Bangladesh has suspended visa services for Indian citizens through its High Commission in New Delhi, according to diplomatic sources on Monday, December 22, 2025. The move follows a series of tense exchanges between Dhaka and New Delhi after recent political and security incidents that have strained bilateral relations. The decision comes amid growing friction following reports that India provided refuge to several former Bangladeshi political figures and military officers. Tensions rose further after the killing of activist Sharif Osman Bin Hadi earlier in December, which triggered nationwide protests in Bangladesh. Demonstrations also occurred outside the Indian High Commission in Dhaka, while extremist groups allegedly threatened Bangladesh’s envoy in Delhi. Bangladesh’s Foreign Ministry summoned the Indian High Commissioner to protest the threats, prompting a reciprocal summons by India. Analysts view the visa suspension as a significant diplomatic signal that could affect cross-border travel, trade, and cooperation if the standoff continues.

National Citizen Party (NCP) labor wing leader Md. Motaleb Shikdar was shot and injured in Khulna on Monday afternoon. Initially claiming he was attacked on the street, police later determined the shooting occurred inside a residence in the Sonadanga area. Motaleb was admitted to Khulna Medical College Hospital and is now out of danger, according to doctors. Investigators found no evidence at the alleged street scene but discovered a bullet casing, liquor bottles, and drug paraphernalia inside the home of a woman named Tonni, identified as a known drug dealer. Police believe Motaleb had a personal connection with her and frequently visited the house. CCTV footage showed Motaleb and others entering the residence the previous night. Authorities suspect an internal dispute led to the shooting. Law enforcement continues to search for Tonni, who fled after locking the house. Police officials said the motive remains unclear but confirmed that forensic and digital evidence are being analyzed to identify all those involved.

A Chattogram court has ordered the formal arrest of listed top criminal Sajjad Hossain, known as ‘Chhoto Sajjad,’ and his wife Sharmin Tamanna in connection with another murder case. The order was issued on Sunday by Metropolitan Magistrate Abu Bakkar Siddique after a virtual hearing. Both accused are currently in separate prisons—Sajjad in Rajshahi and Tamanna in Feni—and were not physically presented in court due to security concerns. According to prosecutors, the case involves the killing of madrasa student Nizam Uddin during an anti-discrimination movement in the city’s New Market area on August 5 last year. Police investigations linked Sajjad and Tamanna to the murder, prompting the court to approve their arrest in this case. Sajjad faces 19 criminal cases, including 10 for murder, while Tamanna is accused in eight cases. Both were previously granted bail in seven murder cases, but the High Court later suspended those bail orders. The latest court order reinforces the state’s stance on pursuing high-profile crime cases and signals tighter scrutiny of bail processes for repeat offenders.

An Air India Boeing 777-300ER bound for Mumbai was forced to return to Delhi shortly after takeoff when pilots detected a sudden drop in oil pressure in the aircraft’s right engine. India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) confirmed that the plane landed safely and that a detailed investigation into the incident is underway. The regulator stated that the pilots followed standard safety procedures, shutting down the affected engine and operating the aircraft on a single engine, as modern jets are designed to do safely. The aircraft, reportedly about 15 years old, is now undergoing technical inspection. Air India expressed regret for the inconvenience caused to passengers and assured full cooperation with the inquiry. The incident comes as Air India faces heightened scrutiny following a June crash involving a Boeing Dreamliner that killed 260 people. DGCA has previously flagged multiple safety lapses at the airline, and this latest event is expected to intensify oversight of its maintenance and operational practices.

Russia’s government has formally authorized its Defense Ministry to terminate a series of bilateral military cooperation agreements signed with several European countries between 1992 and 2002. The annulled accords include those with Germany, Poland, Norway, Denmark, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Belgium, Croatia, Romania, Bulgaria, and the Czech Republic. The move marks a symbolic end to the post-Cold War framework that once sought to foster mutual security and transparency between Moscow and Western capitals. According to Russia’s Defense Ministry, the decision reflects the shifting geopolitical reality and the deterioration of relations with NATO member states. Analysts note that the cancellation underscores Moscow’s pivot toward its own security alliances, particularly the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), which includes Belarus and other former Soviet republics. European officials have yet to issue a coordinated response, though observers view the step as further evidence of deepening East-West estrangement. The decision may complicate future arms control or confidence-building measures in Europe, reinforcing the divide between Russia and NATO and signaling a long-term restructuring of regional security architecture.

