Sharif Osman Bin Hadi, an independent candidate hopeful for Dhaka-8 and convener of the Inqilab Manch, was critically injured after being shot on Friday, December 12. He is currently receiving treatment at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka, where doctors report that bullet fragments remain lodged in his head. The attack has sparked widespread condemnation across Bangladesh’s political spectrum, with parties and government officials denouncing the violence. However, the reaction across the border in India has taken a disturbing turn. Several Indian social media activists and accounts have celebrated the attack, spreading false claims that Hadi sought to annex India’s northeastern region to form a so-called “Greater Bangladesh.” Retired Indian Army officer Major Madhan Kumar and BJP-linked campaigners such as Dr. Rajesh Patil amplified these narratives, using hashtags like #Dhurandar to praise the attackers. Analysts from The Descent found that many of these posts originated from coordinated pro-BJP networks. The incident underscores rising cross-border disinformation and political polarization online, raising concerns about digital extremism and its potential to inflame regional tensions.

A passenger bus belonging to Achim Paribahan was set on fire near Pragati Sarani in North Badda, Dhaka, on Sunday night around 8:15 p.m., according to police. Sub-Inspector Md. Golam Kibria Khan of Badda Police Station confirmed the incident, stating that firefighters quickly brought the blaze under control and no injuries or fatalities were reported. Authorities have yet to determine who was responsible for the fire or the motive behind it. Police have launched an investigation to uncover how the fire started and whether it was an act of sabotage or an accident. The incident adds to growing concerns over public transport safety in the capital, where sporadic cases of vehicle arson have been reported in recent months. Officials said further updates would follow once the forensic and security footage analyses are complete. The event underscores the need for enhanced surveillance and emergency response readiness in Dhaka’s busy transport corridors.

The Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) has announced a protest program to surround the Home Affairs Adviser’s office, demanding the arrest of those involved in the shooting of student leader Osman Hadi. The announcement was made late Sunday by DUCSU Vice President Abu Sadiq Kayem through a Facebook post, calling for a nationwide crackdown on illegal firearms and banned militant groups. According to the declaration, students will gather at the DUCSU premises at noon on Monday before marching toward the adviser’s office. The call for action follows growing student unrest after the attack on Hadi, which has raised concerns about campus security and political violence. DUCSU Social Welfare Secretary A.B. Zubair also expressed alarm on social media, warning of potential instability and foreign interference. The protest underscores rising tensions within student politics and broader anxieties about law enforcement and governance. Authorities have yet to respond formally to DUCSU’s demands, but security measures are expected to be tightened around the adviser’s office during the demonstration.

BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman has called on party leaders and activists to take their development and governance plans directly to the public ahead of Bangladesh’s upcoming national elections. Speaking virtually from London at a discussion titled ‘Upcoming National Election and Public Expectations’ in Dhaka’s Gulshan, Rahman emphasized unity within the party and the need to clearly articulate BNP’s vision for governance if it returns to power. Rahman outlined several priorities for a future BNP government, including establishing the rule of law, improving public safety, and addressing Dhaka’s chronic traffic congestion. He also highlighted the capital’s water crisis, citing the depletion of groundwater and pollution of major rivers. Addressing youth issues, he argued that social and cultural engagement, not punishment alone, is key to tackling drug abuse. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir chaired the event, which featured academics and policy experts. Rahman concluded that implementing even 40 percent of BNP’s proposed plans could significantly alleviate national crises, signaling a renewed push to connect policy with public sentiment before the election season intensifies.

At a discussion marking Martyred Intellectuals Day, United Peoples Bangladesh (UP Bangladesh) chief organizer Naeem Ahmad claimed that the systematic killing of intellectuals by Pakistani forces in 1971 paved the way for the emergence of what he termed a fascist ideology, 'Mujibism,' after independence. Speaking as chief guest, Ahmad argued that opportunistic groups exploited the post-war vacuum to consolidate political control under this ideology. Ahmad further alleged that similar tactics of silencing dissent are being revived following the July 2024 mass uprising, citing recent attacks on activists including Inquilab Mancha spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi and the killing of UP Bangladesh leader Tahmid. Other speakers, including Advocate Munshi Abdul Alim, accused the government of remaining indifferent to such violence and called for unity among pro-democracy forces. The event concluded with prayers for the souls of intellectuals killed on December 14, 1971. Analysts note that such statements reflect ongoing tensions between opposition movements and the ruling establishment over political freedoms and historical narratives.

