Bangladesh’s interim government, led by Dr. Muhammad Yunus, is set to announce a significant reshuffle in its advisory council on Tuesday, December 23, according to reliable sources. The move follows mounting criticism over the handling of the killing of Sharif Osman bin Hadi, a spokesperson of the Inquilab Mancha and a key figure in the July uprising. Several advisers have faced public pressure and allegations of inaction or misconduct. Information Adviser Mahfuz Alam and Sports Adviser Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan recently resigned to contest upcoming elections, while Law Adviser Asif Nazrul and Home Adviser Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Jahangir Alam have come under fire for their roles in recent controversies. The failure to arrest the main suspect in Hadi’s killing and the early bail of an accused in a separate arms case have intensified demands for accountability. The reshuffle marks another test for the 16-month-old interim administration that took power after the fall of a 15-year authoritarian regime. Analysts say the changes may aim to restore public trust and stabilize governance ahead of the planned national elections.

A Dhaka court has directed the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to preserve the DNA sample of Sharif Osman Hadi, convener of the Inquilab Mancha, as part of an ongoing investigation into his death. The order was issued on Monday by Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Awlad Hossain Mohammad Junayed following a petition from Detective Branch Inspector Faisal Ahmed. According to the petition, Hadi was injured by gunfire from unidentified assailants in Dhaka’s Bijoynagar area on December 12. He was treated at Dhaka Medical College and Evercare Hospital before being transferred to Singapore General Hospital, where he died on December 18. His body was returned to Bangladesh on December 19, and a post-mortem examination was conducted the next day by Dr. Nashat Zabin of Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College. The court emphasized that preserving the DNA sample at the CID’s profiling laboratory is essential for ensuring a fair and thorough investigation. The Chief DNA Analyst of the Bangladesh Police Forensic Department has been assigned to oversee the profiling and storage process.

The central committee of the Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (BNP’s student wing) has suspended Mehedi Hasan Bandhan, literature and publication secretary of Noakhali Science and Technology University (NSTU) Chhatra Dal, for three months. The decision, announced in a press release signed by office secretary Md Jahangir Alam, cited organizational misconduct after Bandhan joined a protest rally demanding justice for the killing of Inquilab Mancha spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi. The suspension followed a campus-wide demonstration on December 18, where students from various backgrounds protested Hadi’s shooting. While central Chhatra Dal leaders organized a separate rally, Bandhan’s participation in the earlier joint protest was deemed a breach of party discipline. NSTU Chhatra Dal president Zahid Hasan stated that the organization respects Hadi’s legacy but must uphold internal rules. The incident highlights ongoing tensions within student political groups over participation in broader civic movements. Observers say the decision underscores the BNP student wing’s efforts to maintain centralized control amid growing campus activism.

At least ten people were injured on Monday evening in a violent clash between activists of the district unit of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (BNP’s student wing) and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) in Shariatpur town. The confrontation occurred at the Chowrangi intersection following an argument over a motorcycle passing through an NCP protest march demanding justice for a local killing. Witnesses reported chase-and-counter-chase incidents and the explosion of crude bombs during the altercation. Police and hospital sources confirmed that the injured, including several local leaders from both groups, were treated at Shariatpur Sadar Hospital, while one was transferred to Dhaka for advanced care. Leaders from both sides blamed each other for initiating the violence. District police stated that the situation was brought under control shortly after their intervention and that the area is now calm. Authorities have increased patrols in the town to prevent further unrest, while local political observers warned that recurring street confrontations between rival political groups could escalate ahead of upcoming national political activities.

National Citizens Party (NCP) convener Nahid Islam has claimed that the recent wave of violent incidents across Bangladesh was not spontaneous but part of a deliberate political conspiracy. Speaking at a joint protest meeting titled “Bangladesh Affected by Mob Violence” at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel in Dhaka, he said the attacks on media houses, including Prothom Alo and The Daily Star, were premeditated and aimed at destabilizing the political environment. Islam alleged that the attackers exploited the slogans, names of martyrs, and language of the July uprising to justify their actions and generate social support for violence. He emphasized that thousands were involved, proving it was not an isolated event. According to him, the post-revolution law and order weakness allowed organized crimes to flourish, steering national politics and the upcoming elections toward a specific agenda. The NCP leader expressed disappointment that the aspirations of the July movement to build a new Bangladesh have been derailed, urging accountability from those who initially led the movement.

