A newly mutated form of the H3N2 seasonal flu virus is spreading across continents, raising global health concerns. Experts report that this strain, which has undergone seven significant mutations, is contributing to a surge in flu cases in countries such as Japan and the United Kingdom. The virus’s rapid transmission is linked to reduced population immunity following years of limited exposure during the pandemic. Professor Derek Smith, director of the Pathogen Evolution Centre at the University of Cambridge, stated that this variant is almost certain to spread globally. Scientists note that while flu viruses often undergo minor changes, the current mutations appear to have significantly altered the virus’s behavior, making it more transmissible. Public health agencies are urging vaccination, hygiene measures, and early medical consultation to curb the spread. Health authorities are monitoring the situation closely, warning that the global rise in cases could strain healthcare systems. Updated vaccines and surveillance are being prioritized to mitigate potential outbreaks in the coming months.

The Bangladesh Election Commission (EC) has issued letters to secretaries of various ministries and departments, including the Cabinet Secretary and the Chief Adviser’s Principal Secretary, urging them to encourage eligible individuals to register for postal voting ahead of the 13th National Parliamentary Election and referendum scheduled for February 12. The initiative aims to facilitate voting for expatriates, government employees residing outside their constituencies, election officials on duty, and individuals in legal custody. According to the EC’s letter, signed by Additional Secretary K.M. Ali Newaz, eligible voters must register through the Postal Vote BD app by December 25, providing accurate mailing addresses to receive their ballots. Once registered, the EC will send ballots directly to the voters’ addresses. The commission has also requested ministries and departments to motivate their staff to complete registration and exercise their voting rights. As of now, 344,233 expatriates have successfully registered through the Postal Vote BD app. The EC expects this number to rise as awareness efforts continue through official channels and digital platforms.

A mobile court in Chattogram fined BNP candidate Nazmul Mostafa Amin BDT 50,000 for violating the electoral code of conduct. The incident occurred on Saturday, December 13, when Amin was traveling with supporters to attend a prayer gathering for BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s recovery. The convoy reportedly caused traffic congestion on a major highway, prompting intervention by the authorities. Executive Magistrate and Assistant Commissioner (Land) Mong Eshan led the operation, confirming that the candidate’s motorcycle showdown and public gathering breached election regulations announced after the official schedule was declared. The fine was imposed and collected on the spot. The Election Commission has repeatedly warned candidates against processions and showdowns that disrupt public order. This enforcement action underscores the administration’s effort to ensure compliance with campaign rules ahead of the upcoming national polls.

Bangladesh police have confirmed that Faisal Karim Masud, also known as Rahul, is the prime suspect in the shooting of Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of Inquilab Moncho and parliamentary candidate for Dhaka-8. The attack occurred in Bijoynagar, Dhaka, leaving Hadi critically injured. Authorities have increased surveillance around Faisal’s ancestral home in Keshabpur Union, Bauphal upazila, Patuakhali. According to police reports, Faisal’s family no longer resides in the area, having sold their property years ago. His current address is in Dhaka’s Adabor area, where he also faces a separate legal case. The suspect’s personal details and photo circulated widely on social media, sparking public concern and debate across the country. Superintendent of Police Md. Abu Yusuf stated that law enforcement is closely monitoring the situation to prevent unrest. Investigators are verifying all leads before taking further action. The incident has heightened security awareness in both Dhaka and Patuakhali as authorities pursue the shooter’s whereabouts.

Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir Secretary General Nurul Islam Saddam has alleged that Sharif Osman Hadi, a key figure in the so-called July Revolution, was attacked by a 'secret and banned force.' Speaking at a memorial discussion in Noakhali’s Companiganj on Saturday, Saddam said Hadi had long been a fearless voice against domination and oppression. Saddam recalled that just days before Hadi was shot, he had expressed fears of a conspiracy to kill him. Despite repeated warnings to remain cautious, Hadi reportedly said that death was destined by divine will and that he preferred to die on the streets rather than inside his home. The Shibir leader prayed for Hadi’s recovery and vowed that the organization’s commitment to sacrifice and resistance would not weaken. The event commemorated seven Shibir activists killed in a 2013 clash with police and ruling party members in Companiganj. Local Jamaat-e-Islami leaders and Shibir officials attended, reiterating their pledge to continue their movement despite past losses.

