United News of Bangladesh

Locals on Friday blocked the Dhaka–Chittagong Highway at Shanirakhra, Jatrabari, demanding a swift trial in connection with Inqilab Mancha spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi’s murder. Osman Hadi, who was critically injured in a gun attack in Dhaka last Friday, has died while undergoing treatment at Singapore General Hospital. The blockade began on Friday night after spreading the news of death The obstruction has completely halted traffic in Shanir Akhra and surrounding areas. The roadblock has caused severe traffic congestion on the highway, affecting long-distance vehicles and commuters alike. Rayhan Rafid who was one of them in the demonstration stated that the demonstration is aimed at securing a quick trial for Hadi, who was considered an icon for the youth. Hadi was a prominent social activist known for his work in community development and youth empowerment. His sudden death last month sparked outrage among students and young professionals across the country. Police have arrived at the scene and are negotiating with the demonstrators to restore normalcy. However, the blockade had not been lifted at the time of reporting. Dr Ahad, head of the National Citizen Party’s (NCP) health cell and Hadi’s physician, confirmed the news in a video message, saying: “We have received word from Singapore General Hospital that Hadi has passed away.” Earlier on Wednesday night, Singapore’s Foreign Minister Dr Vivian Balakrishnan visited Hadi at the hospital. Osman Hadi, who was being considered as a potential Dhaka-8 candidate for the upcoming national election, was shot in the head on Friday, December 12, in the Purana Paltan area of the capital.

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Thursday expressed deep shock at the death of Inquilab Moncho spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi, calling him a brave political activist and a clear, fearless voice against injustice. In a condolence message posted on his verified Facebook page, he said, “I am deeply saddened by the tragic killing of Sharif Osman Hadi. May Allah grant his soul forgiveness and place him in Jannat.” The BNP leader also said this untimely death is a grave reminder of the human cost of political violence. “Hadi was a brave political activist and a clear, fearless voice who always stood up against injustice,” he said. After the July mass uprising, Tarique said, as the spokesperson of Inquilab Moncho, he played an incredible role in defending the rights of the July fighters, upholding democratic values, and protecting national interests. “I express my deepest condolences to the grieving family, loved ones, and fellow activists.” He also call upon the interim government to conduct quick investigation, with the utmost priority, so that perpetrators are apprehended, punished and justice is served. “Together, we must safeguard every citizen and prevent any such incident aiming to destabilise Bangladesh and undermine our democratic aspirations,” Tarique said. Sharif Osman Hadi emerged as a key figure during the July Uprising and served as the convenor of Inqilab Moncho. He was also preparing to contest the upcoming 13th national parliamentary election. On 12 December, he was shot at close range while travelling in a rickshaw in Bijoynagar, Dhaka. Two men on a motorcycle opened fire and fled the scene, leaving him critically injured. He was taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital and later to Evercare Hospital before being moved to Singapore, where he died on Thursday night while receiving treatment.

An attack was carried out at the Prothom Alo newspaper office building in Karwan Bazar on Thursday after midnight, during which arson was reported, sources said. At one stage of the incident, unruly people set fire to parts of the building, prompting an immediate response from the Fire Service and Civil Defence. Contacted, the Fire Service and Civil Defence headquarter control room confirmed receiving the fire alert. “We received the information about the fire at 12:28am,” said duty officer Md Shahjahan. He added that fire service units were dispatched immediately after receiving the call and were on their way to the scene, but had not reached the location at the time of reporting. Further information will be available after the fire service reaches the spot and assesses the situation.

National Citizen Party (NCP) leader Dr. Tasnim Jara on Thursday expressed deep sorrow over the death of Osman Hadi, describing him as a fearless voice who lived courageously. In a Facebook post, she said: “We move through our days believing that tomorrow is a given, that courage will be rewarded, that speaking honestly might be risky but not fatal. Most of the time, life allows us to keep these illusions intact." She said Osman Hadi’s death disrupts that comfort. "He was unafraid to say what he believed needed to be said. He did not live cautiously. He lived as if his voice mattered. In another country, in another time, that would have been an ordinary choice. Here, it became a dangerous one." Jara said there is something deeply unsettling about losing someone like him. "Not only because a life has ended too early, but because it forces us to confront how narrow the space for courage has become." She said, "I've also been thinking about time. About how unevenly it is distributed. About how some people are granted the luxury of growing old, of refining their opinions, of changing their minds, while others are never given that chance. Osman Hadi did not get to age into reflection. He was taken while still in motion.Remembering Hadi must mean more than mourning him. It must mean refusing to accept a future where courage is punished and silence is rewarded. May he rest in peace.”

