United News of Bangladesh

Discussions are intensifying on social media regarding the identity of one of the would-be assassins of Inquilab Mancha spokesperson and Dhaka-8 prospective independent candidate Sharif Osman Hadi, following the release of a suspect’s photograph by the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP). On Saturday (December 14, 2025), the DMP published a photograph of a suspected assailant involved in the attack and urged the public to provide any information that could help identify or locate the person. Since the attack, various claims about the attacker’s identity have circulated online. Digital investigative outlet The Dissent published a report using OSINT tools (open source intelligence) that identified the suspected shooter as an activist of the banned Chhatra League from the capital's Adabor area. According to The Dissent, the claim was made after a comparative analysis of multiple photographs, including CCTV footage gathered from police, images of the person seen shooting Hadi, images from Hadi’s election campaign, and footage of an individual seen at the Inquilab Cultural Centre on December 9. Read more: Hadi remains in critical condition, injury to brain stem; ventilator support continues The outlet reported that the individual appearing in all three incidents closely resembles a person named Faisal Karim Masud, also known as Daud Khan. It said facial similarities were found after analyzing CCTV footage from the Inquilab Cultural Center dated December 9, police-collected CCTV footage from the December 12 attack, photographs published by mainstream media, and more than 50 images posted on Facebook and Instagram accounts under the name Faisal Karim Masud, as well as posts from pro-Awami League pages and individuals. The Dissent further stated that verification using two facial detection applications showed a match between Faisal Karim’s images and the person visible in the CCTV footage from the Inquilab Cultural Center. Their investigation also identified Karim as an ex-leader of Chhatra League, who held a post in the organisation's Adabor unit. A notable detail highlighted was a distinctive wristwatch seen on the shooter’s left hand, which closely matches the same design of wristwatch worn by Faisal Karim Masud in multiple photos found on his Facebook and Instagram profiles. In November 2024, several mainstream media outlets published reports with photographs of Faisal Karim, stating that he had been arrested by RAB as the prime accused in an armed robbery case involving the looting of Tk 1.7 million from an office in Adabor, Mohammadpur. However, he was later released on bail. Read more: Rizvi calls gun attack on Hadi a planned conspiracy, seeks fair probe Separately, Qatar-based news outlet Al Jazeera’s investigative journalist Zulkarnain Saer wrote in a Facebook post that one person involved in the shooting of Osman Hadi had been identified. He too named the individual as Faisal Karim Masud (alias Daud bin Faisal), describing him as a former Chhatra League vice-president of Dhaka North and former president of Adabor Chhatra League. The post further claimed that Faisal Karim was seated next to Osman Hadi at a meeting on December 9, 2025, and is known as a close associate of Awami League leaders Jahangir Kabir Nanak and Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, the ex-home minister who is now a fugitive in India. Meanwhile, UNB was able to access a Facebook account operated under the name “Faisal Karim Daud Khan”, in which the person in the profile picture closely resembles the person in the images released by DMP, and identified by The Dissent and Zulkarnain. Older photos in the account indicate his affiliation with Chhatra League and the Awami League. The account includes photos with ex-president Abdul Hamid, Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, ex-foreign and education minister Dipu Moni, and other Awami League and Chhatra League leaders. Additionally, Faisal Karim Daud Khan’s name appears as a member in the full central committee of Chhatra League announced on May 11, 2019. Posts congratulating him on receiving the position were also found on Facebook. In the 11th national parliamentary election in 2018, Chhatra League formed a constituency-based election management and coordination committee. Faisal Karim was listed as a member of the coordination committee for Dhaka-12 constituency, where the Awami League candidate Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal. A post congratulating Faisal included an image of the approved committee members on an AL official pad.   Read more: Now Hadi’s village home in Jhalokathi looted Meanwhile, law enforcement agencies have continued operations to confirm the suspect’s identity. Officials said the individual was identified through analysis of CCTV footage, and the DMP has again urged anyone with relevant information to come forward. The Home Affairs Adviser, Lieutenant General (Retd.) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, has announced a reward of Tk 5 million for information leading to the arrest of the person who shot Osman Hadi. Earlier on Friday, around 2:15 pm, Osman Hadi was shot by assailants while travelling in a rickshaw in front of the water tank in Bijoynagar, Dhaka. Two individuals on a motorcycle drew level with Hadi's rickshaw before one fired at him from close range. The bike then sped away. Hadi was rushed to the emergency department of Dhaka Medical College Hospital in critical condition and later transferred to Evercare Hospital in the capital, where he is currently receiving advanced ICU support. Read more: Fakhrul warns of ‘targeted killings’ after gun attack on Hadi

