A day after Bangladesh’s 13th parliamentary election schedule was announced, Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of the ‘Inquilab Moncho’, survived a gun attack allegedly aimed to kill him. Hadi, known for his vocal criticism of Indian influence and the ruling Awami League, was reportedly one of several political figures targeted in a planned series of assaults. Sources claim that credible intelligence about these threats had been conveyed to the government months earlier. According to reports, a UK-based lawyer with links to international security agencies had warned Bangladeshi authorities in September about possible attacks on Hadi, National Citizen Party organizer Hasnat Abdullah, and Amar Bangladesh Party’s secretary general Barrister Asaduzzaman Fuad. Despite repeated alerts and meetings with officials, no preventive measures were taken. Fuad confirmed they had informed the government but received no protection. The incident raises serious questions about pre-election security and the government’s responsiveness to credible threats. Observers warn that failure to act on such intelligence could heighten political tensions and undermine confidence in the upcoming polls.

The Liberation War memorial at Muharpara in Hili, Dinajpur, built in 2015 to honor the martyrs of the 1971 war, is now on the verge of collapse due to years of neglect and theft. The monument, constructed at a cost of about 4 million taka, has lost its iron gates and decorative metal parts, while plaster is peeling off its walls. Local freedom fighters and residents expressed deep concern over the deterioration, saying the site once symbolized the bravery of those who fought in one of the fiercest battles of the war. Veteran Liaquat Ali urged authorities to rebuild the memorial so future generations can remember the sacrifices made for independence. Residents also criticized the lack of administrative oversight, noting that even tiles and railings have been stolen. Hakimpur Upazila Executive Officer Ashok Bikram Chakma said the site has been inspected and renovation work will begin soon, including lighting installations, CCTV surveillance, and measures to prevent misuse of the premises.

Mirsarai Upazila in Chattogram is facing a critical shortage of assistant education officers, with eight out of nine sanctioned posts currently vacant. The lone officer in service is expected to remain until January, leaving the local primary education office under severe strain ahead of upcoming merit evaluation exams, the national election, and the annual textbook festival. The upazila, covering 482.88 square kilometers, includes 191 government primary schools, 45 kindergartens, two private primary schools, and six ibtedayi madrasas, serving around 34,000 students. Officials say the shortage of officers has disrupted regular school inspections and parent–teacher meetings, which previously helped maintain educational standards. Only one of six clerical positions is also filled, further hampering administrative work. Upazila Primary Education Officer A.K.M. Fazlul Haque warned that managing so many institutions with minimal staff will be extremely difficult during the upcoming events. He urged immediate recruitment of assistant education officers to ensure smooth operations and maintain educational quality.

Australia’s government has approved South Korea’s Hanwha Group to raise its stake in local shipbuilder Austal to 19.9%, while imposing strict conditions to limit foreign influence over the country’s key defense assets. The decision follows multiple failed takeover attempts by Hanwha, which already owns 9.9% of Austal. Finance Minister Jim Chalmers said the move aligns with national security interests and ensures Hanwha remains a minority shareholder. The approval has sparked debate within Australia’s defense community, with analysts warning that Hanwha’s growing presence could affect Austal’s operations and its U.S. business segment, which generates most of its revenue. Austal plays a central role in Australia’s naval modernization and holds major contracts with Japan’s Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, a direct competitor of Hanwha. Experts say Canberra’s decision signals a cautious openness to foreign investment but underscores the government’s intent to retain domestic control over strategic defense assets. Austal’s management has pledged to evaluate any future proposals carefully, balancing shareholder interests with national security priorities.

Despite the government’s decision to allow onion imports from India to curb soaring prices, retail rates in Bangladesh have remained stubbornly high. Over the past week, imported onions have entered the country through several land ports, yet both local and imported varieties continue to sell at Tk 120–150 per kilogram in Dhaka’s retail markets. According to the Department of Agricultural Extension, import permits (IPs) have been issued for 7,500 tons, though only about 3,000 tons have arrived so far. Officials attribute the delay to transport time from India’s Maharashtra region. Wholesalers report buying imported onions at Tk 95–98 per kg and selling to retailers at Tk 100–110, who then add further margins. Consumers express frustration that prices have not fallen despite imports, while traders cite limited supply and quality concerns. Market analysts suggest that sustained import flows could ease prices by the end of the week. However, they warn that weak monitoring and profit-seeking by importers may continue to delay relief for consumers.

