Bangladesh has summoned Indian Deputy High Commissioner Pavan Badhe in Dhaka to express deep concern over former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina being allowed to engage with mainstream Indian media while in India. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bangladesh views the move as unhelpful and undesirable for constructive bilateral relations, as Hasina is considered a fugitive facing trial for crimes against humanity. Dhaka requested that India immediately restrict her access to media platforms, arguing that her comments could incite anti-Bangladesh sentiment and promote extremist activities. The ministry urged New Delhi to ensure that such opportunities for Hasina to speak publicly are discontinued to prevent further diplomatic strain.

Bangladesh's Chief Adviser of the interim government, Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus, is scheduled to deliver a televised address to the nation on Thursday afternoon. The announcement was made by the Chief Adviser’s Press Wing on Wednesday. The speech will be broadcast live on Bangladesh Television (BTV), BTV News, and BTV World. Although the specific topics of the address have not been disclosed, it is expected to cover key national issues and the interim government’s priorities.

A case has been filed against 58 people following an attack, vandalism, and looting at the business establishment of Jahangir Hossain Pappu, joint general secretary of Mymensingh North District Jubo Dal. The incident occurred amid internal disputes over BNP’s nomination for the Mymensingh-3 constituency. Police confirmed that eight individuals were named in the case, while 40 to 50 others remain unidentified. The attack reportedly took place on November 9 in the town’s Uttar Bazar area after Engineer M Iqbal Hossain received the BNP nomination, sparking anger among supporters of rival aspirant Ahmad Tayebur Rahman Hiron. Pappu claimed he was targeted solely for supporting the nominated candidate and demanded justice. Police operations are ongoing to arrest the suspects.

Nasiruddin Patwari, chief coordinator of the National Citizens Party (NCP), expressed solidarity with the ongoing movement of eight political parties, including Jamaat-e-Islami. Speaking at an event in Dhaka, he criticized the current government, describing it as fascist and disconnected from the people. Patwari claimed that a large portion of Bangladeshis desire reform and asserted that the BNP would be unable to prevent a referendum, even after a century of effort. He also remarked that the country is currently experiencing a state resembling civil unrest and accused the Yunus-led government of isolating itself from the public.

Azharul Islam Mannan, a central executive member of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and nominated candidate for the Narayanganj-3 (Sonargaon-Siddhirganj) constituency, has alleged that a vested group is conducting a smear campaign against him on social media. According to a press release signed by Sonargaon BNP’s office secretary, false and edited audio clips are being circulated on Facebook to damage Mannan’s reputation and create confusion among party supporters. Mannan claims the campaign began after he received his nomination from acting BNP chairman Tarique Rahman. He urged party members and the public not to be misled by the propaganda and to remain united. Political analysts suggest that Mannan’s growing popularity and organizational strength have made him a target of such conspiracies before the election.

BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman has said that ensuring fair prices for potatoes is more important for farmers than spending around Tk 3,000 crore on a proposed referendum. Speaking virtually at an event marking National Revolution and Solidarity Day in Dhaka, he emphasized that national unity is a strength while division weakens the nation. Rahman warned political parties not to underestimate the interim government or attempt to manipulate outcomes against the BNP, cautioning that such actions could backfire. He also urged anti-fascist political forces to face the people in the upcoming February elections instead of threatening the interim administration. Highlighting road safety issues, Rahman noted Bangladesh’s alarming rate of road accident casualties, lamenting that the issue has been neglected in policy discussions.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has said he feels an 'obligation' to sue the BBC, accusing the British broadcaster of misleading the public by editing his January 6, 2021 speech in a Panorama documentary. The BBC has already apologized, admitting the edit gave the impression that Trump directly called for violent action. The controversy has reportedly contributed to the resignations of BBC Director General Tim Davie and BBC News head Deborah Turness. Trump’s legal team has filed a billion-dollar claim in a Florida court, though legal experts doubt its success due to the state’s liberal libel laws and the limited broadcast reach of the program. The BBC faces a dilemma over whether to fight the case publicly or settle, as any payout could be politically sensitive given its public funding.

