United News of Bangladesh

Abu Bakar Siddique, the elder brother of Inquilab Moncho Sharif Osman Hadi, on Saturday (December 20, 2025) questioned the failure to arrest the killers even after seven to eight days of the shooting. “If criminals can open fire after Jum’a prayers in the heart of Dhaka and escape, there can be no greater disgrace for us as a nation,” he said while addressing thousands of mourners before the namaz-e-janaza of Hadi at Manik Mia Avenue in the capital. He also demanded a quick and public trial of those responsible for the killing. Read more: Hadi laid to rest beside National Poet’s grave at DU Siddique said his younger brother had devoted his life to protecting Bangladesh’s independence and sovereignty and left behind a message for the country’s people on how to safeguard the freedom. Hadi is survived by an eight-month-old child who will never know his father, he said, adding, “When the child was born, my brother asked me to choose a name reflecting revolutionary spirit and courage. I named him Firnas.” He said the family has been shattered by the loss, with their mother repeatedly losing consciousness and other siblings suffering severe trauma. He urged people to pray for Hadi’s wife and child, for his injured brother Omar Faruk who was with him during the attack and for his sister Masuma, who is undergoing treatment for severe trauma. Siddique led the janaza prayers around 2:30 pm. ‘Hadi, you’ll never be lost; no one will ever be able to forget you’: Prof Yunus Religious Affairs Adviser AFM Khalid Hossain described Hadi as a poet and cultural activist who co-founded the Inquilab Cultural Center to help shape a new cultural narrative for the country. Inquilab Moncho Member Secretary Abdullah Al-Jaber alleged that the killing was the result of a planned conspiracy involving multiple actors. He demanded that the killers, planners and facilitators be brought to justice and urged the Home Affairs Adviser and other officials to publicly explain within 24 hours what steps have been taken so far. He also called on supporters to refrain from violence and warned against acting on any propaganda outside Inquilab Mancha’s directives, saying future programmes would be announced by the platform. Read more: Bangladesh mourns death of Osman Hadi

Inquilab Moncho leader Sharif Osman Hadi was laid to rest beside the grave of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam near the Dhaka University Central Mosque. Hadi was buried beside the mosque beside Kazi Nazrul Islam’s grave at around 3:30 pm. Read more: Hadi’s brother questions failure to arrest killers After the namaz-e-janaza at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad, his body was brought to Dhaka University in a procession for burial. For security reasons, all entry points to Dhaka University were kept closed.  

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called for calm and urged all concerned in Bangladesh to refrain from violence, reduce tensions and exercise maximum restraint in order to preserve a peaceful electoral environment as the country heads to elections in February. The UN Secretary-General condemned the killing of Sharif Osman Bin Hadi and extended his condolences to his family. The UN Chief called on the authorities to conduct a prompt, impartial investigation, in line with international human rights standards. Amnesty urges accountability over Hadi murder, mob violence "I have been asked about the current situation in Bangladesh, and I can tell you that the Secretary-General condemns the killing of a youth protest leader, Sharif Osman Bin Hadi, and extends his condolences to his family," said Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-General, during a regular briefing at the UN Headquarters on December 19.

Zubaida Rahman, wife of BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, left for London on Saturday morning (December 20, 2025), aiming to return to Bangladesh Thursday with her husband and daughter. BNP Media Cell member Atiqur Rahman Rumon said Zubaida departed Dhaka at 8:30am on Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight BG-201 from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. “She has gone back to London. InshaAllah, she will return to the country on Thursday with Tarique Rahman and their daughter Barrister Zaima Rahman,” Rumon said. Zubaida came to Dhaka on December 5 from London to stay beside BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia who has been undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital. Read more: Zubaida visits gun-attack victim Hadi's family As a member of Khaleda’s medical board, Zubaida remained at the hospital round the clock and supervised treatment activities. The BNP chief was admitted to Evercare Hospital on November 23 due to her deteriorating health. As her condition worsened, she was shifted to the Critical Care Unit under a medical board made up of local and foreign specialists, led by Professor Shahabuddin Talukder. Medical board member Dr AZM Zahid Hossain on Friday said Khaleda Zia’s physical condition became much more stable and expressed hope that she would gradually recover. Following the encouraging improvement in Khaleda’s condition, Zubaida has decided to return to London to prepare to come back to Bangladesh permanently with her family after 17 years abroad. Read more: Zubaida visits Evercare Hospital to monitor Khaleda’s condition On September 11, 2008, Zubaida travelled to London with her daughter Zaima to support Tarique Rahman’s advanced medical treatment abroad.

