The Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (BJCD) has announced a strong stance against groups accused of inciting mob violence under the guise of religion. Speaking at a rally at Dhaka University, BJCD central president Rakibul Islam Rakib warned that the organization will actively resist attempts to exploit religious sentiment to destabilize the nation. The protest, organized to demand justice for recent mob killings, concluded with a call for unity and social harmony.

Rakibul criticized what he described as a coordinated campaign by certain factions to spread hatred online and fuel unrest since early August. He reaffirmed BJCD’s commitment to democratic principles, emphasizing patience and restraint in confronting violence. Dhaka University BJCD president Ganesh Chandra Roy echoed the demand for impartial investigations and exemplary punishment for those responsible.

The rally followed recent incidents in Mymensingh and Lakshmipur, where a garment worker and a child were killed in alleged mob attacks. The student group urged the government to ensure swift justice and to prevent further religiously motivated violence.

Students at Rajshahi University on Sunday locked the offices of six deans reportedly aligned with the Awami League, protesting their continued presence after their official terms expired on December 17. The action took place at noon in the Deans’ Complex, where demonstrators chanted slogans demanding the removal of the deans and denouncing what they called political influence in university administration.

Student leaders, including RAKSU’s cultural secretary Zaid Hasan Zoha, said the deans had lost moral legitimacy to hold office beyond their tenure, calling their continued stay a betrayal of the July movement’s ideals. Senate member Akil Bin Taleb criticized the administration for failing to uphold the spirit of the post-July reforms and cited unresolved security issues on campus, including the killing of activist Hadi.

RAKSU General Secretary Salahuddin Ammar stated on social media that none of the six deans attended campus duties and had informed the vice-chancellor they would step aside. Students vowed to keep the offices locked until accountability measures are taken, putting pressure on the university administration to announce replacements.

Bangladesh observed its Victory Day with solemn tributes to the martyrs of the 1971 Liberation War, reaffirming the nation’s commitment to uphold the values for which independence was achieved. The commemorations emphasized that true respect for the fallen heroes lies in building a united, corruption-free, and democratic nation.

Speakers and commentators highlighted that the nine-month war was not only a fight for territorial freedom but also a struggle against oppression and inequality. They urged citizens to embody the spirit of humanity, justice, and secularism that guided the liberation movement. University representatives and civic leaders reiterated the need to institutionalize democracy and reject political violence and division.

The Victory Day reflections underscored a collective pledge to protect sovereignty and work toward a prosperous and dignified Bangladesh for future generations. Observers noted that sustaining unity and moral governance remains essential to realizing the aspirations of 1971.

A Dhaka court has issued a travel ban against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and 16 others, including senior Awami League leaders and ex-ministers, in connection with a corruption case involving alleged embezzlement of 3.09 billion taka. The order was delivered by Acting Judge Md Abdullah Al Mamun of the Dhaka Metropolitan Senior Special Judge’s Court following a petition from the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).

According to the ACC, the accused conspired to misappropriate government funds through inflated billing by Computer Network System Limited, which reportedly caused significant financial losses to the state. The court was informed that the accused might attempt to leave the country, potentially obstructing the investigation and destroying evidence.

The travel restriction marks a significant legal development following the fall of Hasina’s government. Legal analysts suggest the case could set a precedent for future anti-graft proceedings involving high-profile political figures. The ACC is expected to continue its investigation in the coming weeks before filing formal charges.

Rashed Pradhan, vice-president and spokesperson of the National Democratic Party (JAGPA), was stopped by police on Sunday while attempting a solo protest march to the Indian Embassy in Dhaka. He began his walk from Paltan Box Culvert Road, carrying a symbolic black rose meant to protest what he described as Indian dominance and aggression. Police intercepted him near Badda Link Road after he had walked more than six kilometers.

Pradhan said he intended to deliver the black rose as a message of resistance against Indian influence and criticized the Bangladeshi interim government for preventing his peaceful demonstration. He also condemned an alleged attack on the Bangladeshi embassy in New Delhi, accusing Indian police of inaction. His remarks included strong criticism of India’s foreign policy and demands for justice in cross-border issues such as killings, water sharing, and alleged territorial encroachments.

The incident underscores rising nationalist rhetoric among smaller political groups in Bangladesh and could add strain to the already sensitive Dhaka-New Delhi diplomatic relationship.

