More than 100 passengers were rescued after a passenger launch became stranded on a shoal in the middle of the Padma River due to dense fog on Friday night. The vessel, named ‘ML Mizanur,’ had departed from Daulatdia launch terminal in Rajbari’s Goalanda upazila for Paturia in Manikganj around 7:45 p.m. when it lost direction near the Kolbagan area opposite Daulatdia ferry terminal No. 7. Responding to a 999 call, a team from the Daulatdia River Police began a rescue operation using a trawler despite poor visibility.

According to police sources, the rescue team, led by SI Mehedi Hasan Apurbo and ASI Ashok Dutta, reached the stranded launch around midnight with the help of artificial lighting. Passengers were safely transferred to trawlers and brought to the Daulatdia bus stand area. Officer-in-Charge Trinath Saha confirmed that no injuries or damage occurred during the incident.

Authorities temporarily suspended all ferry and water transport operations on the Padma River due to the heavy fog. The Daulatdia River Police continued public announcements and maintained round-the-clock safety measures in the area.

A severe winter storm named Devin caused major travel disruptions across the United States on Friday, leading to the cancellation of 1,802 flights and delays to more than 22,000 others, according to Reuters. The storm struck during the Christmas holiday season, heavily affecting the northeastern region. The worst disruptions occurred at John F. Kennedy International, Newark Liberty, and LaGuardia airports, where more than half of all cancellations and delays were reported. JetBlue canceled 225 flights, Delta 212, Republic Airways 157, American Airlines 146, and United Airlines 97.

Airline representatives said ticket change fees were waived for affected passengers. JetBlue reported canceling about 350 flights over two days, mostly in the northeastern United States. The storm also impacted Boston, Chicago, and Toronto in Canada. Authorities declared states of emergency in parts of New Jersey and New York as the National Weather Service forecast four to five inches of snow from New Jersey through southern Connecticut.

By Friday evening, snowfall reached seven inches in New York’s Pawling and Wolcott and 6.5 inches in Waterbury, Connecticut, with snow, rain, and ice expected to continue into early Saturday.

Two female students at Kolkata’s Jadavpur University have alleged that they were harassed for wearing hijabs during an English examination. According to the report, the head of the English department, Shashwati Haldar, ordered one student to remove her hijab in a crowded classroom after another student was found with a headphone. Despite the student’s denial, she was taken to another room and searched, but no prohibited items were found. A second hijab-wearing student faced similar treatment and was subjected to uncomfortable questions. Both students said the incident caused them to lose 15–20 minutes of exam time.

Following the incident, fellow students staged a protest during the university convocation, holding posters reading “My Body My Choice” and “Say No to Islamophobia.” They also submitted a complaint to the vice-chancellor, condemning the selective search of only hijab-wearing students while others with hoodies and coats were not checked. The report described the event as part of a growing trend of Islamophobia in West Bengal, comparing it to incidents in other Indian states.

The article also referenced a recent case in Bihar where a minister publicly removed a woman’s hijab, highlighting broader concerns about minority treatment in India.

A powerful winter storm has disrupted daily life across the northeastern United States, prompting emergency declarations in parts of New York and New Jersey. The U.S. weather service forecasted between four and five inches of snow from New Jersey through New York City to southern Connecticut. As of Friday evening, heavy snow, rain, and ice were affecting the region and were expected to continue until early Saturday.

According to the weather department, by 8:15 p.m. Friday, seven inches of snow had been recorded in Pawling, New York, 6.5 inches in Waterbury, Connecticut, and seven inches in Wolcott, New York. New York Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency in more than half of the state, covering 36 counties, including all five boroughs of New York City.

Forecasts indicated that snow would persist through Saturday morning, with the Mid-Hudson, New York City, and Long Island areas expected to see the heaviest accumulation. Snowfall could reach 4 to 8 inches in many areas, with some places seeing up to a foot, raising concerns about power outages and accidents.

In Sariakandi upazila of Bogura, women from 117 chars along the Jamuna River are leading a quiet revolution in agriculture. They work across the sandy river islands, cultivating crops and contributing significantly to the rural economy. From seedbed preparation to harvesting and threshing, women now participate equally with men in nearly all farming activities, helping bring stability and prosperity to their families.

Despite their vital role, these women face deep-rooted wage discrimination. Female laborers report earning only 200 to 260 taka per day, while men receive 500 to 600 taka for the same work. Local sources note that both government and non-government organizations are conducting advocacy programs to raise awareness about women’s rights, but wage inequality remains unresolved. Agricultural officer Mohammad Ali Jinnah praised the women’s skill and dedication, emphasizing that ensuring fair pay could further strengthen the rural economy.

Observers believe that addressing wage disparity would not only recognize women’s true contribution but also enhance national agricultural productivity.