Inquilab Mancha spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi, who was shot in the capital’s Bijoynagar area on Friday, remains in critical condition while undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka, hospital authorities said on Saturday. Doctors said the bullet caused severe damage to Hadi’s brain and also injured his lungs. He is currently being kept under conservative management, meaning no surgical intervention is being carried out at this stage, and remains under close observation in the intensive care unit. Evercare Hospital has formed a 14-member medical board comprising specialists from various disciplines to oversee his treatment. The board is being led by Dr Md Zafar Iqbal, senior consultant of the hospital’s ICU and Critical Care Department. Evercare Hospital Director (Medical Services) Dr Arif Mahmud that Hadi’s condition remains extremely critical. “His condition is alarming. A medical board has been formed and treatment is continuing. At this moment, our priority is his medical care rather than media briefings,” he said, adding that Hadi’s family has been informed of his current condition. Dr Arif Mahmud also said Hadi’s brother has expressed interest in taking him abroad for advanced treatment, and the hospital will provide full cooperation if the family decides to proceed. In an official statement outlining the medical board’s observations, the hospital said Hadi’s brain has been “severely damaged.” He is being treated under a brain protection protocol, which involves specialised medical care aimed at preventing further neurological damage following stroke or traumatic brain injury. The statement said a follow-up CT scan of the brain may be conducted once his physical condition becomes relatively stable. Doctors also confirmed that Hadi sustained lung injuries. A chest drain tube has been placed, through which a small amount of blood is being discharged. Ventilator support will continue with maximum precautions to prevent lung infection and Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), the statement said. The medical board noted that Hadi’s kidney function has recovered and efforts are underway to maintain it through careful fluid balance management. Although he previously developed Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC), a condition involving abnormal blood clotting and bleeding, the situation is now largely under control. Continuous monitoring is ongoing, and blood and blood components will be administered as required. According to the medical board, Hadi’s condition remains highly sensitive due to an injury to the lower part of the brain, known as the brain stem. As a result, fluctuations in blood pressure and heart rate have been observed. Blood pressure support will be continued, and doctors warned that his condition may change at any moment. Hadi has been placed on mechanical ventilation. The medical team remains fully prepared to install a temporary pacemaker immediately if his heart rate drops to a dangerously low level. Following a meeting of the medical board, it was decided that no new surgical procedures or medical interventions would be undertaken at this stage, and that treatment would continue on an observation-based approach. The medical board expressed sincere gratitude to the doctors and support staff of Dhaka Medical College Hospital’s One-Stop Crisis Centre, Radiology, ICU, Anaesthesia, Neurosurgery and other relevant departments for their exceptional and humane contributions during the initial phase of treatment. The board also urged the public to avoid crowding the hospital premises, refrain from spreading speculative or misleading information, and cooperate in maintaining the patient’s privacy and dignity. Hadi was shot by assailants in the capital’s Bijoynagar area on Friday afternoon. He was first taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital and later transferred to Evercare Hospital in the evening, where he is currently receiving treatment.

