A poem by Inquilab Mancha spokesperson Shahid Sharif Osman Hadi, previously shared on Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus’s verified Facebook page, was suddenly removed along with the page’s profile photo. The disappearance, noticed on Friday morning, quickly drew widespread discussion and speculation across social media platforms.

The poem had earlier sparked nationwide attention after being posted on the Chief Adviser’s page. When users found the post and profile photo missing, questions arose about the cause. Senior Assistant Press Secretary Fayez Ahmad stated that neither the government nor the press office deleted any content. He attributed the incident to a technical error on Facebook’s side and confirmed that communication with the platform’s authorities was underway to resolve the issue.

According to the press wing, the changes were temporary and the page was expected to return to normal soon. However, the unexplained timing of the “technical error” continued to fuel public curiosity during a sensitive period.

A record crowd gathered in Dhaka’s 300 Feet area to welcome BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman, defying the season’s coldest spell. Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam described the turnout as clear evidence of the nation’s readiness for the upcoming general election and referendum. In a verified Facebook post on December 26, he confirmed that both events would proceed on schedule, just seven weeks away.

Alam stated that the recent developments had dispelled any remaining doubts about the February 12 election date. He added that nomination submissions for parliamentary seats would begin within days, followed by campaign activities across the country. Printing presses and television debates were expected to intensify as the election approached.

Political analysts cited in the report said the massive turnout and the government’s high-level remarks reflected growing political engagement and tension ahead of the polls. Alam concluded that only a truly credible election could heal the deepening national divisions.

The Rehab Fair 2025, one of the largest events in Bangladesh’s housing sector, is set to conclude tomorrow. On Friday, the third day of the fair, large crowds gathered at the China–Bangladesh Friendship Conference Center despite traffic congestion and personal commitments. Visitors came with families, friends, and colleagues, exploring options for affordable apartments and residential plots. The fairgrounds became lively in the afternoon as people sought information and offers from developers.

Developers such as Hawk Homes & Builders and Credence Housing Limited participated with ready and ongoing projects across key locations in Dhaka. Credence Housing announced special discounts and booking offers for buyers, while Hawk Homes reported increased attendance later in the day as temperatures rose. The fair has become more than a marketplace, serving as a platform for inspiration and planning for those aspiring to own homes.

With only one day remaining, many visitors are making preliminary discussions and comparisons, hoping to finalize decisions before the fair ends tomorrow.

The National Curriculum and Textbook Board (NCTB) will upload the online versions of free primary and secondary textbooks for the 2026 academic year on its official website this Sunday, December 28. The launch event will be attended by Education Adviser Professor Dr. Chowdhury Rafiqul Abrar and Mass Education Adviser Professor Dr. Bidhan Ranjan Roy Poddar. According to a letter signed by NCTB’s public relations officer, students of both Bangla and English versions will be able to access and read the books before the new school year begins.

The NCTB website, www.nctb.gov.bd, will host a total of 647 textbooks covering all levels of primary and secondary education. The initiative aims to make the government’s free textbooks available online ahead of the academic session, ensuring early access for students across the country.

The official inauguration ceremony, titled “Uploading of 2026 Academic Year Textbooks Online,” will be organized by NCTB on December 28, marking a step toward digital accessibility in the national education system.

BNP’s acting chairman Tareq Rahman was on his way to the National Martyrs’ Memorial in Savar after visiting the grave of late president Ziaur Rahman on Friday, December 26, 2025. His vehicle was on the Gabtoli road when it became clear he would not reach the memorial before sunset.

As a result, senior BNP leaders paid tribute to the martyrs of the Liberation War on his behalf. According to the party’s media cell, at 5:06 p.m., standing committee members Gayeshwar Chandra Roy and Dr. Abdul Moyeen Khan, along with advisory council members Amanullah Aman and Lutfozzaman Babar, placed wreaths at the memorial. They were joined by Dhaka district BNP president Khondoker Abu Ashfaq, advocate Nipun Roy Chowdhury, Dr. Dewan Mohammad Salauddin, Tamizuddin, Yasin Ferdous Murad, Ayub Khan, retired Major General Fazle Elahi Akbar, and media cell member Shairul Kabir Khan.

The BNP media cell stated that the tribute was made in accordance with the rule requiring visits to the memorial before sunset.

