The Ministry of Cultural Affairs, in collaboration with the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, will organize a special cultural evening on December 24 to celebrate Christmas. The event, scheduled for 6 p.m. at the Nandan Mancha of the Shilpakala Academy premises, will be open to all and aims to promote peace, harmony, and human values through music, carol performances, and devotional songs.

This initiative continues the ministry’s year-long effort to foster inclusivity by celebrating major religious and cultural festivals such as Eid, Buddha Purnima, Durga Puja, and Eid-ul-Azha. Previous events included nationwide festivals and performances highlighting Bangladesh’s diverse cultural identity. Officials described the Christmas celebration as another step toward strengthening interfaith understanding and unity.

The program underscores the government’s broader cultural policy of promoting mutual respect and coexistence among communities. Organizers expect strong public participation and view the event as a symbolic gesture of Bangladesh’s commitment to cultural pluralism.

A memorial meeting in Chauddagram, Comilla, on Monday honored Shaheed Sharif Osman Hadi, describing him as a fearless defender of democracy and national sovereignty. Organized by the local group ‘Chauddagram Bondhon Kafela,’ the event was chaired by Abul Kalam Farayezi and attended by leaders from various Jamaat-e-Islami units. Speakers emphasized Hadi’s opposition to Indian dominance and his lifelong commitment to justice and fairness in politics.

Participants, including youth and expatriate members, recalled Osman Hadi as a symbol of patriotism and moral integrity. They urged citizens to uphold his ideals by supporting honest and corruption-free candidates in upcoming elections. The gathering reflected both local reverence for Hadi’s legacy and broader political sentiment within the region.

Observers note that such tributes underscore continuing nationalist narratives in rural Bangladesh, where historical figures are invoked to inspire civic engagement and political reform.

Bangladesh’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAAB) has imposed a temporary ban on drone operations in and around all airports, including Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka, effective until February 15, 2026. The decision was announced on December 23 following reports that several media outlets flew drones without authorization during a high-profile event at the airport on December 19.

According to CAAB, such unauthorized drone use violates the Drone Registration and Flight Policy 2020 and poses serious risks to both national security and safe air navigation. The authority has requested all relevant agencies to ensure strict compliance with the directive and to raise awareness among drone operators and media organizations.

The temporary restriction underscores growing concerns about drone misuse near sensitive installations. Officials indicated that further regulatory measures may follow, including stricter licensing and enforcement mechanisms to prevent similar incidents in the future.

A delegation from Islami Andolan Bangladesh (IAB) met with Dr. Liu Yuan, the Chargé d’Affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Dhaka, on Tuesday morning at the embassy premises. The meeting, led by IAB Secretary General Principal Hafiz Mawlana Yunus Ahmad, was held at the invitation of Dr. Liu. On behalf of party chief and Charmonai Pir Mufti Syed Muhammad Rezaul Karim, the delegation extended greetings to the Chinese government and people on the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh-China diplomatic relations.

Discussions covered the political situation, the upcoming national election, and overall security concerns. Both sides expressed optimism about a free, fair, and peaceful election. Dr. Liu emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety of IAB’s senior leadership and urged necessary measures for their protection. Senior IAB officials, including Engineer Ashraful Alam and Professor Imtiaz Ahmed Sajal, also attended the meeting.

The meeting reflects China’s continued engagement with diverse political actors in Bangladesh as the country approaches a crucial election year, signaling Beijing’s interest in maintaining stability and balanced relations across the political spectrum.

After 17 years in exile, BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman is set to return to Bangladesh on December 25. To mark his homecoming, around 30,000 leaders and activists from Pirojpur district will travel to Dhaka to attend a grand reception organized by the party. A preparation committee, led by former district convener and central executive member Principal Alomgir Hossain, has been formed to coordinate the journey.

According to Hossain, activists from all seven upazilas of Pirojpur will participate, with over 200 buses and six large launches arranged for transport. District BNP member-secretary Saeedul Islam Kismat confirmed that supporters will depart from Hularhat river port on December 24 evening and from other areas early on December 25. Local BNP members described the atmosphere as highly enthusiastic, viewing Rahman’s return as a symbol of renewed political momentum.

The large-scale mobilization underscores BNP’s effort to demonstrate unity and strength ahead of potential political realignments following Rahman’s return.

