Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) Chairman Chowdhury Ashiq Bin Harun stated that the return of BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman to the country serves as a confidence booster for investors. He made the comment in a post on his verified Facebook page on Sunday night, noting that the development signals progress toward a free and fair election, which he said is vital for an investment-friendly environment.

In the same post, Harun highlighted the recent completion of negotiations on the Bangladesh-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), describing it as a major step for the country’s economic future. The agreement will provide duty-free access for 7,379 Bangladeshi products to Japan and 1,039 Japanese products to Bangladesh. It is expected to attract Japanese investment in sectors such as ICT, logistics, electronics, renewable energy, and agro-processing, while also enhancing employment and skills among Bangladeshi youth.

Harun added that the government is forming a specialized negotiation team to handle future trade agreements with countries like the United States, South Korea, and Turkey, aiming to strengthen Bangladesh’s trade capacity after LDC graduation.

The 8 Armed Police Battalion (APBn) conducted extensive operations across 11 Rohingya camps in Ukhiya, Cox’s Bazar, over the past six months to maintain law and order. During nearly 200 special raids, 108 individuals were arrested in connection with 52 cases involving weapons, drugs, and other crimes. Authorities recovered a large cache of arms, ammunition, and narcotics, including submachine guns, pistols, one-shooter guns, and 175,068 yaba tablets, along with cash and other contraband.

According to APBn sources, the operations were carried out in camps under several police zones, including Panbazar, Moynarghona, and Hakimpara. Local representatives praised the continuous drives, noting improved security and reduced criminal activity in and around the camps. They emphasized the importance of sustaining such efforts to ensure community safety.

APBn commander Riaz Uddin Ahmed stated that the battalion is operating under a zero-tolerance policy against terrorism, illegal arms, and drug trafficking. He pledged to continue coordinated operations with local authorities to prevent criminal networks from re-emerging in the camps.

Mufti Habibur Rahman, a central executive member of Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis and a prominent Islamic scholar from Muktagacha in Mymensingh, passed away on Sunday night at his home after falling ill. He was 57 years old and is survived by his wife and three sons. His funeral prayer is scheduled for Monday after the Zuhr prayer at his residence in Garai Kutir, Muktagacha, followed by burial in the family graveyard.

Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis Secretary General Maulana Jalaluddin Ahmad expressed deep sorrow over the death, describing Mufti Habibur Rahman as a dedicated scholar, principled organizer, and steadfast worker of the Islamic movement. In a statement to the media, he praised Rahman’s contributions to religious preaching, organizational duties, and his exemplary personal character marked by humility and piety.

The party leader said Rahman’s death is not only a loss to his family and organization but also to the broader religious community. He prayed for the departed soul’s forgiveness and requested the nation to join in prayers for him.

The Chamber Court of the Appellate Division has ordered the removal of Nagorik Oikya President Mahmudur Rahman Manna’s name from the list of loan defaulters. The directive was issued on Monday at around 11 a.m. following a hearing. According to lawyers, this decision clears the way for Manna to contest the national election from Bogura.

Earlier, Islami Bank Bangladesh Limited’s Bogura Barogola branch had issued a call-back notice on December 10 to recover Tk 38 crore 4 lakh 76 thousand in defaulted loans. The notice was sent to Afaku Cold Storage Limited, a company led by Manna. The company’s ownership structure includes 50 percent held by Manna, 25 percent by Managing Director ABM Nazmul Kadir Shajahan Chowdhury, and 25 percent by his wife Ismat Ara Laiju. The notice required repayment by December 18, warning of legal action for noncompliance.

Manna had previously filed a writ petition in the High Court seeking removal of his name from the defaulter list, but the petition was dismissed last Wednesday before the Chamber Court’s latest directive.

The US-based organization Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) has announced a reward of 5.5 million taka for information leading to the identification and arrest of those responsible for the killing of Shahid Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of Inquilab Manch. The announcement was made on Monday in a statement following reports from Dhaka Metropolitan Police that the suspects had fled Bangladesh and taken refuge in India.

According to the SFJ statement, the killers escaped to India after the incident. SFJ General Counsel Gurpatwant Singh Pannun alleged that the Indian government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi was involved in the murder, describing it as part of cross-border terrorism extending from Bangladesh to the United States. He also claimed similarities between Hadi’s killing and the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada.