The Directorate of Primary Education has suspended the recruitment examination for the post of 'Accounts Assistant' that was scheduled for Friday afternoon. The decision was announced in an official notice signed by the director (administration) of the directorate, stating that the exam, set for 3:00 p.m. to 4:20 p.m., was postponed due to unavoidable reasons. The new date and time for the exam will be announced later.

Although the directorate cited unavoidable circumstances, individuals involved in the process claimed that the suspension followed allegations of a question paper leak. Job seekers reportedly raised the issue earlier in the day, alleging that the exam questions had been leaked and shared on social media platforms. The incident caused significant inconvenience to candidates who had arrived to take the test.

The report indicates that the alleged leak spread rapidly online, prompting the directorate to issue the suspension notice. No further details were provided regarding any investigation or rescheduling plans.

BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman was on his way to the National Martyrs’ Memorial in Savar after visiting the grave of late President Ziaur Rahman on Friday, December 26, 2025. As he could not reach the memorial before sunset, senior BNP leaders paid tribute on his behalf under the leadership of Dr. Abdul Moyeen Khan. The tribute took place at 5:06 p.m.

According to BNP’s media cell, the delegation included Standing Committee members Gayeshwar Chandra Roy and Dr. Abdul Moyeen Khan, Advisory Council members Amanullah Aman and Lutfozzaman Babar, along with Dhaka District BNP President Khandaker Abu Ashfaq and several other party leaders. They placed floral wreaths at the memorial to honor the martyrs of the Liberation War.

The event highlighted BNP’s continued observance of national commemorations, even when its acting chairman could not be physically present at the memorial due to time constraints before sunset.

Police in Lakshmipur have arrested Md. Rubel, 41, the elder brother of Abdul Aziz Hakim, general secretary of the Sadar Upazila Chhatra League, for setting fire to the district election office under a 10,000 taka contract. The arrest was announced by Superintendent of Police Md. Abu Tarek during a press briefing on Friday, December 26, 2025. Rubel, a resident of Ward 10 in Lakshmipur Municipality, allegedly carried out the arson on instructions from Shimul Chakraborty, the late MP Shahajahan Kamal’s APS.

According to police, Rubel received 2,000 taka before the incident and was paid the remaining 8,000 taka afterward. When presented before court, Rubel confessed to setting the fire and was subsequently sent to jail. The arson occurred on the night of December 12, when a masked man was seen on CCTV footage igniting the election office. Investigators later identified Rubel and arrested him from his home through a special operation by the detective branch.

Authorities have not yet disclosed further details about the motive or whether additional suspects are being investigated.

A severe cold wave has gripped Bhurungamari in Kurigram, where residents have endured four consecutive sunless days. The temperature dropped to 11.4°C on Friday morning, December 26, according to the Rajarhat Agricultural Meteorological Office. Dense fog has blanketed the area from evening until noon, forcing vehicles to use headlights during the day. The biting cold has particularly affected children, the elderly, and low-income workers, many of whom are struggling to continue their daily activities.

Local residents have been lighting fires to stay warm, while demand for second-hand clothing has surged. Auto-rickshaw drivers reported reduced income due to poor visibility and fewer passengers. Relief efforts are underway, but supplies remain insufficient. The Upazila Project Implementation Officer said Tk 600,000 was allocated by the Ministry of Disaster Management, with 1,300 blankets distributed across ten unions and 600 more received from the district.

Officials warned that temperatures could fall further until December 31, with the cold wave expected to persist, heightening hardship for vulnerable communities in the region.

The Urban Development Journalists Forum Bangladesh (UDJFB) has formed a new executive committee for the 2026–27 term. Matin Abdullah, special correspondent of the daily Jugantor, was elected president, and Hasan Imon, staff reporter of Bangladesh Pratidin, was elected general secretary. The election took place on Friday at a restaurant in Banglamotor, Dhaka, during the forum’s biennial general meeting. Chief Election Commissioner Amitosh Pal announced the results, assisted by commissioners Khalid Saifullah of Naya Diganta and Mizanur Rahman of The Daily Observer.

Other elected members include Faisal Khan as vice president, Yasin Rana as joint general secretary, Rashedul Hasan as finance secretary, Zahidul Islam as organizational secretary, Md. Billal Hossain (Sagar) as publicity and publication secretary, Latiful Islam as office secretary, Rahat Hossain as training and research secretary, and Delaowar Hossain Dolon as hospitality and welfare secretary. Executive members are Mahmuda Dolly, Moinul Islam (Rajib), Niaz Morshed, and Abdul Kaiyum.

