Bangladesh Protest Live Updates: Hadi murder chargesheet expected in 10 days; Inquilab Moncha stages road blockades

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Singapore paid their respect to Sharif Osman Hadi, expressing deep sorrow over his untimely death. While condemning political violence as a scourge that harms families and society, the ministry highlighted Hadi’s legacy as a courageous youth leader committed to the people of Bangladesh.

Singapore extended its condolences to his family and loved ones, and expressed hope for peace and unity in Bangladesh, wishing the country success in building a stable and inclusive future for all citizens. The ministry also noted it looks forward to accepting a visit invitation to Bangladesh at a mutually convenient time.

Islamic organisation Raza Academy has condemned the Bangladesh government for its alleged failure to curb violence against the Hindu minority in the country, and suggested that India should cut diplomatic relations with its neighbour if necessary.

Mohammed Saeed Noori, president of the Mumbai-based Raza Academy, told reporters in Jalna on Sunday that incidents of lynching and mob attacks on religious communities in Bangladesh are highly condemnable. He demanded that the Indian government take a tough stand at the diplomatic level and, if necessary, consider severing bilateral ties with Bangladesh if it fails to protect minorities.

Protests erupted in several districts on Sunday as demonstrators blocked roads demanding the arrest and trial of those responsible for the killing of Inqilab Manch convener Shaheed Sharif Osman bin Hadi.

Leaders and activists of Inqilab Manch, along with members of other political groups, organised the protests after Sunday afternoon, calling for the immediate arrest of the accused and speedy justice.

In Rajshahi city, students and members of the public blocked the Talaimari intersection, bringing traffic to a halt. Protesters also blocked the Rajshahi–Natore highway in front of the main gate of Rajshahi University.

The demonstrators gathered at the Talaimari intersection around 2:15 pm, blocking the road using ropes, benches and bricks. They raised slogans demanding justice and accountability during the protest.

- Inputs from Prothom Alo

University Teachers' Network has condemned a wave of violence and arson across Bangladesh, accusing elected student representatives of acting beyond their authority and eroding academic environment. In a statement issued today, the network said unrest intensified after the shooting of Sharif Osman Bin Hadi on December 12 and his death on December 18, which was followed by attacks on The Daily Star, Prothom Alo, and cultural institutions Chhayanaut and Udichi Shilpi Ghosthi.

"Opportunistic groups have carried out one criminal act after another using the anger over Hadi's killing," the statement read, adding that the interim government has failed to arrest his killers while journalists, cultural activists, and citizens remain under attack.

-Inputs from The Daily Star

Security agencies in Meghalaya dismissed claims by the Bangladesh Police that the killers of Inquilab Moncho leader Sharif Osman Hadi had entered the state. The claims are unfounded and misleading, BSF chief in Meghalaya, Inspector General O P Opadhyay said. A top Dhaka Metropolitan Police officer earlier in the day said that two primary suspects in the Hadi murder case have crossed into Meghalaya via the Haluaghat border "There is no evidence to suggest that any individual crossed the international border from the Haluaghat sector into Meghalaya. The BSF has neither detected nor received any report of such an incident," Opadhyay said.

The claims being circulated are unfounded and misleading, he said.

NCP Joint Chief Coordinator Md Arifur Rahman Tuhin confirmed the development to The Daily Star.

“Members of our central committee’s general body are sending letters through our WhatsApp group expressing support for the Jamaat–NCP alliance. So far, 170 members have expressed support, including 122 who have submitted separate letters. The remaining members are expected to follow,” he said.

Party sources said the campaign in favour of the alliance began after a list of 30 leaders opposing it surfaced publicly. As part of the campaign, party leaders and activists have been sending letters to the party convenor declaring their support.

Inputs from The Daily Star

The main accused in the Sharif Osman Hadi murder case and his accomplice, who had fled to India, were arrested by the Meghalaya Police. The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) identified the two individuals, Purti and Sami, as having helped Faisal Karim Masud and his associate Alamgir Sheikh, accused in the murder of Inqilab Manch convener Shahid Hadi. Additional Commissioner SN Nazrul Islam made this statement at a press conference held at the DMP Media Center on Sunday.

– Inputs from the Prothom Alo