Former sports adviser Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan has said that his official Facebook page, which had around three million followers, was removed by Facebook authorities following mass reports. He claimed the removal occurred after posts about Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of Inqilab Moncho, were reported. Asif shared the information in a Facebook post on Friday, stating that all posts and videos related to Hadi were targeted with strikes and coordinated reports.

According to Asif, links were circulated in various Telegram groups to organize the reporting campaign, and three videos about Hadi received strikes. The incident comes as Asif prepares to contest the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election as an independent candidate from Dhaka-10. He had earlier resigned as a student adviser of the interim government, along with Mahfuz Alam, a day before the election schedule was announced.

The removal of the page has drawn attention due to its timing before the election and the large follower base involved, though Facebook’s official reasoning for the removal has not been detailed in the report.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman announced that the party will work to build a humane and discrimination-free Bangladesh through unity among all classes of people. He made the remarks on Friday morning at the central members’ conference of Islami Chhatra Shibir held at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center, where more than 6,000 members from across the country participated. The event will also elect the organization’s new central president for the 2026 session.

In his speech, Dr. Rahman emphasized employment creation over unemployment allowances for youth and called for an education system free from corruption, fear, and violence. He said Jamaat aims to establish institutions where there is no place for drugs or terrorism and where women can move safely and with dignity. He described Islami Chhatra Shibir as a guardian of the student community, tasked with restoring moral education, modern knowledge, and research in educational institutions.

Dr. Rahman urged students to prepare themselves for nation-building, stressing that every young person should become a craftsman of the country’s development.

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) recovered 24 electric detonators from the Charagaon border area in Sunamganj’s Tahirpur upazila on Friday morning, acting on a tip-off. The explosives were found wrapped in polythene at Maizhati, near the border, around 8 a.m. According to BGB officials, the recovered items are capable of being used to make high-powered improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

Lieutenant Colonel AKM Zakaria Kadir, commander of the 28 BGB Battalion in Sunamganj, stated that the operation was based on secret intelligence. He said the detonators were likely smuggled into Bangladesh with the intention of destabilizing the country’s current situation and carrying out acts of sabotage.

Authorities suspect the explosives were imported illegally through border smuggling networks. The recovery highlights ongoing security challenges along the Sunamganj frontier and the vigilance of border forces in preventing potential threats.

Barrister Toufiqueur Rahman, a central committee member of the suspended Awami Jubo League, has collected nomination papers to contest as an independent candidate in the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election from Narsingdi-5 (Raipura) constituency. The nomination papers were collected on his behalf by his personal assistant Sanaullah from Assistant Returning Officer and Raipura Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md Masud Rana at the Raipura Upazila Parishad office on December 24.

According to the assistant returning officer, the nomination papers were issued following due procedure. Toufiqueur Rahman is the grandson of Shaheed Abdur Rab Serniabat and the nephew of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s sister Amena Begum, a family background that has kept him in public discussion both locally and nationally.

The collection of nomination papers by a leader from the banned Jubo League has sparked varied reactions among local political activists and residents, with some viewing it as a significant and curious signal ahead of the upcoming election.

Bangladesh Rastrer Sangskar Andolon has announced it will not join any alliance led by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) or Jamaat-e-Islami ahead of the upcoming 13th National Parliament Election. Party president Hasnat Kayum made the declaration on Friday during a press conference at the party’s office, stating that his organization would continue its political activities independently.

Within the broader Ganatantrik Sangskar Jote, the National Citizen Party (NCP) is currently engaged in seat-sharing discussions with both BNP and Jamaat. However, another partner in the alliance, AB Party, has yet to clarify its position on the matter. Hasnat Kayum emphasized that his party is not only refusing to form an alliance with BNP or Jamaat but is also unwilling to hold any discussions about such cooperation.

The announcement underscores divisions within the reformist coalition as parties prepare for the national election, with some exploring alliances while others maintain independent political strategies.

The Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) 42 Dinajpur Battalion conducted a special anti-smuggling operation late on December 25 and recovered a large quantity of banned Indian Tapentadol tablets from the Pirganj border area in Thakurgaon district. According to a BGB press release, the tablets were found abandoned about 500 yards inside Bangladesh near border pillar 340/3-S in Guchhagram area. The seized consignment contained 198 pieces of the narcotic tablets, valued at 59,400 taka. Legal proceedings regarding the recovered drugs and the absconding individuals are underway.

Lieutenant Colonel Abdullah Al Moin Hasan, commanding officer of the 42 Dinajpur Battalion, stated that legal action is in process concerning the seized narcotics. He added that intelligence efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend the drug traffickers who fled the scene.

The BGB emphasized that the operation was based on specific intelligence information and forms part of its ongoing campaign to curb cross-border drug smuggling in northern Bangladesh.

Dhaka North unit of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has initiated a cleanup operation following the massive public gathering held to celebrate the historic homecoming of the party’s acting chairman, Tarique Rahman. According to the party, the waste removal work began this morning across the 36 July Expressway (300-foot highway), Airport Road, and adjacent areas.

The cleanup is being conducted under the supervision of Dhaka North BNP, with participation from volunteers and party activists. Party leaders stated that the initiative aims to ease public inconvenience and ensure normal movement for city residents.

BNP leaders added that the party has always maintained a responsible role in preserving environmental and urban cleanliness alongside its peaceful and disciplined programs, and this effort continues that tradition.

Political activity in Khulna has intensified ahead of Bangladesh’s 13th national parliamentary election, with the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami emerging as the main contenders across six constituencies. Jamaat finalized its candidates early in the year and began campaigning, while BNP’s internal disputes over nominations have persisted despite official announcements on November 3 for five seats. Although no major public clashes have occurred, signs of factional tension remain visible within BNP ranks.

Jamaat appears more organized, though its new alliance with eight Islamist parties has raised questions about seat-sharing. The party has also drawn attention by nominating a Hindu candidate, Krishna Nandi, in Khulna-1, signaling an inclusive political message. In contrast, BNP continues to struggle with rebel candidates and local dissatisfaction in several constituencies, including Khulna-2 and Khulna-5, where prominent figures face internal resistance.

The evolving dynamics suggest Jamaat currently holds a more stable position in Khulna, while BNP’s unresolved divisions could affect its electoral strength if not addressed before the polls.

Two separate fires broke out within one night at Rohingya camps in Ukhiya, Cox’s Bazar, destroying a hospital and several homes. The first incident occurred early Friday, December 26, at the D-block of Madhurchhara Camp No. 4, where a hospital was completely burned down along with valuable medical equipment. Firefighters and local residents brought the blaze under control after about two and a half hours. Earlier, around 10 p.m. on Thursday, December 25, another fire erupted about four kilometers away in the B-block of Kutupalong registered camp, burning five houses. No casualties were reported in either incident.

The destroyed hospital, known as ‘Obat Health Post,’ was established in 2017 by the charity Obat Helpers USA to serve newly displaced Rohingya refugees. It was being operated with support from Human International USA and the Bangladesh camp administration. Local residents and health officials expressed deep concern over the loss, noting that the facility provided free medical care to both Rohingya and nearby communities.

Authorities said the cause of the fires remains under investigation. Security forces remain on alert, and officials have pledged to rehabilitate the damaged health center and assist affected residents.

More than a thousand passengers narrowly escaped a major accident when the passenger launch Imam Hasan-5 collided with a stationary sand-laden bulkhead on the Meghna River at Mohonpur in Matlab Uttar upazila of Chandpur late Thursday night. The collision occurred amid dense fog that severely reduced visibility. Passengers panicked at the loud impact but quickly evacuated to nearby riverbanks for safety. Mohonpur River Police responded promptly, conducting rescue and relief operations at the site.

Eyewitnesses said the launch was moving slowly toward Chandpur due to the thick fog, and limited visibility made it difficult to determine the route, leading to the collision. After the impact, the vessel was anchored near the shore, and all passengers were disembarked safely. Sub-Inspector Abul Kalam of Mohonpur River Police confirmed that no casualties were reported. Passengers were later transported to their destinations by another launch, speedboats, and road transport.

