BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman spoke by phone with Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus shortly after arriving at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka on Thursday. The conversation took place soon after his arrival, marking his first direct contact with the interim government leadership since returning to the country.

Rahman, accompanied by his wife Dr. Zubaida Rahman and daughter Zaima Rahman, was greeted by senior BNP leaders including Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and Standing Committee members Mirza Abbas, Goyeshwar Chandra Roy, and others. Before boarding his vehicle, Rahman symbolically removed his shoes, touched the ground, and took a handful of soil, a gesture interpreted by supporters as an emotional reconnection with his homeland.

The return of Rahman and his immediate communication with Dr. Yunus are seen as politically significant amid Bangladesh’s evolving transitional governance. Analysts suggest the interaction could signal BNP’s readiness to engage with the caretaker administration on upcoming political processes.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s Amir, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, publicly welcomed BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman and his family upon their return to Bangladesh after 17 years abroad. The message, posted on Dr. Rahman’s verified Facebook page on Thursday, simply read, “Mr. Tarique Rahman, welcome home with your family.” Tarique Rahman landed at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka at 11:40 a.m. under tight security and later proceeded toward his residence in the 300 Feet area.

Thousands of BNP supporters and activists gathered at the airport and along the route, waving flags and banners to greet their leader. The return marks the end of Tarique Rahman’s long exile following his conviction in several corruption cases and political turmoil in the mid-2000s. Political analysts note that Jamaat’s public gesture could signal renewed alignment or cooperation between the two opposition parties.

Observers say Tarique Rahman’s return may reshape Bangladesh’s opposition landscape ahead of future elections, though legal and political challenges remain significant.

Jagannath University has announced that its undergraduate ‘A’ and ‘C’ unit admission tests will be held on December 26 and 27, 2025. The ‘A’ unit, covering Science and Life & Earth Sciences faculties, will test 72,474 applicants competing for 860 seats, while the ‘C’ unit, under the Commerce faculty, will see 20,537 candidates vying for 520 seats. Each one-hour exam will run from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.

The ‘A’ unit test will take place at 12 centers, including three outside Dhaka—Comilla University, Khulna University, and Rajshahi University—while the rest will be in Dhaka. The ‘C’ unit exam will be held at Jagannath University and three other Dhaka centers. Each test carries 100 marks, with 72 from multiple-choice questions and 18 based on SSC and HSC results.

Faculty deans confirmed that all preparations are complete, emphasizing the inclusion of regional centers to ease travel for candidates. Upcoming tests for other faculties are scheduled in January 2026, continuing the university’s phased admission process.

Bangladeshi activist Tahreema Jannat Survi, known online as the 'July Warrior,' was arrested early Thursday in Tongi by a joint security force. Authorities said she had posted a series of derogatory and inflammatory comments on social media targeting the government, several senior advisers, and the army chief. Following the operation at her home in the Morkun Purbo Para area, she was handed over to Tongi East Police Station.

Police confirmed that Survi had an outstanding arrest warrant from a separate extortion case filed in Kaliakoir, Gazipur. Law enforcement sources stated that her online activities were under surveillance due to concerns they could threaten public order and national stability. The arrest followed weeks of monitoring after her posts sparked public outrage online.

Officials said Survi has been transferred to Kaliakoir police custody for further legal proceedings. The case underscores growing scrutiny of online speech in Bangladesh and the increasing involvement of joint forces in cyber-related investigations.

Bangladesh Bank announced that depositors of five troubled Islamic banks undergoing merger will be able to withdraw up to Tk 200,000 from next Monday. The funds will be disbursed through the Deposit Insurance Fund, and withdrawals can be made directly from the respective branches. The five banks—First Security Islami Bank, Global Islami Bank, Social Islami Bank, EXIM Bank, and Union Bank—are being consolidated into the newly approved Combined Islami Bank PLC.

According to central bank officials, the withdrawal process faced initial complications but is now ready to proceed. Customers with deposits exceeding Tk 200,000 will be allowed phased withdrawals every three months, while senior citizens and cancer patients will face relaxed restrictions. The new bank’s paid-up capital is set at Tk 350 billion, with Tk 200 billion from the government and Tk 150 billion from the insurance fund.

The merger aims to restore depositor confidence and stabilize the banking sector after years of loan defaults. Bangladesh Bank has also ordered the cancellation of existing shares of the five banks due to negative asset values under the Bank Resolution Ordinance.

