The Bangladesh Navy will conduct missile firing exercises on December 29 and 30 in the sea area between Cox’s Bazar and Hatiya. The Inter-Services Public Relations Directorate (ISPR) announced the exercise in a press release issued on Saturday. The navy has requested all vessels, including fishing boats and trawlers, to avoid the designated area during the operation period for safety reasons.

According to the ISPR statement, the advisory aims to ensure the safety of lives and property while the missile firing takes place. The notice specifically calls on maritime operators to refrain from staying or moving within the affected zone during the scheduled dates.

The announcement serves as a precautionary measure to prevent accidents or disruptions during the naval exercise, which is part of routine operational activities in Bangladesh’s maritime region.

Bangladesh’s Interim Government Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam has warned that fake images and deepfakes have become a major challenge for journalism amid the rapid rise of artificial intelligence. Speaking on December 27 at the closing session of a two-day workshop titled ‘AI-Powered Journalism: Opportunity, Risk and Digital Security’ at the Dhaka Reporters Unity, he emphasized that while AI can greatly enhance journalists’ productivity, its misuse can distort information and mislead the public.

Alam said journalism’s golden standards of accuracy and verified sourcing must remain unchanged regardless of AI use. He noted that AI tools can increase a journalist’s productivity from 30 to 80 percent and open new opportunities in specialized reporting. However, he cautioned that manipulated content and deepfakes are being used to influence public opinion and threaten democratic stability. He urged journalists to develop AI literacy to detect misinformation and protect democratic values.

Other speakers, including DRU President Abu Saleh Akon and General Secretary Mainul Hasan Sohel, stressed that understanding AI’s mechanisms and limits is now essential for responsible journalism and announced continued training programs for reporters.

Nusrat Tabassum, joint convener of the National Citizens Party (NCP), has objected to her party’s decision to join an eight-party alliance that includes Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami. According to the report, 30 of the NCP’s 214 central committee members have submitted letters expressing their opposition to the alliance. On Saturday evening, Tabassum reiterated her stance in a Facebook post, writing that politics should not outweigh principles and that commitment must be honored.

The dissent follows the resignation of Dr. Tasnim Jara from the NCP and her announcement to contest the upcoming election from Dhaka-9 as an independent candidate. After her departure, three senior NCP leaders—Samantha Sharmin, Nusrat Tabassum, and Dr. Mahmuda Mitu—posted statements on Facebook reflecting differing views within the party. Sharmin vowed to continue the struggle, while Mitu expressed distrust toward certain Western-aligned groups.

The internal disagreement highlights growing unease within the NCP over its alignment with Jamaat and other parties, suggesting potential challenges for the alliance ahead of the election.

BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman said Thursday would remain unforgettable in his heart, marking his return to Bangladesh after 17 years. In a Facebook post on Saturday night, he thanked the people for their warm welcome, describing the crowds and prayers that greeted him in Dhaka. Rahman expressed deep gratitude to citizens from all walks of life, including professionals, farmers, and workers, for their unity and support.

He also thanked the media for responsibly covering his return and praised law enforcement agencies for ensuring safety and peace during the event. Rahman extended appreciation to leaders of other political parties who welcomed his return, emphasizing the importance of democracy, coexistence, and moving beyond politics of revenge. He said he had shared a practical plan for a peaceful and dignified Bangladesh where every citizen feels secure and respected.

Rahman concluded by dedicating his plan to all Bangladeshis, calling for unity and inclusivity as the foundation for the nation’s progress.

Ferry services on the important Daulatdia–Paturia route, connecting Rajbari’s Daulatdia and Manikganj’s Paturia, were suspended again from 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, December 27, due to dense fog. The suspension was announced by the terminal authorities after visibility on the river dropped sharply, making navigation unsafe. Earlier, ferry movement on the same route had been halted for about 15 hours from Friday evening until Saturday morning before resuming for around 12 hours.

According to the terminal authorities, the fog intensified after evening, obscuring the river’s marking lights and creating serious safety risks. As a result, the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC) temporarily stopped all ferry and vessel operations to prevent possible accidents. The suspension led to long queues of passenger buses, trucks, and private cars at both terminals, causing hardship for drivers and passengers in the cold night.

Officials said ferry operations will resume once the fog density decreases and conditions are reviewed for safe navigation.