Bangladesh’s tea sector, long affected by sluggish sales and low profitability, has seen a dramatic turnaround in recent weeks as national election activities drive record demand. In the latest three auctions, nearly 90% of tea offered was sold at the highest prices in years, with average rates reaching BDT 265.06 per kilogram—up from BDT 218.15 in the same period last year. Major buyers, including Abul Khair, Ispahani, and Meghna, have been aggressively purchasing and stockpiling tea ahead of the upcoming parliamentary polls. Industry insiders attribute the surge to a mix of election-related consumption, reduced production, and government adjustments to minimum auction prices. Tea production this year is estimated to be at least 10% lower than in 2023, when the country recorded its highest-ever output. Stakeholders say the short-term boom may help offset earlier losses but stress the need for long-term policy support to stabilize costs and sustain profitability. Economists note that election seasons traditionally stimulate rural and urban economies, with tea being a symbolic and practical staple of campaign activities. The trend is expected to continue through the winter months as political competition intensifies.

Agricultural economists and policy experts in Bangladesh have called for the establishment of an Agricultural Price Commission to stabilize crop prices and safeguard farmers’ incomes. The proposed commission would be responsible for setting fair prices for key agricultural products, ensuring that farmers receive adequate returns while maintaining market stability. The call comes amid growing concerns about fluctuating commodity prices, rising production costs, and the impact of climate change on agricultural yields. Analysts argue that a dedicated pricing body could help reduce middlemen’s influence and promote transparency in agricultural trade. They note that similar commissions in India and other countries have improved price predictability and rural livelihoods. Farmer associations have also voiced support, emphasizing that guaranteed minimum prices could prevent distress sales and encourage sustainable farming practices. If implemented, the commission could play a pivotal role in shaping long-term agricultural policy, improving food security, and reducing rural poverty. The government is expected to review the proposal before the next fiscal policy cycle.

An arson attack occurred early Saturday at the Lakshmipur District Election Office in Bangladesh, where an unidentified individual poured petrol and set fire to the ground-floor storage area. The blaze damaged several old voter registration documents and a discarded computer before being extinguished by staff members. Firefighters arrived after the fire was already under control, and no major casualties or structural damage were reported. District officials, including the deputy commissioner, police, and election officers, visited the site shortly after the incident. Returning Officer S.M. Mehedi Hasan and District Election Officer Md. Abdur Rashid confirmed the event, noting that the quick response prevented larger losses. Witnesses reported that the attacker entered the premises by climbing over the security gate around 3:55 a.m. Police have launched an operation to identify and arrest those responsible. Authorities said a formal investigation is underway to determine the motive behind the attack and to strengthen security measures at election offices across the district.

A mild cold wave has been sweeping across Panchagarh district in northern Bangladesh for three consecutive days, marking the season’s first significant temperature drop. On Saturday morning, the Tetulia Weather Office recorded a minimum temperature of 9.3°C, accompanied by occasional winds of 10–12 km/h. Despite sunshine during the day, the chill remains intense, particularly in the early morning and at night. Local residents, especially low-income workers such as sand laborers and easy-bike drivers, are struggling to cope with the cold. Many report delays in starting work due to the biting morning chill. According to Jitendranath Roy, acting officer at the Tetulia weather station, temperatures fell to around 8°C the previous day, confirming a mild cold wave in the region. He added that while sunshine offers some relief, colder conditions are expected to persist through the rest of December. Meteorologists warn that northern districts may face further temperature drops as winter deepens, potentially affecting daily livelihoods and agricultural activities.

Gono Odhikar Parishad General Secretary Rashed Khan stated that efforts to gain political advantage by shifting blame over the shooting of Inquilab Mancha spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi have failed. In a Facebook post on Friday, Khan said recent incidents show a growing trend of blaming political rivals for violent events to extract political benefits. He cited two recent incidents at Dhaka Medical College Hospital, where a journalist was wrongly accused of being Hadi’s assailant and attacked by a mob, and BNP candidate Mirza Abbas faced harassment from a group chanting hostile slogans. Khan expressed concern that without the presence of Chhatra Dal activists, Abbas might have faced a similar fate as the journalist. Khan warned that internal divisions among anti-fascist forces are giving the ruling Awami League more room for disruptive activities. He urged all political groups to resist fascism and work collectively to ensure that the upcoming national election is free from authoritarian influence.