The Small and Medium Newspaper Industry Association of Bangladesh (SMNIB) held its monthly meeting on Saturday afternoon in Malibagh, focusing on the development, welfare, and recognition of newspapers as an industry. The meeting was presided over by SMNIB President Mohammad Arfin and attended by Executive Director Kazi Anwar Kamal, Vice President Chowdhury Ataur Rahman, Director Sonia Parveen, and other officials. Participants discussed challenges facing the country’s newspaper industry, including the reluctance of government departments to issue advertisements, delays in payment of outstanding bills, and pressures from various quarters. They called for specific measures to ensure non-discriminatory allocation of government ads, subsidies for newsprint and printing costs, professional security for journalists, and the regulation of unregistered digital media. The meeting also emphasized providing skill-development training for journalists, introducing acceptable policies and reforms, and ensuring that advertisements are not placed in non-listed media outlets. SMNIB urged the authorities to settle outstanding advertisement bills deposited with various government departments, including the Directorate of Film and Publications (DFP), to help newspapers overcome financial difficulties ahead of the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr.  

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Saturday hosted a reception for the winners of the Begum Rokeya Award 2025, where the awardees expressed concern over the recent attack on Sharif Osman Hadi, one of the leaders of the July Uprising. Speaking at the reception held at the State Guest House Jamuna, the award winners said they were pleased to receive the invitation from the Chief Adviser but were deeply upset by Friday’s incident. They urged the government to take strict action against those responsible and advised the Chief Adviser that strengthening unity among the country’s political parties and the people is essential ahead of the elections. This year’s Begum Rokeya Award recipients - Rubhana Rakib, Nabila Idris, Kalpana Akhter, and Rituparna Chakma - were present at the reception. “This attack (on Hadi) was pre-planned. I am in regular contact with his family and closely monitoring his treatment. I have also spoken with political parties, and they are extending their support,” Prof Yunus said. The Chief Adviser also inquired about the workplaces and other matters concerning each of the awardees. Kalpana Akhter, who received the award for her contribution to women’s and labour rights, especially thanked the Chief Adviser for amending the labour law and signing the labour convention. “Amending the labour law and signing the convention are two historic steps. Thank you for accomplishing this in such a short time,” she said.

Speakers at a programme on Saturday expressed concern over rising unemployment and an increasing number of people living below the poverty line in Bangladesh, warning that the trends signal deepening socio-economic challenges. They also identified mob behaviour and entrenched political culture as major obstacles to democratic reconstruction and employment generation. The observations came at an open forum discussion titled “Democratic Reconstruction on Youth Employment” held at the CIRDAP (Centre on Integrated Rural Development for Asia and the Pacific) Auditorium. The event was organised by the Centre for Governance Studies (CGS) and moderated by its President Zillur Rahman. BNP Standing Committee Member Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan said Bangladesh’s current situation is multidimensional and complex. Drawing from his experience, he noted that unemployment in Bangladesh cannot be fully understood through textbook definitions alone.

Attorney General Md Asaduzzaman on Saturday warned that the roots of those responsible for attacking Inqilab Mancha spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi would be uprooted, no matter how strong they are. He said Sharif Osman Hadi is a hero of the July mass uprising and is currently undergoing treatment after being shot by terrorists. “We are praying wholeheartedly for his recovery,” the Attorney General said. He made the remarks while responding to journalists’ queries following a special prayer meeting at Malithia village under Shailkupa upazila around 5:30 pm. The Attorney General said a conspiracy has begun to sabotage the upcoming elections, alleging that terrorist elements of the fallen dictatorship have targeted the leadership of the July mass uprising in an attempt to destroy it. “But they will not succeed,” he added. Stressing that the upcoming national elections will be fair and peaceful, he said both the government and the Election Commission are committed to ensuring a credible electoral process. “People will be able to cast their votes for candidates of their choice, and the hopes and aspirations of the people will be reflected in the election,” he said. At the same time, he sought prayers from all for the health of BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia and Sharif Osman Hadi, also an independent candidate from Dhaka-8 constituency.