SFJ said the reward aims to gather credible public information to help law enforcement locate, arrest, and extradite the suspects. The organization further alleged that India’s intelligence agency RAW was involved and called for international accountability for the killing.

The final day for submitting nomination papers for Bangladesh’s 13th parliamentary election and national referendum is Monday, December 29, 2025. The Election Commission’s central coordination committee reported that by Sunday, 2,780 nomination papers had been collected nationwide, though only about fifty had been submitted. The election and referendum are scheduled to take place on February 12, 2026, with voting from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

According to the Election Commission, scrutiny of submitted nominations will occur from December 30 to January 4, appeals against returning officers’ decisions can be filed between January 5 and 9, and appeal resolutions will be completed by January 18. The deadline for candidate withdrawal is January 20, symbol allocation will take place on January 21, and voting will be conducted using transparent ballot boxes. Dhaka region recorded the highest number of nomination collections at 501, followed by Comilla with 405 and Mymensingh with 339.

The Commission noted that most candidates traditionally submit on the final day. Restrictions remain in place limiting attendance during submission to five persons and prohibiting rallies or showdowns to ensure compliance with the electoral code of conduct.

Home Affairs Adviser Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury has called on the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) to take necessary preparations to ensure a peaceful election. He made the remarks on Monday morning while addressing an event marking BGB Day. The adviser emphasized the need for strategic measures to resolve border issues and urged vigilance to prevent terrorists from escaping through border areas.

According to the adviser, maintaining security along the borders is crucial for national stability, particularly during the election period. His comments came as part of broader discussions on law enforcement readiness and coordination among security agencies ahead of the polls.

The call for BGB’s preparedness highlights the government’s focus on preventing cross-border threats and ensuring a secure environment for the upcoming election process.

Advocate Monjila Sultana Jhuma, a leader of the National Citizens Party (NCP), has announced that she will not participate in the upcoming 13th national parliamentary election. She made the announcement on Sunday night through a post on her Facebook page, confirming that she had informed the party’s Khagrachhari district convener, Nahid Islam, of her decision earlier that day.

According to Jhuma, the NCP had initially nominated her to contest from Khagrachhari-298 constituency with the party’s ‘Shapla Koli’ symbol, and the nomination form had already been collected on her behalf on December 24. The final date for submission was the following day, but she decided to withdraw from the race. Her announcement follows recent resignations from the NCP by senior joint member secretary Dr. Tasnim Zara, who declared her candidacy as an independent from Dhaka-9, and joint convener Tajnuva Jabin.

Jhuma concluded her post expressing faith that young people will eventually enter parliament, reflecting optimism about future political participation.

Azad Khan Bhasani, grandson of Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhasani and chief coordinator of the farmers’ wing of the National Citizens Party (NCP), has resigned from the party. His resignation came on Sunday night through a Facebook post, following reports that the NCP had formed an alliance with Jamaat. Several other party leaders also resigned after the news of the alliance emerged.

In his post, Azad explained that he had joined the NCP with hopes of building a new Bangladesh inspired by the ideals of the July uprising and the unfinished struggle of the Liberation War. He said he was motivated by his grandfather’s vision of people-oriented, anti-imperialist, and anti-discrimination politics. However, he expressed disappointment over what he described as a lack of commitment and depth within the party to fulfill those historical responsibilities.

Azad stated that his decision to leave was driven by his desire to remain true to the ideals of the Liberation War and Maulana Bhasani’s political philosophy. He wished the young members of the NCP success in their future political journey.

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department has forecast that temperatures in Dhaka and surrounding areas will remain nearly unchanged. The six-hour forecast issued from 7 a.m. on Monday indicates that the sky may remain partly cloudy and the weather mostly dry. Moderate to dense fog is expected to occur during this period.

According to the department, winds from the north-northwest may blow at speeds of 8 to 12 kilometers per hour. The temperature recorded in Dhaka at 6 a.m. was 14 degrees Celsius, with the day’s minimum temperature measured at 13.8 degrees Celsius. The forecast suggests that daytime temperatures will remain almost steady.

The weather office’s message comes amid reports of cold conditions across the country, with cold waves sweeping through various regions and intensifying winter chill in Dhaka and beyond.

A Dhaka-bound Agnibina Express train derailed early Monday morning near Gafargaon Railway Station in Mymensingh after rail plates were reportedly removed from the track. The incident occurred around 5:15 a.m. as the train was approaching the station, causing the engine and two coaches to leave the tracks. Following the derailment, rail communication between Dhaka and Mymensingh was suspended.