Inquilab Mancha has issued a strong ultimatum to the government, demanding the resignation of Bangladesh’s Home and Law Advisers if suspects involved in the shooting of its spokesperson, Sharif Osman Bin Hadi, are not arrested by tomorrow. The warning came during an emergency press conference held on Sunday night, where the group’s member secretary, Abdullah Al Jaber, expressed frustration over what he described as a deteriorating law and order situation. Jaber stated that the authorities responsible for maintaining national security have failed to ensure safety and justice in recent incidents. He emphasized that the organization expects immediate action from law enforcement agencies to apprehend those responsible for the attack. The demand adds pressure on the interim administration to demonstrate accountability in handling politically sensitive violence. Observers note that failure to respond promptly could escalate public criticism and further strain confidence in the government’s ability to maintain order.

In a strongly worded statement, Abdullah Al Jaber, member secretary of Inkilab Monch, warned that Indian diplomatic activities in Bangladesh could be suspended if India refuses to cooperate in extraditing a fugitive accused of murder. Speaking at an emergency press conference on Sunday night, Jaber alleged that the suspect had fled to India and urged the Bangladeshi government to formally request the individual's return. Jaber criticized what he described as India’s continued interference in Bangladesh’s sovereignty and accused New Delhi of sheltering individuals who threaten the country’s security. He argued that a responsible neighboring state should assist in maintaining regional stability rather than providing refuge to criminals. The statement also included sharp criticism of India’s perceived political influence in Bangladesh’s internal affairs. The warning reflects growing nationalist sentiment among some civic groups and could strain bilateral relations if echoed by larger political movements. No official response from the Indian High Commission or the Bangladeshi government was immediately available following the remarks.

Bangladesh’s Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) has arrested three additional suspects in connection with the attempted murder of activist Sharif Osman Bin Hadi, a key organizer of the July Unity movement and spokesperson for Inkilab Moncho. The arrests, made Sunday night in Narayanganj and Dhaka, include Faisal’s wife Samia, his brother-in-law Shipu, and friend Maria. RAB spokesperson Lt. Col. Entekhaf Chowdhury said investigators found evidence of frequent phone communication between Faisal and the three suspects before and after the shooting incident on Friday. The arrests bring the total number of detainees in the case to four, following the earlier capture of Abdul Hannan, the owner of the motorcycle used during the attack. Authorities continue to probe the motive and network behind the attempted killing, which has drawn public attention due to Hadi’s political activism. Further interrogations are underway, and RAB officials indicated that more arrests could follow as the investigation expands.

Authorities in Khulna have clarified that a site initially suspected of producing illegal firearms was, in fact, manufacturing dummy weapons for the Bangladesh National Cadet Corps (BNCC). The confusion arose after a Saturday evening raid by the Detective Branch (DB) police, who reported recovering various weapon-like components and molds, detaining four individuals in the process. Following a detailed review, Khulna Metropolitan Police’s Detective Branch Officer-in-Charge Taimur Islam confirmed on Sunday that the seized materials were not illegal. He stated that once BNCC officials presented the necessary authorization documents, discussions with senior police officials resolved the misunderstanding. The items, including mock triggers and wooden stocks, were confirmed to be training aids rather than functional weapons. The incident highlights the importance of verification before public announcements in sensitive operations. Police officials have indicated that all detainees are being released, and the matter is now considered closed following confirmation of BNCC’s lawful training activities.

Israeli forces shot and killed a 23-year-old Palestinian man near Hebron in the occupied West Bank, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry. The victim, identified as Muhammad Wael al-Sharouf, was reportedly killed after Israeli troops alleged he attempted a stabbing attack. The Israeli military described the incident as the neutralization of a 'terrorist' in the Hebron area. The killing follows another fatal shooting a day earlier, when Israeli forces killed a 16-year-old boy in the northern West Bank, claiming he had thrown an explosive device. Palestinian authorities identified the teenager as Muhammad Iyad Abahra and accused Israeli forces of withholding his body. The incidents come amid escalating violence across the West Bank since the Gaza war began in October 2023. According to Palestinian data, at least 1,093 Palestinians have been killed and around 11,000 injured in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since October 2023. The continued clashes highlight the deepening humanitarian and political crisis in the occupied territories.