Bangladesh police have arrested 44 leaders and activists of the banned Awami League and its affiliated organizations across the Rangpur division during a 24-hour operation named 'Operation Devil Hunt Phase-2'. The arrests took place between Sunday morning and Monday morning across seven districts, including Rangpur, Gaibandha, Kurigram, Lalmonirhat, Nilphamari, Dinajpur, Thakurgaon, and Panchagarh. According to Rangpur Range DIG Aminul Islam, those detained include several local leaders such as union presidents, general secretaries, and youth and student wing officials. Police stated that the detainees are accused in multiple cases related to murder, attempted murder, and anti-terrorism charges linked to the anti-discrimination student movement. Authorities confirmed that the operation will continue, emphasizing a zero-tolerance stance toward banned political groups. The arrests mark one of the largest coordinated crackdowns in northern Bangladesh since the party’s activities were outlawed, signaling intensified enforcement ahead of potential political unrest.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman will apply for voter registration on December 27, according to BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed. He made the announcement after a meeting with Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A.M.M. Nasir Uddin at the Election Commission office in Agargaon on Monday. Ahmed clarified that December 27 falls on a Saturday, when all Election Commission offices remain open during the election period, allowing Rahman to complete his voter registration or related formalities that day. Responding to questions about law and order, he emphasized that maintaining security is primarily the government’s responsibility, though the Election Commission has authority over official transfers during elections. The BNP leader expressed hope for a peaceful and festive electoral environment, urging the government to ensure free and fair participation. He added that both the party and the public expect improved law and order as the election approaches.

A senior Russian military officer, General Fanil Sarvarov, was killed in a car bomb explosion in Moscow early Monday morning. The blast occurred around 6:55 a.m. local time on Yasenovaya Street, destroying his vehicle and damaging several others nearby. Sarvarov, who headed the General Staff’s Operational Training Directorate, was initially found critically injured but died shortly after. Russian investigators have opened a criminal case into the incident. Authorities in Moscow suspect that Ukrainian special forces may have been behind the attack, though Kyiv has not issued any official comment. Sarvarov had previously played a key role in planning and executing Russian military operations in Syria between 2015 and 2016 before assuming his current post in 2016. The explosion has heightened security concerns in the Russian capital amid ongoing tensions with Ukraine. Analysts suggest the killing could further strain Moscow-Kyiv relations and prompt tighter internal security measures. Investigations are ongoing to determine the perpetrators and possible cross-border links.

Leaders from Bangladesh’s media, political, and civil society sectors have demanded immediate legal action against those responsible for recent attacks on the offices of Prothom Alo and The Daily Star. The call came during a joint protest meeting titled “Bangladesh Affected by Mob Violence,” organized by the Editors’ Council at a Dhaka hotel on Monday. Speakers, including BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, described the assaults as direct attacks on democracy and freedom of expression. Alamgir urged unity against what he termed conspiracies to silence the press. Jamaat-e-Islami Assistant Secretary General Advocate Ehsanul Mahbub Zobayer also condemned the incidents, recalling previous attacks on journalists and editors. Participants from political parties, human rights groups, business associations, and civic organizations expressed concern over the rise of mob violence in Bangladesh. Observers warned that repeated assaults on the media could further erode public trust and democratic accountability if perpetrators are not swiftly brought to justice.

The Inqilab Mancha has demanded the formation of a special judicial tribunal within 24 hours to ensure a fair and speedy trial in the murder case of Shahid Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of the July Revolutionary and Inqilab Mancha. At a press conference held in front of the National Museum in Dhaka, the group’s member-secretary Abdullah Al Jaber urged the government to seek assistance from international agencies such as the FBI or Scotland Yard if local investigators fail to deliver results. Jaber described the Hadi killing as a critical test for post-July Bangladesh, warning that public trust in state institutions would erode further without visible judicial progress. He accused some quarters of attempting to divert attention from the case and insisted that no national election should be held before justice is served. He also called for transparency regarding obstacles to the investigation and urged the government to use extradition treaties to bring suspects back if they have fled abroad. The group issued a 24-hour ultimatum, threatening to continue street protests if the government fails to respond satisfactorily.