Sharing the deeply heartbreaking news of Sharif Osman Hadi’s demise, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Thursday night called for calm, unity and steadfast progress towards establishing democracy, justice and the rights of the people, without falling into the trap of those seeking to destabilise the country. “This will be our true tribute to martyr Hadi,” he said in a televised address to the nation. At this moment of national mourning, he urged everyone to transform the ideals and sacrifices of Hadi into collective strength. “Let us remain patient, not listen to propaganda and rumours, and refrain from any rash decisions,” Prof Yunus said. At the beginning of his speech, the Chief Adviser stated, “I have come before you with very heartbreaking news. Sharif Osman Hadi, the fearless fighter at the forefront of the July Uprising and spokesperson of the Inqilab Mancha, who was undergoing treatment in Singapore, is no more with us.” He said that a short while earlier, Singapore’s Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan had conveyed the heartbreaking news over the telephone. Prof Yunus again appealed to all citizens to maintain patience and restraint. “Give law enforcement agencies and relevant organisations the opportunity to conduct their investigations professionally. The state is fully committed to establishing the rule of law,” he said. The Chief Adviser reiterated that Hadi was an enemy of the defeated forces and fascist terrorists. “The evil attempt to intimidate revolutionaries by silencing his voice will be completely thwarted. No one can stop the journey to democracy of this country through fear, terror or bloodshed,” he said. Prof Yunus said the nation has reached the final stage of democratic transition. “Shaheed Hadi was an integral part of this process. His sole desire was to contest the upcoming elections and play an active role in the next phase of building a new Bangladesh,” he said. Calling it deeply tragic that Hadi’s dream remained unfulfilled, Prof Yunus added, “The responsibility of realising his dream now rests on the shoulders of the entire nation.” “In the coming days, we must move forward with patience, restraint, courage and foresight so that the fascist terrorist forces - enemies of elections and democracy - can be finally defeated,” he said. The Chief Adviser said the government will take responsibility for Hadi’s wife and his only child and also declared a one-day state mourning on Saturday following Hadi’s death. On this occasion, the national flag will be flown 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. At the same time, special prayers and munajat will be held at every mosque across the country after Jumma prayers on Friday for the eternal peace of martyr Hadi. “Please join us in this. Special prayers will also be organised at places of worship of other religions,” Prof Yunus said. Prof Yunus prayed that Almighty Allah accepts this immortal soldier of the struggle against fascism and hegemony as a martyr. “We all pray together,” he said. Expressing deep sorrow and grief at Hadi’s untimely death, Prof Yunus said the loss is irreparable for the country’s political and democratic landscape. “I pray for the eternal peace of his soul and express my deepest condolences to his bereaved wife, family members, relatives and colleagues,” he added. He expressed special gratitude to the Singapore government, saying, “They have shown utmost sincerity and professionalism in treating Hadi—especially Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan, who is also a doctor.” He said the Singapore foreign minister personally took care of Hadi and kept him regularly informed about the treatment. “All those involved in this brutal murder will be brought to justice swiftly, and the maximum punishment will be ensured. No laxity will be shown in this regard,” Prof Yunus said. Describing Hadi as a symbol of resistance, he said, “This young leader, Osman Hadi, imbued with revolutionary spirit, was a unique symbol of protest. Through his actions, he set an example not only of resistance but also of patriotism, patience and determination.”

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain on Thursday expressed deep sorrow over the death of Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of Inqilab Moncho. In a statement, he said Hadi’s courageous and steadfast role against imperialism and injustice will remain an inspiration for the country’s youth. He described the late Osman Hadi as a fearless fighter for justice whose untimely death has caused an irreparable loss to society and the nation. The adviser prayed for the departed soul and conveyed his condolences to Hadi’s bereaved family.

