A memorial meeting in Chauddagram, Comilla, on Monday honored Shaheed Sharif Osman Hadi, describing him as a fearless defender of democracy and national sovereignty. Organized by the local group ‘Chauddagram Bondhon Kafela,’ the event was chaired by Abul Kalam Farayezi and attended by leaders from various Jamaat-e-Islami units. Speakers emphasized Hadi’s opposition to Indian dominance and his lifelong commitment to justice and fairness in politics.

Participants, including youth and expatriate members, recalled Osman Hadi as a symbol of patriotism and moral integrity. They urged citizens to uphold his ideals by supporting honest and corruption-free candidates in upcoming elections. The gathering reflected both local reverence for Hadi’s legacy and broader political sentiment within the region.

Observers note that such tributes underscore continuing nationalist narratives in rural Bangladesh, where historical figures are invoked to inspire civic engagement and political reform.

Bangladesh’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAAB) has imposed a temporary ban on drone operations in and around all airports, including Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka, effective until February 15, 2026. The decision was announced on December 23 following reports that several media outlets flew drones without authorization during a high-profile event at the airport on December 19.

According to CAAB, such unauthorized drone use violates the Drone Registration and Flight Policy 2020 and poses serious risks to both national security and safe air navigation. The authority has requested all relevant agencies to ensure strict compliance with the directive and to raise awareness among drone operators and media organizations.

The temporary restriction underscores growing concerns about drone misuse near sensitive installations. Officials indicated that further regulatory measures may follow, including stricter licensing and enforcement mechanisms to prevent similar incidents in the future.

A delegation from Islami Andolan Bangladesh (IAB) met with Dr. Liu Yuan, the Chargé d’Affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Dhaka, on Tuesday morning at the embassy premises. The meeting, led by IAB Secretary General Principal Hafiz Mawlana Yunus Ahmad, was held at the invitation of Dr. Liu. On behalf of party chief and Charmonai Pir Mufti Syed Muhammad Rezaul Karim, the delegation extended greetings to the Chinese government and people on the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh-China diplomatic relations.

Discussions covered the political situation, the upcoming national election, and overall security concerns. Both sides expressed optimism about a free, fair, and peaceful election. Dr. Liu emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety of IAB’s senior leadership and urged necessary measures for their protection. Senior IAB officials, including Engineer Ashraful Alam and Professor Imtiaz Ahmed Sajal, also attended the meeting.

The meeting reflects China’s continued engagement with diverse political actors in Bangladesh as the country approaches a crucial election year, signaling Beijing’s interest in maintaining stability and balanced relations across the political spectrum.

After 17 years in exile, BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman is set to return to Bangladesh on December 25. To mark his homecoming, around 30,000 leaders and activists from Pirojpur district will travel to Dhaka to attend a grand reception organized by the party. A preparation committee, led by former district convener and central executive member Principal Alomgir Hossain, has been formed to coordinate the journey.

According to Hossain, activists from all seven upazilas of Pirojpur will participate, with over 200 buses and six large launches arranged for transport. District BNP member-secretary Saeedul Islam Kismat confirmed that supporters will depart from Hularhat river port on December 24 evening and from other areas early on December 25. Local BNP members described the atmosphere as highly enthusiastic, viewing Rahman’s return as a symbol of renewed political momentum.

The large-scale mobilization underscores BNP’s effort to demonstrate unity and strength ahead of potential political realignments following Rahman’s return.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Bangladesh Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam have reached an electoral understanding ahead of the upcoming national polls. Under the agreement, BNP will not field candidates in four constituencies where Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam will contest, while Jamiat will reciprocate in BNP-held seats. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir announced the deal at a joint press conference at the party chairperson’s Gulshan office, urging voters to support the 'date tree' symbol in those constituencies.

The four constituencies allocated to Jamiat are Nilphamari-1, Narayanganj-4, Sylhet-5, and Brahmanbaria-2. The candidates include Maulana Manjurul Islam Afendi, Mufti Monir Hossain Kasemi, Maulana Ubaidullah Faruq, and Maulana Junaid Al-Habib. The announcement follows earlier amendments to the Representation of the People Order (RPO), requiring coalition partners to contest under their own party symbols.

Political analysts view the arrangement as a strategic move by BNP to consolidate opposition votes and strengthen its alliance base before the election. The cooperation may influence local dynamics in key constituencies, potentially reshaping opposition coordination in the coming months.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has officially endorsed Maulana Manjurul Islam Afendi, Secretary General of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam, as its supported candidate for the Nilphamari-1 (Domar-Dimla) constituency in the upcoming 13th national election. The announcement was made by BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir during a press conference at the party chairperson’s office in Gulshan on Tuesday.

