United News of Bangladesh

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) on Monday said a total of 663 cases, including 453 of murder, have been filed against ousted former prime minister Sheikh Hasina over alleged crimes against humanity committed during the July 2024 mass uprising. The findings were revealed in a research report unveiled at TIB’s Dhanmondi office, outlining the progress, challenges and limitations of cases filed in connection with the uprising. As of November 19, 2025, a total of 1,785 cases have been filed nationwide over crimes against humanity linked to the July uprising, according to the report. Sheikh Hasina has been named as an accused in 663 of those cases. Of the total cases, 736 are of murders, with Hasina listed as an accused in 453. ICT issues arrest warrants against Hasina, 5 others TIB said charge sheets have been submitted in only 106 cases, including 31 murder cases, reflecting slow progress in investigations. So far, 128 former ministers and members of parliament from the Awami League government have been arrested in connection with the cases. The report revealed that 761 cases have been filed against the police over the same incidents, naming 1,168 serving and former police personnel as accused. Among them, 61 have been arrested. At the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT), 450 complaints have been lodged so far, of which 45 have been taken into cognisance. These cases involve 209 accused, with 84 arrests made. Currently, 12 cases are under trial at the ICT, involving 105 accused persons. TIB said many of the accused have fled the country, with allegations that members of the military, law enforcement agencies and local political leaders directly or indirectly facilitated their escape. TIB expressed serious concern over what it described as indiscriminate filing of cases following the uprising. The report estimated that around 150,000 people across the country have been made accused in these cases. The watchdog cited widespread allegations of case trading, retaliatory filings, political harassment and extortion through threats of inclusion or exclusion from cases. In many instances, law enforcement agencies reportedly accepted cases without proper investigation due to pressure, the report said. TIB also raised concerns over the competence and political affiliations of judges and prosecutors appointed to the ICT. While acknowledging that trials have begun and some progress has been made, the organisation warned that weak case foundations, lack of incident-specific charges, investigative complexity and the absence of a clear factual narrative are undermining the judicial process. The report further pointed to the absence of effective accountability for police actions beyond limited departmental measures, along with continued practices of unlawful arrests, excessive remand, denial of bail, prolonged pre-trial detention, and political influence in legal proceedings. TIB also noted cases where journalists and professionals were named as accused in murder cases, raising serious questions about misuse of the justice system. Although the live broadcast of verdicts was cited as a positive step, TIB cautioned that failure to fully adhere to due process and legal standards could jeopardise fair justice and risk allowing actual perpetrators to escape accountability.  

Md Rubel Ahmed, a close associate of Faisal Karim Masud alias Rahul—the prime accused in the murder of Inqilab Moncho spokesman Sharif Osman Hadi—has given a confessional statement in court. Metropolitan Magistrate Mahbubur Rahman recorded the statement after Rubel was produced before the court on Saturday by the investigation officer, CID Police Assistant Superintendent Abdul Qadir Bhuiyan, following two rounds of remand totaling nine days, Prosecution Sub-Inspector Rokonuzzaman said on Sunday. “He was sent to jail after recording the statement,” the official added. Read More: Hadi murder: Court orders freezing of 53 bank accounts of Faisal Rubel was arrested from the Ati Nayabazar area of South Keraniganj late on January 21. The following day, the court granted a six-day remand, and last Wednesday, an additional three days were approved. Sharif Osman Bin Hadi had been serving as the spokesperson of Inqilab Moncho, a political and cultural platform formed in the aftermath of the uprising. On December 12, around 2:20pm, assailants riding a motorcycle shot Hadi on Box Culvert Road under Paltan Model Police Station before fleeing the scene. He sustained critical gunshot wounds to his head and below his right ear. Read More: Hadi Murder: Court sets Jan 15 for hearing charges Hadi was first taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital and later shifted to Evercare Hospital. As his condition worsened, he was airlifted to Singapore for advanced treatment on December 15. He succumbed to his injuries on December 18 while undergoing treatment there. Following the incident, Inqilab Moncho Member Secretary Abdullah Al Jaber filed an attempted murder case with Paltan Police Station on December 14. The case was later converted into a murder case after Hadi’s death.

