India’s Ministry of External Affairs summoned Bangladesh’s High Commissioner, M. Riaz Hamidullah, on December 17 to express deep concern over the deteriorating security environment in Bangladesh. The Indian government highlighted reports of extremist elements planning activities near the Indian High Commission in Dhaka and urged Bangladesh’s interim government to ensure the safety of all diplomatic missions in accordance with international norms.

In a formal statement, India rejected what it described as false extremist narratives surrounding recent incidents in Bangladesh and expressed disappointment that Dhaka had not yet completed a full investigation or shared relevant evidence. New Delhi reaffirmed its longstanding friendship with the Bangladeshi people, rooted in shared history and development cooperation, and reiterated its call for peaceful, inclusive, and credible elections in Bangladesh.

The diplomatic exchange follows Bangladesh’s summoning of the Indian High Commissioner in Dhaka two days earlier, signaling rising tensions between the two neighbors amid political uncertainty in Bangladesh.

India’s Ministry of Home Affairs informed Parliament that nearly 80 percent of its border with Bangladesh has been fenced with barbed wire, as part of efforts to curb illegal crossings and enhance national security. Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai presented the figures in a written reply to the Lok Sabha, noting that 3,239.92 kilometers of the 4,096.70-kilometer India–Bangladesh border have been fenced.

The ministry also reported that 93.25 percent of the India–Pakistan border, totaling 2,135.13 kilometers out of 2,289.66 kilometers, is now fenced. The remaining 154.52 kilometers are yet to be covered. India’s government said the fencing program is a strategic measure to prevent infiltration, smuggling, and cross-border crime. Progress has also been made along the India–Myanmar border, where 9.21 kilometers of fencing has been completed.

Security analysts note that while fencing improves surveillance, it may affect border communities and bilateral relations. Further construction is expected to continue in challenging terrain areas through 2026.

Fourteen government officials and employees have been temporarily suspended following a protest at Bangladesh’s Secretariat that violated administrative laws. The Ministry of Public Administration confirmed the suspensions through multiple circulars issued on Monday. The action follows a December 10 incident in which non-cadre officials confined Economic Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed for over six hours during a demonstration demanding a 'Secretariat allowance.' The officials were later placed on five-day remand under the Anti-Terrorism Act.

According to ministry sources, those suspended include leaders of the Bangladesh Secretariat Officers and Employees United Council and staff from several ministries, including Health, Finance, and Information. Witnesses said protesters blocked the adviser’s exit and chanted slogans until police escorted him out around 8:12 p.m.

The suspensions mark a strong administrative response to growing unrest among non-cadre employees over pay disparities. Officials indicated that further disciplinary measures could follow pending investigation outcomes, while unions have called the move excessive and politically motivated.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is facing intense criticism after a video surfaced showing him pulling off the hijab of a Muslim woman doctor during a government event on December 15. The incident, which occurred while handing an appointment letter to an AYUSH medical officer, has sparked widespread condemnation across India. Opposition parties and civil society groups have demanded Kumar’s public apology and resignation.

Leaders from multiple parties, including the Congress, PDP, and National Conference, denounced the act as an assault on personal dignity and religious freedom. Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti called the act “shocking,” questioning whether it reflected age-related issues or growing normalization of public humiliation of Muslims. National Conference MP Aga Ruhullah and spokesperson Imran Nabi Dar described the behavior as unconstitutional and unacceptable from a public official.

The controversy has reignited debates over religious sensitivity and political accountability in India. Analysts warn that the incident could strain Nitish Kumar’s political standing and deepen communal tensions in Bihar, where Muslims constitute about 17% of the population.

Jamaat-e-Islami central executive member and Dhaka South Ameer, Md. Nurul Islam Bulbul, has officially collected his nomination papers to contest from Chapainawabganj-3 (Sadar) constituency in Bangladesh’s upcoming 13th national parliamentary election. Speaking to reporters after submitting his papers, Bulbul demanded that authorities ensure the safety of all candidates, party workers, and voters during the election process.

He emphasized the need for a level playing field to guarantee a free, fair, and credible election, asserting that Jamaat-e-Islami seeks to build a humane and secure Bangladesh. Bulbul also pledged to make Chapainawabganj a safe haven for people of all political, religious, and ethnic backgrounds. Senior party leaders, including former mayor Mohammad Nazrul Islam and former MP Latifur Rahman, were present during the nomination submission.

