United News of Bangladesh

Two days after the shooting of Inquilab Moncho spokesman Sharif Osman Hadi, a case has been filed naming prime suspect Faisal Karim Masud and several unidentified others. One Javed, a member of Inquilab Moncho formed during last year’s July Uprising, lodged the case with Paltan Police Station, its officer-in-charge Mustafa Kamal Khan told UNB on Monday. Among the accused, the prime suspect is on the run, while law enforcement agencies, including the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), have so far arrested six people. On Monday, RAB arrested three more people, including Faisal Karim’s wife and brother-in-law. The arrestees are Faisal’s wife Begum Samia, his brother-in-law Shipu, and Begum Maria. RAB also recovered several bank cheques signed by Faisal Karim Masud and seized electronic devices from the arrestees. Meanwhile, an air ambulance equipped with all emergency facilities for critical patients arrived at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on Monday morning to take Hadi to Singapore for advanced treatment.

  Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed on Monday said the government has no hesitation in allocating funds for the treatment of Sharif Osman Hadi. He said the government responded immediately after receiving information about Hadi’s condition and the recommendation to send him abroad for specialised treatment. Dr Salehuddin said this while talking to reporters fter meetings of the Advisers Council Committee on Economic Affairs and the Advisers Council Committee on Government Purchase at the Secretariat. “When we were informed yesterday that he would need to be sent abroad we made it clear that money would not be an issue. We said we would provide the necessary allocation,” the Finance Adviser said. He noted that sending a patient abroad for treatment inevitably involves substantial expenses including specialised arrangements such as an air ambulance. “Obviously, when someone is sent abroad for treatment funds are involved. We informed the Ministry of Finance that whatever is required including hiring an air ambulance if necessary, should be arranged,” he said. The Finance Adviser added that the Ministry of Finance is currently meeting the expenses from its own budget.    

Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) leaders marched towards the Office of the Home Affairs Adviser on Monday afternoon, demanding the arrest of those involved in the gun attack on Osman Hadi, spokesperson of Inquilab Moncho and an independent candidate for Dhaka-8 constituency. They started the march around 1 pm from in front of the DUCSU building. After breaking through police barricades at Doel Chattar and the High Court intersection, the procession reached Shikkha Bhaban intersection, where it was stopped by another police barricade. The protesters’ three demands are- the immediate arrest of the attackers, a nationwide drive to recover illegal firearms and the arrest of militants belonging to banned organisations. During the march, protesters chanted various slogans . Later a-10-member delegation, led by the DUCSU vice president, proceeded to the Office of the Home Affairs Adviser.

The air ambulance, equipped with all emergency facilities for a critical patient, departed Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport carrying bullet-hit Dhaka-8 aspiring independent candidate Sharif Osman Hadi to Singapore for advanced treatment on Monday (December 15, 2025). The ambulance, operated by Aspro Aviation, took off from the airport at 1:55pm, said SM Ragib Samad, executive director of the airport.  Earlier, the ambulance landed at 11:22am. Read more: Govt to bear all costs for Hadi’s overseas treatment: Salehuddin Meanwhile, an ambulance carrying Hadi arrived at the airport from the Evercare Hospital in Bashundhara area.    The decision to send Hadi abroad for treatment was taken on Sunday. The press wing of the Chief Adviser’s office said that necessary preparations, including the medical air ambulance, a team of doctors, and travel arrangements, had been completed. Arrangements for his treatment at the Accident and Emergency Department of Singapore General Hospital have also been made. It was also stated that the government will bear all medical expenses for Hadi’s treatment. Hadi to be flown to Singapore on Monday: CA’s Press Wing The Chief Adviser has instructed authorities concerned to monitor his treatment process around the clock, seeking prayers from the nation for Hadi’s speedy recovery. Over the past two days, the government contacted several hospitals in Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia to arrange for Hadi’s advanced treatment. According to Dr Md Sayedur Rahman, special assistant to the Chief Adviser on health matters, Hadi’s current condition remains stable and unchanged. Hadi, spokesman of the Inquilab Mancho, was attacked on Friday in Bijoynagar Box Culvert area of Dhaka while traveling in a rickshaw. The assailants on a motorcycle shot at his head with intent to kill and fled. He is currently undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka. Read more: Hadi shooting: DUCSU leaders march to Home Adviser’s office

Bangladesh national cricket team ODI captain Mehedi Hasan Miraz will continue as a brand ambassador for the 2026-2027 term following the renewal of his association with a leading ceramic and sanitaryware manufacturer. The renewal was announced on Monday at a signing ceremony and press conference held at Dhaka Reporters Unity. Speaking at the event, Sadhan Kumar Dey, Chief Executive Officer of RAK Ceramics Bangladesh, said, “Mehedi Hasan Miraz reflects the core values of our brand resilience, integrity and sustained performance. Just as Miraz consistently performs at the highest level, RAK Ceramics continues to set benchmarks in quality and design. We are proud to extend this successful partnership.” Expressing his enthusiasm, Mehedi Hasan Miraz said, “RAK Ceramics stands for quality, innovation and trust, values that align closely with my own journey. I am honored to continue representing a brand that inspires people to imagine better living spaces.”

Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed on Monday said the Election Commission (EC) is fully prepared to hold the next national election in February 2026, expressing confidence that a conducive environment prevails in the country for the election.  “You will see that the Election Commission has done its preparatory work very well. The voter list has been prepared and updated on time, and the schedule has been announced. Now the focus is on proper implementation,” he said. The adviser was talking to reporters after meetings of the Advisers Council Committee on Economic Affairs and the Advisers Council Committee on Government Purchase at the Secretariat. He said implementation of the election schedule will be carried out based on ground-level assessments with additional measures taken in sensitive areas if required. “In more sensitive areas, arrangements will be strengthened. In less sensitive areas, the Commission already knows what preparations are needed and is taking them accordingly,” he said. “Political parties have said they will take part in the election. No one has raised objections to the schedule. In fact, everyone has unanimously said the schedule is appropriate. That itself is proof that there is no controversy over the timing,” he added. On the law and order situation, he said the overall condition remains satisfactory and will be further strengthened as the election approaches. No uncertainty over national election, reaffirms CEC Responding to questions on government borrowing, Dr Salehuddin said the current administration has taken loans of more than Tk 50,000 crore, mainly to continue ongoing development projects inherited from previous governments. He said many of these projects are already 50 to 60 percent complete and abandoning them would lead to major losses. “If we were to close these projects midway, it would amount to what economists call a ‘deadweight loss’, meaning the money already spent would be completely wasted. Considering this, we decided to implement several projects,” he said. The current government has taken very few new projects, he added. He also said the government has repaid several billion dollars in external debt. On election-related spending, Dr Salehuddin said the Election Commission has not yet formally submitted a detailed fund requirement after announcing the schedule. “Once their requisition comes to us, we will be able to take a decision and process it quickly,” he said. He stressed that election logistics fall under the Election Commission’s authority and that the government will not impose restrictions on its financial needs. “The Election Commission knows what it needs — logistics, manpower and other support for polling day and related activities. When they place their demand, we will verify it and ensure timely allocation,” he said. Referring to recent examples, he said the government is ready to respond promptly to EC requirements.

Jatiya Chhatra Shakti, the student wing of the National Citizen Party (NCP), blocked the Shahbagh intersection on Monday, demanding the immediate arrest of those involved in the shooting of Inquilab Moncho spokesman and Dhaka-8 independent candidate Sharif Osman Hadi. The protesters also demanded the resignation of the Home Affairs Adviser for 'failing to maintain law and order and arrest the accused’. The leaders and activists of Jatiya Chhatra Shakti began gathering in front of the National Museum at Shahbagh around 11 am. Later, they moved to Shahbagh intersection and staged a blockade. The blockade brought vehicular movement in the surrounding areas to a standstill. Additional police personnel were deployed to prevent any untoward incident. Abu Bakar Majumdar, convenor of the NCP’s student wing, said, “We demand the immediate arrest of the attackers who assaulted Hadi. We also demand the resignation of the Home Adviser as the law and order has deteriorated in the country.” The blockade by the protesters was continuing as of filing this report at 1:30pm. Sharif Osman Hadi was attacked on Friday in Bijoynagar Box Culvert area of the capital while travelling in a rickshaw. Assailants riding a motorbike shot him in the head and fled the scene.

All 19 members of Feni Reporters’ Unity, including the key posts of president and general secretary, have been elected uncontested for 2026. Election Commission head Advocate Mezbaha Uddin Khan announced the results on Sunday evening, as no candidates contested against each other following the publication of the final candidate list on December 14. Mohammad Shahadat Hossain, chief of Daily Naya Diganta’s Feni office, BSS Feni correspondent and editor of Daily Feni Somoy, and Didarul Alam, ATN News Feni correspondent, were elected president and general secretary respectively. Other office-bearers include Vice President Mohammad Main Uddin (Daily Starline); Joint General Secretaries Tofafel Ahmed Niloy (Desh TV) and Jasim Uddin Forayzi (Gazi TV); Treasurer Mohammad Md Shafi Ullah Repon (Daily Desh Rupantar and UNB); Office Secretary Mohammad Rafiqul Islam (Weekly Niharika); and Publicity Secretary Aziz Al Faisal (Daily Starline and Daily Rupali Bangladesh). The other secretaries are Sports Secretary Tanzid Uddin Shuvo (Feni Protyoy), Literary Secretary Mohammad Mizanur Rahman (Daily Amar Sangbad), Training Secretary Habib Ullah Miyaji (Daily Ittefaq), and Cultural Secretary Alauddin (Daily Amar Kagoj). Executive members include Shukdeb Nath Tapon (Weekly Feni Alo), Ariful Amin Rizvi (Daily Feni), Enamul Haque Patowary (Daily Noyapoygam), Jatan Majumder (Daily Jugantor), Ali Haider Manik (Daily Feni Somoy and Naya Shatabdi), Mohammad Omar Faruk (Daily Inquilab), and Nur Ullah Kaiser (Daily Bonik Barta and Daily Starline). Established in 2010, the Feni Reporters’ Unity was formed to work for the welfare of journalists in the region.

Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin on Monday (December 15, 2025) reaffirmed that there is no uncertainty over the upcoming national election as it will be held in free, fair and competitive manners on time. “InshaAllah, rest assured-- we will rightly see a fair, nice and competitive election at the right time,” he said while inaugurating a Youth Voter Festival in the city’s Gulshan area. Referring to the recent attack on Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of Inqilab Moncho and an independent aspirant from Dhaka-8 constituency, the CEC described the incident as a stray incident. Nasir Uddin said the Election Commission remains firmly committed to fulfilling the promise it has made to the nation. “With everyone’s participation, InshaAllah, we will present a beautiful election,” he said. Read more: Environment congenial for February, 2026 election: Salehuddin Replying to a question, the CEC said there is no uncertainty over the election and the Election Commission is fully prepared to move ahead with the election process. “There is no uncertainty about the election. We are fully prepared to move ahead. The election will be held inshaAllah…the election will be held with everyone’s participation and cooperation. Whatever concerns come to your mind, cast them aside,” he added. Nasir Uddin asked all to prepare for the election so that the Commission can hold a fair election with everyone’s support. In reply to another question if the law and order situation is a barrier on the way to deliver a fair election, he said the overall situation has improved significantly compared to the condition seen in the next week after August 05, 2024. CEC Nasir urges voters to vote fearlessly “Where has the law-and-order situation deteriorated? Only occasional criminal incidents occur,” the CEC questioned, adding, the incident involving Hadi is something we think isolated. Such incidents were always seen in the past. There were the killings of former minister ASM Kibria and former MP Ahsanullah Master.” He said the law and order situation has improved considerably compared to the situation in a week after August 5 2024, when police stations were inactive. “Now we can move freely on the streets and sleep peacefully. So, there has been no deterioration in law and order.” The CEC said the Election Commission held a meeting with law enforcement agencies on Sunday and issued necessary directives. The law enforcement agencies informed the Commission that they are fully prepared to maintain peace and order throughout the election period. Read more: Bangladesh Polls: Permission must for social, religious events before electioneering  Emphasising the role of young voters, Nasir Uddin urged them not only to cast their own votes but also to motivate others to participate in the election. “The youth is the symbol of courage and creativity. It is not possible to build the country without you. The upcoming election will be fair, beautiful and transparent, and it will be held with the youths. Bangladesh needs to move forward by relying on the youths. We hope that the next election we hold will be a free, fair and credible election,” the CEC described. described the coming election as historic, highlighting its several unique and important features. “For the first time in 54 years, expatriate Bangladeshis have been brought under the voting process through postal ballots.”The CEC also said arrangements have been made for nearly one million officials and employees involved in the election process, including members of the law enforcement agencies, to cast their votes—many of whom were previously unable to do so. Election schedule to be declared in second week of Dec: CEC Nasir Besides, the Commission has taken initiative to bring the persons under lawful custody (prisoners) and the government employees posted outside their respective constituencies under the postal balloting system in this election. “In addition, a referendum will be held alongside the national election. Considering all these aspects, this election is undoubtedly historic.” Calling the Commission’s initiatives bold and strong, Nasir Uddin said the active participation of young voters would be crucial to the success of the process. “If you stand with us in this courageous step, InshaAllah, we will be successful in delivering a free, fair and credible election. With your participation in this bold step of ours, InshaAllah we will be successful in delivering free, fair and credible elections,” the CEC said. Read more: Dialogue urges parties to prioritise rights of women and children in election manifestos

Metro rail services will be suspended for 40 minutes on Tuesday to ensure the safety of paratroopers during Victory Day celebrations. Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL) announced on Monday that the suspension will be from 11:50 am to 12:30 pm. Cloth on power line halts Dhaka metro rail service for 15 minutes A para jump is scheduled at Tejgaon Puratan Airport to mark Victory Day, prompting the temporary halt in metro services for the safety of the paratroopers, according to DMTCL. Authorities apologised to commuters for the inconvenience and assured that the services will resume as scheduled.