Jamaat-e-Islami organized a large youth rally in Satkania, Chattogram, on Bangladesh’s Victory Day, December 16, 2025. Thousands of party and Islami Chhatra Shibir activists joined the procession carrying national flags. The rally began at Keranihat Sea World Restaurant and concluded several kilometers away at Hasmat’s Shop area along the Chattogram–Cox’s Bazar highway.

Addressing a brief assembly before the march, Jamaat central executive member and former deputy speaker Shahjahan Chowdhury said Victory Day represents the foundation of national identity and unity against injustice. He emphasized that despite 54 years of independence, many citizens still face inequality and lack of justice. Chowdhury urged the establishment of accountability and moral governance to fulfill the true spirit of liberation.

Highlighting the role of youth, he stated that Bangladesh’s young population could transform the nation into a welfare state if guided by honesty and discipline. The event was chaired by Chattogram South District Jamaat chief Advocate Anwarul Alam Chowdhury, with leaders from district and sub-district levels in attendance.

Rashed Pradhan, vice president and spokesperson of the National Democratic Party (JAGPA), has called for what he termed an 'intellectual war' against Indian influence in Bangladesh. Speaking at the National Martyrs’ Memorial on Victory Day, he said the country must now fight for true sovereignty following the July uprising, comparing the struggle to the 1971 war against Pakistan.

Pradhan argued that Bangladesh gained independence in name only, claiming successive governments from Sheikh Mujibur Rahman to Sheikh Hasina failed to assert national dignity before India. He demanded stronger border responses, fair water-sharing through international arbitration, and resistance to what he described as Indian cultural and economic dominance. He also urged boycotts of Indian goods and services and identification of ‘domestic collaborators’.

The remarks, made during a symbolic national commemoration, reflect JAGPA’s nationalist stance and growing anti-India rhetoric within parts of Bangladesh’s opposition. Analysts suggest such statements may heighten diplomatic sensitivities as Dhaka and New Delhi maintain close but occasionally tense relations.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has expressed hope that the upcoming national election on February 12 will open a new chapter in the country’s political history. Speaking at a youth marathon organized in Dhaka on Victory Day, he urged the Election Commission and administration to ensure a fair and transparent voting process, warning against any form of manipulation or bias. He emphasized that the people’s mandate must be respected and that any attempt to undermine it would face strong public resistance.

Rahman also reflected on Bangladesh’s political past, criticizing previous governments for authoritarianism, corruption, and suppression of democratic rights. He called for a new political culture focused on justice, integrity, and national sovereignty, led by the country’s youth. Jamaat leaders including Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar and Dhaka South Ameer Nurul Islam Bulbul also addressed the event, highlighting the party’s vision for a peaceful and prosperous Bangladesh.

The remarks come as political parties prepare for the February polls, amid calls for neutrality and accountability in the electoral process.

On Bangladesh’s Victory Day, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir warned that forces defeated in the 1971 Liberation War are attempting to re-emerge. Speaking after paying tribute at the grave of BNP founder and former president Ziaur Rahman, he said the people will resist any conspiracy against the country’s independence and sovereignty. Fakhrul announced that acting BNP chairman Tarique Rahman will return to Bangladesh on December 25 to intensify the party’s pro-democracy movement.

Fakhrul emphasized that Victory Day holds special significance for the BNP, as Ziaur Rahman’s declaration of independence marked the beginning of the war that culminated in victory on December 16, 1971. He reiterated the party’s commitment to preserving independence and establishing democracy in Bangladesh. The BNP leader also expressed deep respect for the martyrs of the Liberation War and prayed for the recovery of party chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, who remains critically ill.

The statement underscores BNP’s attempt to rally supporters around nationalist and democratic ideals amid ongoing political uncertainty and leadership transitions.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Victory Day message on December 16, 2025, drew attention after he referred to the 1971 conflict as India’s historic victory without mentioning Bangladesh. In a Facebook post, Modi honored Indian soldiers for their courage and sacrifice during the war, describing the day as a proud moment in India’s history. His remarks, however, made no reference to Bangladesh’s independence struggle or the shared nature of the victory.

The omission has prompted discussion among observers in both countries, as December 16 marks Bangladesh’s Liberation Day and India’s Vijay Diwas. Analysts note that while India played a crucial role in the final phase of the war, the day primarily symbolizes Bangladesh’s independence from Pakistan. Some commentators in Dhaka viewed Modi’s message as a missed opportunity to reaffirm bilateral ties rooted in the 1971 war.

