On the occasion of Martyred Intellectuals Day, BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman paid deep tribute to the teachers, doctors, writers, journalists, and artists killed on December 14, 1971, by the occupying forces and their collaborators. Rahman expressed prayers for their souls and emphasized their enduring inspiration for the nation. He stated that the martyred intellectuals had taken up the pen in defense of freedom and justice, and their assassination was a calculated attempt to cripple Bangladesh’s intellectual foundation. Rahman lamented that even after more than fifty years, the vision of those martyrs remains unfulfilled, as democracy has repeatedly faced setbacks. Calling for renewed commitment to the rule of law, an independent judiciary, and a pluralistic political system, Rahman urged citizens to work together to build the Bangladesh envisioned by the martyred intellectuals. He also extended condolences to the families of the martyrs, reaffirming BNP’s respect for their sacrifice.

Interim government legal adviser Asif Nazrul expressed deep emotion and optimism for the recovery of Osman Hadi, describing him as a courageous and patriotic individual. In a social media post on Saturday, December 13, Nazrul said he believed that with the prayers of so many people, Hadi would return to health. His message quickly drew attention for its heartfelt tone and personal reflections. Nazrul recalled stories shared by Hadi’s colleagues, highlighting his humility and dedication. They said Hadi often slept on bare carpets with coworkers, gave up his pillow for others, and even washed colleagues’ clothes himself. Nazrul added that hearing these accounts, along with the cries of Hadi’s sister, deeply moved everyone present at Jamuna. The message comes amid ongoing concern following an attack on Hadi, with authorities offering a reward for information about those involved. The incident has sparked widespread sympathy and calls for justice across Bangladesh.

Barrister Asaduzzaman Fuad, General Secretary of the Amar Bangladesh (AB) Party, alleged that certain political factions are attempting to compromise Bangladesh’s sovereignty by aligning too closely with India. Speaking at a protest in Dhaka on December 13, Fuad claimed that if some parties return to power, they would again 'sell Bangladesh to Delhi,' undermining national independence and dignity. Fuad criticized what he described as the moral decay of political leadership, saying that individuals driven by greed and opportunism have risen to prominence in major parties. He argued that these leaders fail to recognize the nation’s true adversaries and disregard the historical struggle for sovereignty. His remarks came during a demonstration organized by Inquilab Mancha, protesting an attack on its convener Sharif Osman Hadi. The AB Party’s statement reflects growing nationalist rhetoric ahead of Bangladesh’s next election cycle. Political analysts note that such accusations underscore rising tensions over foreign influence and internal legitimacy, signaling a contentious political environment in the coming months.

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmad has called for a broad national unity against fascism and terrorism, describing it as the country’s greatest strength. Speaking to reporters on Saturday, December 13, after meeting Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus, he emphasized that only through such unity can Bangladesh confront its current political and security challenges. Ahmad stated that democratic forces must remain united within democratic alliances to resist conspiracies by extremist or authoritarian groups, both domestic and foreign. He urged a fair investigation into recent incidents and called for coordinated action among the Home Ministry, law enforcement agencies, and political parties. He also expressed support for the Inquilab Mancha’s ongoing anti-fascism and anti-terrorism rallies, pledging BNP’s participation in upcoming demonstrations at Shahbagh or the Central Shaheed Minar. Addressing possible threats to candidates, Ahmad said vigilance and cooperation among government bodies, political parties, and citizens are essential to prevent violence and maintain stability during this tense political period.

Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of the Inquilab Mancha, remains in critical condition after being shot by unidentified assailants in Dhaka’s Bijoynagar area on Friday. Doctors at Evercare Hospital have said the next 48 to 72 hours will be crucial for his recovery, as his body’s response to ongoing treatment will determine his survival prospects. A medical board is monitoring his condition daily and has informed his family that he is not yet out of danger. Hadi was initially taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital after being shot while traveling in a rickshaw, before being transferred for advanced care. Rashed Khan, general secretary of the Gana Odhikar Parishad, confirmed Hadi’s condition and urged supporters to pray for his recovery. Police have yet to identify the attackers or establish a motive behind the shooting. The incident has heightened concerns over political violence in the capital, with rights groups calling for a swift and transparent investigation to ensure accountability and public safety.

