A powerful storm named Byron has struck the Gaza Strip, killing at least 14 people and worsening the already dire humanitarian situation in the war-ravaged enclave. The storm caused widespread destruction, collapsing homes, walls, and makeshift tents that serve as shelters for thousands of displaced residents. Many families are struggling without adequate clothing, fuel, or protection from the cold. According to Gaza’s Ministry of Interior, several deaths occurred when shelters and structures collapsed under strong winds and heavy rain. Al Jazeera reported that the storm has turned overcrowded shelters into death traps, with nearly 850,000 people at risk across 761 centers. The United Nations estimates that around 800,000 residents are now in extreme danger due to the lack of infrastructure and ongoing Israeli blockade. The combination of war damage, blockade, and severe weather has pushed Gaza’s humanitarian crisis to new extremes. Aid agencies warn that without immediate international assistance, the situation could deteriorate further as flooding and cold weather persist.

Iranian security forces have detained Nobel Peace Prize laureate and women’s rights activist Narges Mohammadi in the eastern city of Mashhad, according to her foundation. The 53-year-old was arrested alongside several colleagues while attending a memorial for lawyer Khosro Alikordi, who was recently found dead under suspicious circumstances. The BBC confirmed the arrest on Saturday, December 13. The Norwegian Nobel Committee expressed deep concern over what it called Mohammadi’s “brutal arrest,” urging Iranian authorities to disclose her whereabouts, ensure her safety, and release her unconditionally. Mohammadi, who received the 2023 Nobel Peace Prize for her activism against gender-based oppression, had been temporarily released from Tehran’s Evin Prison for medical treatment earlier this month. Her husband, Taghi Rahmani, said she was violently detained, calling the act a violation of human rights law. Mohammadi has long criticized Iran’s tightening control over public and private life, denouncing surveillance, censorship, and arbitrary arrests. Her repeated detentions—13 in total—have drawn international condemnation and renewed calls for accountability from human rights organizations.

A fire broke out early Saturday morning on the ground floor of Jamela Tower, a 12-storey building in Keraniganj, near Dhaka. According to the Fire Service and Civil Defence, the blaze was reported at 5:37 a.m., and the first unit arrived at the scene within minutes to begin containment efforts. Initially, 12 units were deployed, later joined by two additional teams, bringing the total to 14 units working to control the fire. Officials said the fire caused heavy smoke that spread quickly through the building, creating panic among residents. No casualties have been reported so far, and the extent of the damage remains unknown. Law enforcement personnel were also present to assist with crowd control and safety measures. Authorities stated that the cause of the fire will be determined after a full investigation once the situation is completely under control. The Fire Service emphasized that all available resources were mobilized to prevent the fire from spreading further.

Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus convened an emergency meeting on Friday at the state guesthouse Jamuna following a violent attack on Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of Inquilab Mancha and potential independent candidate for Dhaka-8. Senior advisers, law enforcement, and intelligence officials attended the meeting, where Yunus described the incident as a deliberate assault on the country’s democratic journey and national integrity. Yunus vowed that the interim government would thwart any attempt to derail the upcoming national election and referendum, calling the attack a conspiracy by defeated forces. He directed security agencies to arrest the attackers swiftly and prevent their escape across borders. Police confirmed that CCTV footage and evidence from the crime scene had been collected. Hadi, in critical condition, was transferred to Evercare Hospital at his family’s request. The meeting also decided to launch a special hotline to report election-related threats and intensify operations to recover illegal weapons. Yunus is expected to consult major political figures soon to maintain stability ahead of the polls.

The National Revolutionary Council has claimed that the recent shooting of Sharif Osman Hadi, a political activist and Dhaka-8 parliamentary candidate, was part of a systematic effort to make July fighters 'killable.' In a statement issued from Tokyo, the council’s convener, Khomeni Ihsan, condemned the attack and expressed solidarity with Hadi’s family, urging the government to take immediate action. Ihsan alleged that Hadi had been receiving death threats from individuals allegedly linked to pro-Awami League groups based in India. He criticized the interim government, police, and military for failing to provide security despite repeated warnings. The council further accused the authorities of negligence and possible complicity, demanding the identification and arrest of the attackers through CCTV footage analysis. The statement also called for stronger countermeasures, including armed resistance against what it termed ‘fascist forces,’ suspension of diplomatic ties with India, and the arrest of individuals spreading incitement online. The government has yet to issue a detailed response beyond pledging an investigation.

