The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has expressed gratitude to all agencies and citizens for ensuring the peaceful and orderly completion of the funeral and burial of Inqilab Manch spokesperson Shaheed Sharif Osman Hadi. The event, held on Saturday, drew one of the largest crowds in recent memory, reflecting widespread public respect and emotion toward the late leader. According to a DMP press release issued by Media and Public Relations Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Talebur Rahman, the police deployed a large number of personnel and used around one thousand body-worn cameras to maintain discipline and security. The DMP extended special thanks to the Special Security Force, Bangladesh Army, Border Guard Bangladesh, Rapid Action Battalion, Ansar, and Dhaka University authorities for their cooperation. The police also acknowledged the assistance of political parties, media representatives, and the general public. Officials noted that the smooth management of this large-scale religious event demonstrated effective coordination among law enforcement and civic bodies, setting an example for future public gatherings in the capital.

The Asian University of Bangladesh has expressed deep sorrow over the untimely and tragic death of Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of the Inquilab Mancha, calling for a fair and speedy investigation into his killing. The university described Hadi’s death as not only the loss of a young, courageous voice but also a painful blow to a generation committed to justice, rights, and democratic values. Hadi, known for his activism inspired by the spirit of the July Revolution, was recognized as a fearless advocate for truth and justice and a symbol of resistance against oppression. The university extended condolences to his family, colleagues, and fellow activists, emphasizing that his ideals would continue to inspire unity among those striving for a just Bangladesh. The statement urged authorities to ensure the safety of all citizens engaged in democratic movements and reaffirmed that freedom of expression and peaceful protest are non-negotiable. The university pledged to uphold principles of justice, humanity, and democracy in honoring Hadi’s legacy.

Italian police have arrested 384 people and seized 1.4 tons of narcotics in a sweeping anti-drug operation across multiple provinces. The coordinated raids, conducted on Friday at 312 locations, also led to the temporary closure of five cannabis shops in three cities. Authorities reported confiscating 35 kilograms of cocaine, 296 kilograms of cannabis products, and over 40 firearms. In addition to the arrests, 655 individuals—including 39 minors—were placed under investigation. Police described the operation as part of a broader crackdown on organized drug networks following Italy’s June 2025 decree that banned all forms of cannabis trade, including hemp-based products previously considered legal. Officials stated that similar operations will continue as part of a long-term strategy to dismantle trafficking networks and curb the illegal drug market. The government has pledged stricter enforcement and closer coordination among regional law enforcement agencies.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Freedom Fighters’ Generation, an affiliate of the BNP, has announced a new 151-member central convening committee. The committee lists BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman as its first member and the late Arafat Rahman Koko as the second. The announcement, signed by Ishtiak Aziz Ulfat, president of the BNP-affiliated Nationalist Freedom Fighters’ Council, was made with Tarique Rahman’s approval. All previously declared district and metropolitan committees have been dissolved. The statement instructs all members to coordinate with local freedom fighter leaders to actively participate in upcoming national election activities. Convenor Engineer Ishraque Hossain emphasized that the group aims to counter attempts to distort the history of Bangladesh’s Liberation War and to promote the authentic narrative among younger generations. Member secretary Advocate K.M. Kamruzzaman Nannu said the new committee will strengthen organizational unity and expand BNP’s ideological outreach. Political analysts view the restructuring as part of BNP’s broader strategy to mobilize pro-liberation sentiment and consolidate grassroots networks ahead of the next parliamentary elections.

Police in Pirgachha, Rangpur, have arrested five members of the banned Awami League and its affiliated organizations under the ongoing ‘Operation Devil Hunt Phase-2’. The arrests, conducted on Friday night, also included three other individuals with outstanding warrants, bringing the total number of detainees to eight. The suspects were presented before the local court on Saturday afternoon following their detention. According to Officer-in-Charge A.K.M. Khondoker Mohibbul Islam, the operation aims to maintain law and order in the region. He stated that the campaign will continue and that anyone involved in criminal or violent activities will be brought under legal action. The arrested individuals were identified as Abdul Kuddus Bhuiyan (72), Kamruzzaman Palash (38), Mamunur Rashid (35), Khorshed Alam alias Masud Rana (38), and Ashiqur Rahman (39). Authorities have intensified monitoring in Rangpur amid heightened political tensions. The continuation of the operation signals a broader law enforcement effort to curb unrest and ensure stability in the area.

