Home Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury today (Sunday) said the government will soon make public the names and addresses of all those involved in the murder of Inqilab Mancha spokesperson and frontline fighter Shaheed Sharif Osman Bin Hadi. "The main secret behind the killing will also be revealed," he said after attending a Core Committee meeting on law and order at the Home Ministry in the Bangladesh Secretariat here. “As you know, a decision has already been made to transfer the case to the Speedy Trial Tribunal. We are continuing our utmost efforts to ensure speedy justice in this heinous murder,” he added. The Home Adviser also expressed hope that the Hadi murder trial would be completed within the tenure of the current interim government. The interim government reiterated its determination to ensure justice for the murder of Sharif Osman Bin Hadi, with police, BGB, RAB and intelligence agencies continuing coordinated efforts to uncover the full truth, he said. Jahangir Alam warned that fascist allies, miscreants and terrorists are trying to disrupt the investigation and trial process, urging everyone not to do anything that could strengthen such forces or hinder the proceedings. Read More Auto-Rickshaw Driver Gives Statement as a Witness in Osman Hadi Murder Case He said considerable progress has been made in the investigation, though not all information can be disclosed at this stage in the interest of identifying the real criminals and their supporters. So far, 11 people have been arrested in connection with the Hadi murder case. They are Humayun Kabir, father of alleged main accused Faisal Karim Masud, mother Hasi Begum, wife Shaheda Parveen Samia, brother-in-law Wahid Ahmed Shipu, girlfriend Maria Akhter Lima, Md. Kabir, Nuruzzaman Nomani alias Ujjwal, Sibion Dio, Sanjay Chisim, Md. Aminul Islam Raju and Md. Abdul Hannan. Of the arrestees, six have given confessional statements under Section 164 of the Criminal Procedure Code, while four witnesses have also recorded testimonies under the same section. Law enforcement agencies have seized significant evidence, including two foreign pistols, 52 rounds of bullets, magazines, knives allegedly used in the murder, the motorcycle and fake number plate used during the crime, bullet casings, bullets, video footage, CCTV footage, and other materials from the crime scene.  Authorities also seized signed cheques worth BDT 218 Crore from around 53 accounts. The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) disclosed these details during a press briefing today. Based on statements from the accused, witness testimonies, recovered evidence and overall assessment, the investigation is now in its final stage.  The Home Adviser expressed hope that a charge sheet would be submitted within the next 10 days, by January 7, 2026. Law and Order, Elections and Security In addition to the Hadi murder case, the Core Committee meeting discussed overall law and order, security preparations for the upcoming 13th National Assembly elections, progress of Operation Devil Hunt Phase-2, security of politically important figures, and concerns about fascist allies, terrorists and miscreants infiltrating political parties. Jahangir urged political leaders to remain vigilant and identify opportunists and criminals hiding within their parties, seeking cooperation from law enforcement agencies if necessary. Operation Devil Hunt Phase-2 Under Operation Devil Hunt Phase-2, launched on December 13, 2025, a total of 9,993 people were arrested by December 26.  During the operation, law enforcement recovered 102 firearms, 553 rounds of bullets, 169 cartridges, 89 indigenous weapons, as well as grenades, mortar shells, gunpowder, fireworks and bomb-making materials. Overall, 22,341 people have been arrested during this period, including 12,348 on the basis of cases and warrants. Other Developments The main accused in the Laxmipur District Election Office arson case, Md Rubel (41), was arrested on December 26. In Khulna, RAB arrested three suspects, including D.K. Shamim alias Dhakaiya Shamim in connection with the shooting of Motaleb Sikder (42), a central organizer of Jatiya Shram Shakti.  Initial investigations suggest the incident was linked to drug transactions and sharing of extortion money. Following these incidents, the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) issued the highest alert along the border areas.  In the Jashore region, special operations led to the arrest of 18 criminals, who were handed over to police. Meanwhile, allegations of insults against religion and the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in Mymensingh were also noted during the briefing.