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Friday evening visited the grave of Abu Sayed, a Begum Rokeya University student who was killed by police firing during the July Uprising in 2024. Tarique reached Jafarpara Babonpur village in Pirganj around 6pm and offered fateha at Abu Sayed’s grave. Later, he spoke to the members of the martyr’s family and expressed his condolences. BNP Standing Committee member Professor AZM Zahid Hossain and senior leaders of the party’s Rangpur district unit were present at the time. Speaking to reporters later, Professor Zahid said Tarique offered fateha at Sayed’s grave and prayed for the eternal peace of Abu Sayed, who was martyred during the July student–led mass uprising. “Paying respect to Abu Sayed is not only a duty of BNP, it is the responsibility of people across the country,” he said. Zahid said Abu Sayed’s sacrifice inspired millions of people to stand up against autocracy. “On July 16, 2024, Abu Sayeed stood fearlessly against repression at Begum Rokeya University. His courage showed the nation how to resist oppression, even in the face of bullets,” he said.

The International Crimes Tribunal-1 will deliver its verdict in the case over the killing of six people during the July Uprising of 2024 at Chankharpul in the capital on Monday. On January 20, the three-member bench of the tribunal led by its Chairman Justice Golam Mortuza Mozumder, deferred the verdict although it had set January 20 for delivering the judgment. Eight people are facing trial in the case. Of them, four are currently in jail: former Shahbagh Police Station inspector (operations) Md Arshad Hossain, constable Md Sujan Mia, Md Imaz Hossain Iman and Md Nasirul Islam. The four other accused are absconding. They are former Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) commissioner Habibur Rahman, former additional commissioner Sudip Kumar Chakraborty, former additional deputy commissioner of Ramna Division Shah Alam Md Akhtarul Islam, and former assistant commissioner Mohammad Imrul. According to the prosecution, on August 5, 2024, police opened fire on a peaceful student movement at Chankharpul, leaving six people dead. Read More: Ex-BGB official, 3 others indicted over killing 28 people during July uprising The victims were Shahriar Khan Anas, Sheikh Junayed, Md Yakub, Md Rakib Hawladar, Md Ismamul Haque and Manik Mia Shahrik. After finding evidence against the accused, the tribunal on July 14 framed charges against all eight and ordered the commencement of the trial. ICT grants first bail in July Uprising crimes against humanity case

The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) on Sunday granted bail to an accused for the first time in a case involving crimes against humanity committed during the July uprising last year. The accused, Humayun Kabir Patwary, served as president of the Lakshmipur Sadar Upazila Awami League and chairman of Charruhita Union Parishad in the same upazila. The three-member International Crimes Tribunal-2, headed by Justice Nazrul Islam Chowdhury, granted the bail on health grounds, citing the accused’s serious illness, said Prosecutor Mizanul Islam. The other members of the tribunal are Judges Md Manjurul Bashid and Nur Mohammad Shahriar Kabir. In his bail petition, Patwary’s lawyer said his client is suffering from liver cirrhosis and noted that two of his brothers had died of the same disease. During the hearing, the tribunal sought the prosecution’s view. Prosecutor Md Mizanul Islam said a medical report confirming serious illness had been submitted, making it difficult to oppose the bail request. He, however, urged that strict conditions be imposed to prevent the accused from contacting other suspects in crimes against humanity cases. The tribunal granted bail subject to several conditions, including that the accused must provide his residential address, refrain from making any statements to the media or on social media, not change his residence without informing the investigation officer and the tribunal registrar, and must not influence evidence or witnesses. The tribunal warned that any violation of the conditions would result in immediate arrest and cancellation of bail. The interim government reconstituted the International Crimes Tribunal to try crimes against humanity committed during the suppression of the anti-discrimination student movement in July last year. The reconstituted tribunal began functioning in October 2024. Humayun Kabir was arrested in Dhaka in August 2024 following the ouster of the Awami League government. A total of four people were arrested in connection with the crimes against humanity case in Lakshmipur, and Patwary has now been granted bail.