The funeral prayer of Air Vice Marshal (Retd.) A.K. Khandaker, Deputy Chief of Staff during Bangladesh’s Liberation War and former Chief of Air Staff, was held at the Bangladesh Air Force Base Bashar in Dhaka on Sunday, December 21, 2025. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) confirmed that Khandaker passed away on Saturday morning at 10:35 a.m.

A.K. Khandaker had a distinguished military career beginning with his commission in the Pakistan Air Force in 1952. He served as a fighter pilot, flying instructor, and later as a senior officer in various command positions until 1969. During the 1971 Liberation War, he played a crucial role in coordinating the air operations of the Mukti Bahini and allied forces.

His passing marks the end of an era for Bangladesh’s military leadership. Senior officials, former comrades, and citizens paid tribute to his lifelong service to the nation. The government is expected to organize further commemorations recognizing his contributions to the country’s independence and defense establishment.

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed has strongly condemned recent attacks on newspaper offices, including The Daily Star and Prothom Alo, describing the incidents as a national disgrace. Speaking at a media dialogue in Dhaka’s Radisson Blu Hotel, organized to mark acting chairman Tarique Rahman’s return to Bangladesh, he accused the government of negligence despite prior intelligence warnings about possible violence.

Ahmed questioned the delayed response of law enforcement and said the attacks reflect a growing intolerance toward the press. He urged stronger institutional safeguards for democracy and called for accountability from those responsible for ensuring free and fair elections. Other BNP leaders, including Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, echoed concerns about press freedom and political repression, citing past mistreatment of senior journalists.

Editors attending the event, such as Matiur Rahman Chowdhury of Manabzamin, emphasized the need for a clear media policy and collective unity to face future challenges. The discussion underscored the fragile state of media safety and democratic institutions ahead of Tarique Rahman’s anticipated political re-engagement.

Two journalists were injured in Shariatpur’s Sakhipur on Saturday night after being attacked by local BNP leader Mazharul Islam Sardar and his associates outside a police station. The incident occurred when the BNP leader allegedly tried to pressure police to release a detained former Youth League leader during the ongoing ‘Operation Devil Hunt’. When journalists began taking photographs, the situation escalated, leading to physical assault and attempts to seize their phones.

Police later intervened to control the situation and took the injured journalists to Vedarganj Upazila Health Complex. Local journalist associations strongly condemned the attack, calling it a blow to press freedom. The district BNP president, Shafiqul Rahman Kiran, said disciplinary action would be taken if party members were found involved and expressed regret over the incident. The Sakhipur police chief described the attack as “unfortunate” and confirmed that legal measures would follow if formal complaints were filed.

The assault has raised concerns about journalist safety and political interference in law enforcement, prompting calls for accountability and protection of media workers.

Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal has postponed its order on charge framing against 17 accused, including former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, in a case related to alleged abductions and torture at the Taskforce for Interrogation (TFI) Cell. The tribunal, led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Majumder, rescheduled the order for December 23 after defense lawyers sought additional time during Sunday’s hearing.

Ten detained army officers were produced before the tribunal from Dhaka Cantonment’s special prison. Defense counsel Mansurul Haque Chowdhury requested the delay on behalf of several officers, while Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam objected, accusing the defense of intentionally delaying proceedings. The tribunal previously ordered public notices for six absconding defendants, including former security adviser Tariq Ahmed Siddiq and ex–Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal.

The case, involving allegations of enforced disappearances and torture, marks one of the most politically sensitive proceedings since the change of government. Observers say the tribunal’s next session on December 23 will be crucial in determining whether formal charges move forward against the high-profile accused.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has collected nomination papers to contest the upcoming national election from the Bogura-6 (Sadar) constituency. The papers were received on his behalf by district BNP President Rezaul Karim Badsha from the Bogura Deputy Commissioner and Returning Officer Taufiqur Rahman on Sunday afternoon.

Following the submission, Rezaul Karim Badsha stated that Tarique Rahman’s candidacy from Bogura-6 marks a moment of pride for the party. Senior BNP leaders including Mahbubur Rahman, GM Siraj, VP Saiful Islam, Zainal Abedin Chan, and district acting general secretary Mosharraf Hossain were present during the collection.