Thailand has declared martial law in several districts of its eastern Trat province following escalating border clashes with Cambodian forces. According to Thai media reports on Sunday, the move came after a Thai army staff sergeant was killed by a BM-21 rocket strike while on duty near the frontier. The Defense Ministry confirmed that the navy has also imposed curfews across four districts as fighting continues to intensify. Under martial law, Thai security forces have been granted expanded powers to detain suspects, search vehicles, and inspect properties without prior authorization. Rear Admiral Parach Rattanachaipan of the Thai Navy stated that marine units had regained control over key areas in Cham Rak subdistrict after heavy combat. Senior military officials emphasized that Thailand’s strategic goal is to prevent Cambodia from posing a long-term security threat. Cambodia’s Defense Ministry, however, accused Thailand of shelling multiple villages and conducting airstrikes using F-16 fighter jets. Regional observers warn that the escalation could destabilize cross-border trade and humanitarian conditions if diplomacy fails to de-escalate tensions.

Bangladesh’s interim government has decided to transfer Sharif Osman Hadi, a key leader of the July uprising and independent candidate for Dhaka-8, to Singapore for advanced medical treatment on Monday, December 15. An air ambulance from Singapore is scheduled to arrive in Dhaka at 10:30 a.m. and depart at 1:30 p.m. with Hadi on board. The decision followed consultations among senior advisers, including Professor Muhammad Yunus, cultural adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki, and medical specialists from Evercare Hospital. Officials confirmed that Hadi’s condition remains stable but unchanged. The government had contacted hospitals in Singapore, Thailand, and Malaysia before finalizing Singapore General Hospital’s emergency department for his care. All travel and medical arrangements have been completed, and the state will bear the full cost of treatment. The interim chief adviser has instructed continuous monitoring of Hadi’s medical progress and requested public prayers for his recovery. The move underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring adequate medical support for prominent political figures during the transitional period.

The Bangladesh First Division Cricket League began in Mirpur with a grand opening ceremony featuring Bangladesh Police Cricket Club and Old DOHS. However, the festive start was overshadowed by boycotts, as three of the five scheduled matches failed to take place. Several clubs, protesting alleged irregularities in league elections, refused to take the field, resulting in automatic walkovers for their opponents under league bylaws. According to the Cricket Committee of Dhaka Metropolis (CCDM), four clubs—Partex Sporting Club, Gazi Tyres Cricket Academy, Amber Sporting Club, and Kalabagan Krira Chakra—were relegated to the Second Division for boycotting their opening matches. While Baridhara Dazzlers and Dhaka United received full points from walkovers, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has yet to officially confirm the relegations. The CCDM will now revise the fixture list for the second round without the demoted teams. The boycott movement, involving up to 44 clubs, may continue into upcoming rounds, potentially causing further disruptions and forcing the BCB to manage a shortened league season.

Bangladeshi journalist Anis Alomgir has been taken into custody by the Detective Branch (DB) for questioning, according to police sources. The move followed mounting criticism from the political platform July Oikya, which accused Alomgir of inciting hostility against its spokesperson Sharif Osman Bin Hadi and defaming the July movement. The group has issued an ultimatum, threatening to besiege the Home Ministry if Alomgir is released without formal arrest. July Oikya organizers alleged that Alomgir, known for his pro-Awami League stance, engaged in what they called 'information terrorism' and made derogatory remarks about July revolution activists. They further claimed that both government and foreign lobbyists were pressuring authorities to release him. A DB official, speaking anonymously, confirmed that Alomgir was brought in for interrogation on specific issues but did not clarify whether charges would follow. The incident underscores growing political polarization and tensions between pro- and anti-government factions in post-Hasina Bangladesh. Observers warn that such confrontations between activist groups and state institutions could further strain the fragile political environment.

In Sitakunda, Chattogram, local sources and political observers have accused the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) of deliberately spreading misinformation on social media regarding a picnic organized by former Jamaat-e-Islami leader Tawhidul Haque Chowdhury. The event, held at the foothills of Chandranath Hill, reportedly included participants from Hindu and Buddhist communities. However, posts circulated online falsely claimed that the picnic involved cow slaughter at a Hindu pilgrimage site, sparking communal tension. Community leaders, including Puja Committee officials, dismissed the allegations as fabricated and politically motivated. They stated that the meat was prepared offsite and that the picnic area was far from any temple or cremation ground. Local residents confirmed the location is a common picnic spot used by various social groups. Jamaat representatives alleged that the rumors were part of a broader attempt to divert attention from ongoing political controversies and disrupt communal harmony. Authorities and civic leaders have urged restraint and fact-based reporting to prevent further unrest in the region.