A fire broke out early Tuesday morning at the 14-storey Haji Tower in Babubazar, Armanitola, Old Dhaka. The blaze started on the sixth floor around 6:40 a.m., prompting an immediate response from the Fire Service and Civil Defence. Within five minutes of receiving the alert, firefighters reached the scene and engaged nine units from Sadarghat, Sutrapur, and Siddikbazar stations. The fire was brought under control by 7:20 a.m.

Officials from the Fire Service’s media wing confirmed that no casualties or injuries had been reported as of press time. The cause of the fire and the extent of property damage remain under investigation. Authorities stated that a detailed assessment will follow once the site is fully secured.

This incident highlights ongoing fire safety challenges in densely populated areas of Old Dhaka, where narrow roads and aging infrastructure often complicate emergency responses. Investigators are expected to review building safety compliance and electrical systems in the coming days.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) of Bangladesh has begun transferring all seized assets belonging to former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed to the Chief Adviser’s Relief Fund. The announcement came during a press briefing at ACC headquarters in Dhaka, where Director General (Prevention) Md. Akhter Hossain confirmed that the process of handing over confiscated items from Ahmed’s Gulshan apartments is ongoing.

According to the ACC, the court authorized the transfer after considering security and logistical challenges associated with holding a public auction in a residential complex. The seized goods include perishable items, clothing, utensils, and household materials. A three-member committee is overseeing the transfer, while necessary samples are being preserved for legal documentation.

The decision follows earlier plans for a public auction, later revised due to safety concerns and potential spoilage of goods. The court has instructed the appointed receiver and ACC’s asset management unit to complete the handover and submit a report. Benazir Ahmed reportedly fled Bangladesh before the July uprising and is currently residing in Spain with his family.

Police in Narayanganj’s Fatullah area arrested alleged gang leader Bazlur Rahman Ripon, known locally as Haji Ripon, along with his son Imtiaz Ahmed Rafi during a special drive named ‘Operation Devil Hunt Phase-2’. The arrests took place on Monday afternoon in the Jamtala Dhopapatti area, confirmed Fatullah Police Station Officer-in-Charge Md Abdul Mannan. Authorities said Ripon faces multiple cases, including one related to a murder during an anti-discrimination student movement, as well as several narcotics charges.

According to police, Haji Ripon is known as an armed associate of Azmeri Osman, nephew of influential local politician Shamim Osman. Both Ripon and his son had reportedly been in hiding for an extended period while continuing involvement in criminal activities. After their detention, police began legal procedures to present them before court.

The operation is part of a broader law enforcement campaign targeting long-time fugitives and organized crime figures in Narayanganj. Officials indicated that further arrests may follow as investigations continue into the network’s activities.

Renowned Bangladeshi singer Munayem Billah, known for his hit ‘Meherban,’ has released a new song titled ‘Koti Hadir Dak,’ inspired by the memory and revolutionary spirit of martyr Sharif Osman Hadi. The song was officially launched on December 22 on Billah’s YouTube channel, marking his return to music after a long hiatus. The release quickly drew attention for its emotional depth and patriotic resonance.

Billah described the song as more than just a musical piece, calling it a tribute to Hadi’s ideals and a symbol of national unity. The lyrics were penned by poet Zia Haque, with composition by Abu Ubaida and sound mastering by Sharif Mahmud. Haque noted that the song breaks from conventional styles, combining powerful lyrics and melody to create a complete artistic work.

Following the success of Haque’s previous song ‘Hadi Tui Fire Ay,’ which surpassed two million views within a week, producers expect ‘Koti Hadir Dak’ to achieve similar acclaim as a modern revolutionary anthem.

A mobile court sentenced two individuals, including a Dhaka University student, to 15 days in jail for attempting to sit as proxies during Jahangirnagar University’s 2025–26 admission test. The incident occurred on December 22 during the third shift of the ‘B’ unit exam at the university’s School and College Center, where invigilators caught one suspect red-handed.

The detained student, identified as Md. Ehsanul Haque Jisan, a student of Urdu at Dhaka University, confessed to taking the test on behalf of applicant Rafid Hossain Sajid. Following interrogation, university authorities also detained Sajid. Jahangirnagar University’s Proctor, Professor Dr. A.K.M. Rashidul Alam, confirmed that both were handed over to the mobile court, which imposed a 15-day imprisonment.

The university administration has canceled Sajid’s previous test results and permanently blocked his registration to prevent future participation in JU admission exams. The incident underscores the institution’s strict stance against academic fraud and highlights growing concerns over proxy testing in competitive university admissions.

