Even in the biting cold and gusty winds, followers of Inquilab Moncho remained steadfast at Shahbagh intersection on Friday night, pressing their demand for the arrest of all those responsible for the murder of their spokesperson, Sharif Osman bin Hadi. The platform, born out of last year’s student-led uprising that led to the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, announced it would continue its sit-in until justice is delivered. Addressing the crowd, Abdullah Al Jaber, member secretary of the Moncho, said: "We will stay here throughout the night. Blankets are being brought to keep everyone healthy. Hadi Bhai had purchased these during his lifetime for the destitute, but never got the chance to distribute them. After the programme, we will honour him by giving them to those in need." With a Dhaka University admission test scheduled for Saturday, Al Jaber added, "From 9am, we will ensure students can sit for exams, but the blockade will not be lifted." The Moncho began blocking Shahbagh intersection from 2pm Friday, drawing people from all walks of life to demand justice for Hadi, who had formed the platform in August last year and emerged as a prominent voice against the ousted Awami League and India. Hadi had also been actively campaigning for the upcoming national election from the Dhaka-8 seat before his untimely death. Protesters chanted slogans and recited poetry intermittently, including a moving recitation by Moncho member Mohammad Shahin, reflecting the fusion of political activism and cultural expression. Earlier, the Moncho had urged citizens nationwide via Facebook to join the sit-in, emphasising that the programme would continue until the murderers of Hadi – both planners and executors – were brought to justice. "This blockade is ongoing and will not end until justice is served. We have no option but to remain here. We will not leave the streets until all those involved in Hadi’s murder are arrested," Al Jaber warned. As the night wore on, Shahbagh remained a vivid scene of protest, with participants braving harsh weather to uphold the legacy of Hadi and demand accountability for his killing.

A concert by popular rock star James has been disrupted in Faridpur after an attack by what organisers described as “outsiders”. “At least 15 to 20 students were injured by the impact of the bricks. The event was scheduled for 9pm on Friday at the Faridpur District School campus, marking the 185th anniversary of the institution. Quoting the organising committee, bdneews24.com says the “outsiders” attempted to enter the venue and hurled brickbats in an effort to take over the stage. They were eventually forced to retreat by the students of the district school. Around 10pm, organising committee Convenor Mustafizur Rahman Shamim said the concert had been cancelled on the instruction of the Faridpur deputy commissioner. Rajibul Hasan Khan, head of the anniversary publicity and media subcommittee, said: “We had completed all preparations to make James’ concert a success. But we do not understand why, for what reason, or who carried out the attack.”

Israel on Friday became the first country to formally recognise the self-declared Republic of Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state—a move that could reshape regional politics and challenge Somalia’s longstanding opposition to its secession. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Israel would seek immediate cooperation with Somaliland in agriculture, health, technology, and economic development. In a statement, he congratulated Somaliland’s President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, praised his leadership, and extended an invitation for him to visit Israel. Netanyahu described the recognition as being “in the spirit of the Abraham Accords, signed at the initiative of President Trump.” The 2020 accords were brokered by Trump’s first administration and included Israel formalising diplomatic relations with the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, with other countries joining later. Netanyahu, Foreign Minister Gideon Saar and Somaliland’s president signed a joint declaration of mutual recognition, the Israeli statement said. Abdullahi said in a statement that Somaliland would join the Abraham Accords, calling it a step toward regional and global peace. He said Somaliland was committed to building partnerships, boosting mutual prosperity and promoting stability across the Middle East and Africa. Egypt said on Friday that Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty held phone calls with his counterparts from Somalia, Turkey, and Djibouti to discuss what they described as dangerous developments in the Horn of Africa following Israel’s decision to recognise Somaliland. According to Egypt’s foreign ministry, the ministers condemned Israel’s recognition, reaffirmed their full support for Somalia’s unity and territorial integrity, and warned that acknowledging breakaway regions threatens international peace and security. Somaliland has enjoyed effective autonomy, along with relative peace and stability, since 1991, when Somalia descended into civil war. However, despite functioning independently for over three decades, the breakaway region has remained unrecognised by any other country until Israel’s historic move. Over the years, Somalia has rallied international actors against any country recognising Somaliland. The former British protectorate hopes that recognition by Israel will encourage other nations to follow suit, increasing its diplomatic heft and access to international markets. In March, Somalia and its breakaway region of Somaliland also denied receiving any proposal from the United States or Israel to resettle Palestinians from Gaza, with Mogadishu saying it categorically rejected any such move.