Mohammad Hossain, a young farmer from Purba Charumed in Lalmohan’s Ramaganj Union of Bhola, has achieved notable success in jujube cultivation. Over the past five years, he has expanded his orchard to 160 decimals of land, growing four varieties of jujube—Bol Sundari, Thai Apple Kul, China Tok-Mishti Kul, and Bharat Sundari. Despite unfavorable weather this year, his yield has been the highest among local growers, and he expects to sell around Tk 1.6 million worth of jujube this season.

Hossain began his venture on one acre of fallow land and gradually expanded due to consistent profits. He has already sold 2,000 kilograms of China Tok-Mishti Kul for about Tk 250,000, with wholesale prices at Tk 130 per kilogram and retail at Tk 150. His success has motivated 16 other farmers from nearby areas to start jujube cultivation under his guidance, receiving hands-on training and advice from him.

According to Lalmohan Upazila Agriculture Officer Abu Hasnain, Hossain’s orchard is managed hygienically and produces sweet, juicy fruits. The agriculture office has pledged full support to anyone interested in starting commercial jujube farming in the area.

The 35-kilometer Chandpur-Shariatpur four-lane road project has remained stalled for five years due to financial shortages, land acquisition complications, and administrative paralysis. Approved in the 2019–2020 fiscal year with a budget of Tk 860 crore, the project aimed to expand the road from Shariatpur’s Monohar Bazar to Vedarganj’s Ibrahimpur. Only six kilometers of work have been completed, leaving 29 kilometers unfinished and causing severe suffering for residents across 21 southern and southwestern districts.

According to the Roads and Highways Department (RHD), Tk 431.68 crore was allocated for acquiring 95.85 hectares of land, but Tk 430.29 crore was spent acquiring only 49 hectares. The remaining 46.85 hectares require an additional Tk 300 crore, which was not included in the original budget. Many landowners have received only acquisition notices without compensation, leaving them unable to sell or repair their properties.

Officials said the project’s tenure has been extended three times, with the current term ending on December 31, 2025. The RHD has requested another extension and a revision of the Development Project Proposal (DPP) to secure additional funds and restart the tendering process.

Two separate fires broke out within one night at Rohingya camps in Ukhiya, Cox’s Bazar, destroying a hospital and at least five houses. The first incident occurred early Friday at the D Block of Madhurchhara Camp No. 4, where a hospital was completely burned down along with valuable medical equipment. Firefighters and local residents brought the blaze under control after about two and a half hours. The previous night, another fire at Kutupalong registered camp’s B Block destroyed five houses. No casualties were reported in either incident.

The destroyed hospital, known as Obat Health Post, was established in 2017 by Obat Helpers USA for newly displaced Rohingya refugees. It was being operated by Obat Helpers Bangladesh with support from Human International USA and the camp administration. Officials said the cause of the fire remains under investigation. Local residents expressed deep concern as the facility had been a key source of free healthcare for both Rohingya and nearby communities.

Authorities have pledged to rehabilitate the damaged health center quickly and prepare a list of affected individuals for necessary assistance.

Farmers in the Padma char areas of Veramara upazila in Kushtia are facing financial losses despite achieving a bumper onion harvest this season. The losses have been attributed to the government’s decision to import onions from India, which has caused local market prices to fall sharply. Farmers have urged the government to suspend onion imports for two months to help them recover their costs.

According to local sources, 255 hectares of land in Veramara upazila were cultivated with murikata onions this season, with farmers expecting yields of 70 to 80 maunds per bigha. Although favorable weather supported strong production, rising costs of fertilizer, pesticides, and labor have increased overall expenses. Farmers who took loans from NGOs now fear they will be unable to repay them due to the price drop. Some reported potential losses of up to five lakh taka.

Upazila agriculture officer Mahamuda Sultana confirmed that government incentives and technical support helped achieve the cultivation target and good yields. However, she noted that the high yield and ongoing imports have contributed to lower market prices.

A major fire broke out on the passenger ship MV Atlantic bound for Saint Martin from Cox’s Bazar early Saturday morning. The incident occurred at 6:20 a.m. at the North Nuniachhara BIWTA jetty, just before passengers were to board. Fire Service, Coast Guard, district administration, BIWTA, and Department of Environment officials brought the blaze under control around 9:30 a.m.

According to officials, the MV Atlantic and another vessel, LCT Kajol, were scheduled to carry 194 passengers to Saint Martin Island. After the fire, more than a hundred passengers were transferred to other ships—Keari Cruise & Dine, Keari Sindbad, and Bay Cruise. Nasir Uddin, an official of Atlantic Bay Cruise, said the fire started suddenly in the engine room while the ship was moving from anchorage to the jetty, though the cause remains unknown.

Authorities announced that passengers unable to travel on Saturday would be sent to Saint Martin on Sunday to avoid disorder. Senior district officials, including the Additional District Magistrate, visited the site following the incident.