Gafargaon Railway Station Master Md. Hanif confirmed the derailment, stating that he had not yet reached the site but received information from the railway security forces that the removal of rail plates led to the incident. He also confirmed that no casualties had been reported so far.

Authorities have not yet provided details on when train services will resume or who might be responsible for the removal of the rail plates.

A massive crowd gathered at the funeral of Sharif Osman Hadi, where mourners chanted slogans calling for independence, justice, and reform. The unprecedented turnout was described as a reflection of Hadi’s influence and his vision for political and social transformation in Bangladesh. The article portrays Hadi as a leading reformist who sought to reshape the nation’s political culture and challenge external dominance.

Hadi’s ideology emphasized justice, human rights, and resistance against oppression, which he viewed as integral to Islamic principles. He advocated for reforming Bangladesh’s electoral system, criticizing the influence of money and disorderly campaigning. He also called for a Bangladesh-centered cultural movement to counter what he described as Indian hegemony and the enduring cultural dominance of the Awami League. His political struggle, according to the article, was intellectual and cultural rather than violent.

Hadi’s views on death were rooted in faith, seeing it as a noble end for those who die in pursuit of justice. The author concludes that his death and ideals will continue to inspire movements for fairness and reform in Bangladesh.

Mojibur Rahman Shamim, former chairman of Chitalmari Upazila in Bagerhat and owner of Joy Group, received an exit facility from Bangladesh Bank despite his company being declared a willful defaulter by Trust Bank. Joy Group had taken loans from multiple banks but failed to repay them despite having the capacity. The central bank extended the facility under a policy meant for businesses affected by political changes or currency fluctuations, raising questions about the decision.

According to bank data, Joy Group’s eight entities owe a total of Tk 517 crore to four banks, all classified as defaulted. Trust Bank, Islami Bank, Social Islami Bank, and Padma Bank hold the loans. The central bank’s policy allows affected businesses to regularize loans with a two percent down payment and up to ten years for repayment, but willful defaulters are not eligible. Bank officials said they were reluctant to extend new facilities but were compelled by Bangladesh Bank’s directive.

Bangladesh Bank spokesperson Arif Hossain Khan stated that willful defaulters are not entitled to such benefits and any irregularities would be investigated. Deputy Governor Zakir Hossain Chowdhury denied allegations of exerting pressure to approve the facility.

The interim government of Bangladesh is facing widespread protests and multiple challenges over the implementation of the National Equipment Identity Registrar (NEIR). Around 20,000 mobile phone traders across the country, including in Dhaka, have taken to the streets opposing the initiative. The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) announced that from tomorrow, unregistered or illegally imported mobile phones will no longer function in the country. The government argues that NEIR will curb illegal handset trade, reduce crime, and restore order in the mobile market.

Opposing traders claim that the system will strengthen a syndicate of 18 importers and put small businesses at risk, potentially rendering about five million phones illegal. The mobile industry currently employs about 160,000 people and contributes over Tk 2,000 crore in annual tax revenue. In response to concerns, a joint meeting of NBR, the Commerce Ministry, the Telecom Division, and BTRC decided to lower import duties and begin registering unlisted traders.

Industry leaders and experts believe NEIR could ensure sustainable growth, protect consumers, and enhance national security, though they stress the need for policies to safeguard small traders’ interests.

Following the July uprising, Bangladesh’s primary and secondary textbooks have undergone extensive revisions. The new editions prepared for the 2026 academic year have removed the honorific titles 'Father of the Nation' and 'Bangabandhu' previously used before Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s name. The updated content now includes references to the July Revolution, the BAKSAL period under Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the flight of Sheikh Hasina, and subsequent political developments under Ziaur Rahman, Hussain Muhammad Ershad, and Khaleda Zia.

A review of the National Curriculum and Textbook Board’s (NCTB) 2026 “Bangladesh and Global Studies” textbook for eighth grade shows that the word 'Bangabandhu' has been omitted in most instances describing the March 7 speech. According to an NCTB source, the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education (DSHE) issued a written directive to remove the title, prompting the board to make the changes. The revisions were made under the guidance of the National Curriculum Coordination Committee (NCCC), which oversaw additions and deletions across multiple subjects.

The new textbooks have already been printed and uploaded online for free access before the start of the school year, allowing students to read them in advance.