Bangladesh Border Guard (BGB) personnel have recovered two foreign-made pistols, four magazines, and five rounds of ammunition near the Shibganj border in Chapainawabganj. The operation, conducted early Tuesday in the Raghabbati area under Monaksha Border Outpost, followed intelligence reports of illegal arms entering the country. A suspect fled the scene, leaving behind a bag containing the weapons.

Lieutenant Colonel Kazi Mustafizur Rahman, commanding officer of BGB Battalion 53, told reporters that the arms were likely smuggled in with the intent to incite violence ahead of the upcoming national parliamentary elections. He said additional patrols, checkpoints, and intelligence surveillance have been intensified along the border to prevent further infiltration. Earlier this month, the same battalion seized four pistols and 24 rounds of ammunition in a separate operation.

Authorities are investigating the source of the weapons and possible links to political groups. Security agencies have been instructed to remain on high alert as election-related tensions rise nationwide.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Bangladesh Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam have reached an electoral understanding ahead of the upcoming national polls. Under the agreement, BNP will not field candidates in four constituencies where Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam will contest, while Jamiat will reciprocate in BNP-held seats. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir announced the deal at a joint press conference at the party chairperson’s Gulshan office, urging voters to support the 'date tree' symbol in those constituencies.

The four constituencies allocated to Jamiat are Nilphamari-1, Narayanganj-4, Sylhet-5, and Brahmanbaria-2. The candidates include Maulana Manjurul Islam Afendi, Mufti Monir Hossain Kasemi, Maulana Ubaidullah Faruq, and Maulana Junaid Al-Habib. The announcement follows earlier amendments to the Representation of the People Order (RPO), requiring coalition partners to contest under their own party symbols.

Political analysts view the arrangement as a strategic move by BNP to consolidate opposition votes and strengthen its alliance base before the election. The cooperation may influence local dynamics in key constituencies, potentially reshaping opposition coordination in the coming months.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has officially endorsed Maulana Manjurul Islam Afendi, Secretary General of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam, as its supported candidate for the Nilphamari-1 (Domar-Dimla) constituency in the upcoming 13th national election. The announcement was made by BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir during a press conference at the party chairperson’s office in Gulshan on Tuesday.

The decision marks a shift from earlier expectations, as Shahreen Islam Chowdhury Tuhin, nephew of Khaleda Zia and cousin of Tarique Rahman, had been actively campaigning in the area anticipating BNP’s nomination. His exclusion has reportedly caused mixed reactions within party ranks. Afendi expressed gratitude for the nomination, stating his confidence in victory and pledging to work toward a corruption-free administration and society.

Political observers view this move as part of BNP’s broader strategy to strengthen alliances with Islamist parties ahead of the election. The Nilphamari-1 seat is expected to be closely contested, with local dynamics and coalition politics playing a decisive role in the outcome.

Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has summoned Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma to express concern over recent security incidents targeting its diplomatic and consular premises in India. The ministry cited violent protests outside the Bangladesh High Commission and the High Commissioner’s residence in New Delhi, as well as vandalism at the Bangladesh Visa Centre in Siliguri by extremist groups.

In a statement, Dhaka condemned what it described as “planned acts of violence and intimidation” against its diplomatic facilities, stressing that such incidents threaten the safety of mission staff and undermine the principles of mutual respect and tolerance. Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossain alleged that a group of Hindu extremists breached security barriers and issued threats, accusing Indian authorities of failing to ensure adequate protection.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs responded that the protest was peaceful and limited to slogans over a domestic incident in Bangladesh. This marks the second time in December that Verma has been summoned, reflecting rising diplomatic sensitivity between the two neighbors over security and cross-border political issues.

Nearly 72,000 students have applied for admission to Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST) for the 2025–26 academic year, according to the university’s admission committee. As of December 23, 49,861 students applied to Unit A and 20,947 to Unit B, with an additional 1,185 applicants in sub-units. The application period, which began on December 8, will close on December 25 at 11:59 p.m., with no extension planned.

Admission Committee Member Secretary Professor Dr. Mohammad Selim confirmed that the final number of applicants will be known after the deadline. The admission tests are scheduled for January 13 for Unit A and January 14 for Unit B, to be held in Sylhet and Dhaka centers. This year, SUST will admit 1,566 students, including 985 in Unit A and 581 in Unit B, with 77 additional seats reserved under five quota categories.

The merit list will be based on a combined score of test marks and GPA from SSC and HSC results, following the updated admission guidelines.