Bangladesh has strongly condemned a recent airstrike on a hospital in Myanmar’s Rakhine State that killed at least 34 people and injured more than 80. The attack, reportedly carried out on a facility controlled by the Arakan Army in Mrauk-U town, drew sharp concern from Dhaka over escalating violence and violations of international humanitarian law. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed condolences to the victims’ families and sympathy for the injured in a statement issued on Saturday. The Myanmar military has not commented on the incident, which comes amid renewed clashes between the junta and ethnic armed groups across the country. Bangladesh emphasized the need to protect all civilians and civilian infrastructure, urging restraint and adherence to humanitarian norms. Dhaka also called for safeguarding all communities in Rakhine, including Rohingya and Rakhine ethnic groups. Observers note that the attack may further strain regional stability and complicate repatriation efforts for Rohingya refugees currently sheltering in Bangladesh.

The High Court has granted bail to listed top Chattogram crime suspect Sajjad Hossain, known as 'Chhoto Sajjad', and his wife Sharmin Akter Tamanna in four sensational murder cases. Although the bail orders were issued in mid-September 2024, the documents only reached Chattogram Central Jail on December 13, revealing the matter publicly after nearly two and a half months. Court and prison officials confirmed that the delay occurred because the bail papers were not promptly forwarded to the relevant courts or prisons. Sajjad faces 19 cases, including 10 for murder, while his wife is accused in at least eight cases. Both remain detained—Sajjad in Rajshahi Jail and Tamanna in Feni Jail—pending verification of the bail documents. The High Court bench of Justices Mostafa Zaman Islam and Yusuf Abdullah Suman granted the bail until final rule disposal. The delayed transmission of bail orders has raised questions about procedural transparency and coordination between court offices and prisons. Legal observers expect internal reviews to ensure timely communication in future high-profile cases.

Bangladesh’s interim government has ordered maximum border vigilance following an armed attack on Sharif Osman Hadi, an independent parliamentary candidate for Dhaka-8. Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus directed security agencies to prevent the attackers from fleeing the country, prompting heightened surveillance at the Akhaura International Immigration Checkpost and along the Brahmanbaria and Cumilla frontiers. The directive came after an emergency meeting at the state guesthouse Jamuna, attended by key advisers and senior law enforcement and intelligence officials. Dr. Yunus described the attack as a deliberate assault on the nation’s democratic process and instructed authorities to ensure the perpetrators are swiftly apprehended. Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) units, particularly the 60th Battalion in Sultanpur, have intensified patrols, vehicle checks, and identity verifications to block any escape routes. Officials confirmed that immigration police are scrutinizing all passport holders crossing through Akhaura. The government’s rapid response underscores its intent to maintain order and demonstrate zero tolerance for political violence ahead of the upcoming election period.

Inquilab Manch, a political platform led by Sharif Osman Hadi, organized a protest rally in Dhaka on Saturday following an armed attack on Hadi, an independent aspirant for the Dhaka-8 constituency in the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. The rally, titled 'Outraged Citizens’ Assembly and Mass Resistance,' took place in front of the National Museum at Shahbagh, drawing supporters and political activists demanding justice. Speakers at the event, including AB Party’s General Secretary Barrister Asaduzzaman Fuad, NCP organizer Hasnat Abdullah, and journalist Mahmudur Rahman, condemned the attack and criticized mainstream political parties for fostering a culture of impunity. They called for unity against what they described as “cultural fascism” and external political influence. Dhaka University student leader Fatema Tasnim Juma urged continued resistance in defense of sovereignty and democracy. Hadi was shot in the Bijoynagar area on Friday, a day after the election schedule was announced. He remains in critical condition at a private hospital in Dhaka. Police have yet to identify the assailants, and investigations are ongoing.

Dr. Mahmudur Rahman, editor of the Bangladeshi newspaper *Amar Desh*, has demanded the immediate arrest of those responsible for the recent attack on activist Hadi. Speaking at a rally organized by Inqilab Mancha in Dhaka’s Shahbagh on Saturday, Rahman said he had prayed for Hadi’s recovery, describing him as a symbol of the 'July Revolution.' He announced a nationwide protest on December 15 at the Central Shaheed Minar if the attackers are not apprehended within 48 hours. Rahman accused the interim government of failing to protect July movement activists, alleging that prior warnings about threats to Hadi were ignored. He criticized what he called 'Indian hegemony' and 'Awami fascism,' urging an all-party alliance to resist such forces. Rahman also pledged to continue Hadi’s cultural initiatives, including a center promoting intellectual resistance among youth. The upcoming December 15 rally is expected to set the tone for a renewed opposition movement ahead of Bangladesh’s Victory Day, with Rahman promising to announce a new phase of political mobilization.