Sharif Osman bin Hadi, the fiery face of the July Uprising, convenor of Inqilab Moncho and a prospective candidate for the upcoming 13th national parliamentary election, is no more. He passed away on Thursday at 9:45 pm while receiving medical treatment in Singapore. The Inqilab Moncho official Facebook page announced the news Thursday night, stating, “In the struggle against Indian hegemony, Allah has accepted the great revolutionary Osman Hadi as a martyr.” Hadi was critically injured on December 12 when assailants opened fire on him while he was traveling in a rickshaw near the water tank in Bijoynagar, Dhaka. Two individuals on a motorcycle approached his rickshaw, and one of them shot him at close range before fleeing the scene. He was initially taken to the emergency department of Dhaka Medical College Hospital and later transferred to Evercare Hospital for advanced ICU care.

Chief Adviser Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus on Thursday (November 13) urged all political parties that supported the July Uprising to remain united to ensure a fair election in February, warning that any discord could push the nation into grave danger. “The unity the people built in the face of death must not be diminished by minor disagreements or conflict,” he said in an address to the nation in the afternoon. He said the country’s people had been deprived of their rights to vote for nearly one and a half decades and are now eager to exercise that in the upcoming election. “We must honour the sacrifices of 133 children, hundreds of young men and women and thousands who were injured or lost limbs,” he said. Referendum, national election together in Feb: Prof Yunus “The people of this country only wish that in respect for the countless victims, we show tolerance toward different opinions, rise above partisan interests and uphold our collective aspirations and national goals,” Prof Yunus added. He expressed the hope that political parties would accept the decision on July Charter implementation in the broader national interest, paving the way for a festive and inclusive national election. “Through this, we will step into a new Bangladesh. We are now at the threshold of building that new nation,” Yunus said. Read more: Chief Adviser breached signed July Charter, says Salahuddin

The International Crimes Tribunal-2 (ICT-2) on Sunday ordered the initiation of trial against former Information Minister and Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (Jasad) president Hasanul Haq Inu over six killings in Kushtia during last year’s uprising. A three-member tribunal, headed by Justice Nazrul Islam Chowdhury, framed eight charges of crimes against humanity against him. The court also set November 30 for the presentation of opening statements and witness testimonies in the case. On Sunday, the tribunal read out the eight charges against Inu and asked whether he pleaded guilty. In response, Inu asserted his innocence, following which the tribunal formally framed the charges and issued the trial order. Read more: Ex-minister Inu threatens police: ‘I will destroy your entire lineage’ The former minister was brought to the dock from the tribunal’s detention centre around 11:30 am and the prosecution read out the allegations in his presence. The court told him, “Eight charges have been brought against you. If you plead guilty, our work will end; otherwise, the trial will proceed.” Inu then responded, “I have heard a few charges but not all. However, it seems my request is not being considered.” Inu was charged with issuing the command to kill six people in Kushtia after communicating with former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina during the uprising. Read more: Trial of July killings to be held at Speedy Trial Tribunals On October 23, the prosecution presented formal charges against him and requested the start of trial, prompting the tribunal to issue a production warrant to ensure his presence. On October 28, Inu’s lawyer, Monsurul Haq Chowdhury, argued that none of the allegations were true and sought dismissal of the case, urging the tribunal to examine the charges thoroughly. The prosecution, however, contended that Inu could not evade responsibility as a leader of the 14-party alliance. Inu was arrested on August 26 last year from Uttara in Dhaka and remains in prison facing multiple cases. Read more: Chankharpul killings: Tribunal orders protection for witness facing security threat