The nation is set to observe the Martyred Intellectuals Day on Sunday to commemorate the intellectuals killed systematically by Pakistan occupation forces and their local collaborators at the fag-end of the Liberation War in 1971. On this day in 1971, the country’s renowned academicians, doctors, engineers, journalists, artists, teachers and other eminent personalities were dragged out of their homes, blindfolded and taken to unknown places and then brutally tortured and murdered. Their bodies were later dumped at Rayerbazar, Mirpur and some other killing fields in the capital. Sensing an imminent defeat, the Pakistani forces and their local collaborators like Al-Badr, Al-Shams and Razakar committed the cold-blooded mass murders aiming to annihilate the country's intelligentsia and cripple emerging Bangladesh intellectually. Among the martyred intellectuals are Prof Munier Chowdhury, Dr Alim Chowdhury, Prof Muniruzzaman, Dr Fazle Rabbi, Sirajuddin Hossain, Shahidullah Kaiser, Prof GC Dev, JC Guha Thakurta, Prof Santosh Bhattacharya, Mofazzal Haider Chowdhury, journalists Khandaker Abu Taleb, Nizamuddin Ahmed, SA Mannan (Ladu Bhai), ANM Golam Mustafa, Syed Nazmul Haq and Selina Parvin. The interim government has chalked out elaborate programmes to commemorate the December 14 tragedy. Besides, the family members of the martyred intellectuals and freedom fighters will pay homage to the martyred intellectuals marking the day. On the eve of the day, President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Chief Adviser Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus issued separate messages marking the day. Leaders and activists of different political and social organisations will also pay homage to the martyred intellectuals at Mirpur Martyred Intellectuals' Graveyard. Special doa and munajat will be offered at mosques, temples and churches marking the day. Bangladesh Television and private television channels will broadcast special programmes highlighting the significance of the day. National dailies will also publish special supplements marking the day.

An elderly woman was killed after being hit by a bus while crossing the road in the Jatrabari Thana area of the capital on Saturday afternoon. The deceased was identified as Anwara Begum, 65, daughter of late Nazim Uddin of the Ali area under Bandar Thana in Narayanganj district. She had been living as a tenant at a house in Rasulpur Dhania Alam Saheb area, holding No. 299. The accident occurred around 1:30 pm in the Jhatrabari Jhatra College area when a speeding bus struck her as she was crossing the road. She was rescued and rushed to the emergency department of Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH), where the on-duty doctor declared her dead around 2pm. Two held with foreign pistols in Jatrabari: DB Swapan Ahmed, a pedestrian who brought her to the hospital, said the woman sustained severe injuries after being hit by the bus. Inspector Md Faruk, in-charge of the DMCH police camp, said the body has been kept at the hospital morgue and the matter has been reported to the concerned police station.  

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Saturday said the attack on Osman Hadi was preplanned and part of a deep conspiracy as a big force is working behind it. "This attack is very symbolic. They want to show their power and want to disrupt all the election arrangements. These must be dealt with unitedly," the Chief Adviser told political leaders at a meeting held at the State Guest House Jamuna on Saturday. Leaders of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and Jatiya Nagorik Party (NCP) met the Chief Adviser a day after a gun attack on Inquilab Moncho spokesperson and potential independent candidate for Dhaka-8 constituency Sharif Osman Hadi. Terming the attack on Hadi as part of a conspiracy to thwart the July Uprising, political party leaders said that political parties are united to thwart all attempts to spoil the July movement. The information received so far shows that the conspirators have expanded their network, said the Chief Adviser, pointing out that they have taken to the field with trained shooters. BNP Standing Committee members Salahuddin Ahmed and Hafizuddin Ahmed, Jamaat Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar and Assistant Secretary General Advocate Ehsanul Mahbub Zubair, NCP convener Nahid Islam and southern region chief organiser Hasnat Abdullah, Inqulab Moncho member secretary Abdullah Al Jaber and Law Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul attended the meeting. At the meeting, political parties decided to hold an all-party protest rally protesting the heinous attack on Osman Hadi and the rally will be held within the next couple of days. Leaders of the BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami and NCP stressed the need for increasing communication among political parties to prevent cracks in the anti-fascist political unity. The political leaders also stressed the need for strictly carrying out operations to recover illegal arms ahead of the election. BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmed said that in this situation everyone must remain united and under no circumstances should they resort to blaming one another. He said, “We must raise our voices together against conspiracies. We will not tolerate any kind of evil force.” Jamaat leader Golam Parwar said, “Recently, our various statements have increased the tendency to blame one another which has given our opponents an opportunity. We must remain united as we were before.” NCP convenor Nahid Islam said that since the July uprising some people have been carrying out various activities to undermine the uprising. “There is an organised campaign against July. This is happening at various levels of the media and the administration. Those who come to power after the election will also suffer from this. No one will be able to run the government alone.” ‘Hadi our backbone; he must survive’: His sister tells Prof Yunus