The decision marks a shift from earlier expectations, as Shahreen Islam Chowdhury Tuhin, nephew of Khaleda Zia and cousin of Tarique Rahman, had been actively campaigning in the area anticipating BNP’s nomination. His exclusion has reportedly caused mixed reactions within party ranks. Afendi expressed gratitude for the nomination, stating his confidence in victory and pledging to work toward a corruption-free administration and society.

Political observers view this move as part of BNP’s broader strategy to strengthen alliances with Islamist parties ahead of the election. The Nilphamari-1 seat is expected to be closely contested, with local dynamics and coalition politics playing a decisive role in the outcome.

Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has summoned Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma to express concern over recent security incidents targeting its diplomatic and consular premises in India. The ministry cited violent protests outside the Bangladesh High Commission and the High Commissioner’s residence in New Delhi, as well as vandalism at the Bangladesh Visa Centre in Siliguri by extremist groups.

In a statement, Dhaka condemned what it described as “planned acts of violence and intimidation” against its diplomatic facilities, stressing that such incidents threaten the safety of mission staff and undermine the principles of mutual respect and tolerance. Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossain alleged that a group of Hindu extremists breached security barriers and issued threats, accusing Indian authorities of failing to ensure adequate protection.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs responded that the protest was peaceful and limited to slogans over a domestic incident in Bangladesh. This marks the second time in December that Verma has been summoned, reflecting rising diplomatic sensitivity between the two neighbors over security and cross-border political issues.

Police in Kolkata used batons to disperse Hindu nationalist demonstrators who gathered outside the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission on Tuesday. The protest was organized by several Hindutva-affiliated groups demanding justice for the killing of Dipu Chandra Das in Bangladesh’s Mymensingh district, who was beaten to death and his body set on fire following allegations of blasphemy.

According to local reports, the demonstration began around 11 a.m., with participants chanting slogans against alleged persecution of minorities in Bangladesh. Police had erected three layers of barricades about 200 meters from the mission. Tensions escalated when protesters broke through the first barrier and advanced toward the second, prompting police to use batons to push them back. The crowd was eventually contained roughly 100 meters from the diplomatic premises.

Authorities have not reported any serious injuries. The incident underscores the sensitivity of cross-border religious issues and the potential for domestic political groups in India to mobilize around events in neighboring Bangladesh.

Authorities at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka have announced a 24-hour restriction on visitors, citing security and operational reasons related to the return of BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman. From 6 p.m. on December 24 to 6 p.m. on December 25, only passengers with valid tickets and passports will be allowed entry into the airport premises.

The Civil Aviation Authority stated that the measure aims to maintain passenger service, safety, and operational discipline during the high-profile arrival. Airlines have advised passengers traveling on those dates to arrive early due to anticipated congestion. BNP sources confirmed that Tarique Rahman and his entourage are scheduled to land in Dhaka around noon on December 25 via a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight.

BNP leaders said Rahman will travel directly from the airport to Evercare Hospital, where his mother and party chairperson Khaleda Zia has been receiving treatment. The temporary restriction underscores heightened security preparations as the political figure returns after a long absence.

At an international conference titled “Decolonization and Maulana Bhashani” held at Dhaka University, eminent scholar Professor Serajul Islam Choudhury emphasized that Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhashani never pursued politics for power or personal gain. Speaking at the closing session, he described Bhashani as a genuine anti-imperialist leader who dedicated his life to the liberation of working people rather than seeking ministerial or diplomatic positions.

The two-day event, organized by the Centre for Advanced Research in Arts and Social Sciences (CARASS), featured academics including Professor Chowdhury Rafiqul Abrar, Professor Ahmed Kamal, and Dr. Iftikhar Iqbal. Speakers highlighted Bhashani’s socialist ideals, his rejection of capitalist dominance within the Congress, and his vision for a democratic Pakistan ensuring equal rights for all ethnic groups. Professor Abrar described Bhashani as a moral voice who valued justice, equality, and human dignity over political power.

Participants urged renewed research on Bhashani’s political philosophy and proposed establishing a dedicated research center to preserve his intellectual legacy and relevance for Bangladesh’s democratic future.