Chief Adviser Prof. Muhammad Yunus will address the nation at 11:20 pm, Chief Adviser’s Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder said Thursday night. Osman Hadi no more The speech will be broadcast simultaneously on Bangladesh Television and BTV News, he added.

The upward trend in remittances sent by expatriate Bangladeshis has continued in December, with receiving over US $2.0 billion in 17 days of the month. Bangladesh received $15.04 billion inward remittance so far in the current fiscal year FY 2025-26. Blessings on the remittance, the gross forex reserves of Bangladesh increased to $32.57 billion on Thursday December 18). As per the IMF standard BPM6, the forex reserves stood $27.87 billion. Bangladesh Bank Governor Dr. Ahsan H. Mansur in a discussion meeting today (Thursday) said that the forex reserves may cross $35 billion this year. According to the latest update from Bangladesh Bank (BB), the $2.0 billion remittance figure for December 1-17 is an increase by 14 percent compared to the same period last year. In December of the previous year (2024), the country received around $1.76 billion in the 17 days. December remittances keep up rapid pace:$1.71 bn in 14 days The growth is attributed to several factors, including incentives offered for sending money through legal banking channels, increased encouragement for using the formal system, and the active role of exchange houses. Remittance inflow has shown robust growth throughout the current fiscal year (FY 2025-26). From July 1 to December 17, 2025, the total remittance inflow reached $15.04billion. This represents an increase of $2.14 billion compared to the same period in the previous fiscal year (FY 2024-25), when the total stood at $12.89 billion. The year-on-year growth rate for the fiscal year to date is 16.7 percent.  

Law Adviser Proffessor Asif Nazrul on Thursday expressed concern to the Chief Justice over what he described as the granting of “abnormal bail” to terror suspects by some benches of the High Court. Speaking to reporters after a farewell meeting with Chief Justice Dr Syed Refaat Ahmed at the Supreme Court, Asif Nazrul said he had conveyed his worries about the issue both earlier and again on Thursday. He said Thursday marked the last working day of Chief Justice Dr Refaat Ahmed, and he visited him to express gratitude for his role at a critical juncture for the nation. “He assumed office as Chief Justice at a very crucial moment and played a guardian’s role in judicial reforms in line with the aspirations of the July mass uprising,” Asif Nazrul said. The law adviser noted that all legal reforms undertaken through the Law Ministry received the Chief Justice’s support. “At different times, we shared our concerns with him. One of the key concerns was that some High Court benches were granting bail in an unusual manner,” he said. Asif Nazrul claimed that in some instances, hundreds of bail orders were issued within a few hours. He said the Chief Justice had taken measures in this regard, including summoning the concerned benches, which reduced the trend to some extent, though it still persists. He warned that individuals released on such bail could pose serious threats, including attacks on leaders of the July mass uprising. “When dangerous individuals are granted bail, we feel deeply alarmed and concerned,” he said, adding that the Law Ministry has no authority over the High Court. Judiciary must see constitutional changes as reality, not threat: CJ Syed Refaat Describing the Chief Justice as the guardian of the High Court, Asif Nazrul said he hoped the issue would be given due consideration by the next Chief Justice as well. He also said the name of the new Chief Justice is likely to be announced within the next three to four days. The law adviser further said Dr Refaat Ahmed had agreed to continue offering advice even after retirement to help sustain the reforms undertaken in the judiciary. Asif Nazrul said the appointment of the next Chief Justice is a policy decision of the government, and he does not have the authority to comment on it individually. However, he added that the name of the next Chief Justice is likely to be known within the next three to four days.    