Police in Ishwardi, Pabna, arrested Zulmat Haydar, 62, the office and organizational secretary of the banned Ishwardi Upazila Awami League and Sahapur Union, on Saturday evening from Alibardi Road in the municipal area. The arrest was made in connection with a case filed over his alleged opposition to students during an anti-discrimination movement, confirmed Ishwardi Circle Additional Superintendent of Police Pranab Kumar Sarkar.

According to police sources, Haydar, son of the late Fakir Uddin Sardar, had also served as president of the Ishwardi Upazila Mill Owners’ Group for a long time. Afzal Hossain, in charge of the Ambagan Police Outpost, said Haydar was named as an accused in the case for his active role against students during the movement. Ishwardi Police Station Officer-in-Charge Md. Mominuzzaman stated that Haydar was being held for preliminary questioning and would be sent to Pabna Jail through court proceedings the following day.

The arrest follows ongoing legal actions related to the anti-discrimination movement in Ishwardi, with authorities continuing investigations into those accused of opposing student demonstrators.

Authorities in Kishoreganj reported that the donation boxes of the Pagla Mosque contained Tk 11 crore 78 lakh 48 thousand 538 after counting on Saturday. The counting took place under the supervision of Additional District Magistrate Md Ershadul Ahmed, who confirmed the total amount at night. Alongside the cash, foreign currency, gold, and silver ornaments were also found. An anonymous individual left a note in the donation box demanding public justice for the killing of Hadi.

The counting began at 9 a.m. after the boxes were opened at 7 a.m. in the presence of District Commissioner Mohammad Aslam Molla, Police Superintendent Dr. S.M. Farhad Hossain, and other officials. More than 400 students, mosque staff, bank employees, and law enforcement members participated in the process. Officials said 35 sacks of money were collected from 13 donation boxes.

District Commissioner Aslam Molla announced plans to build a ten-story Islamic complex centered on the mosque, which will include education facilities for orphans, a library, cafeteria, and IT section.

Leaders and activists of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) have collected nomination papers for Gabtali Upazila BNP president Morshed Milton to contest from Bogura-7 (Shajahanpur-Gabtali), the parliamentary seat of BNP chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia. The papers were collected on Saturday afternoon from Upazila Executive Officer Mohammad Hafizur Rahman, with Gabtali Upazila BNP vice-president Ashraful Islam acting on Milton’s behalf.

Several local BNP leaders, including organizational secretary Julfikar Naeem Gama, Mominul Islam, Sagar Khan, and Gabtali municipal BNP organizational secretary Tarikul Islam, were present during the submission. Both the Upazila Executive Officer and the Upazila Election Officer, Anisur Rahman, confirmed that the nomination papers were collected for Milton as the BNP’s official candidate.

The report recalls that in 2018, Morshed Milton had also received BNP’s nomination for the same constituency, but the Election Commission later canceled it. Following that decision, BNP extended its support to independent candidate Rezaul Karim Bablu, who contested under the “Rag” symbol.

Thirty members of the National Citizens Party (NCP) have expressed opposition to the party’s decision to join an eight-party alliance that includes Jamaat-e-Islami. According to multiple central leaders of the NCP, the dissenting members, out of a total 214 in the party’s central committee, have submitted a formal letter of objection. The confirmation came on Saturday, as reported by Amar Desh Online.

The report indicates that the NCP’s move to align with Jamaat-e-Islami and other parties has not received unanimous support within its leadership. The internal disagreement highlights divisions over the party’s strategic direction and its choice of political partners. Details about the content of the objection letter or the party’s next steps were not disclosed.

Further information on the development is expected as the situation evolves, with the NCP leadership yet to issue a public statement addressing the internal dissent.

Asif Mahmud, who resigned from his post as an adviser in Bangladesh’s interim government, has clarified that he will contest the upcoming national election from Dhaka-10 as an independent candidate. His statement followed reports that a nomination form had also been collected in his name for the Cumilla-3 constituency. Mahmud told BBC Bangla that he did not personally collect the Cumilla form, explaining that local residents from his home area in Muradnagar obtained it without his knowledge.

Mahmud, originally a voter from Muradnagar in Cumilla, applied in November to change his voter registration to Dhaka-10. On December 12, he announced via a social media video message his intention to run independently from that constituency. He had resigned from the interim government’s advisory council on December 10, a day before the election schedule was announced.

As a former student leader who represented participants in the July uprising, Mahmud previously oversaw the Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Ministry and the Youth and Sports Ministry during his tenure as an adviser.