A seven-year-old girl was burned to death in a deliberate arson attack on the house of a local BNP leader in Bhabaniganj of Lakshmipur’s Sadar upazila, turning a quiet night into a scene of horror and loss. The deceased, Ayesha Begum, was the youngest daughter of Md Belal, assistant organising secretary of the Bhabaniganj union unit BNP. Three other members of the family sustained burn injuries in the attack. NDF president Anisul's house set on fire in Chattogram Police and family members said Belal was sleeping in the house with his wife and children when unidentified attackers locked the two doors from outside, poured petrol around the house and set it on fire. The flames spread quickly, leaving little chance to escape. Ayesha Begum Binti, 7, was burned to death on the spot. Belal and his two daughters—Smriti, 18, and Bithi, 13—suffered burn injuries. Neighbours rushed to the house and rescued the injured, taking them to Lakshmipur Sadar Hospital. As their condition deteriorated, Smriti and Bithi were later shifted to the Burn Institute in Dhaka. Smriti’s condition was reported to be critical. Belal is currently receiving treatment at Lakshmipur Sadar Hospital. Udichi central office set on fire Officer-in-charge of Lakshmipur Sadar Police Station Wahid Parvez said police visited the scene after being informed. “One child died and three others were injured in the fire. The incident is being investigated,” he said. Fire Service Sadar station official Ranjit Kumar Saha said firefighters rushed to the spot after receiving the information and brought the fire under control after about one hour of effort. The attack has left a family devastated and raised serious concerns over violence targeting homes at night, as investigators work to identify those responsible, locals said. Read more: Dhaka may see shift in crime patterns ahead of national election: DB

Additional police personnel and members of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) have been deployed at key points in the capital to maintain law and order during namaz-e-janaza of Inquilab Moncho spokesperson Osman Hadi. An adequate number of police personnel equipped with around 1,000 body-worn cameras have been deployed to ensure overall security and prevent any untoward incident, said DMP Deputy Commissioner (Media) Talebur Rahman. Besides, 20 platoons of BGB have been deployed in and around important areas of the capital including the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban to strengthen security, said Shariful Islam, public relations officer of BGB. The namaz-e-janaza of Hadi will be held at 2:00pm at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban. Read more: DU journalism students demand justice for Hadi, attacks on media The government has requested those wishing to attend the janaza not to carry any bags or heavy objects. It also said that flying drones in and around the parliament complex will remain strictly prohibited during the funeral prayers. Meanwhile, a decision has been taken to bury Hadi beside national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam on the Dhaka University campus in line with the wishes of his family, according to a Facebook post from Inquilab Moncho’s official page. Read more: Amnesty urges accountability over Hadi murder, mob violence Hadi was shot in the head on December 12 while travelling in a rickshaw on Culvert Road in Puratan Paltan. He initially underwent surgery at Dhaka Medical College Hospital and was later admitted to Evercare Hospital. For advanced treatment, he was airlifted to Singapore, where he succumbed to his injuries on the night of December 18. His body arrived in Dhaka on Friday evening. Read more: Bangladesh mourns death of Osman Hadi

Bangladesh is observing the National Mourning Day on Saturday (December 20, 2025) over the death of Inquilab Moncho spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi. The national flag has been kept at half-mast at all government, semi-government and autonomous institutions, educational institutions, as well as government and private buildings across the country and at Bangladesh missions abroad. The namaz-e-janaza of Hadi will be held at 2:00pm on Saturday at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban. Amnesty urges accountability over Hadi murder, mob violence The government requested those wishing to attend the janaza not to carry any bags or heavy objects. It also said that flying drones in and around the parliament complex will remain completely restricted during the funeral prayers. Meanwhile, a decision has been taken to bury Hadi beside national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam on the Dhaka University campus, in line with the wishes of his family, said a separate Facebook post from Inquilab Moncho’s official page. Hadi was shot in the head on December 12 while travelling in a rickshaw on Culvert Road in Puratan Paltan. He initially underwent surgery at Dhaka Medical College Hospital and was later admitted to Evercare Hospital. Read more: Jamaat calls for restraint, unity after Hadi’s death For advanced treatment, he was airlifted to Singapore, where he succumbed to his injuries on the night of December 18. The body of Hadi arrived in Dhaka on Friday evening.