Bangladesh loses around USD 5 billion every year as patients seek medical treatment abroad, mainly due to a lack of trust in the domestic healthcare system, inaccurate diagnoses and weak service management. The Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) revealed the information at a seminar in the capital on Saturday (December 13, 2025). The issue was highlighted in the keynote paper presented at the seminar titled 'Building Trust in Bangladesh’s Healthcare Sector: Ensuring a Strategic Framework for Quality Control', held at the DCCI building in Motijheel. United Hospital Managing Director Malik Talha Ismail Bari, who presented the keynote, said Bangladeshis spend nearly USD 5 billion annually on overseas treatment, with India being the top destination. Read more: Don’t settle for a weak health savings account He said around 52 percent of Indian medical visas are issued to Bangladeshi patients. In 2024 alone, about 482,000 Bangladeshi patients received medical treatment in India. Thailand, Singapore and Malaysia follow India as preferred destinations. The keynote paper pointed out that a lack of trust among patients and their families, doubts over proper diagnosis, sudden increases in hospital bills, fear of hidden charges, concerns over counterfeit medicines and substandard equipment push many to believe that seeking treatment abroad is a safer choice. Several major challenges stand in the way of improved healthcare services in Bangladesh, the paper said. Government health expenditure remains below 1 percent of GDP, while patients bear about 73 percent of total healthcare costs out of pocket. Only 2.5 percent of the population is covered by health insurance, and nearly 80 percent of hospitals lack advanced diagnostic equipment. Read more: ACC uncovers major irregularities at Sreepur Upazila Health Complex Although the private sector provides around 60 percent of healthcare services, high costs and inconsistent quality remain major concerns, it added. The paper also cited poor service quality, skill gaps among healthcare workers, a shortage of specialist doctors and limited availability of advanced treatment as key reasons forcing patients to seek care abroad. Other issues include the absence of pre-fixed treatment costs, inadequate post-treatment care for complex diseases, lack of a unified health information system, weaknesses in monitoring and procurement processes, and overall low confidence in the healthcare system among patients and their families. Read more: MMCH doctor suspended over misconduct with health DG Bangladesh’s public healthcare spending is the lowest in South Asia, with per capita expenditure standing at only Tk 1,070. Nearly 49 percent of the population still lacks access to quality healthcare, while government healthcare initiatives remain insufficient to meet public needs, the paper noted. The keynote also projected that Bangladesh’s healthcare market would reach USD 14 billion in 2025 and expand to around USD 23 billion by 2030–2033, nearly doubling in size. At the same time, the medical devices market is growing rapidly and is expected to exceed USD 820 million in 2025, up from USD 442 million in 2020, driven largely by rising import demand. DCCI said the strong growth of the healthcare sector could create new opportunities for both the economy and health services, recommending increased public and private investment in the sector. The seminar was chaired by DCCI President Taskeen Ahmed, while Bangladesh Diabetic Association President National Professor AK Azad Khan attended as the chief guest. Read more: Nuvista Pharma joins hands with BGMEA-Olwel to provide digital healthcare for RMG workers