A planned bilateral meeting between Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Russian President Vladimir Putin took an unexpected turn during an international forum in Turkmenistan marking the 30th anniversary of the country’s permanent neutrality. After reportedly waiting 40 minutes for his scheduled meeting, Sharif entered a closed-door discussion between Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, according to a video published by RT India. The footage, which quickly spread on social media, showed Sharif entering the room in apparent frustration, prompting online criticism and ridicule over what users described as a diplomatic breach. RT India later deleted the video, stating that it might have misrepresented the situation and caused misunderstanding. The incident occurred on the sidelines of a high-level gathering attended by leaders from Russia, Turkey, Iran, and Pakistan. While the exact circumstances remain unclear, the episode underscores the sensitivity of protocol in international diplomacy. Analysts note that such moments, even if unintended, can affect perceptions of state conduct and highlight the challenges of managing optics in multilateral settings.

Japan’s Meteorological Agency has issued a rare warning for a potential mega-earthquake, forecasting the possibility of a magnitude 8 or higher quake within the coming week. The alert follows a series of powerful tremors that recently struck northeastern Japan, including a 7.5-magnitude quake off the northern coast on Monday. Local authorities have strengthened emergency preparedness in coastal areas and urged residents to stay alert and follow safety instructions. Experts warn that the ongoing seismic activity could significantly impact millions in northern Japan. The country, located along the Pacific ‘Ring of Fire,’ experiences frequent earthquakes, but this is the first time such a high-level alert has been issued. Disaster management agencies are advising people to maintain safe distances from coastal zones and prepare emergency supplies. While no travel bans have been issued, several foreign governments have advised caution for travelers to Japan. The government remains on high alert, recalling the devastating 2011 quake and tsunami that killed over 18,000 people. Authorities emphasize that Japan’s early warning systems remain among the most advanced globally.

Independent Dhaka-8 parliamentary candidate and Inquilab Moncho spokesperson Sharif Osman Bin Hadi was critically injured in a gun attack on Friday. He is currently receiving treatment at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka. Reports reveal that authorities were previously warned about possible assassination attempts on several July Movement leaders, including Hadi, National Citizen Party organizer Hasnat Abdullah, and Amar Bangladesh Party secretary general Barrister Asaduzzaman Fuad. Despite credible intelligence shared by a UK-based lawyer, no preventive measures were taken. The lawyer, who claimed to have links with international security agencies, said he provided the government with detailed evidence of the threats in September. Fuad confirmed that they had repeatedly urged the authorities to launch a major anti-terror operation before the election, warning that isolated arrests would not ensure safety. Police sources suspect the involvement of an overseas-based hitman known as Philip, alias Garo Philip, and have launched a manhunt. Government officials have yet to comment publicly, though the Inspector General of Police stated that no such prior warning had been received. The incident has raised serious concerns about political security ahead of the national elections.

Twenty US state attorneys general have jointly filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, challenging its decision to raise the H-1B visa fee from $1,500 to $100,000. The suit, led by California Attorney General Rob Bonta and Massachusetts Attorney General Joy Campbell, argues that the drastic increase is unlawful, unnecessary, and harmful to both applicants and the US labor market. The H-1B visa program allows American companies to hire skilled foreign professionals, particularly in science, technology, engineering, and business. Major tech firms such as Amazon, Microsoft, Meta, Apple, and Google rely heavily on this program. Critics say the fee hike has discouraged applications and worsened labor shortages in education and healthcare sectors, where foreign expertise is vital. A recent survey found that 74% of US schools face shortages in specialized teaching fields. Legal experts expect the case to test the limits of federal authority over immigration-related fees. The outcome could influence future visa policies and the availability of skilled international talent in the US economy.

A powerful storm named Byron has struck the Gaza Strip, killing at least 14 people and worsening the already dire humanitarian situation in the war-ravaged enclave. The storm caused widespread destruction, collapsing homes, walls, and makeshift tents that serve as shelters for thousands of displaced residents. Many families are struggling without adequate clothing, fuel, or protection from the cold. According to Gaza’s Ministry of Interior, several deaths occurred when shelters and structures collapsed under strong winds and heavy rain. Al Jazeera reported that the storm has turned overcrowded shelters into death traps, with nearly 850,000 people at risk across 761 centers. The United Nations estimates that around 800,000 residents are now in extreme danger due to the lack of infrastructure and ongoing Israeli blockade. The combination of war damage, blockade, and severe weather has pushed Gaza’s humanitarian crisis to new extremes. Aid agencies warn that without immediate international assistance, the situation could deteriorate further as flooding and cold weather persist.