Bangladesh Railway has announced that it will operate 20 special trains on ten routes on December 25 to facilitate travel for Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leaders, activists, and supporters arriving in Dhaka to welcome the party’s acting chairman, Tareque Rahman, upon his return to the country. The decision was confirmed in a statement issued by the Ministry of Railways on December 22. According to the ministry, the move follows formal requests from BNP’s central and regional offices for additional transportation arrangements. Alongside the special trains, several regular services will receive extra coaches to accommodate increased passenger demand. The initiative is expected to generate approximately 3.6 million taka in revenue. However, three regular trains—Rajbari Commuter, Dhalarchar Express, and Rohanpur Commuter—will suspend operations for one day to support the special schedule. The ministry expressed regret for any temporary inconvenience to passengers on affected routes. The special trains will operate on major routes including Cox’s Bazar, Khulna, Rajshahi, Jessore, and Panchagarh, ensuring nationwide connectivity for the event.

Late on December 18, coordinated attacks targeted the headquarters of two major Bangladeshi newspapers, Prothom Alo and The Daily Star. The assailants vandalized, looted, and set fire to both buildings, causing extensive damage. Several journalists at The Daily Star were trapped inside before being rescued by law enforcement. Police have arrested 17 suspects and launched operations to apprehend others believed to be involved. Following the incident, The Daily Star editor Mahfuz Anam described it as the first instance since Bangladesh’s independence that a media office had been set on fire. However, historical records show earlier attacks on news organizations, including the 2013 arson at the Naya Diganta office in Dhaka and the 2019 vandalism at the Sangram newspaper office. These precedents highlight a troubling pattern of violence against the press. The recent assaults have reignited concerns about press freedom and journalist safety in Bangladesh. Media watchdogs and civil society groups have urged authorities to ensure accountability and prevent further intimidation of journalists.

A Dhaka court has ordered 15 individuals to be sent to jail in connection with the violent attack, arson, and looting at the office of national daily Prothom Alo in Karwan Bazar. Metropolitan Magistrate Md. Jewel Rana issued the order after a hearing on Monday evening, rejecting bail petitions for 12 of the accused. Police said the arrests were made following multiple raids based on intelligence and witness accounts. According to the case statement, on December 18, a mob of 400–500 people gathered outside the newspaper’s office after being incited through social media posts. The attackers vandalized gates, broke glass panels, looted valuables including cash and electronics, and set parts of the building on fire, causing an estimated loss of BDT 320 million. Police recovered BDT 50,000 in stolen cash and goods from one suspect. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities verify the suspects’ identities and addresses. The court emphasized that continued detention is necessary to ensure an impartial and thorough investigation into the large-scale attack on one of Bangladesh’s leading media institutions.

Students at Begum Rokeya University in Rangpur have renamed two academic buildings to honor slain anti-hegemony activists Sharif Osman Hadi and Abrar Fahad. On December 22, students placed banners renaming Academic Building-3 as ‘Shaheed Osman Hadi Bhaban’ and Academic Building-2 as ‘Shaheed Abrar Fahad Academic Building,’ marking a symbolic tribute to their sacrifice. Student organizers said the initiative aims to preserve the memory of those who spoke against foreign dominance and paid with their lives. Nezaj Ahmed from the Gender and Development Studies Department stated that future generations would learn about their courage through these building names. Other students echoed that the renaming reflects the spirit of justice and protest that universities should uphold. Abrar Fahad, a BUET student, was beaten to death in 2019 for his criticism of foreign influence, while activist Osman Hadi died in December 2025 after being shot earlier that month. The move has sparked discussions on student activism and remembrance culture in Bangladesh’s universities.

Rajshahi University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Saleh Hasan Nakib stated that Bangladesh today lacks individuals like Hadi, a 32-year-old activist remembered for his moral courage and popularity across social strata. Speaking at a seminar titled “A Guide in Building an Intellectual, Cultural and Just Bangladesh” organized by RAKSU at the university’s Senate Building, he emphasized that establishing justice requires self-reflection and personal struggle. The Vice-Chancellor urged young people to embody Hadi’s values of fairness and humanity, warning that envy and division cannot advance the nation. Former Islamic University VC Professor Rafiqul Islam described Hadi as a key figure in the July uprising who transcended party lines to pursue a just social order. RAKSU Vice-President Mostakur Rahman Jahid vowed to resist domination and authoritarianism in the spirit of Hadi’s ideals. The event highlighted growing calls among academics and students for moral leadership rooted in justice and equality, reflecting a broader yearning for ethical renewal in Bangladesh’s political and civic life.