As winter settles in Jashore, Gadkhali, Bangladesh’s flower capital, bursts into vibrant blooms, drawing visitors and boosting both the local economy and tourism. With the festive season approaching, including the New Year, flower growers and traders here are brimming with optimism for a flourishing season of sales. Nestled in Jhikargachha upazila, Gadkhali and its surrounding villages—Panisara, Navaran and nearby areas—are now carpeted with blossoms, heralding the start of a vibrant flower season. Business waiting to bloom in ‘Flower Capital’ Gadkhali Farmers have already begun harvesting a rainbow of blooms, while traders rush to dispatch them across the country. According to Agriculture Department officials, the region boasts around 7,000 flower growers cultivating approximately 1,200 hectares, of which nearly 650 hectares are dedicated to flowers. Eleven varieties thrive here, from the elegant gladiolus and fragrant tuberose to roses, gerbera, marigold, gypsy, rodstick, calendula and chrysanthemums.

Singapore’s Foreign Minister Dr Vivian Balakrishnan has said that the condition of Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of Inquilab Moncho, is very critical. At around 9:40 pm on Wednesday (December 17, 2025), Dr Balakrishnan called Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus and briefed him on Hadi’s medical condition and ongoing treatment. Gun attack on Hadi: 2 suspects identified; shooter’s passport ‘blocked’ During the conversation, he said Hadi’s condition remains extremely critical, according to the CA’s Press Wing. Earlier, Dr Balakrishnan visited Sharif Osman Hadi, a frontline fighter of the July Uprising who is currently receiving treatment in Singapore. Motorbike, helmet and fake number plate used in attack on Hadi recovered The Chief Adviser urged the people of the country to remain calm and requested everyone to pray and offer supplications for Hadi’s recovery. Earlier on Monday, an air ambulance equipped with all emergency facilities for a critical patient, departed Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport carrying Hadi, who was shot in the head from close range in an assassination attempt last Friday, to Singapore for advanced treatment. BGB unsure if Hadi attackers fled to India via Mymensingh border

Police have taken special security measures ahead of the twin celebrations for Christmas and New Year’s Eve. A meeting on security and law and order was held at the Hall of Pride of Police Headquarters on Wednesday (December 17, 2025), chaired by Inspector General of Police (IGP) Bangladesh Baharul Alam, ahead of the Christmas celebration on December 25 and the New Year’s Eve on December 31. Welcoming leaders of the Christian community, the IGP said Christmas is a universal festival and emphasized that the police would remain alert throughout the celebrations. He expressed hope that, with the capabilities of the Bangladesh Police, both Christmas and New Year’s Eve would be celebrated in a peaceful environment. Read more: Missing Guns: Can Bangladesh’s arms crackdown ensure peaceful polls? Authorities warned that any individual or group attempting to disrupt communal harmony by posting misleading content, comments, or images on social media during the festive period would face immediate legal action. Cyber monitoring will be strengthened to prevent the spread of rumors. The meeting urged concerned parties to recruit volunteers, arrange adequate lighting, standby generators or chargers, and ensure the security of churches across the country in coordination with law enforcement agencies. Security will also be heightened in all tourist areas, including Cox’s Bazar and Kuakata, during the New Year’s Eve celebrations. Authorities said action would be taken against anyone who honks loudly or drives recklessly on the roads. People are urged to contact the National Emergency Service 999 or their nearest beat police officer in case of any emergency. During the meeting, Christian community leaders expressed satisfaction with the security measures and thanked the police administration. They expressed hope that, with everyone’s cooperation, Christmas would be celebrated in a festive atmosphere while maintaining religious solemnity, as in previous years. Read more: Freedom fighter, wife found dead in Rangpur RAB Director General (Additional IGP) AKM Shahidur Rahman, concerned Additional IGPs and senior officers of Police Headquarters, St. Mary’s Cathedral Church Pastor Father Albert Rosario, Bangladesh Christian Association President Nirmal Rosario, Joint Secretary General James Subrata Hazra, Public Relations and Communications Secretary Apu Placid Madhu, and The Christian Cooperative Credit Union Limited President Michael John Gomez and Secretary Manju Maria Palma were present at the meeting. All police commissioners, Range DIGs, and district police superintendents were connected to the meeting virtually.