At least 23 people have been killed and around 700,000 displaced amid renewed border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia, officials confirmed on Friday, December 12. Cambodia’s Interior Ministry reported that over 274,000 people have been relocated to official shelters, while many others fled independently. Thailand’s Defense Ministry said more than 400,000 residents from seven border provinces have been moved to safety. The Cambodian Interior Ministry stated that 11 civilians and one soldier have died, with 76 others injured since December 7. On the Thai side, nine soldiers and three civilians were reported dead, and 190 people wounded. The violence follows a peace agreement signed in October in Kuala Lumpur, attended by U.S. President Donald Trump and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. The long-standing border dispute has repeatedly disrupted regional trade and security. With land crossings closed since July, cross-border commerce remains paralyzed. Analysts warn that unless both governments resume dialogue, humanitarian conditions could worsen as displaced populations grow.

The Bangladesh government has announced a reward of Tk 5 million for information leading to the arrest of those involved in the assassination attempt on Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of Inquilab Moncho and an independent candidate for Dhaka-8. The announcement was made by Home Affairs Adviser Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury following a law and order committee meeting at the Secretariat on Saturday. Chowdhury stated that the government is committed to apprehending the perpetrators swiftly and ensuring the safety of all election candidates. He also mentioned that, unlike before, election candidates will now be eligible to obtain firearm licenses for personal protection, and previously deposited weapons will be returned. Authorities have already identified one suspect involved in the shooting, according to the Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner. The adviser emphasized that the government is determined to protect those who played key roles in the July uprising and that special security measures are being implemented. The investigation into the attack remains ongoing, with officials urging public cooperation to bring the assailants to justice.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee publicly apologized to Argentine football legend Lionel Messi after severe disorder erupted during his event at Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata. Thousands of fans who gathered to see Messi were left disappointed as the situation spiraled out of control, prompting the Chief Minister to express her deep regret over the mismanagement. In a message on X, Banerjee said she was deeply disturbed by the chaos and extended an apology to Messi, sports enthusiasts, and fans. She announced the formation of an inquiry committee led by retired Justice Asim Kumar Roy, along with senior state officials, to investigate the incident and recommend preventive measures for the future. Videos circulating online showed angry spectators breaking barricades and throwing objects onto the field. Many attendees complained about poor arrangements and limited visibility despite paying high ticket prices. The incident has drawn criticism of event organizers and local authorities, raising questions about crowd management and VIP privileges at major public events in India.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Sheikh Mohammad Sajjat Ali announced that one suspect involved in the shooting of Inqilab Manch spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi has been identified. He stated that the suspect will be arrested soon, though the investigation is still ongoing. The commissioner made the remarks on Saturday, December 13, after attending the annual meeting of the Retired Police Officers Welfare Association in Rajarbagh. According to a DMP press release, authorities have pledged to keep the informant’s identity confidential and to offer a suitable reward for information leading to the suspect’s capture. Hadi remains in critical condition at Evercare Hospital after being shot in the head on Friday in Dhaka’s Bijoynagar area. Witnesses and CCTV footage show that the attackers, riding a motorcycle, fired at Hadi while he was traveling in a battery-powered rickshaw. Police have not yet confirmed the motive behind the attack. However, investigators noted that the shooter had earlier participated in Hadi’s election campaign activities on the same day.

Iran’s coast guard has seized a tanker carrying around six million liters of smuggled diesel in the Gulf of Oman, detaining all 18 crew members on board. The vessel was intercepted near the southern Hormozgan province after its navigation system reportedly malfunctioned, leaving it adrift. Among those detained are citizens of Bangladesh, India, and Sri Lanka, according to Iranian state media. Authorities have not disclosed the nationality of the seized tanker. The operation marks the latest in a series of maritime enforcement actions by Iran against alleged fuel smuggling in regional waters. Last month, Iranian forces detained another vessel in the Persian Gulf under similar circumstances. The seizure comes just days after the U.S. Navy captured a tanker off Venezuela’s coast, which Washington claimed was used for oil transport between Iran and Venezuela. Analysts suggest the timing underscores escalating maritime tensions and reciprocal enforcement moves between Tehran and Washington in contested shipping lanes.