Tarique Rahman, currently residing in the United Kingdom, has long been a central figure in BNP politics. His potential participation in the election could significantly influence the party’s campaign strategy and voter sentiment in northern Bangladesh, where Bogura remains a BNP stronghold.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder and former Prime Minister Imran Khan has called on his party’s workers and supporters to prepare for nationwide protests, claiming that all avenues for justice have been closed. The appeal was conveyed by PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja during a press conference at Khyber Pakhtunkhwa House, following a special court’s verdict sentencing Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, to 17 years in prison in the Toshakhana case.

Raja alleged that Khan is being held in solitary confinement and that his family members are being denied access to court proceedings. He said prison authorities have ignored court orders allowing scheduled visits on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Quoting Khan, Raja stated that the former premier remains steadfast in his stance and is ready to sacrifice his life for the people’s freedom.

The call for mobilization marks a potential escalation in Pakistan’s political tensions, as PTI supporters prepare for possible demonstrations amid ongoing disputes over judicial independence and political repression.

The Bangladesh Election Commission (EC) has instructed all government and armed forces employees involved in the upcoming 13th National Parliament election and referendum to complete their registration for postal voting by December 25. The directive, signed by Additional Secretary K.M. Ali Newaz, was sent to the Finance Ministry for distribution via SMS to all eligible officers and employees listed in the iBAS++ payroll system. Registration must be completed through the ‘Postal Vote BD’ app, which enables IT-supported postal ballot participation.

According to the EC, registered voters will receive postal ballots by mail and must return them to their respective returning officers after casting their votes. The initiative aims to ensure that officials engaged in election duties can still exercise their voting rights. The EC has also published a detailed election schedule, with candidate nomination closing on December 29 and polling set for February 12, 2026.

Officials say the move reflects the commission’s broader effort to modernize election logistics and enhance voter inclusion among public servants.

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed stated that while politicians drive the state, journalists serve as its navigators. Speaking at a discussion with media editors and journalists in Banani, Dhaka, he condemned recent arson attacks on media outlets, calling them a national disgrace and questioning the government’s role in preventing such incidents.

Ahmed alleged that certain media organizations were deliberately targeted and criticized the government’s failure to act preemptively. He warned against the rise of mobocracy and urged firm measures to restore order. Emphasizing the BNP’s commitment to strengthening democracy, he said the party seeks cooperation from all citizens, not for partisan gain but for national progress.

Referring to Tarique Rahman’s anticipated return after 18 years in exile, Ahmed expressed hope that his comeback would reinforce Bangladesh’s democratic foundation. He called for unity in overcoming past divisions while remembering the lessons of authoritarian periods.

Bangladesh’s Election Commission (EC) announced that 557,695 expatriate citizens have registered to vote through postal ballots in the upcoming national election and referendum. The data, published on the EC’s website as of Sunday noon, shows that 523,086 men and 34,607 women have completed registration via the ‘Postal Vote BD’ app. Registrants come from a wide range of countries including South Korea, Japan, South Africa, China, the United States, and Saudi Arabia.

According to the EC, voters assigned to election duties, government employees stationed outside their constituencies, and those in legal custody can register for postal voting until December 25. The initiative is part of the Out of Country Voting System and Implementation (OCV-SDI) project, led by Salim Ahmad Khan. The EC has urged expatriates to provide accurate addresses during registration to ensure ballot delivery.

This marks a significant step toward expanding electoral participation among Bangladeshis abroad, reflecting the government’s broader goal of integrating overseas citizens into the democratic process. The registration deadline and subsequent voting logistics will test the EC’s capacity to manage remote participation efficiently.

The Bangladesh Election Commission (EC) has identified three categories of potential risks ahead of the upcoming national elections, while the armed forces have requested judicial authority under the Mobile Court Act and permission to enter polling centers on election day. The proposal was raised during a recent meeting between the EC and law enforcement agencies chaired by Chief Election Commissioner Nasir Uddin. The commission has yet to make a decision on the army’s request.

Election Commissioner Brigadier General (Retd.) Abul Fazl Mohammad Sanaullah outlined the risks as heightened public excitement after a long gap between elections, possible acts of sabotage by certain groups, and the influence of black money, counterfeit currency, and cross-border networks. These factors, he warned, could threaten the integrity and order of the polls if not effectively managed.

The EC is expected to deliberate further on the army’s proposal and risk mitigation strategies in the coming weeks as preparations intensify for the national vote.