Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of the Inquilab Mancha and a key figure in the July Revolutionary movement, 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. His funeral prayer was held earlier at the South Plaza of the National Parliament, attended by supporters and political activists mourning his death. Hadi was shot in the head on December 12 while campaigning in Dhaka’s Bijoynagar area. He was initially treated at Dhaka Medical College Hospital and later transferred to Singapore, where he died on December 18. Authorities confirmed the autopsy was completed before his burial. Police have yet to identify the main suspect, though reports link the attack to banned political operatives. Hadi’s death has sparked widespread condemnation and renewed debate over political violence in Bangladesh. Civil society groups have called for an independent investigation and stronger protection for opposition activists ahead of the upcoming elections.

Seven wild Asian elephants were killed and one calf injured when a high-speed passenger train collided with a herd in northeastern India. The incident occurred near Sairang in Mizoram as the Capital Express, carrying 650 passengers from Guwahati to New Delhi, struck the animals. The impact caused the train’s engine and five coaches to derail, though no passengers were injured, according to Indian Railways spokesperson Kishore Sharma. Officials said the driver applied emergency brakes after spotting nearly 100 elephants on the tracks but could not avoid the collision. The accident site, about 125 kilometers southeast of Guwahati, lies outside a designated elephant corridor. Veterinary teams conducted autopsies on the elephants, which will be buried the following day. Assam, home to roughly 7,000 wild elephants, has seen several similar accidents in recent years. Conservationists have urged authorities to improve monitoring and install early-warning systems along railway routes intersecting elephant habitats to prevent future tragedies.

Unidentified miscreants set fire to the Kushtia District Election Office building early Saturday morning, damaging some stored documents in the Sadar Upazila election office storeroom. The incident occurred between dawn and 9 a.m., when attackers reportedly broke a rear window to start the blaze. Local residents noticed smoke and, with the help of the office night guard, managed to bring the fire under control before it spread further. Senior District Election Officer Mahbubur Rahman confirmed the incident, stating that while some documents were burnt, no major losses were reported. District Commissioner Iqbal Hossain, Sadar Upazila Executive Officer Roknuzzaman, and senior police officials visited the site shortly after. Kushtia Model Police Station Officer-in-Charge Kabir Hossain Matubbar said an investigation has begun to identify those responsible. Authorities are assessing the extent of the damage and reviewing security measures at election offices across the district to prevent similar incidents ahead of upcoming electoral activities.

The Bangladesh Navy conducted a late-night raid in Teknaf’s Hnila Union on Friday, recovering a cache of illegal firearms, ammunition, and narcotics. Acting on intelligence, a specialized naval force and local police jointly searched the residence of alleged top criminal ‘Lamba Mizan,’ seizing three pistols, nine rounds of live ammunition, two locally made weapons, and 10,000 yaba tablets. The seized items were later handed over to Teknaf Police Station for legal proceedings. Authorities said the operation was part of the Navy’s ongoing efforts to strengthen internal security and curb criminal activities in coastal and border regions. The Navy has been conducting regular anti-smuggling and anti-drug drives to maintain law and order in sensitive areas. Officials emphasized that such coordinated actions with law enforcement agencies are crucial to dismantling organized crime networks. Security analysts note that continued naval engagement in inland operations reflects growing inter-agency cooperation to combat drug trafficking and illegal arms trade along Bangladesh’s southern coastline.

A crude bomb, locally known as a cocktail, exploded on the second floor of an under-construction shop inside a commercial building in Dhunat town, Bogura, on Saturday afternoon. The explosion occurred around 12:15 p.m., causing widespread panic among traders operating on the ground floor of the same building near the Central Shaheed Minar area. According to police and local sources, unidentified individuals detonated the explosive device in the unfinished shop space. No casualties were reported, but the loud blast alarmed nearby shopkeepers and residents. Law enforcement officials, including senior officers from Dhunat Police Station, visited the site shortly after the incident. Officer-in-Charge Atikul Islam confirmed that evidence from the scene had been collected and CCTV footage from surrounding areas was being reviewed. Police have launched an investigation to identify and apprehend those responsible. Authorities have heightened security in the area to prevent further disturbances, while business owners have urged swift action to ensure their safety and restore normalcy in the local market.