BNP Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed on Sunday said no attempt to pit the BNP against the July Uprising will succeed. “It would be wrong to think that a fascist ruler was toppled in just 36 days. This was the result of 16 years of continuous struggle and sacrifice. So, I think any attempt to portray the BNP against the July uprising will never succeed,” he said. Salahuddin made the remarks while speaking at a press conference at the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office. He said the July 2024 student-led mass uprising was not the work of any single political party, but the outcome of a long continuous struggle by all political forces that stood against fascism. DB arrested BNP's Salauddin disobeying HC's instructions: Lawyers say “So far, our data show that 422 of our leaders and activists embraced martyrdom during the July student uprising. We have already published their names and photos, and the number may increase,” the BNP leader said. He said the July uprising was built on the blood and sacrifices of BNP leaders and activists who fought against fascism for 16 years. Salahuddin said not only the BNP, but all democratic political forces that opposed fascism contributed through their struggles, sacrifices and blood to pave the way for the July uprising. “The brutal massacre at Shapla Chattar was one of the rarest atrocities in the world’s history. So, it must be remembered that it was not the contribution of any single political party,” he said. Salahuddin says his remarks on July warriors ‘misinterpreted’ When asked about recent fire incidents at several important places in the country, Salahuddin said it would be premature to comment as investigations are still ongoing. “I think we should wait. The government has formed investigation teams. Let’s see what their findings are,” he said. The BNP leader, however, said some of these incidents might be linked. “It seems that certain quarters may be trying to create instability in the country. The fallen fascists or their associates might also be involved—but it’s not right to make any conclusion before the investigations are completed.” Replying to a question about whether there is any uncertainty over the upcoming national election in February, Salahuddin said all political parties had support for holding the polls at that time. “Has any party said they don’t want the election in February? Everyone has said the polls should be held in the first half of February. So why should there be any doubt?” he said. The BNP leader said some parties are campaigning for proportional representation (PR) system, which he described as a democratic practice. “This is the kind of democratic practice for which we have made sacrifices and given our lives.”  