Md Kamal Hossain (46) who was driving the auto-rickshaw carrying Sharif Osman Hadi during the armed attack on him has given his statement in the court here today (Thursday) as a witness. Sharif Osman Hadi, an independent candidate in the 13th National Parliamentary Election and convener of Inqilab Mancha, was fired from a point blank range in city’s Box Culvert Road under Palton Police Station on December 12 while traveling by an auto rickshaw towards Suhrawardy Udyan from Motijheel area. Kamal Hossain was produced before the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (CMM) Court today by Investigating Officer of the case, DB Inspector Faisal Ahmed and he prayed for recording the statement of Kamal as a witness.  Following the petition, Metropolitan Magistrate Jamshed Ahmed on behalf of the CMM recorded his statement under section 164 of the criminal procedure code (CrPC). The IO in his petition stated that on December 12, on the paved road in front of DR Tower on Box Culvert Road under Paltan Model Police Station, in the direction of Bijoynagar Water Tank, accused Faisal Karim Masud alias Daud, who were on a motorcycle following from behind, along with their unidentified associates, shot Hadi with a firearm. Injured Hadi was first taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital for treatment and later to Evercare Hospital.  As his physical condition deteriorated, he was taken by air ambulance to Singapore for better treatment and admitted to Singapore General Hospital. He later died on December 18 while undergoing treatment there.  Read More Sheikh Hasina, 16 Others Charged with Enforced Disappearance, TFI Cell Crimes The case is a sensational murder case. At the time of the incident, Hadi was traveling by the auto rickshaw driven by witness Md. Kamal Hossain (46) from Motijheel, towards Suhrawardy Udyan, when he was shot at the scene.  Kamal Hossain is an eyewitness. The witness is willing to voluntarily give his statement in court. For the sake of proper investigation of the case, it is essential to record the witness’s statement under Section 164 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC). On December 12 at about 2:20 pm, miscreants shot at Hadi on Box Culvert Road under Paltan Police Station and fled. In connection with the incident, on December 14, Abdullah Al Jaber, member secretary of Inqilab Mancha, filed a case at Paltan Police Station alleging attempted murder.  Charges were brought against the accused under sections 120(B)/326/307/109/34 of the Penal Code. Later, on December 20, following an application by the investigating officer, Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Siddiq Azad ordered to add section 302 (murder) of the Penal Code to the case. 

The International Crimes Tribunal-1 (ICT)-1 officially ordered the commencement of the trial against ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and 16 others, including 10 army officers, on Tuesday following the framing of charges for crimes against humanity.  The case centers on allegations of enforced disappearances and systemic torture conducted at the Taskforce for Interrogation (TFI) cell during the Awami League administration. A three-member tribunal, presided over by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Majumder, rejected discharge petitions filed by the defense and accepted the prosecution’s request to frame four specific allegations.  Read More 9 More Arrested as Police Intensify Crackdown on Media Office Attacks Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam led the arguments for the state while the defense maintained the innocence of the accused. The tribunal has scheduled January 21 for the presentation of opening statements and the recording of witness testimonies. Among the 17 individuals charged, 10 are military officers currently in custody: Brigadier Generals Md Jahangir Alam, Tofail Mostafa Sarwar, Md Kamrul Hasan, Md Mahbub Alam, and K M Azad; Colonels Abdullah Al Momen and Anwar Latif Khan; and Lieutenant Colonels Md Mashiur Rahman, Saiful Islam Sumon and Md Sarwar Bin Kashem. The remaining seven accused are being tried in absentia as they are currently absconding. These include Sheikh Hasina, her former defense adviser Major General (retd) Tarique Ahmed Siddique, former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, former IGP Benazir Ahmed, former RAB Directors General M Khurshid Hossain and Barrister Harun-or-Rashid and former RAB Director Lieutenant Colonel (retd) Md Khairul Islam.

The Detective Branch (DB) of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has arrested nine additional suspects involved in the recent violent attacks on the offices of Prothom Alo and The Daily Star. According to Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Talebur Rahman, these latest arrests bring the total number of individuals in custody to 26, out of 31 primary suspects identified so far. Read More Zubayer Rahman Chowdhury Appointed as Bangladesh’s 26th Chief Justice The legal proceedings stem from a massive assault on The Daily Star’s headquarters on Kazi Nazrul Islam Avenue. An estimated 350 to 400 attackers caused approximately BDT 40 crore in damages through arson, looting, and sabotage. The severity of the incident forced the publication to temporarily suspend both its print and digital operations. Similarly, Prothom Alo reported losses of roughly BDT 32 crore after its Karwan Bazar office was stormed by a large mob. Their legal filing, which includes charges under the Anti-Terrorism Act and the Cyber Security Ordinance, cites extensive vandalism and the theft of property worth BDT 2.5 crore. 

Justice Zubayer Rahman Chowdhury is set to be appointed as the 26th Chief Justice of Bangladesh. He will succeed the current Chief Justice, Dr. Syed Refaat Ahmed. An official gazette notification regarding the appointment is expected to be issued imminently. Information regarding the appointment surfaced on Monday (December 22) night. Justice Chowdhury is likely to take his oath of office as the new Chief Justice on December 28. Transition of Leadership The outgoing 25th Chief Justice, Dr. Syed Refaat Ahmed, is scheduled to retire on December 27 upon reaching the constitutional age limit of 67. Having concluded his judicial duties, Dr. Ahmed is currently in Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah. In his absence, Justice Zubayer Rahman Chowdhury is already serving as the Acting Chief Justice of the country. Profile of the New Chief Justice Justice Zubayer Rahman Chowdhury has a long and distinguished career in the Bangladeshi judiciary: Early Career: He was enrolled as an advocate in the District Court in 1985 and the High Court Division of the Supreme Court in 1987. Judicial Bench: He was appointed as an Additional Judge of the High Court Division on August 27, 2003, and was confirmed as a permanent judge two years later. Appellate Division: On August 12, 2024, President Mohammed Shahabuddin promoted him to the Appellate Division, the highest tier of the judiciary. Education: Justice Chowdhury holds an LLB (Honours) and an LLM from the University of Dhaka. He also earned a Master’s degree in International Law from the United Kingdom.