The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) has temporarily expelled its presidium member, Lt Gen (Retd) Chowdhury Hasan Sarwardy, following a controversial Facebook post criticizing the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). LDP Secretary General Dr. Redwan Ahmed announced the decision in a press release on Saturday, noting that Sarwardy’s remarks were misleading and not reflective of the party’s official stance. According to the statement, Sarwardy’s comments were deemed a violation of party discipline and damaging to LDP’s political relations. The party leadership, including President Col (Retd) Oli Ahmed, viewed the post as inappropriate during a sensitive political period. LDP emphasized BNP’s role as a liberal political force contributing to democratic stability in Bangladesh. Sarwardy has been asked to explain within three days why he should not be permanently expelled. The incident highlights ongoing tensions within smaller political alliances and the challenges of maintaining discipline amid social media controversies.

The funeral of Shahid Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of Inquilab Mancha and a key figure in the July Revolution movement, is set to begin at the South Plaza of Bangladesh’s National Parliament. His body was transferred there from Suhrawardy Medical College Hospital after an autopsy was completed late Saturday morning. Hadi, who was shot in the head on December 12 while campaigning in Dhaka’s Bijoynagar area, died in a Singapore hospital on Thursday night after days of critical care. His body arrived in Dhaka on Friday evening and was kept at the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases morgue before being moved for the funeral. Dr. Abdul Ahad of Dhaka Medical College confirmed the completion of the autopsy. The killing of Hadi, a prominent youth leader, has sparked widespread mourning and calls for justice. Authorities have yet to announce any arrests, while supporters describe his death as a major loss for the reformist movement he helped lead.

Dhaka University authorities have decided to close all campus entry points temporarily to ensure security during the burial of Shaheed Sharif Osman Hadi. The administration urged teachers, students, and staff to avoid gathering on campus, citing safety concerns. Officials apologized for any inconvenience caused to the public due to the restricted access. Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) deployed a large number of officers around the funeral venue, nearby streets, and open spaces to prevent any disorder. Many officers were equipped with body-worn cameras to record and monitor activities in real time. According to sources, the live footage was being observed continuously from the DMP control room. The heightened security measures reflect the authorities’ intent to maintain order during the emotionally charged event. Similar absentee funeral prayers were held at other universities, including Chittagong and Begum Rokeya University, as tributes poured in for Hadi, whose death has been described as a significant national loss.

Law enforcement agencies maintained heightened security on Saturday at the mausoleum of national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam beside Dhaka University’s central mosque during the burial of Inquilab Mancha spokesperson Shahid Sharif Osman Hadi. The decision to bury Hadi at this symbolic site was made at the request of his family and well-wishers. Police, Ansar, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), and intelligence personnel were stationed from Shahbagh to TSC and around the central mosque area. The university’s proctorial team also joined the security operation. Entry to the burial site was restricted to law enforcement members, authorized university officials, and government-approved individuals, ensuring controlled access throughout the ceremony. The strong security presence reflected authorities’ efforts to prevent any untoward incident during the high-profile burial. Observers noted that the arrangements underscored the sensitivity surrounding Hadi’s death and the symbolic importance of the burial location within Dhaka University premises.

At a symbolic funeral prayer in Rajshahi’s Godagari upazila, Jamaat-e-Islami’s central Nayeb-e-Ameer Professor Mujibur Rahman lauded the late revolutionary Sharif Osman Hadi for his outspoken opposition to Indian hegemony and what he termed fascist governance. Rahman said Hadi had pledged to defend Bangladesh’s independence and sovereignty and sharply criticized the interim government for failing to ensure security. Speakers at the event described Hadi as a courageous voice who resisted dominance and authoritarianism, emphasizing that he was not affiliated with any political party but spoke for national dignity. They demanded swift justice for his killers and highlighted his role in the so-called July Revolution. The gathering reflected growing discontent among sections of Bangladesh’s Islamist political circles over perceived external influence and domestic instability. Calls for justice and sovereignty are expected to remain central themes in upcoming political discourse.