The meeting was presided over by newly elected president Matin Abdullah and conducted by Faisal Khan, with all forum members and leaders in attendance.

Inqilab Mancha, founded by the late Sharif Osman Bin Hadi, has called on the people of Bangladesh to gather at Shahbagh in Dhaka to demand justice for Hadi’s killing. The call was made through the group’s official Facebook page following a protest march organized by its Dhaka University branch after Friday prayers. The procession started from the university’s central mosque and ended with a sit-in at Shahbagh.

According to Inqilab Mancha, the movement will continue until a swift and exemplary trial is ensured for the murder of Sharif Osman Hadi. Hadi, who was the spokesperson of the organization and a potential independent candidate for Dhaka-8 constituency, was shot in the head on December 12 in Purana Paltan, a day after the announcement of the 13th national election and referendum schedule. He was later flown to Singapore for advanced treatment but died on December 18.

Investigators reportedly identified a banned Chhatra League leader as the shooter, who is believed to have fled to India, though this remains under discussion.

Nurul Islam Saddam has been elected as the new president of Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir, while Sibgatullah Sibga has been appointed as the organization’s secretary general. The election took place on Friday at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center in Agargaon, Dhaka, where members of the organization voted to select the central leadership for the 2026 term.

According to the organization’s constitution, the newly elected president nominates the secretary general following the election. Sibgatullah previously served as the president of the Dhaka University branch of Islami Chhatra Shibir. The announcement marks the beginning of the organization’s new central leadership for the upcoming term.

The leadership transition follows the group’s internal electoral process, which determines its central committee for each term based on member votes and constitutional procedures.

Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) has removed a total of 148 tons of waste from the 300 Feet area in the capital, where a reception was held for BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman’s homecoming. The cleanup operation began on Friday morning following instructions from DNCC Administrator Mohammad Ejaz, who had directed officials the previous night to ensure swift waste removal.

A special cleaning drive was conducted with the participation of 350 DNCC sanitation workers. Using 20 trucks, the collected waste was transported in 148 trips to the Aminbazar landfill for safe disposal. By noon, the entire venue was cleared and made accessible for public movement. Some local BNP leaders and activists voluntarily joined DNCC workers in the cleanup effort from 10 a.m.

Administrator Mohammad Ejaz thanked all participants, emphasizing that collective involvement of citizens and political activists after large gatherings can make the city cleaner and more livable, while easing the delivery of civic services.

BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman visited the grave of his father and party founder Ziaur Rahman at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar on Friday afternoon, a day after returning to Bangladesh from a 17-year exile. He arrived at the site around 4:40 p.m., offered prayers, and stood silently for some time in an emotional moment. Senior BNP leaders, including Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and members of the party’s standing committee, accompanied him.

Earlier on Thursday, Tarique Rahman returned to the country after years abroad. Upon arrival, he attended a reception organized by the party at Purbachal’s 300 Feet area, visited his ailing mother at Evercare Hospital, and then went to his residence. From noon on Friday, thousands of BNP leaders and activists gathered around Chandrima Udyan and the mausoleum area with banners and festoons to witness his visit. A large number of police, BGB, Ansar, and plainclothes security personnel were deployed to maintain order and ensure his safety.

Following the grave visit, Tarique Rahman was scheduled to pay tribute to the martyrs of the Liberation War at the National Memorial in Savar.

The Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD) has accused the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) of failing in political compromise and responsibility, leading to a complex and uncertain democratic transition in Bangladesh. The allegation was made on Friday, December 26, at a press conference organized by JSD at the Jatiya Press Club’s Zahur Hossain Chowdhury Hall, where the party’s general secretary, Shahid Uddin Mahmud Swapan, presented a written statement.

In his remarks, Swapan said that BNP had not shown the expected respect and commitment to the politics of compromise and declared political responsibility in the current political context. He urged all to avoid provocation and rumors, stand for humanity, and choose unity over division. He emphasized that building a broader national unity is the only effective and sustainable way to overcome the ongoing crisis.

JSD senior vice-president Tania Rob, presiding over the event, reiterated the party’s stance against injustice and its commitment to lead the state based on the spirit of the Liberation War. She said that despite divisions and doubts, the youth would eventually find their direction, and JSD would stand beside them.