All law-enforcement agencies, except Ansar and VDP, will be deployed solely for election duty for five days, the Election Commission said in a special circular on Thursday. The law-enforcement agencies other than Ansar and VDP will remain exclusively engaged for five days—from three days before the polling day to one day after voting. The Ansar and VDP will be deployed for six days, starting four days ahead of the election and continuing until one day after polling. The EC will allocate the required budget for election-time deployment following the traditional system, reads the circular. Besides, the operational deployment of the law enforcement agencies will continue till seven days after the voting day, which started after the announcement of election schedule, said the circular issued ahead of the 13th parliamentary election and the referendum on July Charter, scheduled for February 12, 2026. The Police Force, Armed Police Battalion, Rapid Action Battalion, Ansar Force, Battalion Ansar, Border Guard Bangladesh, Coast Guard Force, Bangladesh Army, Bangladesh Navy and Bangladesh Air Force are defined as law-enforcement agencies in the recently promulgated Representation of the People (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025. About the armed forces --Bangladesh Army, Bangladesh Navy and Bangladesh Air Force -- the circular said the armed forces have already been deployed in aid of the civil administration, a deployment that will continue during the election period. The government has granted magistracy powers to the armed forces, which will remain effective until February 28, 2026. Maintaining a normal law-and-order situation is a prerequisite for conducting a free, fair and festive election, it noted, saying the EC has outlined a set of priorities for the authorities concerned to hold the elections in fair and peaceful manners. The issues that should be given special importance include keeping the overall law-and-order situation peaceful and normal; ensuring all parties and candidates can carry out lawful campaign activities without hindrance;  enabling voters to cast their ballots fearlessly and comfortably; ensuring security of polling centres, control rooms, related installations and offices; securing uninterrupted transportation and storage of election materials and ballots, including postal ballots; preventing the spread and impact of rumours and disinformation; and ensuring safety of minority and marginalised communities irrespective of ethnicity, religion, gender or tribe. Another key focus is creating a supportive environment that enables persons with disabilities, the injured, the elderly, the sick, and expectant mothers to exercise their voting rights without hindrance. Ensuring the safety of all individuals involved in election arrangements is also a priority, alongside providing security and assistance to field-level committees and officials, including Electoral Inquiry and Adjudication Committees, judicial and executive magistrates and surveillance, monitoring, and law-and-order teams. In addition, authorities are tasked with enforcing compliance with the electoral code of conduct by parties and candidates, while providing security support for the Election Commission’s voter awareness programmes, including those related to the referendum. The safety of presiding and polling officers is also emphasised, covering the period from the receipt of election materials and ballots until the results are submitted to returning or assistant returning officers. Bangladesh’s EC invites applications from international election observers The circular also spelled out the general framework for law and order saying that the EC’s coordination cell will maintain regular coordination and communication, while the Home Affairs Ministry will act as the lead ministry for planning, coordination and supervision of law-and-order measures during the pre-election period and the EC-designated post-election period. Disinformation Monitoring Cell The EC will operate a Law and Order and Disinformation Monitoring Cell comprising representatives from the EC, ministries, divisions, BTRC and all relevant forces and agencies till February 14, 2026. But the cell will function in full form for seven days— from four days before polling to two days after the balloting day. Operational Deployment The circular detailed two phases of deployment of law- enforcement agencies – normal deployment and election-time deployment. The law-enforcement agencies are on the normal (current) deployment from the announcement of election schedule to seven days after the balloting day excluding the election-time deployment period.    But the agencies Ansar and VDP will be on exclusive election-time development for five days (three days before polling, polling day and one day after), while Ansar and VDP for six days (four days before polling, polling day and one day after). There will be two types of deployment of law enforcers– statics and mobile. In case of static deployment, they will be deployed based on the polling stations for five days during the balloting, while permanent or temporary check posts for the full election period. Besides, the law enforcers will be deployed as mobile or patrol forces, striking forces and reserve forces (for full time). Coordination Directives An official from each commission, ministry, division and force or agency concerned will act as a focal point to coordinate with the EC’s coordination cell. Agencies with technological capabilities will support the EC in countering disinformation. EC seeks police for RO, ARO offices ahead of Bangladesh polls The EC’s focal point is its Deputy Secretary Mohammad Monir Hossain, said the special circular. Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin on December 11 last announced the schedule to arrange the 13th parliamentary election and the referendum on the July National Charter (Constitutional Reform) Implementation Order simultaneously on February 12 next. According to the election schedule, the deadline for the submission of nomination paper is December 29, while the scrutiny of nomination paper is on December 30-January 4 and the last date for the withdrawal of candidature is January 20. The election campaign will start on January 22 and continue till 48 hours before the balloting period (7:30am on February 10).