A promotional event featuring Lionel Messi at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium turned violent on Sunday as crowd control failed amid massive attendance. Over 100,000 spectators gathered to see the Argentine football star, but poor organization and political interference near the stage led to frustration among fans. As visibility of Messi was blocked by local leaders, sections of the audience began throwing bottles and tearing banners, triggering widespread disorder. Witnesses reported that parts of the crowd broke through fencing, with around 2,500 people storming the field. Some attempted to set fire to tents near the pitch and damaged goal nets and tunnel structures. Police resorted to defensive measures, using broken chairs as shields, while Rapid Action Force units were deployed to regain control. Clashes between police and spectators continued intermittently, leaving the stadium area under mob control for hours. Authorities have launched an investigation into the security lapses, while event organizers face criticism for inadequate planning. The incident raises concerns over safety protocols for high-profile international events in India.

Former BNP lawmaker and decorated freedom fighter Major (Retd.) Akhtaruzzaman has formally joined Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami after meeting the party’s Ameer, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, at the central office on Saturday, December 13. During the meeting, Akhtaruzzaman expressed his confidence in Jamaat’s ideology, patriotism, and its stance on protecting the country’s independence and sovereignty. Jamaat’s Assistant Secretary General and head of media, Ehsanul Mahbub Zubair, confirmed the development. Akhtaruzzaman completed the party’s primary membership form and pledged to uphold Jamaat’s principles, discipline, and loyalty. He also vowed to dedicate the rest of his life to promoting Islamic values and national interests. Akhtaruzzaman, a former president of Kishoreganj district BNP, was expelled from the BNP for alleged breach of party discipline. He previously served as a Member of Parliament for Kishoreganj-2 in 1991 and 1996, and contested again in 2018 but lost to Awami League candidate and former IGP Nur Mohammad.

Bangladesh’s Ambassador to Mexico, Mushfiqul Fazal Ansarey, has called for a transparent and impartial investigation into the brutal attack on Sharif Osman Hadi, an independent candidate for Dhaka-8 and spokesperson of the Inquilab Mancha. In a Facebook post on Friday night (Bangladesh time), the envoy condemned the assault as cowardly and barbaric, urging all sides to work together rather than engage in blame games. Ansarey, a former journalist now serving as a senior secretary-level diplomat, emphasized that Hadi represents a promising generation of courage and struggle. He said ensuring Hadi’s safety is a moral duty and urged citizens to support his family during this critical time. The ambassador also called for collective efforts to identify and punish the real perpetrators, stressing that cooperation with the government is essential to uphold democracy, elections, and the rule of law. The incident has sparked widespread concern among civic groups and political observers, who see it as a test of Bangladesh’s commitment to political tolerance and justice.

Sharif Osman Bin Hadi, spokesperson of Inquilab Moncho and independent candidate for Dhaka-8 constituency, remains in critical condition after being shot by unidentified assailants on Friday. He was first taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital and later transferred to Evercare Hospital, where he is currently on life support. Inquilab Moncho officials confirmed that Hadi is under 48-hour observation and has shown internal response but is still not out of danger. Abdullah Al Jaber, the group’s member secretary, told reporters that doctors are carefully monitoring his condition. Fahim Faruqi, convener of Moncho 24, said Hadi is breathing and receiving blood transfusions, describing these as positive signs. The attack occurred in the Bijoynagar Kalvert Road area shortly after Friday prayers while Hadi was campaigning. Authorities have yet to identify the attackers or determine the motive behind the shooting. Political observers warn the incident could heighten tensions ahead of the upcoming election and raise concerns about candidate safety in Dhaka’s competitive constituencies.

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus met with the family of Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of Inquilab Mancha and potential independent candidate for Dhaka-8, at the state guesthouse Jamuna on Saturday, December 13. Yunus assured the family that the government is taking all necessary steps to ensure Hadi receives the best possible medical treatment, including the option of treatment abroad if required. During the meeting, Hadi’s sister described him as a lifelong patriot and revolutionary, emphasizing his importance to their family and the movement. Inquilab Mancha representatives urged the government to arrest the perpetrators swiftly and ensure the safety of July Revolution activists. They questioned how the suspected shooter had been released on bail earlier. Yunus confirmed that law enforcement agencies are actively pursuing those responsible and that a full investigation has been ordered. Senior advisers on law, environment, industry, and national security were present at the meeting, signaling the government’s commitment to transparency and justice in the case.