Bangladeshi shuttlers Al Amin Zumar and Urmi Akter made history by reaching the mixed doubles final of the Unex-Sunrise International Challenge but fell short of the gold medal. The pair lost to a Malaysian duo in straight sets, 27–21 and 21–14, after a competitive opening game. Despite the defeat, their silver medal marks Bangladesh’s best-ever finish in an international badminton event. Due to the national day of mourning for Sharif Osman Hadi’s death, no formal ceremony was held, and players wore black badges. Bangladesh Badminton Federation President Habib Ullah Don awarded the pair a total of USD 1,000 and pledged enhanced training facilities, including foreign coaching support. Zumar expressed mixed feelings, calling the final appearance a proud yet bittersweet moment, while Urmi credited their three-month pre-tournament training for the achievement. The tournament also saw victories for players from India, the United States, Vietnam, and Thailand across other categories. The Bangladeshi duo’s success is expected to boost national interest and investment in badminton ahead of the upcoming South Asian Games.

A large protest march and absentee funeral prayer were held in Kushtia on Saturday to condemn the killing of Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of the Inqilab Manch. The demonstration began at Saddam Bazar intersection with a symbolic coffin and moved through key city roads before concluding with a gathering and funeral prayer at the Panch Rastar Mor. Local leaders from Jamaat-e-Islami, Islami Chhatra Shibir, Gano Adhikar Parishad, and the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement addressed the rally, denouncing the murder and calling for justice. The prayer was led by Hafiz Mufti Maulana Amir Hamza, Jamaat’s nominated candidate for Kushtia-3 constituency. Thousands of residents, activists, and supporters joined under the banner of the “Anti-Fascist and Anti-Dominance People’s Platform.” The protest reflects growing local outrage over political violence and calls for accountability. Organizers indicated that further programs may follow if authorities fail to ensure a transparent investigation into Hadi’s killing.

A Dhaka court has granted a fresh four-day remand for three accused — the wife, sister-in-law, and friend of fugitive prime suspect Faisal Karim Masud — in connection with the murder of Inqilab Mancha spokesperson Shahid Sharif Osman Hadi. Metropolitan Magistrate Md Siddiq Azad issued the order on Saturday, while another accused, rent-a-car businessman Nuruzzaman Nomani alias Uzzal, was sent to jail after his earlier remand. The investigation officer from the Detective Branch sought seven days’ remand for further interrogation, citing the need to uncover the motive, identify financiers, and trace other suspects involved in the killing. Previously, the same three accused had been placed on a five-day remand on December 15. Faisal’s parents, who are also accused, have already confessed before the court. Hadi, an independent candidate for Dhaka-8, was shot on December 12 while campaigning and later died in Singapore. The case, filed on December 14, alleges a wider conspiracy aimed at destabilizing the country and obstructing the upcoming 13th National Election.

Australia are poised to secure the Ashes series in Adelaide after dominating England across four days of play. Pat Cummins’ side set England a daunting 435-run target following strong batting displays from Travis Head, who scored 170, and Alex Carey, who added 72. By stumps on the fourth day, England were 207 for six, still needing 228 runs with only four wickets in hand. Cummins led from the front, dismissing Ben Duckett early and reaching 150 Test wickets as captain, joining an elite list topped by Pakistan’s Imran Khan. Nathan Lyon also played a crucial role, removing Ben Stokes and Zak Crawley in quick succession to tighten Australia’s grip. England’s top order faltered again, with only Crawley showing resistance through his 85-run knock. If Australia complete victory on the final day, it will mark one of their fastest Ashes series wins on home soil since 2002–03. The result would also deepen England’s ongoing struggles under captain Ben Stokes, raising questions about their batting consistency and tactical approach.

The Bangladesh Election Commission (EC) has rescheduled its crucial law and order coordination meeting with security agencies, originally planned for Sunday morning, to 2:30 p.m. at the EC Secretariat in Agargaon. The session will be chaired by Chief Election Commissioner A.M.M. Nasir Uddin and attended by four election commissioners and the EC secretary. Chiefs of the army, navy, and air force are also expected to participate. According to an official circular signed by Deputy Secretary Mohammad Monir Hossain, the agenda includes reviewing pre-election security conditions, recovering illegal arms, preventing militant activities, and ensuring compliance with the 2025 electoral code of conduct. EC’s Public Relations Officer Ruhul Amin Mallik confirmed that top law enforcement officials will attend the meeting. In a first, the chiefs of the three armed forces, along with the Inspector General of Police and senior security officials, will brief the media after the main meeting. The discussions are expected to shape joint force deployment strategies and reinforce public confidence in the upcoming election’s security arrangements.