In Panchagarh, Bangladesh, the parents of a young woman named Amina Akter Ratna held a press conference demanding justice for what they allege was her murder by her husband’s family. The couple, Amir Uddin and Nargis Akter, claimed their daughter was killed two years after marriage and that the in-laws staged her death as a suicide. Ratna was taken to Atwari Upazila Health Complex on November 22, where she was declared dead, with her husband’s family claiming she had ingested poison. However, Ratna’s family reported finding multiple injury marks on her body and no evidence of poisoning. They filed a case with Atwari Police Station on November 24 after rejecting an alleged offer for an out-of-court settlement. Amir Uddin further alleged that the accused family has since issued threats and attempted to bribe officials to alter the autopsy report. Local residents and relatives attended the press conference, calling for a transparent investigation and protection for the victim’s family amid growing concerns over intimidation and manipulation of evidence.

A large digital billboard campaign in central London has drawn attention for accusing the United Arab Emirates (UAE) of supporting Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary group accused of atrocities during the Sudanese civil war. The campaign, organized by U.S.-based nonprofit Avaaz, uses AI-generated imagery showing a woman taking a selfie in Dubai, juxtaposed with war-torn Sudan in the reflection, carrying the caption: “Your selfie won’t look so good if you knew what they’re doing in Sudan.” The billboard, projected on a moving van and looping every 80 seconds, includes a QR code linking to investigative reports from outlets such as *Middle East Eye*, *The Guardian*, and *The New York Times*. Passersby in London expressed surprise at the UAE’s alleged involvement, with some saying the campaign changed their perception of Dubai. The UAE has denied arming the RSF, calling related media reports fabricated, but analysts cite flight data, weapons serial numbers, and diplomatic sources suggesting ongoing Emirati support. The campaign underscores growing international scrutiny of the UAE’s regional military activities and its potential implications for diplomatic relations with Western allies.

A large number of people gathered in Ukhiya, Cox’s Bazar, on Saturday, December 20, 2025, to attend the absentee funeral (gayebana janaza) of Sharif Osman Bin Hadi, spokesperson of Inkilab Manch. Two separate funeral prayers were held—first at the Ukhiya Central Shaheed Minar grounds at 2 p.m. and later at the busy Kotbazar Station at 3 p.m.—drawing participants from various political and social organizations. Local leaders from Jamaat-e-Islami and the BNP paid tribute to Osman Hadi, describing him as a courageous and principled organizer whose contributions to society would be remembered. They expressed condolences to his bereaved family and prayed for his departed soul. Police maintained heightened vigilance to ensure public order during the gatherings. According to Ukhiya Police Station’s officer-in-charge, additional forces were deployed to prevent any untoward incidents, and both events concluded peacefully. Osman Hadi’s death has cast a shadow of mourning across Ukhiya, with condolences pouring in from multiple quarters.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police recovered a cache of firearms and ammunition during an operation in the Pallabi area on Friday afternoon. Acting on a tip-off, officers from Pallabi Police Station discovered three revolvers, 73 rounds of live ammunition, a revolver cover, a machete, and two small knives abandoned on the third floor of an old City Corporation market building in Mirpur-11, Block-C. Deputy Police Commissioner Muhammad Talebur Rahman of the DMP’s Media and Public Relations Division confirmed the recovery in a press release. He stated that the weapons were found in an abandoned state and that an investigation is underway to trace their origin and identify those involved. The discovery follows a series of recent police operations aimed at curbing illegal arms circulation in Dhaka. Authorities believe the seizure may help uncover links to local criminal networks. Police have increased surveillance in the area and are analyzing forensic evidence to determine whether the weapons were intended for future criminal activities.

Police in Gobindaganj, Gaibandha, have arrested four individuals in two separate cases, including two local Awami League leaders accused of vandalizing a Jamaat-e-Islami office. The arrests took place on Friday night, when officers detained Ranjit Sarkar, general secretary of ward no. 4 of Kamaradaha Union Awami League, and Sajjadul Mondol Saju, joint general secretary of Darbasta Union Jubo League, from their homes. According to police, both leaders are accused in a case related to the vandalism of the Jamaat office in Gobindaganj upazila. In a separate operation earlier that day, police arrested two alleged drug traffickers with five kilograms of cannabis from a passenger bus on the Dhaka–Rangpur highway near Chapriganj. Officer-in-Charge Mozammel Haque confirmed that separate cases have been filed under the Penal Code and the Narcotics Control Act. All four detainees were sent to Gaibandha District Jail following court orders. The incidents highlight ongoing political and criminal law enforcement challenges in the region.