The Assam Cabinet has approved the draft of the Polygamy Prohibition Bill, proposing up to seven years of imprisonment for individuals entering into multiple marriages. The bill, set to be tabled in the state assembly on June 25, aims to make polygamy a criminal offense. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that offenders would face arrest without immediate bail. The legislation also includes the creation of a special fund to support women affected by polygamy, ensuring they do not suffer financially or socially. However, the law will not apply to tribal communities in Sixth Schedule areas such as BTC, Karbi Anglong, and Dima Hasao, where customary laws prevail. Political analysts view the move as a significant milestone for the Sarma government ahead of the 2026 state elections.

Bangladesh’s Foreign Ministry has summoned Indian Deputy High Commissioner Pavan Badhe to protest India’s decision to allow former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who fled to New Delhi after being ousted in the July uprising, to speak to Indian media. Dhaka expressed deep concern, calling the move detrimental to bilateral relations. Officials conveyed that providing a platform to a fugitive accused of crimes against humanity to make anti-Bangladesh remarks and incite unrest was unacceptable. The ministry urged the Indian government to immediately stop Hasina’s media appearances, emphasizing that such actions could harm the constructive relationship between the two neighboring countries.

The National Citizens Party (NCP) organized a protest march in Dhaka on Wednesday opposing the lockdown called by the banned Awami League. The demonstration began at the NCP headquarters near Bangla Motor and proceeded toward Shahbagh, with participation from members of the party’s central convening committee as well as student, youth, labor, and women’s wings. During the rally, NCP leaders declared they were not intimidated by what they termed fascist threats and vowed to resist any attempts to create unrest. Meanwhile, police have been placed on high alert across the city in anticipation of possible tensions surrounding the Awami League’s lockdown program scheduled for Thursday.

Security measures at Saidpur Airport have been significantly strengthened following directives from the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) amid nationwide concerns over possible unrest and arson. The airport has deployed the maximum number of security personnel, intensified passenger and baggage screening, and enhanced fire safety monitoring. Similar measures have been implemented at other domestic airports across the country, including Cox’s Bazar, Rajshahi, Jessore, Barishal, Cumilla, and Ishwardi. Authorities stated that the heightened security will remain in place until the upcoming parliamentary elections to ensure safe travel for passengers and prevent any untoward incidents during this sensitive period.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has alleged that the current crisis in Bangladesh was intentionally created without necessity. Speaking at a discussion marking National Revolution and Solidarity Day at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center in Dhaka, he said the crisis was designed to obstruct the country’s democratic transition and hinder fair elections. Fakhrul urged national leaders to unite against conspiracies and work toward building a truly democratic state. The event, attended virtually by BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman, also featured senior BNP leaders and representatives from allied political parties, who echoed concerns about the political situation and called for collective action to restore democracy in Bangladesh.

The Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) has revoked the lifetime membership previously granted to former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina during its 2019 session. The decision was announced after DUCSU’s second general meeting held on Wednesday night. Vice President Sadiq Kayem stated that the membership was given illegally and beyond the DUCSU constitution through an undemocratic resolution in 2019. The meeting, chaired by Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor and DUCSU President Professor Niaz Ahmad Khan, was attended by the VP, GS, AGS, and other executive members. The resolution to cancel Hasina’s membership was unanimously approved, marking a symbolic move by the current student leadership to correct what they termed a procedural violation.

Barrister Asaduzzaman Fuad, general secretary of the Amar Bangladesh (AB) Party and a parliamentary candidate, stated that he does not wish to make any promises before the upcoming national election. Speaking at a meeting with local civil society members in Babuganj, Fuad emphasized his ongoing efforts to address issues such as river erosion, roads, and educational institutions. He criticized the former MP for failing to implement development projects in Babuganj and Muladi upazilas, claiming that he has already initiated projects worth several hundred crore taka under the current interim government. Fuad pledged that if elected, he would continue development activities in collaboration with local residents. The event was attended by local leaders, teachers, businesspeople, and youth representatives who shared their views on regional development.

A defamation case has been filed against former BNP lawmaker Mezba Uddin Farhad for allegedly making derogatory remarks about lawyers. The case was lodged by advocate Md. Selim Hossain, a member of the Barguna District Lawyers’ Association. According to the complaint, Farhad stated that those who practice law are 'tout and frauds,' a comment that was circulated on Facebook and YouTube on November 6. The Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate of Barguna, Md. Moniruzzaman, accepted the case and summoned Farhad to appear in court on December 24. The plaintiff claimed that the statement defamed the entire legal community, causing reputational damage worth Tk 5 crore. Farhad, a former MP from Barishal-4 constituency, could not be reached for comment despite multiple attempts.