A special tribunal in Dhaka has formally ordered the start of trial proceedings against deposed former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and 12 army officers, among 17 accused, in a case involving alleged abductions and torture at the Taskforce for Interrogation (TFI) cell. The three-member judicial panel, led by Chairman Golam Mortuza Majumdar, read out the charges and set January 21 for opening statements. Ten of the accused are currently in custody, while seven, including Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, remain fugitives.

Defense lawyers for the present and absconding defendants pleaded for dismissal of charges, asserting their clients’ innocence. Prosecutor Gazi M.H. Tamim urged the tribunal to proceed, citing sufficient grounds for trial. The accused, including several senior military officers, denied all allegations when asked by the court.

The case marks a significant legal development following the political upheaval that removed Hasina from power. Observers say the trial could have far-reaching implications for Bangladesh’s civil-military relations and accountability in state security operations.

A video showing chaos during a wreath-laying ceremony at the grave of former president and BNP founder Ziaur Rahman went viral on social media Monday, drawing widespread discussion and criticism. The incident occurred when members of the newly formed 'Bangladesh Nationalist Generation of the Liberation War' paid tribute under the leadership of Ishraq Hossain, BNP’s candidate for Dhaka-6.

Later that night, Ishraq issued a public apology through his verified Facebook page, expressing regret for the disorder. He explained that the large turnout and enthusiasm among party activists led to difficulties in maintaining protocol. Ishraq clarified that his role required ensuring the safety and comfort of senior leaders, including Ruhul Kabir Rizvi and Ishtiaq Aziz Ulfat, who attended as chief and special guests.

The apology was seen as an attempt to contain internal criticism and maintain discipline within BNP’s youth ranks. Political observers note that the incident underscores the challenges of managing large-scale party events ahead of the upcoming national elections.

Bangladesh’s Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam summoned Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Dhaka on Tuesday morning. The meeting followed rising security concerns surrounding Bangladeshi missions in several Indian cities, including New Delhi and Kolkata. According to diplomatic sources, Dhaka expressed serious concern over recent activities by Hindu nationalist groups near its missions.

Officials indicated that Bangladesh lodged a strong protest regarding the incidents and sought assurances from India to ensure the safety of its diplomatic staff and premises. This is the second time in December that Verma has been called in; earlier, on December 14, he was summoned over remarks made by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina while in India and over the alleged flight of suspects in a political attack case.

The repeated summons reflect growing diplomatic tension between Dhaka and New Delhi amid heightened political sensitivities in both countries. Observers suggest that both sides may seek to de-escalate through dialogue to preserve bilateral cooperation on security and regional stability.

A large protest erupted outside the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi on December 23, led by members of the Hindu nationalist groups Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal. Demonstrators broke through security barricades and attempted to enter the diplomatic compound, prompting a strong response from Indian security forces. The protest was reportedly triggered by the killing of a Hindu youth, Dipu Chandra Das, in Mymensingh, Bangladesh, and broader allegations of minority persecution.

Authorities established a three-tier security perimeter around the High Commission, deploying police and paramilitary personnel to prevent escalation. India’s Ministry of External Affairs earlier described a smaller protest on December 20 as non-threatening, but Bangladesh has rejected that account, citing serious security lapses. Bangladesh Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossain questioned how members of extremist groups could approach such a sensitive diplomatic zone without prior authorization.

The incident risks straining bilateral relations between India and Bangladesh, with Dhaka expected to raise the issue formally through diplomatic channels. Both governments are under pressure to ensure the safety of diplomatic missions and prevent further unrest.

A recent incident in Bihar, where Chief Minister Nitish Kumar publicly removed a Muslim doctor’s hijab during a state event, has reignited concerns over deep-rooted Islamophobia within India’s political establishment. Over the past decade, from 2015 to 2025, communal violence targeting Muslims has become increasingly systemic, with independent trackers estimating at least 70–80 Muslim deaths linked to mob attacks and hate crimes. Official data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) omits religion-specific figures, obscuring the true scale of the violence.

Analysts and human rights advocates argue that such attacks are not isolated but reflect a pattern of state-enabled impunity. Common triggers include rumors of cow slaughter, interfaith relationships, and inflammatory political rhetoric. Experts like Dr. Muzammil Ayub Thakur and Dr. Mohammad Ashrafuluzzaman warn that the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its ideological affiliates have normalized hate speech and discriminatory laws, including the 2025 Waqf Amendment Act.

Observers fear that without transparent data and judicial accountability, India’s secular fabric will continue to erode, leaving minority communities vulnerable and distrustful of state institutions.