A Mymensingh court has granted a three-day remand for 12 individuals arrested in connection with the killing of garment worker Dipu Chandra Das, 27, in Bhaluka. Senior Judicial Magistrate Shahadat Hossain issued the order after police sought five days of remand to investigate the planning and instigation behind the murder. Investigators aim to identify external organizers and those who allegedly incited the violence. According to police and family sources, Dipu, an employee of Pioneer Knitwears (BD) Ltd, was beaten and killed after being accused of blasphemy. His family claims the allegation was fabricated to silence his activism for workers’ rights. CCTV footage reportedly shows that many attackers were outsiders, suggesting the violence was premeditated rather than spontaneous. The case has sparked concern among labor rights advocates, who view it as an alarming example of how workplace disputes can be manipulated through religious provocation. Authorities are under pressure to ensure a transparent investigation and to hold both perpetrators and complicit factory officials accountable.

Bangladesh’s Home Affairs Adviser Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury said authorities remain uncertain about the whereabouts of Faisal Karim Masud, the prime suspect in the killing of July uprising leader Sharif Osman Hadi. Faisal may still be in the country or may have fled abroad, he told reporters after the 18th meeting of the Law and Order Advisory Committee. Ten people, including Faisal’s family members and associates, have been arrested so far in connection with the murder. The adviser emphasized that the government is prioritizing justice for Hadi’s killing while maintaining maximum security ahead of the national election, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve. Operation Devil Hunt Phase–2, launched on December 13, has led to over 13,500 arrests and the recovery of illegal weapons and explosives. Security has been reinforced at churches, media offices, and major city areas. Officials said law enforcement remains on high alert to prevent violence, extortion, and political unrest as the election approaches, with special training and surveillance measures already in place.

Pakistan has intensified diplomatic consultations with regional partners Turkey and Iran regarding the proposed Gaza peace plan under U.S. President Donald Trump’s framework. Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar confirmed separate phone discussions with his Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, focusing on humanitarian relief, ceasefire stability, and long-term regional security. According to Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry, the country remains actively engaged with allies to ensure sustained humanitarian access and a durable truce in Gaza. Turkey continues to lead regional calls for an immediate ceasefire and international protection for Palestinians. Meanwhile, Islamabad clarified that no final decision has been made on contributing troops to any multinational force and emphasized it would not participate in operations targeting Hamas or other Palestinian resistance groups. Pakistan reaffirmed its support for a two-state solution based on pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as the capital of an independent Palestinian state. The consultations highlight growing regional coordination amid uncertainty over the implementation of the U.S.-backed peace initiative.

Bangladesh’s Shipping Adviser Brigadier General (Retd.) Dr. M Sakhawat Hossain has called for dismantling entrenched systems surrounding the nation’s ports, alleging that a long-standing mafia network continues to dominate operations. Speaking at the 48th annual general meeting of the Bangladesh Shipping Corporation (BSC) in Chattogram, he said the same group of officials and business figures have maintained control for decades, hindering reform and innovation. Hossain highlighted that BSC has achieved its highest net profit in its 53-year history, a milestone that has emboldened the corporation to invest in new vessels. He emphasized that such financial strength should be used to modernize management and bring in new leadership. The meeting was also attended by Shipping Ministry Secretary Dr. Nurun Nahar Chowdhury. The adviser’s remarks signal growing government intent to reform port governance and curb corruption. Analysts suggest that implementing structural changes could improve efficiency and transparency in Bangladesh’s maritime trade sector.

Ganosamhati Andolon chief coordinator Jonayed Saki has declared that the people of Bangladesh will not accept any attempt to establish religious fascism. Speaking at a protest rally in front of the National Press Club on Monday, Saki accused reactionary forces of trying to destabilize the country and derail the upcoming elections through violence and intimidation, including the recent killing of activist Usman Hadi. Saki criticized the government for remaining silent on attacks against media outlets and for failing to arrest Hadi’s killers. He warned that if justice is not ensured, the government must be held accountable. The activist leader also condemned the arson attack in Lakshmipur that killed a child, linking such incidents to broader attempts to spread fear and political instability. He further alleged that some groups are attempting to become “new fascists” and that neighboring India’s rise of religious nationalism could influence similar trends in Bangladesh. Saki reaffirmed his party’s commitment to fighting fascism and defending democratic reform and justice.