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.

Bangladesh’s upcoming 13th parliamentary election has sparked intra-alliance tension as Barrister Rumeen Farhana, a central executive member of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), announced her independent candidacy in Brahmanbaria-2 (Sarail-Ashuganj). The seat was allocated to Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam leader Maulana Junayed Al-Habib under a BNP-Jamiat electoral understanding. Despite not receiving the BNP nomination, Rumeen declared her intention to contest independently during a local event in Sarail, fueling speculation of internal rifts.

The BNP and Jamiat recently formalized an agreement granting Jamiat four constituencies—Nilphamari-1, Narayanganj-4, Sylhet-5, and Brahmanbaria-2. Under new electoral rules, Jamiat candidates must run using their party’s ‘date tree’ symbol rather than BNP’s ‘sheaf of paddy’. Party officials confirmed this arrangement in a joint press conference at BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s Gulshan office.

Analysts suggest Rumeen’s independent bid could test BNP’s alliance discipline and voter cohesion in key constituencies. The development underscores the complexities of opposition coordination ahead of the national polls.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has reached an electoral understanding with Bangladesh Jamiat-e-Ulama-e-Islam ahead of the 13th national election. Under the agreement, BNP will not field candidates in four constituencies where Jamiat will contest, while Jamiat will refrain from competing in BNP-allocated seats. The announcement was made at a joint press conference held at the BNP Chairperson’s office in Gulshan, Dhaka.

Despite BNP’s endorsement, Jamiat candidates will not be allowed to use the BNP’s ‘sheaf of paddy’ symbol. Instead, they must contest under their own ‘date tree’ emblem, in line with recent amendments to the Representation of the People Order (RPO) approved by the interim government’s advisory council. The four constituencies allocated to Jamiat are Nilphamari-1, Narayanganj-4, Sylhet-5, and Brahmanbaria-2.

Political analysts view this alliance as a strategic move to consolidate opposition votes against the ruling party. However, the restriction on shared symbols may limit the coalition’s visibility among voters. The coming weeks will test how effectively the alliance can coordinate its campaign under separate banners.

Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal-1 has ordered the commencement of trial proceedings against 17 individuals, including former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, and former Inspector General of Police Benazir Ahmed. The charges relate to alleged enforced disappearances and torture at the Rapid Action Battalion’s (RAB) Task Force for Interrogation (TFI) cell. The order was issued on Tuesday by a three-member judicial panel headed by Justice Md. Golam Mortuza Mojumdar.

The tribunal’s decision marks a significant legal development involving some of the country’s most senior political and security figures. The accused also include former and current military officers. While detailed charges and trial dates are yet to be disclosed, the case has drawn widespread attention due to the high-profile nature of the defendants. Human rights groups have long raised concerns about alleged abuses by security agencies, and this move may signal a shift toward judicial accountability.

Observers say the proceedings could have far-reaching political and institutional implications, testing the independence of Bangladesh’s judiciary and the state’s stance on human rights violations.

BJP legislator and Jammu & Kashmir opposition leader Sunil Sharma declared that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will not remain silent on matters concerning Bangladesh and Pakistan. Speaking at a protest in Kishtwar organized by Hindu groups, Sharma linked recent violence in Bangladesh, including the killing of a Hindu worker, to what he described as an international conspiracy aimed at destabilizing India and provoking regional conflict.

Sharma asserted that countries like the United States and China fear Modi’s leadership and that he symbolizes hope for Hindus in Bangladesh. He further claimed that India’s growing economic and military strength toward 2047 has prompted attempts by rival nations to weaken it. Protesters submitted a memorandum to local authorities and announced plans to appeal to India’s top leadership for intervention to protect Hindu minorities in Bangladesh.

The remarks come amid heightened political sensitivity ahead of Bangladesh’s 2026 elections. Sharma also questioned the silence of international organizations on minority rights in Bangladesh, alleging that unrest there may be intended to delay the polls.

Dr. Tasnim Jara, senior joint member secretary of the National Citizen Party (NCP) and a candidate for Dhaka-9 constituency, announced that her campaign fund received over Tk 1.2 million in just seven hours. The announcement came early Tuesday through her verified Facebook page, where she expressed gratitude for the overwhelming public support. The fundraising drive began Monday night as part of her effort to finance her election campaign.

According to Jara, the campaign’s total target is Tk 4.69 million, with fundraising to stop once Tk 3.4 million more is collected. She noted that donations through the mobile payment platform bKash were temporarily halted after reaching transaction limits, but contributions could still be made via bank accounts. Jara also shared screenshots of the donation accounts, emphasizing transparency and accountability in fund management.

The rapid response highlights growing citizen engagement in digital political fundraising in Bangladesh. Observers say such initiatives may reshape campaign financing norms, especially among younger and tech-savvy voters ahead of the upcoming national elections.

Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal-1 is set to deliver its order today, December 23, on whether to formally frame charges against former prime minister Sheikh Hasina and 12 army officers 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, scheduled the ruling after concluding hearings earlier this month.

The case names 17 accused in total, including 10 currently in custody and seven absconding, among them former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal and ex-RAB chief Benazir Ahmed. Defense lawyers have sought dismissal of the charges, while prosecutor Gazi M.H. Tamim urged the tribunal to proceed with trial. Hearings were previously postponed on December 21 following defense requests for special arguments.

The tribunal’s decision will determine whether a full trial begins against the former leader and senior military officials. The proceedings are being closely watched both domestically and internationally for their potential political and legal implications in post-Hasina Bangladesh.