More than one hundred residents and local leaders from wards 4 and 5 of Bhawalgarh Union in Gazipur Sadar joined the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) on Friday, December 12. The joining ceremony took place at the Bhabanipur Irfan Enterprise Three Brothers Tiles Market, where the new members were welcomed by Professor Dr. S. M. Rafiqul Islam Bacchu, central BNP Assistant Secretary for Health Affairs and nominated parliamentary candidate for Gazipur-3. The event was chaired by Abu Taher Musalli, convener of Gazipur Sadar BNP, and conducted by Abu Bakar Siddique, the union chairman. Senior BNP leaders including Zainal Abedin Rizvi and several local representatives attended the gathering, emphasizing unity and organizational expansion. Attendees described the move as a sign of growing grassroots support for the opposition party. Political observers note that such mass affiliations could strengthen BNP’s local networks ahead of the next national election. The party aims to consolidate its presence in key constituencies like Gazipur-3, where competition with the ruling Awami League remains intense.

Bangladesh witnessed widespread protests following the shooting of Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of Inqilab Moncho and a potential independent candidate for Dhaka-8. The attack occurred in the capital’s Bijoynagar area on Friday afternoon, sparking immediate outrage and calls for justice across the country. Demonstrators blocked roads, held prayer gatherings, and demanded the arrest of those responsible. Political and student organizations including Jamaat-e-Islami, Chhatra Dal, and Gono Odhikar Parishad led rallies in Dhaka and other major cities. Jamaat leaders alleged the attack was part of a conspiracy to derail democratic progress, while university students across Chittagong, Rajshahi, and Barishal staged marches and vigils for Hadi’s recovery. Teachers’ associations and civil society groups also issued statements condemning the violence. Authorities have yet to announce any arrests. Protesters warned of intensified action if the attackers are not detained within 24 hours. The incident has heightened political tension ahead of upcoming electoral activities, raising concerns over security and the state’s ability to curb political violence.

Dr. Zubaida Rahman, wife of BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman, visited the family of Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of Inqilab Mancha, who was shot and injured in Dhaka. The visit took place on Friday night at Evercare Hospital, where Hadi was transferred for advanced treatment after initial care at Dhaka Medical College Hospital. Zubaida spoke with Hadi’s younger brother Omar and sister, accompanied by BNP media cell member Atikur Rahman Ruman and Dr. Aman. Earlier that day, Hadi was attacked by unidentified gunmen in the Bijoynagar culvert area, sustaining a bullet wound near his left ear. He was first taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital before being moved to Evercare for specialized care. Police have yet to confirm the motive or identify the assailants. The incident has drawn concern among BNP supporters and rights activists, who called for a transparent investigation. Party leaders emphasized the need for improved security for political activists amid rising pre-election tensions in the capital.

The National Citizen Party (NCP) has alleged that the recent shooting of Sharif Osman Hadi, an independent candidate for Dhaka-8 and spokesperson of Inquilab Mancha, was part of a larger political conspiracy. During a protest rally in Dhaka on Friday night, NCP senior joint convener Ariful Islam Adib claimed the attack was a deliberate attempt to assassinate Hadi and destabilize the political landscape, comparing it to the events of the 2007 ‘One-Eleven’ political crisis. Adib accused the banned Awami League and a neighboring country’s intelligence agency of orchestrating the incident to derail upcoming elections. He warned that such actions could pave the way for military intervention under the guise of restoring order. Other NCP leaders, including Arif Sohel and Tariqul Islam, echoed these claims and demanded the resignation of the Home Adviser, citing failure to ensure security. The protest march, which began at Banglamotor and ended in Shahbagh, drew participation from NCP’s youth, student, and labor wings. Authorities have yet to issue an official response to the allegations.