Hundreds of thousands of people gathered at Manik Mia Avenue in Dhaka on Saturday to perform the noon prayer and attend the funeral of Shahid Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of the July Revolutionary and Inquilab Mancha. The prayer began around 1:15 p.m., with the entire area filled to capacity well before the ceremony started. Authorities implemented extensive security measures across the capital’s central zone, including the South Plaza of the National Parliament, Agargaon, Khamarbari, and surrounding areas. Temporary checkpoints equipped with metal detectors and hand scanners were set up at key entry points such as Farmgate, Asad Gate, and Bijoy Sarani. Law enforcement conducted manual searches and inspected suspicious bags to maintain order. The massive turnout reflected Hadi’s influence among supporters and the significance of his political role. Officials said the event concluded peacefully under tight control, though traffic disruptions and heightened security continued for several hours afterward.

Tens of thousands of people from Dhaka and surrounding districts gathered at Manik Mia Avenue on Saturday to attend the funeral prayer of Osman Hadi, widely regarded as a martyred political figure. The crowd, described as a human tide, included men, women, and children, many carrying national flags or wearing black badges to express grief and solidarity. Law enforcement agencies maintained strict security, checking attendees at entry points while ensuring an orderly flow. Witnesses noted a strong presence of youth, chanting slogans honoring Hadi’s legacy and demanding justice for his death. Women attendees, though fewer in number, said they came to stand alongside men in paying their final respects. The massive turnout reflects the emotional resonance of Hadi’s death and his influence among younger generations. Authorities are expected to monitor post-funeral gatherings closely as political groups may seek to channel public sentiment into broader movements in the coming days.

A special court in Pakistan has sentenced former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, to 17 years in prison each in the Toshakhana corruption case. The verdict, delivered at Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail where Khan is currently detained, found the couple guilty of unlawfully acquiring and selling state gifts, causing financial losses to the government. The court imposed a fine of 16.4 million Pakistani rupees on both and stated that failure to pay would result in additional imprisonment. The charges were brought under sections 34 and 409 of the Pakistan Penal Code and the Anti-Corruption Act. The judgment noted that the court considered Khan’s age and Bushra Bibi’s gender in determining the sentence length. Their lawyers have announced plans to appeal the ruling. The case was filed last December by the National Accountability Bureau, alleging that the couple undervalued jewelry gifted by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to obtain them from the Toshakhana. The decision marks another major legal setback for Khan as he faces multiple corruption and political cases.

Islami Chhatra Shibir’s Jahangirnagar University branch secretary, Mostafizur Rahman, has issued a clarification following widespread criticism of his recent speech urging the 'destruction' of leftist and cultural groups such as Udichi and Chhayanaut. The remarks, made during a protest after the death of Inqilab Mancha spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi, sparked strong reactions on social media and among campus communities. In a Facebook post Friday night, Mostafizur explained that by 'destruction' he meant dismantling ideological narratives rather than physical violence. He said his intention was to challenge what he described as 'fascist narratives' through institutional and lawful means. Mostafizur acknowledged that his word choice was hasty but reaffirmed his group’s commitment to a disciplined and non-violent struggle. Observers note that the clarification comes amid heightened political sensitivities on campuses and growing scrutiny of Islamist student organizations. The statement may ease immediate tensions but raises questions about rhetoric and responsibility in Bangladesh’s polarized political climate.

The body of Shahid Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of Inquilab Mancha and a key figure in the July Revolution movement, was transported to Manik Mia Avenue in Dhaka on Saturday following an autopsy at Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College Hospital. The ambulance carrying his remains arrived at the South Plaza of the National Parliament complex around midday, officials confirmed. Hadi had died in Singapore on Thursday night while undergoing advanced treatment after being shot in the head during a public outreach event in Dhaka’s Bijoynagar area on December 12. He was initially treated at Dhaka Medical College Hospital and later moved to Evercare Hospital before being flown abroad. His body returned to Bangladesh on Friday evening and was kept at the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases morgue. Authorities have not yet announced any arrests in connection with the shooting. Political observers note that Hadi’s death could intensify tensions among activist groups and prompt renewed calls for accountability and security reforms.