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has detained four individuals, including a suspected human trafficker, and seized 46 bottles of Indian liquor during separate operations along the Thakurgaon and Dinajpur border areas. The arrests took place late on December 22 and early the next morning, following intelligence-led raids by patrol teams from Fakirganj and Chapsha Border Outposts. The detainees were later handed over to local police for legal proceedings.

According to the 42 BGB Battalion in Dinajpur, the liquor was recovered from an abandoned spot inside Bangladesh territory near pillar 342 in Pirganj upazila. In another operation near pillar 348 in Haripur upazila, three individuals, including a human trafficker named Saddam Hossain, were apprehended while attempting cross-border movement. BGB officials stated that intelligence teams are working to identify other suspects involved in smuggling and trafficking networks.

The BGB reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening patrols and surveillance along the northern border to prevent smuggling, drug trade, and illegal crossings, emphasizing continued cooperation with local law enforcement agencies.

More than fifty workers at Concept Knitting Limited in Tongi, Gazipur, suddenly fell ill on Tuesday afternoon after their lunch break. The incident occurred around noon when mostly female workers began experiencing vomiting, abdominal pain, and fainting. They were immediately taken to Gutia International Medical College Hospital for treatment, according to factory officials.

Workers reported that they had consumed filtered water and home-cooked meals during their break. Factory management confirmed that all affected workers are receiving medical care, though the cause of the illness remains undetermined. Police and health authorities have visited the site to assess the situation, but doctors have not yet commented publicly.

Officials are considering whether the illness could be linked to contaminated water or a mass panic reaction. The incident has raised concerns about workplace health standards and emergency response in Bangladesh’s garment sector. Further medical tests are expected to determine the source of the outbreak.

Authorities at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka have announced a 24-hour restriction on visitors, citing security and operational reasons related to the return of BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman. From 6 p.m. on December 24 to 6 p.m. on December 25, only passengers with valid tickets and passports will be allowed entry into the airport premises.

The Civil Aviation Authority stated that the measure aims to maintain passenger service, safety, and operational discipline during the high-profile arrival. Airlines have advised passengers traveling on those dates to arrive early due to anticipated congestion. BNP sources confirmed that Tarique Rahman and his entourage are scheduled to land in Dhaka around noon on December 25 via a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight.

BNP leaders said Rahman will travel directly from the airport to Evercare Hospital, where his mother and party chairperson Khaleda Zia has been receiving treatment. The temporary restriction underscores heightened security preparations as the political figure returns after a long absence.

At an international conference titled “Decolonization and Maulana Bhashani” held at Dhaka University, eminent scholar Professor Serajul Islam Choudhury emphasized that Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhashani never pursued politics for power or personal gain. Speaking at the closing session, he described Bhashani as a genuine anti-imperialist leader who dedicated his life to the liberation of working people rather than seeking ministerial or diplomatic positions.

The two-day event, organized by the Centre for Advanced Research in Arts and Social Sciences (CARASS), featured academics including Professor Chowdhury Rafiqul Abrar, Professor Ahmed Kamal, and Dr. Iftikhar Iqbal. Speakers highlighted Bhashani’s socialist ideals, his rejection of capitalist dominance within the Congress, and his vision for a democratic Pakistan ensuring equal rights for all ethnic groups. Professor Abrar described Bhashani as a moral voice who valued justice, equality, and human dignity over political power.

Participants urged renewed research on Bhashani’s political philosophy and proposed establishing a dedicated research center to preserve his intellectual legacy and relevance for Bangladesh’s democratic future.

A Chattogram Metropolitan Magistrate Court has ordered the transfer of the murder case of lawyer Saiful Islam Alif to the Chattogram District Sessions Judge Court for trial commencement. Magistrate Abu Bakkar Siddique issued the order on Tuesday morning, marking the completion of lower court procedures. Alif’s father and case plaintiff, Jamal Uddin, was present during the hearing and subsequently petitioned the Home Minister through the District Commissioner to move the case to a special tribunal for expedited trial.

The investigation concluded on June 1, 2025, with a charge sheet naming 39 accused, including 17 fugitives. Arrest warrants, property seizures, and public notices have been issued for the absconding suspects. Government prosecutor Raihan Wazed Chowdhury confirmed that the case is now legally ready for trial. The murder, committed by alleged extremists linked to ISKCON after a mass uprising, sparked nationwide outrage. Legal professionals and civic groups continue to urge the government to transfer the case to a speedy trial tribunal to ensure justice.

Observers note that the government’s delay in forming a special tribunal has raised public concern over judicial efficiency and victim justice.