A suspect allegedly involved in the shooting of activist Sharif Osman Hadi has been identified, according to reports by local outlet *Amar Desh*. The publication obtained several photographs showing the suspect sitting beside Hadi at the Inqilab Cultural Center shortly before the attack. However, the outlet withheld the suspect’s name. Investigative journalist Zulkarnain Saer claimed in a social media post that the man is Faisal Karim Masud, also known as Daud bin Faisal, a former leader of the ruling party’s student wing, Bangladesh Chhatra League. Saer alleged that Masud is a close associate of senior Awami League leaders Jahangir Kabir Nanak and Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal. He further claimed that Masud had previously been arrested in November 2024 for an armed robbery in Dhaka but was later released on bail. Police confirmed that Hadi was critically injured after being shot in the head near Bijoynagar on Friday afternoon. Doctors describe his condition as extremely critical, with severe brainstem damage. The attack follows Hadi’s earlier public statement alleging threats to his life and blaming the Awami League. Authorities have yet to confirm the suspect’s identity or motive.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir visited independent Dhaka-8 parliamentary candidate and Inqilab Manch spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi at Evercare Hospital late Friday night. Hadi was hospitalized after being shot earlier in the day during an election campaign event in the Bijoynagar area of the capital. According to BNP media cell member Shayrul Kabir Khan, Mirza Fakhrul first visited BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, who is also receiving treatment at the same hospital, before meeting Hadi. Fakhrul was accompanied by Khaleda Zia’s personal physician, AZM Zahid Hossain. Hadi had been transferred to Evercare from Dhaka Medical College Hospital after sustaining bullet injuries around 2:35 p.m. Friday. The attack on Hadi has heightened concerns about pre-election violence and security for candidates in Dhaka. Law enforcement agencies have yet to confirm any arrests, while political observers warn that such incidents could further strain the already tense electoral environment ahead of the upcoming polls.

Members of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party’s student wing, Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD), staged a protest near Dhaka Medical College Hospital on Friday evening, condemning the shooting of independent parliamentary candidate and Inquilab Mancha spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi. The demonstration began at the Central Shaheed Minar and proceeded to the hospital, where JCD leaders demanded justice and the immediate arrest of those responsible. JCD President Rakibul Islam Rakib and General Secretary Nasir Uddin Nasir led the protest, joined by several central and local activists. Participants chanted slogans demanding accountability from the interim government and denouncing the attack. The incident occurred earlier that day in Bijoynagar’s Kalvert Road area, where Hadi was shot while campaigning after Friday prayers. He was initially treated at Dhaka Medical College Hospital before being transferred to Evercare Hospital in the capital. The attack has heightened political tensions ahead of the upcoming national elections, with opposition groups alleging deteriorating security conditions for candidates and campaigners.

The National Citizens Party (NCP) organized a protest march in Dhaka on Friday night demanding the resignation of the Home Affairs adviser following an attack on Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of Inquilab Mancha and independent candidate for Dhaka-8. The march began near the Rupayan Trade Center in Banglamotor and concluded with a rally at Shahbagh. During the demonstration, NCP leaders accused the adviser of failing to maintain law and order and called for his immediate resignation. Tariqul Islam, convener of the party’s youth wing, criticized the adviser’s performance, while senior joint convener Ariful Islam Adib alleged that ruling party affiliates in administration, media, and business sectors were fostering political violence. Other leaders warned of renewed political conspiracies and urged unity against authoritarian tendencies. The protest reflects growing political tension ahead of the upcoming election period, with opposition and independent candidates expressing concern over safety and accountability in Bangladesh’s political environment.

Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus is scheduled to meet the family of independent Dhaka-8 candidate Sharif Osman Hadi and members of Inqilab Mancha at the state guesthouse Jamuna on Saturday morning. The meeting follows Hadi’s critical injury in a recent shooting incident that has drawn national concern. Later in the day, Yunus will also hold discussions with leaders of the BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, and NCP at the same venue. On Friday evening, Yunus convened an emergency meeting with members of the Advisory Council and senior law enforcement and security officials to review the country’s latest security situation. He expressed deep concern over the attack on Hadi and directed authorities to ensure the best possible medical care for him. The Chief Adviser also instructed law enforcement agencies to conduct a swift and thorough investigation to identify and prosecute those responsible. The meetings come amid heightened political tensions ahead of the upcoming elections, with the interim government emphasizing law and order and fair electoral conditions.

A 25-year-old man named Rashedul Islam Tanvir died after an alleged assault at a rehabilitation center in Dhaka’s Malibagh area on Friday night. He was taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital in critical condition, where doctors declared him dead upon arrival. Tanvir, originally from Rajbari’s Baliakandi, had been undergoing treatment for drug addiction at the facility. According to his brother, Monirul Islam, Tanvir had a dispute with another resident at the rehab center, which escalated into physical violence. He claimed that Tanvir was kicked and beaten, leading to severe injuries. The family alleged that the center’s staff failed to provide proper medical care and later informed them only after Tanvir’s condition worsened. Police confirmed the death and said the body has been kept at the hospital morgue for autopsy. Authorities from Ramna Police Station have been notified, and an investigation is expected to determine whether negligence or intentional assault led to the fatality.