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has announced that hearings in the genocide case filed by Gambia against Myanmar will begin from January 12 to 29, 2026. The case accuses Myanmar of committing genocide against the Rohingya Muslim minority during a 2017 military crackdown that forced more than 730,000 people to flee to Bangladesh. Gambia, backed by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, initiated the case in 2019, arguing that Myanmar violated the 1948 Genocide Convention. During the first week of hearings, Gambia will present its arguments from January 12 to 15, followed by Myanmar’s defense from January 16 to 20. The court has also allocated three days for witness testimonies. Myanmar continues to deny the genocide allegations, claiming its operations targeted Rohingya insurgents responsible for attacks on security forces. The proceedings mark a critical phase in a case closely watched by human rights advocates and international observers. A final judgment could take years, but the hearings are expected to shape global accountability discussions regarding mass atrocities and minority protection.

Hundreds of thousands gathered in Dhaka on Saturday to attend the funeral of Sharif Osman Hadi, a key figure in Bangladesh’s 2024 student-led uprising and spokesperson for the Inquilab Mancha. Hadi died in a Singapore hospital on December 12 after surviving an assassination attempt earlier this month. His body was brought back to Bangladesh on December 19, and the funeral was held near the National Parliament complex under tight security, attended by interim government chief Professor Muhammad Yunus and political leaders from across the spectrum. International media outlets including Reuters, Al Jazeera, The Washington Post, and TRT World covered the massive turnout, describing it as a reflection of national grief and unity. Reports noted that Hadi was buried beside the grave of national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam, symbolizing his perceived contribution to the country’s democratic struggle. Several outlets highlighted Bangladesh’s official day of mourning and the heightened security presence. Observers say the unprecedented public response underscores Hadi’s symbolic role in the pro-democracy movement and may influence the political climate ahead of the next national election.

A Chakma man named Shankuching, aged 35, was abducted by an armed group while farming on a hillside in Baharchhara Union of Teknaf, Cox’s Bazar, on Saturday afternoon. Another local farmer, 60-year-old Ebadullah, narrowly escaped the attack and reported the incident to police after fleeing the scene. According to Ebadullah, around 20 to 30 armed assailants suddenly surrounded them during fieldwork and forcibly took Shankuching away. The attackers reportedly fired two rounds of gunshots as Ebadullah ran for his life. Teknaf Model Police Station’s Officer-in-Charge Md Saiful Islam confirmed that a police team was dispatched immediately and that an investigation is underway. Authorities suspect the involvement of local hill-based armed groups active near the Bangladesh-Myanmar border. Law enforcement agencies have intensified patrols in the area to prevent further incidents and locate the abducted farmer.

Abdullah Al Jaber, member secretary of Inquilab Manch, alleged that the killing of Osman Hadi was carried out by an organized criminal group rather than a lone assailant. Speaking before Hadi’s funeral prayer near the National Parliament complex on Saturday, Jaber criticized the government for failing to arrest any suspects or provide a clear assurance a week after the shooting. Jaber demanded that Home Affairs Adviser Jahangir Alam Chowdhury and the Chief Adviser’s Special Assistant Khoda Box Chowdhury publicly disclose within 24 hours what steps had been taken in the past week. He warned that failure to do so should lead to their resignation. He also called for identifying alleged collaborators within civil and military intelligence agencies. The Inquilab Manch leader urged supporters to remain peaceful and await official instructions from the organization, while emphasizing that Hadi’s death would not go unpunished. The group announced plans for a gathering at Shahbagh following the funeral rites.

Authorities in Chattogram have dismissed social media claims of an attack on the Indian Deputy High Commission, confirming that no such incident occurred. The rumors spread after the death of Osman Hadi on December 19, prompting brief protests near the diplomat’s residence. Police said a few stones were thrown at the outer gate but there was no intrusion, vandalism, or fire. Law enforcement quickly restored order and reinforced security around diplomatic premises. Chattogram Metropolitan Police Commissioner Hasib Aziz visited the site and met with the Indian Deputy High Commissioner, assuring that the situation was under control. Security analyst Professor M Shahiduzzaman of Dhaka University warned that spreading false information about sensitive diplomatic sites could be part of a deliberate destabilization strategy. He urged authorities to issue unified, fact-based briefings immediately after such incidents. Experts emphasized that unchecked misinformation can harm Bangladesh’s international image and fuel unnecessary public anxiety. Strengthening media verification and responsible political communication was recommended to prevent future disinformation crises.