Heavy traffic congestion paralyzed Chittagong Road from Wednesday night as BNP’s acting chairman Tareque Rahman returned to Bangladesh for a three-day visit. The gridlock intensified Thursday morning, with vehicles remaining stationary for over ninety minutes. Commuters leaving Dhaka for other districts faced major delays, particularly between Signboard and Kanchpur, though inbound traffic toward Dhaka remained normal.

Transport staff and local witnesses reported intermittent relief in traffic flow overnight but said conditions worsened again in the morning. The congestion coincided with the start of a national holiday period, amplifying the number of outbound travelers. Authorities have yet to issue an official statement on traffic management measures.

The situation underscores Dhaka’s chronic traffic challenges, especially during political or holiday events. Officials may deploy additional traffic police and coordinate with highway authorities to ease movement ahead of the weekend rush.

A sharp drop in temperature has brought intense cold to Tetulia, Panchagarh, where the local weather office recorded 10.5°C on Thursday. Dense fog and chilly northern winds have disrupted normal life, forcing residents to stay indoors except for urgent needs. Visibility on highways has been severely reduced, prompting vehicles to move with headlights on throughout the day.

According to Jitendranath, acting officer of the Tetulia Meteorological Observatory, a mild cold wave had passed earlier this month, but temperatures have been steadily falling again since December 20. He warned that another cold wave may be approaching, likely intensifying the current cold conditions.

Authorities and residents are bracing for harsher weather in the coming days, with concerns about health risks and disruptions to agriculture and transportation. Relief measures, including distribution of warm clothing, are expected to be stepped up if the cold persists.

More than 13,000 low-income farmers in Langadu upazila of Rangamati are facing severe difficulties as the water level in Kaptai Lake has not receded, leaving vast tracts of farmland submerged. Farmers who usually begin Boro rice cultivation in the Bengali month of Poush are unable to plant this season, raising fears of a potential food shortage in the coming year.

According to the local agriculture office, about 6,500 hectares out of 8,000 hectares of cultivable land remain underwater. Farmers allege that the government has kept the Kaptai Dam closed, preventing water release. Local officials have urged the district administration to consider releasing water to save the crops. However, a Power Development Board (PDB) manager stated that a proposal was made to maintain the current water level until the upcoming national election.

If the water does not recede within the next two weeks, farmers warn that they will miss the planting window entirely, threatening both livelihoods and local food security.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police temporarily closed the main Uttara–Mohakhali road from 6 a.m. on Thursday to ensure security during the arrival of BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman. Authorities confirmed that the route would reopen once Rahman leaves the airport area. The closure, which began early in the morning, caused moderate traffic congestion in nearby areas, including Abdullahpur and House Building.

Traffic Inspector Ziaul Hasan of Uttara East Zone told reporters that the measure was taken due to large public gatherings and security concerns. Motorists were advised to use the Diabari–Mirpur route as an alternative, while additional traffic officers were deployed to manage the flow of vehicles. Police urged commuters to follow instructions and avoid the restricted zone.

The temporary closure underscores heightened political activity surrounding Rahman’s return and the logistical challenges of managing large crowds in Dhaka. Authorities said normal traffic operations are expected to resume later in the day once the security situation stabilizes.

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman returned to Bangladesh on Thursday after nearly 17 years in self-exile in the United Kingdom. His flight, Biman Bangladesh Airlines BG-202, landed at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport around 11:45 a.m. local time. Upon arrival, Rahman removed his shoes and touched the ground in a symbolic gesture of respect for his homeland. He was accompanied by his wife, Dr. Zubaida Rahman, and daughter, Barrister Zaima Rahman.

After completing immigration formalities, senior BNP Standing Committee members formally received him at the airport. Rahman exchanged greetings with his mother-in-law, Syeda Iqbal Mand Banu, who welcomed him with flowers. His journey began from London’s Heathrow Airport and included a brief stopover in Sylhet before arriving in Dhaka.

The return of Tarique Rahman, a key figure in Bangladesh’s main opposition party, is expected to have significant political implications ahead of the next national elections. Party leaders and supporters gathered to greet him, signaling renewed momentum within the BNP leadership.