Bangladesh has suspended visa services for Indian citizens through its High Commission in New Delhi, according to diplomatic sources on Monday, December 22, 2025. The move follows a series of tense exchanges between Dhaka and New Delhi after recent political and security incidents that have strained bilateral relations. The decision comes amid growing friction following reports that India provided refuge to several former Bangladeshi political figures and military officers. Tensions rose further after the killing of activist Sharif Osman Bin Hadi earlier in December, which triggered nationwide protests in Bangladesh. Demonstrations also occurred outside the Indian High Commission in Dhaka, while extremist groups allegedly threatened Bangladesh’s envoy in Delhi. Bangladesh’s Foreign Ministry summoned the Indian High Commissioner to protest the threats, prompting a reciprocal summons by India. Analysts view the visa suspension as a significant diplomatic signal that could affect cross-border travel, trade, and cooperation if the standoff continues.

National Citizen Party (NCP) labor wing leader Md. Motaleb Shikdar was shot and injured in Khulna on Monday afternoon. Initially claiming he was attacked on the street, police later determined the shooting occurred inside a residence in the Sonadanga area. Motaleb was admitted to Khulna Medical College Hospital and is now out of danger, according to doctors. Investigators found no evidence at the alleged street scene but discovered a bullet casing, liquor bottles, and drug paraphernalia inside the home of a woman named Tonni, identified as a known drug dealer. Police believe Motaleb had a personal connection with her and frequently visited the house. CCTV footage showed Motaleb and others entering the residence the previous night. Authorities suspect an internal dispute led to the shooting. Law enforcement continues to search for Tonni, who fled after locking the house. Police officials said the motive remains unclear but confirmed that forensic and digital evidence are being analyzed to identify all those involved.

A Chattogram court has ordered the formal arrest of listed top criminal Sajjad Hossain, known as ‘Chhoto Sajjad,’ and his wife Sharmin Tamanna in connection with another murder case. The order was issued on Sunday by Metropolitan Magistrate Abu Bakkar Siddique after a virtual hearing. Both accused are currently in separate prisons—Sajjad in Rajshahi and Tamanna in Feni—and were not physically presented in court due to security concerns. According to prosecutors, the case involves the killing of madrasa student Nizam Uddin during an anti-discrimination movement in the city’s New Market area on August 5 last year. Police investigations linked Sajjad and Tamanna to the murder, prompting the court to approve their arrest in this case. Sajjad faces 19 criminal cases, including 10 for murder, while Tamanna is accused in eight cases. Both were previously granted bail in seven murder cases, but the High Court later suspended those bail orders. The latest court order reinforces the state’s stance on pursuing high-profile crime cases and signals tighter scrutiny of bail processes for repeat offenders.

An Air India Boeing 777-300ER bound for Mumbai was forced to return to Delhi shortly after takeoff when pilots detected a sudden drop in oil pressure in the aircraft’s right engine. India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) confirmed that the plane landed safely and that a detailed investigation into the incident is underway. The regulator stated that the pilots followed standard safety procedures, shutting down the affected engine and operating the aircraft on a single engine, as modern jets are designed to do safely. The aircraft, reportedly about 15 years old, is now undergoing technical inspection. Air India expressed regret for the inconvenience caused to passengers and assured full cooperation with the inquiry. The incident comes as Air India faces heightened scrutiny following a June crash involving a Boeing Dreamliner that killed 260 people. DGCA has previously flagged multiple safety lapses at the airline, and this latest event is expected to intensify oversight of its maintenance and operational practices.

Russia’s government has formally authorized its Defense Ministry to terminate a series of bilateral military cooperation agreements signed with several European countries between 1992 and 2002. The annulled accords include those with Germany, Poland, Norway, Denmark, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Belgium, Croatia, Romania, Bulgaria, and the Czech Republic. The move marks a symbolic end to the post-Cold War framework that once sought to foster mutual security and transparency between Moscow and Western capitals. According to Russia’s Defense Ministry, the decision reflects the shifting geopolitical reality and the deterioration of relations with NATO member states. Analysts note that the cancellation underscores Moscow’s pivot toward its own security alliances, particularly the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), which includes Belarus and other former Soviet republics. European officials have yet to issue a coordinated response, though observers view the step as further evidence of deepening East-West estrangement. The decision may complicate future arms control or confidence-building measures in Europe, reinforcing the divide between Russia and NATO and signaling a long-term restructuring of regional security architecture.