Diplomatic analysts suggest the incident may not cause lasting tension but underscores sensitivities surrounding historical narratives in South Asia. Both nations continue to commemorate the day through parallel but distinct ceremonies.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has filed a $50 billion defamation lawsuit against the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), alleging that a documentary segment falsely implied he directly incited the January 6, 2021, Capitol Hill attack. The suit, filed on December 15, 2025, accuses the BBC of editing footage in a way that damaged his reputation and caused substantial financial harm.

The disputed report aired as part of the BBC’s ‘Panorama’ series and suggested Trump had instructed supporters to storm the Capitol following his 2020 election loss to Joe Biden. Although the segment was not broadcast in the United States, it drew international attention. The BBC later issued an apology, acknowledging that the editing could have created a misleading impression. Several senior BBC officials reportedly resigned after the controversy.

Legal analysts say the case could test the boundaries of international defamation law and media accountability. The lawsuit adds to Trump’s ongoing legal battles as he continues to challenge portrayals of his role in the Capitol unrest.

On the night of December 16, 2025, citizens in Rangpur gathered at the Central Shaheed Minar to honor the martyrs of Bangladesh’s Liberation War. Among them was six-year-old Malaicha Rahman, holding a placard reading “Bangladesh Awaits Osman Hadi,” symbolizing the nation’s concern for Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of Inquilab Mancha, who remains critically injured after a recent shooting.

Political leaders from the BNP, Jatiya Party, and National Citizens Party (NCP), along with cultural organizations, laid floral wreaths at the monument. District BNP convener Saiful Islam and several local leaders attended the midnight ceremony, calling for unity and prayers for Hadi’s recovery.

Hadi was shot in the head on December 12 by two assailants on a motorcycle in Dhaka’s Purana Paltan area. The attack has sparked widespread condemnation and renewed concerns over political violence. Authorities have yet to announce any arrests, while supporters continue to demand justice and improved security for activists.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has lifted the suspension of five local leaders from Nawabganj upazila in Dinajpur district. The decision was announced in a statement signed by Senior Joint Secretary General Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Monday. The leaders—former upazila president Md Yunus Ali, Md Azad Rahman, Md Kamruzzaman Babu, joint secretary Md Shahjahan, and treasurer Md Moharram Ali—had previously been suspended for alleged anti-organizational activities.

According to the BNP statement, the suspensions were revoked on December 15 following appeals and a subsequent review by the party’s central leadership. The move signals an effort by the BNP to consolidate internal unity ahead of potential political mobilizations.

Party insiders view the decision as part of a broader reconciliation process within the BNP’s grassroots network. Observers suggest that restoring these leaders may strengthen local organizational structures as the party prepares for upcoming political challenges and national-level engagements.

A newly submitted report by Bangladesh’s National Independent Inquiry Commission has alleged that India had a close and multifaceted involvement in the 2009 BDR (Bangladesh Rifles) mutiny that killed dozens of army officers in Dhaka’s Pilkhana headquarters. The commission, which handed its findings to the Chief Adviser on November 30, claims India sought five strategic advantages from the event, including weakening Bangladesh’s military leadership, undermining its peacekeeping reputation, and increasing dependence on Indian security structures.

The report cites testimonies from military officers, intelligence sources, and foreign research, suggesting coordination between Indian intelligence agency R&AW and certain Bangladeshi political figures before the mutiny. It references alleged meetings in India’s Barasat and statements by Indian diplomat Neeraj Srivastava as indicators of prior intent. The findings also recall the 2001 Padua border clash, implying a motive for retribution.

While the report’s claims remain unverified independently, they could reignite debate over foreign interference in Bangladesh’s security affairs. Officials have not yet commented on whether the government will initiate diplomatic discussions with India regarding the allegations.

The Bangladesh Election Commission (EC) has temporarily restricted the organization of religious sermons, known as waz mahfils, without prior approval until the completion of the 13th parliamentary elections on February 12, 2025. The EC has sent letters to the Home and Religious Affairs secretaries instructing them to oversee compliance, citing the need to maintain a neutral electoral environment. Returning officers may grant exceptions with written consent, and executive magistrates are to be present at approved events.

EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed clarified that the directive is not a blanket ban but a measure to ensure that religious gatherings are not used for political campaigning. Religious leaders and Islamic scholars have strongly criticized the decision, calling it disruptive to long-standing cultural traditions and unnecessary given the peaceful nature of such events. They urged the government to reconsider the restrictions.