A mild cold wave is sweeping across several districts of Bangladesh, including Jessore, Chuadanga, Gopalganj, Rajshahi, Pabna, Sirajganj, and Nilphamari, and is expected to continue until Saturday. The Bangladesh Meteorological Department reported that temperatures have fallen significantly over the past five days, with Dhaka recording around 13 degrees Celsius on Friday. In at least two districts, temperatures dropped below 10 degrees Celsius, marking the lowest of the season.

According to the weather office, the cold conditions are being influenced by a subcontinental high-pressure zone. The forecast for the next 120 hours warns of moderate to dense fog in parts of the country, which may temporarily disrupt air, river, and road transport. The lowest temperature was recorded at about 9 degrees Celsius in Tetulia, Panchagarh, while similar conditions were observed in Jessore.

The cold has severely affected daily life, particularly in northern Bangladesh, where low-income and floating populations are suffering the most. The intensity of cold and fog is expected to increase further in the coming days.

Bangladesh’s Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has filed several cases against former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal’s son, Shafi Modassir Khan Jyoti, for allegedly amassing vast illegal wealth and manipulating government tenders. Following the July Revolution, the ACC began investigating senior figures of the former Awami League government, identifying Jyoti as a key suspect. He was arrested in Ashulia on 14 September 2024 while reportedly planning to flee the country. ACC investigations found that Jyoti and his father possessed undeclared assets worth nearly Tk 20 crore and conducted suspicious transactions exceeding Tk 84 crore through various bank accounts.

The ACC’s probe revealed that Jyoti controlled a network led by his associate Selim, who managed tender manipulation and bribery across law enforcement and public procurement sectors. The syndicate allegedly extorted money from businesses, including restaurants in Dhaka’s Dhanmondi and Karwan Bazar areas. ACC has also submitted a charge sheet accusing Kamal, his wife, and children of acquiring Tk 22 crore in illegal assets and laundering Tk 87 crore. Further cases allege Tk 60 crore in unaccounted wealth and over Tk 416 crore in suspicious transactions linked to the family.

ACC officials confirmed that investigations into Jyoti and his associates’ corruption activities remain ongoing.

Police in Ramu upazila of Cox’s Bazar arrested six Rohingya men on Friday, December 26, during a special operation that uncovered two live rounds of G-4 rifle ammunition. The arrests took place at a temporary police checkpoint set up in the Pine Garden area of Khuniapalong Union’s Ward No. 1 along the Ramu–Maricha road. Officers stopped a passenger CNG auto-rickshaw around 2:40 p.m. and found the bullets in the right pocket of one passenger, identified as Md. Alam, 35.

According to police, the detainees admitted during initial questioning that they were traveling from Ukhiya to Naikhyangchhari via Ramu with the recovered ammunition. Preliminary investigation suggested that the group was involved in illegal arms trading and other criminal activities. All six detainees are Rohingya refugees—five from Ukhiya’s Kutupalong camp and one from Teknaf’s Thaingkhali camp.

Ramu Police Station Officer-in-Charge Manjurul Islam Bhuiyan said a case is being prepared against the suspects, and further investigation is underway to identify their associates and others linked to the network.

All types of vessel movement on the Dhaka-Chandpur-Barishal route have been suspended due to dense fog. The decision was confirmed late Friday night, December 26, by Babu Lal Baidya, Deputy Director (Naval Traffic) of BIWTA Chandpur. He stated that the sudden increase in fog density over the rivers made navigation unsafe, prompting authorities to halt all passenger vessel operations across southern Bangladesh, including routes to Bhola and Barishal.

According to the official, launches currently on the river have been instructed to anchor at their present locations until visibility improves. The suspension will remain in effect until the fog clears, after which normal vessel operations will resume. The measure aims to prevent accidents and ensure passenger safety amid poor visibility conditions.

The temporary halt affects key southern waterways linking Dhaka with Chandpur and Barishal, disrupting regular passenger transport and cargo movement until weather conditions stabilize.

A woman and her infant daughter were killed in a multi-vehicle collision on the Dhaka-Tangail Highway at Gorai in Mirzapur upazila on Friday evening. The victims were identified as Sadia Kabir, 37, wife of Jisan Kabir Tipu from Feni, and their 10-month-old daughter Tajria Kabir Piyom. Police and witnesses said Sadia was returning to Mirpur, Dhaka, from a wedding in Tangail when their white private car collided with a truck ahead of it near the eastern side of the Gorai flyover.

Following the initial crash, another private car hit their vehicle from behind, and a bus then struck a red private car involved in the sequence. Sadia and her daughter died on the spot. The accident caused a traffic jam on the highway, which police later cleared using a wrecker. The truck involved was seized, while its driver fled the scene.

According to Gorai Highway Police Station Officer-in-Charge Sohel Sarwar, four vehicles collided sequentially, resulting in two fatalities. The bodies will be handed over to the family after legal procedures.