Officials noted that heavy fog during winter nights has increased navigational risks on the Meghna River and urged vessel operators to exercise greater caution to prevent similar incidents.

Two people were killed when two passenger launches, Zakir Samrat-3 and Adventure-9, collided on the Meghna River near Harina in Chandpur Sadar early Thursday night. The accident occurred around 2 a.m. amid dense fog that reduced visibility on the river.

According to Chandpur BIWTA Deputy Director (Traffic) Babu Lal Baidya, the collision happened due to heavy fog in the area. Several others were reported injured, though the exact number of casualties was not confirmed. Authorities said the identities of the deceased could not be determined because the destinations of the two vessels were not identified.

Officials are continuing efforts to gather more details about the victims and the circumstances of the collision as investigations proceed.

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman is scheduled to visit the grave of late President Ziaur Rahman at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar in Dhaka after Friday prayers on December 26, 2025. Following the visit, he will pay tribute to the martyrs of the Liberation War at the National Memorial in Savar. This marks his first public appearance after returning to Bangladesh on Thursday, ending a 17-year absence.

Preparations at the National Memorial have been completed ahead of his visit. According to Anwar Hossain Khan Anu, a sub-assistant engineer of the Savar Public Works Department, the department has finished cleaning and maintenance work at the site in anticipation of Rahman’s arrival. The area has taken on a festive atmosphere as BNP leaders and activists from various regions have begun gathering along the highway leading to the memorial to welcome their leader.

Local reports indicate that the visit will be a symbolic start to Rahman’s renewed political activities following his return to the country.

Dhaka North BNP has initiated a waste removal campaign following the massive public gathering held to celebrate BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman’s historic return to the country. The cleanup began on Friday morning under the leadership of Aminul Haque, the convener of Dhaka North BNP. According to party sources, waste accumulated along the 36 July Expressway (300 Feet Highway), Airport Road, and adjacent areas is being cleared.

The cleanup operation is being carried out under the supervision of Dhaka North BNP, with active participation from volunteers and party members. Leaders stated that the initiative aims to ease public inconvenience and ensure normal movement for city residents. They emphasized that the activity reflects the party’s commitment to maintaining environmental cleanliness and public order.

BNP leaders further noted that the waste removal effort is part of their ongoing practice of conducting peaceful and disciplined programs while upholding environmental responsibility.

The Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir has begun its Central Members’ Conference 2025 at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center, with participation from over six thousand members from across the country. The event, which started on Friday morning, will elect the organization’s new central president for the 2026 term through direct and secret voting by delegates. Current president Zahidul Islam has decided to step down as his student tenure has ended.

According to party sources, the race for the top post is led by current Secretary General Nurul Islam Saddam, followed by central office secretary and former Dhaka University unit president Sibgatullah, central publicity secretary Azizur Rahman Azad, and central publication secretary and DUCSU vice president Sadik Kayem. Historically, the secretary general has usually succeeded as president, making Saddam the frontrunner.

Leaders view this year’s conference as a major challenge, given the approaching national election. They emphasize the need for capable and strategic leadership to attract young voters and to strengthen the organization’s position in the evolving landscape of student politics following recent anti-discrimination movements.

Chuadanga district is experiencing an intensifying cold wave, with temperatures falling below 10 degrees Celsius. On Friday morning, the Chuadanga First-Class Weather Observatory recorded 9.7°C at 6 a.m. and 9.6°C at 9 a.m., with humidity at 95 percent. The temperature dropped nearly 2 degrees in just one day compared to Thursday’s 11.4°C. The cold, driven by northern winds, has severely affected daily life across the border district.

Local residents reported worsening hardship as the cold persists. Pedestrians and rickshaw pullers said people are avoiding going out in the mornings, leaving day laborers without work and transport workers without passengers. Children and the elderly are most at risk from the cold, while many rural residents are resorting to lighting fires due to a lack of warm clothing.

Weather observers forecast further temperature decline, and local residents have urged authorities to provide urgent assistance and distribute winter clothing to those in need.