Professor Dr. Md. Nizam Uddin, Vice-Chancellor of Sunamganj Science and Technology University (SUBIPRABI), has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of the Inquilab Mancha. Hadi passed away on Thursday night at Singapore General Hospital while undergoing treatment. In an official condolence message, the Vice-Chancellor described Hadi as a courageous and dedicated young activist who played a leading role in the July Revolution movement. Dr. Nizam Uddin praised Hadi’s patriotism, bravery, and ideological commitment, calling him a fearless son of the nation whose contributions will be remembered for years. He prayed for the eternal peace of the departed soul and extended heartfelt sympathy to Hadi’s bereaved family, colleagues, and supporters. The death of Hadi has sparked widespread mourning among political and social circles in Sunamganj and beyond, with several local groups announcing memorial prayers and gatherings in his honor.

Preparations are underway to bury Sharif Osman Hadi, convener of the anti-hegemony platform Inquilab Moncho, beside the grave of Bangladesh’s national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam. Hadi’s body, returned from Singapore after his death on December 18, has been kept at the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases morgue following an autopsy. His funeral prayer is scheduled for Saturday after noon prayers at Manik Mia Avenue. Hadi, known as a central figure of the July Revolution movement, was shot in the head on December 12 while campaigning in Dhaka’s Bijoynagar area. He underwent surgery at Dhaka Medical College Hospital and was later transferred to Evercare Hospital before being flown to Singapore for advanced treatment. Despite medical efforts, he succumbed to his injuries. His death has sparked widespread mourning among supporters and activists. The burial beside Nazrul’s grave symbolizes recognition of Hadi’s political and ideological legacy. Security measures are being tightened around the funeral, expected to draw large crowds of followers and political sympathizers.

The Bangladesh Labour Party has issued a strong statement condemning what it calls a coordinated propaganda and defamation campaign against journalist and editor Mahmudur Rahman. Party chairman Dr. Mostafizur Rahman Iran claimed that online groups linked to pro-government and pro-Indian interests are spreading false narratives to discredit Rahman for his outspoken criticism of foreign influence and government policies. In a statement signed by the party’s publicity secretary, Dr. Iran said Rahman has long opposed what he described as India’s political and economic dominance and has spoken out against border killings, unequal water-sharing agreements, and threats to Bangladesh’s sovereignty. He alleged that the current attacks are retaliation for Rahman’s support of the 2024 July mass uprising and his exposure of state repression. The Labour Party called for immediate state and legal measures to halt the online campaign and urged all pro-democracy forces, journalists, and citizens to unite against what it described as fascist tendencies undermining national independence and free expression.

Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah has apologized to his teammates following controversial comments he made after being dropped from the squad earlier this month. The Egyptian star had publicly criticized the club and head coach Arne Slot after a 1–1 draw with Leeds United on December 6, expressing frustration over being blamed for the team’s poor start to the season and uncertainty about his future at Anfield. Midfielder Curtis Jones confirmed Salah’s apology in an interview with Sky Sports, saying the 33-year-old spoke to the entire squad to express regret if his words had hurt anyone. Jones emphasized that the dressing room remains united and that Salah’s gesture reflected his character and leadership. The incident comes amid Liverpool’s efforts to stabilize their Premier League campaign under new management. Salah’s apology is seen as a positive step toward maintaining team cohesion as the club seeks to recover form and address internal challenges in the second half of the season.

Thousands of people gathered at Manik Mia Avenue in Dhaka on Saturday morning to attend the funeral prayer of Sharif Osman Hadi, the convener of Inqilab Mancha. The South Plaza of the National Parliament Building turned into a sea of mourners as people arrived from the capital and surrounding districts to pay their last respects. Law enforcement agencies, including police, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), and Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), maintained strict security and crowd control measures. Attendees were allowed entry through multiple gates after security checks. Many mourners wore black badges to express grief, while others carried national flags to honor Hadi’s patriotism. Families, including women and children, were seen joining the gathering. Authorities reported that the event remained peaceful despite the massive turnout. Hadi’s colleagues and supporters expressed deep sorrow, describing his death as a significant loss for the movement he led. Following the funeral, emotional prayers were held before his burial.