Bangladesh Bank has directed that the shares of five Shariah-based banks undergoing merger be valued at zero, citing negative net asset values. The affected institutions—First Security Islami Bank, Social Islami Bank, Global Islami Bank, Union Bank, and EXIM Bank—received official letters instructing them to nullify their paid-up capital under the Bank Resolution Ordinance 2025. The central bank stated that the decision followed an assessment showing each bank’s equity had turned negative.

Executive Director and spokesperson Arif Hossain Khan confirmed that the order does not require approval from the Dhaka or Chittagong stock exchanges or the Registrar of Joint Stock Companies. Governor Ahsan H. Mansur earlier explained that shareholders would not receive stakes in the newly formed Combined Islami Bank PLC, as each share’s net asset value had fallen between Tk 350 and Tk 420 below zero.

The move effectively wipes out shareholder equity, leaving investors facing heavy losses. Trading of the banks’ shares remains suspended, while the newly licensed Combined Islami Bank PLC begins operations as the country’s largest state-owned Shariah-compliant bank.

China has reportedly discovered an enormous undersea gold deposit off the coast of Laizhou in Shandong province, which local media describe as Asia’s largest underwater gold mine. The find, located near Yantai, is estimated to contain over 3,900 tons of gold, accounting for roughly 26 percent of China’s total reserves. While the central government has yet to confirm the discovery, reports from the South China Morning Post suggest the actual volume may exceed initial estimates.

The discovery follows a series of major gold finds across China, including deposits in Liaoning and Xinjiang provinces. The China Gold Association notes that China remains the world’s top gold ore producer, with 377 tons mined last year. However, it still trails South Africa, Australia, and Russia in total reserves. Geological teams have increasingly used artificial intelligence, high-powered radar, and satellite imaging to locate new mineral resources.

Analysts believe this discovery could strengthen China’s position in global gold markets and reduce import dependency. The government’s ongoing investment in exploration—totaling about 4.5 trillion yuan since 2021—signals a strategic push to secure critical resources amid global economic uncertainty.

A Dhaka court has directed the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to preserve the DNA sample of Sharif Osman Hadi, convener of the Inquilab Mancha, as part of an ongoing investigation into his death. The order was issued on Monday by Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Awlad Hossain Mohammad Junayed following a petition from Detective Branch Inspector Faisal Ahmed.

According to the petition, Hadi was injured by gunfire from unidentified assailants in Dhaka’s Bijoynagar area on December 12. He was treated at Dhaka Medical College and Evercare Hospital before being transferred to Singapore General Hospital, where he died on December 18. His body was returned to Bangladesh on December 19, and a post-mortem examination was conducted the next day by Dr. Nashat Zabin of Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College.

The court emphasized that preserving the DNA sample at the CID’s profiling laboratory is essential for ensuring a fair and thorough investigation. The Chief DNA Analyst of the Bangladesh Police Forensic Department has been assigned to oversee the profiling and storage process.

Late on December 18, coordinated attacks targeted the headquarters of two major Bangladeshi newspapers, Prothom Alo and The Daily Star. The assailants vandalized, looted, and set fire to both buildings, causing extensive damage. Several journalists at The Daily Star were trapped inside before being rescued by law enforcement. Police have arrested 17 suspects and launched operations to apprehend others believed to be involved.

Following the incident, The Daily Star editor Mahfuz Anam described it as the first instance since Bangladesh’s independence that a media office had been set on fire. However, historical records show earlier attacks on news organizations, including the 2013 arson at the Naya Diganta office in Dhaka and the 2019 vandalism at the Sangram newspaper office. These precedents highlight a troubling pattern of violence against the press.

The recent assaults have reignited concerns about press freedom and journalist safety in Bangladesh. Media watchdogs and civil society groups have urged authorities to ensure accountability and prevent further intimidation of journalists.

A Dhaka court has ordered 15 individuals to be sent to jail in connection with the violent attack, arson, and looting at the office of national daily Prothom Alo in Karwan Bazar. Metropolitan Magistrate Md. Jewel Rana issued the order after a hearing on Monday evening, rejecting bail petitions for 12 of the accused. Police said the arrests were made following multiple raids based on intelligence and witness accounts.

According to the case statement, on December 18, a mob of 400–500 people gathered outside the newspaper’s office after being incited through social media posts. The attackers vandalized gates, broke glass panels, looted valuables including cash and electronics, and set parts of the building on fire, causing an estimated loss of BDT 320 million. Police recovered BDT 50,000 in stolen cash and goods from one suspect.

The investigation remains ongoing as authorities verify the suspects’ identities and addresses. The court emphasized that continued detention is necessary to ensure an impartial and thorough investigation into the large-scale attack on one of Bangladesh’s leading media institutions.

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.

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.

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.