Bangladesh now stands at a threshold where the familiar theatre of politics is being rewritten before our very eyes. Once, the story was told through posters plastered on cracked walls, festoons strung across narrow lanes, and the blare of megaphones cutting through the night. Now, the script has changed. The new battlefield is the screen; the new weapons are memes. Laughter slices deeper than slogans. Irony pierces harder than pamphlets. Once, citizens gathered in town squares, markets, or outside city halls to speak up, protest, and debate. They held signs, chanted slogans, and faced one another. Today, that stage has mostly shifted - into our phones. Social media is now the battlefield, the meeting place, the soapbox all in one. In this new “public square,” comment threads, TikTok videos, meme pages, and viral posts have replaced physical rallies. Political stories, grievances, and loyalties are born, spread, and challenged in real time - often by ordinary people, not just by the powerful. This change brings both hope and danger. On the bright side, a single meme or clever post can circle the country overnight. Voices once ignored - students, artists, the quiet observers - can now speak and be heard. It is now obvious that the great battle for power is no longer fought only in the streets — it is being waged in the feeds of the masses. The ‘Youthquake’ that lit the fire: July 2024 The turning point came with the student uprisings of July 2024. Streets thundered with chants, but the internet raged with a parallel storm. Memes seared authority with biting wit, hashtags outpaced the speed of slogans, and protest art became the new graffiti—spray-painted not only on the walls, but also across screens. What once was dismissed as jest turned into a clarion call, it was not just mere annotation anymore. It was mobilization. And in that moment, the internet was not just a witness to history, it became history’s weapon. Our soil is especially ripe for this transformation because Bangladesh is a young country. Youth make up about one-third of our population.  Among registered voters, more than 30 percent are under 35. But until recently, many of those young people stayed away from elections. A survey found that 54 percent of youths had never voted in a general election. Another study reported 75 percent of youth said they had never participated in a national election. Then came July 2024. The student uprisings shook things, and young people poured into streets and into screens. Hashtags, meme pages, comment threads - politics became a conversation again, not just a grand show by old parties. Some who had never voted before began reading debates in comments, watching candidate profiles, sharing sarcastic memes about corruption, inequality, demand for change. The mix of memes and youth has created new fault lines. The young are less patient with old speeches, more drawn to sharp humor, more likely to share than just listen. In a filtered feed, one clever meme can travel faster and wider than a campaign leaflet ever could. Satire sharpens its edge: DUCSU 2025 The tide swelled in 2025 through the Dhaka University Central Students Union (DUCSU) and hall union elections. Campaigns abandoned hollow chants and embraced parody. Posters mocked currency. Slogans dripped with sarcasm, and memes that were once laughed off as simple jokes began to carry real weight, almost like political manifestos. But every sword casts a dreadful shadow as well. With satire came smear. Falsehoods spread like wildfire, targeting candidates, especially women, with venomous precision. The Election Commission intervened with warnings. It felt as if online missteps could carry the same weight as tampering with ballots. A sobering truth emerged - satire was no longer just harmless fun. It had become a fatal double-edged weapon, capable of ending someone’s career as easily as saving it. Faceless army: The bot Invasion Yet hidden behind the scene, a silent power directs the show. Bot armies, silent and relentless, amplify narratives, drown dissent and create illusions of consensus. A candidate’s popularity, or its perception at least, can be inflated in minutes. Critics can be buried beneath waves of coordinated noise. For the common voter scrolling through their feed, the line between genuine support and engineered approval has all but disappeared. Humor may lighten the meme wars, but distortion fuels them. And in this strange new arena, the opponent may not be another citizen; but an ‘Army of Shadows’. Election 2026: Rules of war rewritten As the nation steels itself for the 13th general election in 2026, the Election Commission has laid down a new code of combat. The old order is gone. Posters, festoons, and PVC banners - all summarily banished. Billboard ads, once towering symbols of influence, cut down to just twenty per constituency. Every social media handle must now be declared, every message subject to scrutiny. A single misleading post could summon not applause but imprisonment and a fine sharp enough to cripple a campaign. Clearly, the age of poster wars has ended. The age of meme wars has begun. No longer will victory belong to those who command the walls of a city. It will belong to those who command its feeds. Candidates who wield satire with skill and algorithms with precision will surge forward. Those clinging to the relics of the old world will fade into irrelevance. But the danger is stark as one careless meme can undo a career. One viral punchline can crown a leader. The margin between triumph and ruin has never been so thin. Warnings from Abroad Look abroad for signs of what may come. In Germany’s 2021 federal election, researchers documented how campaigns and disinformation used social media to sway voters. Platforms struggled to stem the tide of fake news flooding timelines. One study found that extra ad impressions on social media could shift vote shares by a few percentage points. (OUP Academic) Meanwhile, in Tanzania, ahead of its 2025 election, the government blocked access to X (formerly Twitter) after alleged “cyberattacks” — raising questions about whether this new “public square” can be shut down at will. These examples reveal both the promise and peril of digital politics: memes and algorithms can spark change, but they can also be captured, censored, or twisted by those in control. Perils of the ‘new age’ Yet the odyssey ahead is artful. The imposed regulations on ‘harmful content’ may become a stern shackle for dissent. Legions of bots could shake the very foundations of democracy, turning honest debate into a battlefield of deception. It is certain that the eco-friendly reforms will save the environment, but there lies risks of sidelining candidates who lack digital muscle to compete. Thus, the stage of Bangladeshi politics has been transformed. The festoon and the poster, once the lifeblood of campaigns, now surrender to social media, memes and hashtags. What once simply entertained has become a calculated strategy. What once adorned walls now shapes destinies. As the countdown to the 2026 election continues, one thing is clear - the real fight won’t be in crowded squares or noisy rallies, but in the digital feeds where stories are crafted, sharpened, and spread. And make no mistake, that battle is already underway. The streets may still reverberate with echoes, but the screens will be the dominant medium, for sure. And, in this kingdom of pixels and punchlines, the victor will not be the one who shouts the loudest, but the one who makes the world laugh, click and believe.