s assessment of Iran’s growing threat. Israeli sources told NBC that Tehran has been rebuilding its uranium enrichment facilities following U.S. airstrikes in June, raising fears of renewed escalation. Officials in Jerusalem reportedly intend to alert Trump to possible preemptive action against Iran. The meeting comes only months after a brief two-week conflict between Israel and Iran earlier this year, during which Israel claimed to have damaged Iran’s missile infrastructure. Neither the Israeli government nor Iran’s mission to the United Nations commented on the report. Analysts suggest the talks could signal Israel’s effort to secure U.S. political backing for future operations, as regional tensions remain high.

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A.M.N. Nasir Uddin will hold a high-level meeting with the chiefs of the Army, Navy, and Air Force on Sunday, December 21, to review nationwide security preparations for the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election and related referendum. The meeting is scheduled for noon at the Election Commission Secretariat in Agargaon, Dhaka. According to Election Commission sources, the CEC will also meet senior law enforcement officials later that afternoon to coordinate security measures. Election commissioners, senior military officers, and police representatives are expected to attend. The discussions will focus on maintaining law and order, troop deployment strategies, and ensuring a peaceful voting environment. The meeting comes amid heightened political activity and public attention on election security. Officials say the coordination between the armed forces and law enforcement agencies is crucial to prevent unrest and ensure voter confidence. Further briefings are expected following the meetings to outline the Commission’s final security roadmap.

A Dhaka court on Saturday ordered Anis Alamgir to be sent to jail following the completion of a five-day police remand in a case filed under Bangladesh’s Anti-Terrorism Act. Metropolitan Magistrate Md Hasan Shahadat issued the order after the investigating officer, DB Inspector Kazi Shahnewaz, presented Alamgir before the court and sought his detention. The prosecution claimed that Alamgir provided important information during interrogation, which is now being verified. Defense lawyers, led by Nazneen Nahar, requested that Alamgir receive division facilities in jail, which the court said would be handled according to prison regulations. The case, filed by a man named Arian Ahmed, accuses Alamgir and three others — actress Meher Afroz Shaon, model Maria Kispatta, and presenter Imtu Ratish Imtiaz — of conspiring to destabilize the state and inciting a banned organization through social media and talk shows. The incident has drawn public attention due to Alamgir’s outspoken political commentary on television and Facebook. Authorities indicated that further remand could be sought if new evidence emerges.

The United States has made halting Sudan’s ongoing war its top foreign policy priority, citing an escalating humanitarian catastrophe. At a year-end press briefing, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced Washington’s goal to establish a humanitarian ceasefire at the start of the new year, enabling aid agencies to reach millions trapped by fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Rubio acknowledged that delivering aid has become nearly impossible amid reports of attacks on relief convoys and worsening insecurity. He accused external actors of fueling the conflict and confirmed that the US is coordinating with regional governments to pressure both sides into talks. Despite repeated mediation attempts, ceasefire efforts have so far failed. The war, which erupted in April 2023 after Sudan’s failed transition to civilian rule, has displaced hundreds of thousands and intensified food shortages, particularly after the RSF seized El Fasher in North Darfur in October. Washington’s renewed push signals growing concern that Sudan’s crisis could destabilize the wider region.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that Washington is preparing to establish a new governance structure for Gaza, followed by the deployment of an international security force to stabilize the region. The plan aims to reinforce the fragile ceasefire brokered in October under President Donald Trump’s administration, which has been undermined by continued Israeli strikes. Rubio said the proposal includes forming an international governing board and a Palestinian technocratic authority to manage Gaza’s civil affairs. He confirmed progress in identifying potential Palestinian members but noted that key issues remain unresolved, including how to disarm Hamas. Several countries, including Pakistan, have expressed interest in participating, though concerns persist about potential involvement in active conflict. The US diplomat emphasized that clear mandates and funding mechanisms must be defined before troop commitments are made. He also linked effective governance and security to unlocking international reconstruction funds, warning that donors will hesitate to invest without assurances of long-term stability.

Bangladesh’s interim government has formally requested Meta to remove content that allegedly incites violence and disrupts the upcoming national election and referendum. The National Cyber Security Agency sent a letter to Meta last Friday, urging the company to enforce stricter monitoring of Bangladesh-related content until February 2026. The government expressed concern that social media platforms are being used to provoke real-world violence and attacks on media institutions. According to the letter, several Facebook posts have supported the death of Osman Hadi and called for violence against journalists, leading to attacks on two newspaper offices. The government accused Meta of failing to deactivate accounts that spread such content despite repeated appeals from authorities and civil society. Officials warned that online incitement threatens citizens’ safety, minority rights, and the country’s democratic transition. The letter called on Meta to apply community standards more rigorously, strengthen Bangla-language moderation, enhance sentiment analysis, and ensure immediate removal of content promoting intimidation or organized harm. Meta has not yet issued a public response.

The Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) has announced a program to lay siege to the Vice-Chancellor’s office, pressing three key demands. The declaration was made on DUCSU’s official Facebook page on Saturday night, calling for immediate administrative action from the university authorities. The demands include renaming Mujib Hall as Shaheed Osman Hadi Hall, renaming Fazilatunnesa Hall as Felani Hall, and taking disciplinary measures against teachers, officers, and staff who allegedly supported the July massacre. DUCSU leaders stated that the move seeks to honor historical figures and ensure accountability within the university community. The announcement has sparked debate among students and faculty, with some viewing it as a legitimate expression of student activism, while others warn of political overtones. University officials have yet to issue an official response. The protest program is expected to intensify if the administration does not engage in dialogue soon.

Venezuela’s ambassador to the United Nations, Samuel Moncada, has sharply criticized U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent comments describing Venezuelan territory and oil resources as effectively belonging to the United States. Speaking at the 80th session of the UN General Assembly on the International Day for the Elimination of Colonialism, Moncada called the remarks a severe breach of international law and the UN Charter. Moncada accused Washington of reviving 19th-century imperialist attitudes and undermining the principles of state sovereignty. He described the U.S. stance as a “crime against civilized conduct” and urged respect for the UN Charter. The Venezuelan diplomat further argued that the Trump administration’s policies were fostering global instability and transforming modern forms of control into acts of aggression. Expressing solidarity with Palestine and Puerto Rico, Moncada said foreign domination contradicts the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. His statement underscores growing tensions between Caracas and Washington, as Venezuela continues to resist external pressure and defend its sovereignty on the global stage.

The Bangladesh Election Commission (EC) has issued a revised gazette notification amending parts of the previously declared schedule for the 13th National Parliamentary Election. Signed by Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed, the updated notification, released on December 20, modifies several dates and references originally published on December 11. According to the EC, three main changes were made under Article 11(1) of the Representation of the People Order, 1972. The revisions include adjustments to the appeal filing and disposal periods related to returning officers’ decisions on nomination papers. Specifically, the appeal filing window now runs from January 5–9 instead of January 5–11, and the appeal disposal period has been shifted to January 10–18 instead of January 12–18. Election officials stated that these corrections aim to ensure procedural clarity and synchronization across all constituencies. The EC is expected to hold further coordination meetings with security agencies and returning officers ahead of the election process.