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman arrived in Dhaka on Thursday morning after more than 16 years in self-exile. He was accompanied by his wife, Dr. Zubaida Rahman, and daughter, Zaima Rahman. Upon landing at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, he was greeted with flowers by BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and members of the party’s standing committee. His flight, operated by Biman Bangladesh Airlines, made a brief stop in Sylhet before reaching Dhaka.

Following his arrival, Tarique Rahman spent about 20 minutes at the airport’s Rajanigandha Lounge, where he held brief discussions with senior leaders. He then proceeded by road toward Evercare Hospital to visit his ailing mother, BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia. Thousands of supporters lined the streets to welcome him, waving national flags and chanting slogans. Rahman briefly addressed the crowd, expressing gratitude to the nation and offering prayers of thanks.

His return marks a significant political moment for the BNP, potentially reshaping the party’s leadership dynamics ahead of future political developments in Bangladesh.

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman arrived in Bangladesh on Thursday morning, marking his first return to the country in 17 years. His flight from London’s Heathrow Airport landed at Sylhet Osmani International Airport at 9:55 a.m. local time before continuing to Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. Rahman, accompanied by his wife Dr. Zubaida Rahman and daughter Barrister Zaima Rahman, expressed his emotion on social media, noting the exact number of days since he last saw Bangladesh’s skies.

Rahman left Bangladesh in 2008 for medical treatment amid political turmoil and multiple corruption cases. His return comes at a politically sensitive time, as the BNP seeks to reassert its presence ahead of future national elections. Party leaders and supporters gathered with national flags to welcome him, viewing his arrival as a symbolic moment for the opposition.

Observers say Rahman’s return could reshape BNP’s internal dynamics and influence the broader political landscape, though legal and political challenges remain ahead.

BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman is returning to Bangladesh today after nearly 17 years of self-exile in London. The party has organized an extensive reception program in Dhaka, with millions of supporters expected to gather along the route from the airport to the 300-feet road area, where a brief thanksgiving event will be held. Rahman, accompanied by his family, departed London on Wednesday night and is scheduled to arrive at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport late Thursday morning.

BNP leaders have finalized a two-day post-arrival schedule including visits to his father Ziaur Rahman’s grave, the National Martyrs’ Memorial, and voter registration in Dhaka. The party has expressed regret for any public inconvenience caused by the events and emphasized that the programs are designed to minimize disruption. Security measures have been intensified, dividing Dhaka into red, yellow, and white zones, with around 2,000 law enforcement personnel deployed.

Authorities have banned drone flights around the airport and Evercare Hospital, while BNP has introduced bulletproof vehicles for Rahman’s transport. The return marks a significant political moment for the opposition, potentially reshaping Bangladesh’s political landscape ahead of future elections.

Khoda Baksh Chowdhury, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser for the Home Ministry in Bangladesh’s interim government, has resigned from his position. The Cabinet Division confirmed the resignation through a gazette notification signed by Cabinet Secretary Dr. Sheikh Abdur Rashid on Wednesday, following the acceptance of his resignation by Chief Adviser Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus.

Chowdhury had been appointed on November 11, 2024, with the rank of a state minister to assist in managing internal security affairs under the caretaker administration. His departure comes amid ongoing administrative adjustments within the interim government, which has been overseeing state functions ahead of the next general election.

While no official reason for the resignation was disclosed, political observers note that such changes may reflect internal restructuring or differing policy priorities within the transitional administration. The government has yet to announce a replacement for the Home Ministry portfolio.

NCP’s southern regional organizer Hasnat Abdullah declared that his party would not retreat from its reform agenda even at the cost of their lives. Speaking at a mourning and solidarity rally in Feni on Wednesday, organized by the Democratic Reform Alliance, Abdullah condemned the brutal killing of Inqilab Mancha spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi and accused political opponents of continuing attempts to silence reformist voices.

He criticized elements within the administration, alleging that some officials appointed through a ‘controlled lottery’ were showing partisan loyalty. Abdullah warned that those acting as political agents could face consequences similar to former officials Benazir and Harun. He also expressed frustration over the lack of visible progress in the investigation into Hadi’s murder, calling it a dangerous sign for justice and governance.

The event was chaired by local AB Party leader Master Ahsanullah and attended by senior figures from NCP, the AB Party, and the State Reform Movement. Speakers reiterated their commitment to political reform and demanded impartial administration and accountability for political violence.