A funeral in absentia and prayer gathering were held in Lakshmipur on Saturday for Shaheed Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of the Inquilab Manch. The event took place after Asr prayers in front of Lillah Jame Mosque, attended by local political and student leaders. Religious scholar Maulana Md. Alamgir Kabir led the prayers for the deceased. Before the funeral, a brief rally was organized where speakers paid tribute to Osman Hadi, describing him as a martyr for justice and equality. Representatives from various student and political organizations, including the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, Islami Chhatra Andolon, and Student Rights Council, participated in the gathering. They vowed to continue his struggle for a just and fair Bangladesh. The event reflected ongoing political sentiments in the region, with participants voicing opposition to perceived foreign dominance and pledging unity for national justice. Local observers noted that such gatherings highlight the growing activism among youth-led movements in Bangladesh’s districts.

The Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD), the student wing of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), has called an emergency meeting of its central committee to be held on Sunday afternoon at the Vashani Bhaban in Naya Paltan, Dhaka. According to an official statement issued by central office secretary Md. Jahangir Alam, the meeting will begin at 2:30 p.m. and all central leaders have been instructed to attend on time by JCD President Rakibul Islam Rakib and General Secretary Nasir Uddin Nasir. A subsequent notice announced that at 4:30 p.m. the same day, a joint organizational meeting will take place at the same venue with representatives from Dhaka University, Jagannath University, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Jahangirnagar University, and several major colleges and district units. The gathering is expected to address internal coordination and upcoming political activities. The emergency session comes at a time of heightened political mobilization across student fronts, signaling possible strategic planning ahead of national-level movements or campus-based programs.

India has announced its 15-member squad for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup, leaving out ODI and Test captain Shubman Gill. The team will be led by Suryakumar Yadav, with all-rounder Axar Patel named as vice-captain. Left-handed wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan returns to the side after a strong domestic season, while finisher Rinku Singh earns a call-up. The tournament will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February 7, 2025. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar explained that Gill’s omission was based on team balance and recent form. Gill has averaged only 24.25 across his last 15 T20 internationals, while Kishan topped the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy with 517 runs. Agarkar noted that having a wicketkeeper-opener strengthens the team’s flexibility. The squad also includes Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, and Washington Sundar as all-rounders, with Jasprit Bumrah leading the pace attack. The selection signals India’s focus on form and versatility ahead of the World Cup, as the team seeks to end its decade-long wait for a T20 title.

Dhaka’s Gallery Chitrak is hosting artist Azwad Ahmed’s first solo exhibition, titled ‘Radiant Shadows of Solitude,’ curated by art critic and curator Nisar Hossain. The exhibition, inaugurated on Thursday, features a thoughtful collection of Ahmed’s selected works exploring themes of silence, solitude, and introspection. The event was inaugurated by eminent artist Professor Emeritus Rafiqun Nabi, with art critic Professor Moinuddin Khaled presiding and Professor Mohammad Yunus and Javed Jalil attending as special guests. During the opening, Professor Rafiqun Nabi praised Ahmed’s quiet dedication and urged him to share his art more widely, emphasizing that art should engage the public. Professor Mohammad Yunus commended the emotional depth and narrative richness of Ahmed’s paintings, noting their dynamic and contemplative qualities. Critics described the exhibition as a subtle yet powerful reflection on human emotion and perception. Open daily from December 18 to 24, 2025, the exhibition invites viewers to interpret meaning through attentive observation rather than direct representation, marking a significant step in Ahmed’s artistic journey.

Sharif Osman Bin Hadi, spokesperson of the Inquilab Mancha and a key figure in the July Revolution, was laid to rest beside the grave of national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam at Dhaka University’s central mosque complex on Saturday, December 20, 2025. The burial followed funeral prayers held earlier at the South Plaza of the National Parliament. Thousands of mourners, including political leaders, university officials, and fellow activists, attended the emotional farewell. The epitaph on his tombstone reads that he was martyred in the anti-hegemonic movement, marking his life span from 1993 to 2025. Among those present were journalist Mahmudur Rahman, Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Niaz Ahmad Khan, and student leaders Sadiq Kayem and SM Farhad. Hadi’s brother, Abu Bakar Siddiq, led the final prayer as the crowd wept in grief. Hadi’s death at age 34 has sparked widespread mourning and renewed discussions about the July Revolution’s legacy. Authorities have yet to release detailed findings on his killing, while supporters continue to demand justice and recognition of his political ideals.