The call for security reflects growing concerns among opposition parties about election-time violence and intimidation. Election officials are expected to review nominations and finalize the candidate list in the coming weeks.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has declared that India will not tolerate any threats to separate its northeastern states, known as the 'Seven Sisters.' His remarks came in response to comments by Hasnat Abdullah, a senior organizer of Bangladesh’s National Citizen Party (NCP), who suggested supporting Indian separatists if India shelters opponents of Bangladesh’s sovereignty.

Sarma told reporters that such statements from Bangladesh have been recurring for a year and are completely unacceptable. He emphasized that India, as a major nuclear power and the world’s fourth-largest economy, would not remain silent if its territorial integrity were challenged. The Chief Minister accused some Bangladeshi leaders of fostering a misguided perception about India’s northeastern region.

The exchange highlights growing rhetorical tension between the two neighbors. Analysts say both governments may need to reaffirm diplomatic restraint to prevent further escalation. Delhi has yet to issue an official response, but observers expect the issue to feature in upcoming bilateral discussions.

The International Crimes Tribunal-1 of Bangladesh is set to hold a hearing today on the formation of formal charges against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s adviser Salman F Rahman and former law minister Anisul Huq. The case concerns alleged crimes against humanity committed during the July Revolution period. The three-member tribunal is chaired by Justice Golam Mortuza Mojumdar, with members Shofiul Alam Mahmud and retired district judge Mohitul Haque Enam Chowdhury.

According to tribunal sources, the prosecution will first present its arguments, followed by the defense counsel’s response. The prosecution had earlier submitted formal charges on December 4, marking a key procedural step in the case. Both accused have denied wrongdoing, while human rights observers are closely monitoring the proceedings.

Legal analysts note that this hearing could determine whether the case proceeds to a full trial, potentially setting a precedent for accountability in politically sensitive human rights cases. The tribunal’s decision is expected to draw significant domestic and international attention.

Family members of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan staged a sit-in outside Adiala Jail after being denied permission to meet him despite a court order allowing visits twice a week. Khan’s sisters, Aleema, Naureen, and Dr. Uzma Khan, along with senior PTI leaders, gathered near the prison on Tuesday but were informed that the scheduled meeting would not be allowed. Late at night, police used water cannons and batons to disperse the demonstrators, detaining several party workers.

Aleema Khan told reporters that the family had no choice but to protest after repeated denials of access. PTI officials accused jail authorities of violating court directives and restricting legal and family visits without justification. The party condemned the police action, calling it an attempt to silence peaceful dissent.

The confrontation underscores ongoing tensions between PTI and Pakistan’s law enforcement agencies as Khan remains imprisoned. Observers warn that continued restrictions on family and legal access could further inflame political unrest ahead of upcoming elections.

India has summoned Bangladesh’s High Commissioner in New Delhi, Muhammad Riaz Hamidullah, to express concern over recent threats targeting the Indian High Commission in Dhaka and inflammatory remarks made by some Bangladeshi political figures. The move follows comments by National Citizen Party (NCP) leader Hasnat Abdullah during Bangladesh’s 55th Victory Day celebrations, where he reportedly made statements suggesting separation of India’s northeastern states.

According to Indian media outlet NDTV, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs conveyed its expectation that Bangladesh’s interim administration will take all necessary measures to maintain internal law and order and ensure a peaceful electoral process. The diplomatic démarche underscores India’s sensitivity to cross-border political rhetoric that could strain bilateral relations.

Analysts note that the timing of the summons, amid Bangladesh’s pre-election environment, adds a layer of complexity to Dhaka–Delhi ties. Observers expect both sides to seek de-escalation through diplomatic channels to prevent disruption of ongoing cooperation in trade, connectivity, and regional security.

The political alliance 'July Unity', which claims to uphold the spirit of the 2024 mass uprising, announced a 'March to Indian High Commission' program scheduled for Wednesday afternoon in Dhaka. The rally will begin at Rampura Bridge and is expected to include former military officers, student leaders from Dhaka University and other institutions, and representatives from various political and social groups. The organizers said the march aims to protest alleged conspiracies by Indian proxies and demand the repatriation of individuals accused of crimes during the 2024 events.

According to the group’s statement, India has been providing shelter to those they describe as perpetrators of violence and continues to interfere in Bangladesh’s democratic process. July Unity leaders stated they would issue an ultimatum to both the Indian government and the interim Bangladeshi administration, warning of consequences if their demands are not met. Authorities have heightened security around the Indian High Commission, and the Indian visa center is expected to close early due to safety concerns.

The protest underscores ongoing tensions in Dhaka’s political landscape and the fragile state of Bangladesh-India relations amid accusations of external interference.

Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal has formally accepted charges against retired Major General Ziaul Ahsan for alleged crimes against humanity, including enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings during the Awami League government’s tenure. Prosecutor Sheikh Mahdi submitted the charges to the tribunal’s registrar office on Wednesday morning, following Ahsan’s transfer from prison to the court. He is the sole accused in the case.

The prosecution alleges that Ahsan, a former senior army officer, was directly involved in three incidents of serious human rights violations. The tribunal’s move marks a rare instance of a high-ranking retired military official facing such charges. Legal observers note that the case could test the tribunal’s jurisdiction over alleged crimes committed outside the 1971 war context.

If the tribunal proceeds to trial, it may set a precedent for accountability in cases of enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings in recent political periods. The defense is expected to contest the admissibility of the charges in upcoming hearings.

A torch procession allegedly organized by the banned Awami League in Shahjahanpur, Bogura, has drawn attention amid the ongoing nationwide Operation Devil Hunt Phase-2. The event’s video was posted late on December 16 by Sohrab Hossain Channu, former upazila chairman and local Awami League president, on his verified Facebook account. He claimed the march protested against what he called an illegal election schedule and arbitrary arrests.

Local police, however, denied that any such procession took place recently. Shahjahanpur Police Station Officer-in-Charge Touhidul Islam stated that after reviewing the video, investigators suspected it might have been recorded earlier and only uploaded now. The timing of the post, during a period of heightened security operations, has raised questions about political messaging and enforcement consistency.

The incident underscores tensions between authorities and banned political groups during the ongoing crackdown. Observers note that such digital postings could complicate law enforcement efforts and fuel further political polarization in the pre-election climate.

Bangladesh has witnessed a wave of public emotion and political reaction following the shooting of Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of Inquilab Mancha and an independent candidate for Dhaka-8 in the upcoming parliamentary election. Hadi was shot last Friday during a campaign event in Paltan and later transferred to Singapore General Hospital for advanced treatment after his condition worsened.

The attack has sparked protests, prayer gatherings, and widespread condemnation across political and social lines. Thousands joined a unity rally at the Central Shaheed Minar, while mosques and madrasas nationwide offered prayers for Hadi’s recovery. Social media has been flooded with messages of solidarity, with student leaders and cultural figures calling the incident a threat to electoral fairness and candidate safety. Dhaka University and Rajshahi University academics also voiced concern over the growing political violence.

Observers warn that the attack, coming just after the election schedule announcement, raises serious questions about security and the credibility of the upcoming polls. Authorities are under pressure to identify the assailants and ensure protection for all candidates.

India’s opposition parties have warned that the government’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists across nine states and three union territories threatens the country’s democratic integrity. They allege the process could disenfranchise poor and minority voters, particularly Muslims, while consolidating Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s political power. The issue triggered heated debate in Parliament last week, with opposition leaders accusing the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of manipulating electoral rolls under the guise of administrative reform.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi claimed the SIR is part of a broader plan to undermine India’s electoral continuity, likening it to the controversial National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Assam that left millions of Muslims stateless. The BJP, however, insists the revision aims to remove “illegal infiltrators” and protect democratic integrity. Home Minister Amit Shah defended the policy, saying it ensures that only legitimate citizens determine India’s leadership.

Analysts warn the move could deepen communal polarization and strain India’s secular framework ahead of upcoming state elections. Human rights groups have urged transparency and independent oversight of the revision process.

Eight Islamist-oriented political parties, led by Jamaat-e-Islami, are finalizing a single-candidate strategy for each constituency in Bangladesh’s upcoming 13th parliamentary election. Liaison committee leaders from the alliance have been holding multiple rounds of meetings to reach consensus on seat-sharing and candidate selection, guided by agreed principles. Party insiders expect the final list of unified candidates to be announced soon.

The coalition—comprising Jamaat-e-Islami, Islami Andolon Bangladesh, Khelafat Majlish, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish, Nezame Islam Party, Jatiya Ganatantrik Party (JAGPA), and Bangladesh Development Party (BDP)—plans to contest under a cooperative framework without forming a formal alliance name. Leaders such as Dr. Ahmad Abdul Kader and Dr. Hamidur Rahman Azad emphasized that each seat will have one joint nominee, aiming to maximize electoral strength while maintaining discipline under election regulations.

While public campaigning remains suspended due to the election code of conduct, internal preparations and grassroots coordination are ongoing. Analysts note that the seat-sharing outcome will test the coalition’s ability to balance influence among partners and maintain unity ahead of the polls.