The EC also issued a separate letter to the Information Ministry, emphasizing equal media access for all candidates and prohibiting personal attacks during televised election discussions, aiming to ensure a fair and balanced campaign environment.

Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus paid homage to the martyrs of Bangladesh’s 1971 Liberation War at the National Martyrs’ Memorial in Savar on Tuesday morning, marking the 54th Victory Day. He placed floral wreaths in honor of those who sacrificed their lives for the country’s independence and stood in solemn silence to show respect.

A smartly turned-out contingent comprising members of the Bangladesh Army, Navy, and Air Force presented a state salute, accompanied by the mournful sound of the bugle. Following the tribute, Professor Yunus exchanged greetings with members of the Advisory Council, senior military officials, freedom fighters, and relatives of the martyrs. Earlier in the morning, President Mohammed Shahabuddin also paid his respects by laying wreaths at the memorial.

The Victory Day ceremonies highlight national unity and remembrance, reaffirming Bangladesh’s commitment to the ideals of independence and freedom. The day was observed across the country with patriotic fervor and tributes to the nation’s heroes.

A late-night incident at Jagannath University in Dhaka sparked unrest after students painted Pakistan’s national flag on the campus main gate without prior authorization. The act, which occurred around 1 a.m. on December 15, led to heated exchanges between students and the university’s proctorial team, who attempted to stop the activity. Despite the intervention, the students completed the painting, prompting immediate backlash.

In response, the university unit of the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) organized a protest march around 2:30 a.m., chanting anti-Pakistan slogans and rallying across the campus before gathering in front of the administrative building. Proctor Professor Dr. Tajammul Haque stated that drawing any foreign flag within the campus requires prior administrative approval, which was not obtained in this case.

The incident has raised concerns about campus discipline and political tensions ahead of Victory Day commemorations. University authorities are expected to review the situation and consider disciplinary measures against those involved.

A senior leader of the Jubo Dal in Hathazari, GM Saiful Islam, has been accused of leading a violent slogan against Islami Chhatra Shibir on the Chittagong University campus. Witnesses said the incident occurred Monday evening near the Zero Point area, and video footage of the event has circulated on social media. The slogan reportedly targeted Shibir activists amid escalating campus tensions.

The confrontation followed demands for the resignation of a university pro-vice-chancellor, which triggered rival gatherings among Chhatra Dal, leftist student groups, and Shibir activists. Mohammad Parvez, secretary of the university’s Shibir unit, alleged that former Chhatra League members now aligned with Chhatra Dal and Jubo Dal were reviving violent slogans once used by ruling party student wings. Attempts to reach Saiful Islam for comment were unsuccessful, and university authorities have yet to issue a statement.

Observers fear the incident could reignite factional violence on campus, undermining recent efforts to restore stability after earlier political clashes.

Leaders of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Bangladesh have expressed deep concern over incidents of unrest and disorder reported across the country following the announcement of the 13th parliamentary election schedule. Speaking at a special committee meeting held at Jamia Hossainia Arzabad in Mirpur on Monday, senior party figures said such anarchic situations are unacceptable and called for immediate and firm action to restore order.

The meeting, chaired by party president Maulana Ubaidullah Faruq, was attended by several top leaders including Maulana Abdul Quddus Talukdar, Maulana Junaid Al-Habib, and Maulana Manjurul Islam Afendi. They urged law enforcement agencies to act more decisively and cautioned government officials against making irresponsible statements that could further inflame tensions. The leaders emphasized that maintaining peace and discipline is essential during the election period.

Observers note that the party’s statement reflects growing anxiety among political and religious groups about potential instability as the election approaches. Authorities are expected to tighten security measures in sensitive areas in the coming days.

The Bangladesh government has introduced a new policy governing firearm licenses and armed retainer appointments for politically significant individuals and parliamentary candidates ahead of the 13th national election. Announced by the Ministry of Home Affairs, the ‘Firearm License and Retainer Appointment Policy 2025’ outlines eligibility criteria, including being a government-recognized political figure, submitting nomination papers, verified security threats, and maintaining physical and mental fitness.

Under the policy, licenses granted will remain valid until 15 days after election results are declared, after which they will automatically expire. The Home Ministry may convert temporary licenses into regular ones if all standard conditions are met. Misuse, violation of election conduct rules, or other legal breaches will result in immediate license cancellation without prior notice, though appeals can be made to the ministry.

The policy emphasizes strict adherence to election commission codes of conduct and prohibits using licensed firearms for intimidation or non-security purposes. Authorities say the move aims to balance candidate security with electoral integrity.