At least 22 people, including women, were injured in a violent clash between two groups over a land dispute in Dhanpur village under Madan upazila of Netrakona on Saturday morning. Five of the injured were admitted to Mymensingh Medical College Hospital in critical condition, while the rest received treatment at Madan Upazila Health Complex. Police said the clash erupted between the groups of Matiur Rahman and Taijul Islam, who have been in a long-standing dispute over land ownership.

According to local sources and police, the two sides had previously clashed about a month ago, leading to multiple cases being filed with the local police station. On Saturday, both groups reportedly used traditional weapons such as spears, sticks, and machetes during the confrontation. Law enforcement officers arrived at the scene and brought the situation under control.

Madan Police Station’s investigation officer Debangshu Kumar stated that police have been deployed in the area to prevent further violence. He added that legal action will be taken upon receiving a written complaint regarding the incident.

BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman visited his in-laws’ residence, Mahbub Bhaban, in Dhanmondi on Saturday, December 27, after a 17-year gap. He left his Gulshan residence at 4:25 p.m. and traveled by road to the house. A verified post from the BNP media cell shared a photo of Rahman petting cats at the residence, describing him as an animal lover.

Rahman returned to Bangladesh on December 25 after years of exile in the United Kingdom. He arrived at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 11:39 a.m. on a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight. Following his arrival, he addressed supporters at a mass reception on the July-36 Expressway and later visited his mother, BNP chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, who is under treatment at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka.

Party leaders, including BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and members of the standing committee, welcomed Rahman with flowers at the airport’s VIP lounge before his public appearance.

Dr. Tasnim Jara has resigned from the National Citizen Party (NCP) and announced her candidacy as an independent contender for the Dhaka-9 constituency in the upcoming national parliamentary election. She made the announcement on Saturday, December 27, 2025, through a statement on her verified Facebook account.

Around the same time, three other senior NCP leaders—Senior Joint Convener Samanta Sharmin, Joint Member Secretary Nusrat Tabassum, and Joint Member Secretary Dr. Mahmuda Mitu—also made posts on Facebook. Samanta Sharmin wrote that they would not give up their struggle, Nusrat Tabassum emphasized that politics should not outweigh principles, and Dr. Mahmuda Mitu expressed distrust toward certain Western-aligned groups while praising those who openly state their positions.

The posts come amid internal tensions within the NCP, as several members have recently expressed dissent over the party’s political direction and alliances.

Adilur Rahman Khan, adviser to the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives, said that any attempt to disrupt the upcoming election will be firmly resisted. He made the remarks on Saturday at Matherbazar in Madaripur Sadar upazila after paying respects at the grave of July Movement martyr Naimur Rahman. He stated that patriotic citizens will work together to ensure a fair, free, and impartial election.

According to Adilur Rahman, the interim government is working to ensure the safety of July Movement participants and all citizens ahead of the election, while fascist forces are trying to obstruct the process. Earlier, he visited Ghatmajhi area to meet the family of July martyr Mamun Sardar and paid tribute at the July Memorial near Shakuni Lake in the morning.

Senior district officials, including Deputy Commissioner Jahangir Alam and Additional Deputy Commissioner Al Noman, were present during the visit, reflecting administrative engagement in the adviser’s activities.

RAB-6 has arrested D.K. Shamim, also known as Dhakaiya Shamim, in connection with the shooting of NCP leader Motaleb Sikdar in Khulna city. The arrest took place on Friday night during a special operation in the Basupara area. Another suspect, Mahadin, was also detained in the same operation. At a press briefing on Saturday, RAB-6 Deputy Commander Major Md. Nazmul Islam confirmed that Shamim was directly involved in the shooting incident and had seven previous cases under narcotics, robbery, and special powers laws. Mahadin was reportedly present at the scene during the attack.

Both detainees have been handed over to Sonadanga Model Police Station. RAB stated that operations are continuing to apprehend the remaining suspects in the case. The attack occurred on December 22 at Mukta House in the Al Aqsa Mosque Lane of 109 Majid Sarani, where unidentified assailants attempted to kill Motaleb Sikdar by gunfire. Following the incident, Sikdar’s wife filed a case naming a woman named Nimmi and eight unidentified individuals as accused.

RAB’s ongoing investigation aims to identify and capture the other suspects involved in the attempted murder.