Bangladesh Election Commissioner Abdur Rahmanel Mashud stated that the recent attack on Sharif Osman Hadi, a potential candidate for Dhaka-8 and convener of the Inquilab Manch, will not significantly influence the upcoming national elections. Speaking to Jamuna Television on Saturday, Mashud emphasized that isolated incidents should not undermine confidence in the electoral process and called for stronger law and order measures. The commissioner noted that maintaining public trust is essential for credible results, urging security agencies to ensure a peaceful environment. The attack occurred on Friday in Bijoynagar, Dhaka, where unidentified assailants shot Hadi, leaving him critically injured. Doctors have placed him under intensive observation for 48 to 72 hours, and his condition remains unstable, according to hospital sources. Authorities have yet to release detailed information about the investigation, but the Election Commission reiterated its commitment to ensuring fair and secure elections despite the incident.

Retired Major and former BNP lawmaker Akhtaruzzaman has formally joined Jamaat-e-Islami, describing the Islamist party as 'patriotic' and rejecting claims that it opposed Bangladesh’s 1971 Liberation War. The announcement came Saturday at Jamaat’s central office in Dhaka’s Moghbazar, where Akhtaruzzaman met party chief Shafiqur Rahman and completed membership formalities. Once a vocal critic of Jamaat, Akhtaruzzaman said he left the BNP in protest against what he called Tarique Rahman’s false statements about Jamaat’s wartime role. He argued that the Liberation War was fought against Pakistani forces, not Jamaat, and accused BNP leaders of inconsistency and opportunism in their political alliances. He also alleged that Jamaat, like the BNP, has faced persecution under the Awami League government. His defection highlights renewed political realignments following recent opposition setbacks. Analysts say Akhtaruzzaman’s move could signal attempts by Islamist and nationalist factions to rebuild alliances amid growing pressure on opposition parties after August 5 political developments.

Bangladesh’s education ministry advisor Bidhan Ranjan Roy Poddar stated that the Pay Commission will determine the final decision on primary teachers’ demand for 11th grade pay status. Speaking to reporters after a training certificate ceremony at the National Academy for Primary Education (NAPE) in Mymensingh, he said the government has communicated its position to the commission and expects the issue to be implemented soon. He also noted that teachers have withdrawn their protests after understanding the process. Poddar added that nearly all new textbooks for primary students have reached district levels and will be distributed nationwide on January 1. He announced the launch of a pre-service “Diploma in Primary Education (DPEd)” course from January, aimed at improving teacher quality and professionalism. The advisor further mentioned that Bangladesh plans to introduce a teacher licensing system similar to medical licensing, ensuring that only trained and qualified individuals enter the profession, aligning with global best practices.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has called on citizens to observe Martyred Intellectuals Day on December 14 and Victory Day on December 16 with solemnity and national pride. In a statement released on December 13, he paid tribute to those who sacrificed their lives for the country’s independence and sovereignty, describing the two days as symbols of sacrifice, struggle, and glory. Rahman emphasized the enduring significance of these national days in Bangladesh’s history and urged people to organize discussions, gatherings, and prayer meetings to mark the occasions. He extended greetings to the nation and expressed hopes for peace and prosperity. Referring to recent political changes, he noted that the country stands at a crossroads after mass movements ended what he termed a “fascist regime.” The Jamaat chief also warned against domestic and foreign conspiracies to destabilize the nation, citing a recent attack on Sharif Osman Hadi as an example. The party announced a three-day program including seminars and a youth marathon in Dhaka to commemorate the events.

A 15-member medical board at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka has announced an 11-point treatment plan for independent Dhaka-8 parliamentary candidate Sharif Osman Hadi, who remains in critical condition after suffering a gunshot wound to the head. The hospital confirmed that Hadi was transferred from Dhaka Medical College Hospital following surgery and is now under intensive post-operative care in the critical care unit. According to the board’s statement, Hadi’s brain has sustained severe damage, requiring conservative management under brain protection protocols. His lungs and kidneys are being closely monitored, while blood pressure and heart rate fluctuations are being managed with supportive care. The board expressed gratitude to Dhaka Medical College doctors for their earlier intervention and urged the public to avoid speculation or hospital visits. The medical team emphasized that Hadi’s condition remains extremely precarious. Family members have been briefed on his status and may share updates with the media. The hospital appealed for prayers and respect for the patient’s privacy as treatment continues.