National Citizens Party (NCP) convener Nahid Islam has claimed that the recent wave of violent incidents across Bangladesh was not spontaneous but part of a deliberate political conspiracy. Speaking at a joint protest meeting titled “Bangladesh Affected by Mob Violence” at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel in Dhaka, he said the attacks on media houses, including Prothom Alo and The Daily Star, were premeditated and aimed at destabilizing the political environment.

Islam alleged that the attackers exploited the slogans, names of martyrs, and language of the July uprising to justify their actions and generate social support for violence. He emphasized that thousands were involved, proving it was not an isolated event. According to him, the post-revolution law and order weakness allowed organized crimes to flourish, steering national politics and the upcoming elections toward a specific agenda.

The NCP leader expressed disappointment that the aspirations of the July movement to build a new Bangladesh have been derailed, urging accountability from those who initially led the movement.

Bangladesh Railway has announced that it will operate 20 special trains on ten routes on December 25 to facilitate travel for Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leaders, activists, and supporters arriving in Dhaka to welcome the party’s acting chairman, Tareque Rahman, upon his return to the country. The decision was confirmed in a statement issued by the Ministry of Railways on December 22.

According to the ministry, the move follows formal requests from BNP’s central and regional offices for additional transportation arrangements. Alongside the special trains, several regular services will receive extra coaches to accommodate increased passenger demand. The initiative is expected to generate approximately 3.6 million taka in revenue. However, three regular trains—Rajbari Commuter, Dhalarchar Express, and Rohanpur Commuter—will suspend operations for one day to support the special schedule.

The ministry expressed regret for any temporary inconvenience to passengers on affected routes. The special trains will operate on major routes including Cox’s Bazar, Khulna, Rajshahi, Jessore, and Panchagarh, ensuring nationwide connectivity for the event.

Late on December 18, coordinated attacks targeted the headquarters of two major Bangladeshi newspapers, Prothom Alo and The Daily Star. The assailants vandalized, looted, and set fire to both buildings, causing extensive damage. Several journalists at The Daily Star were trapped inside before being rescued by law enforcement. Police have arrested 17 suspects and launched operations to apprehend others believed to be involved.

Following the incident, The Daily Star editor Mahfuz Anam described it as the first instance since Bangladesh’s independence that a media office had been set on fire. However, historical records show earlier attacks on news organizations, including the 2013 arson at the Naya Diganta office in Dhaka and the 2019 vandalism at the Sangram newspaper office. These precedents highlight a troubling pattern of violence against the press.

The recent assaults have reignited concerns about press freedom and journalist safety in Bangladesh. Media watchdogs and civil society groups have urged authorities to ensure accountability and prevent further intimidation of journalists.

A Dhaka court has ordered 15 individuals to be sent to jail in connection with the violent attack, arson, and looting at the office of national daily Prothom Alo in Karwan Bazar. Metropolitan Magistrate Md. Jewel Rana issued the order after a hearing on Monday evening, rejecting bail petitions for 12 of the accused. Police said the arrests were made following multiple raids based on intelligence and witness accounts.

According to the case statement, on December 18, a mob of 400–500 people gathered outside the newspaper’s office after being incited through social media posts. The attackers vandalized gates, broke glass panels, looted valuables including cash and electronics, and set parts of the building on fire, causing an estimated loss of BDT 320 million. Police recovered BDT 50,000 in stolen cash and goods from one suspect.

The investigation remains ongoing as authorities verify the suspects’ identities and addresses. The court emphasized that continued detention is necessary to ensure an impartial and thorough investigation into the large-scale attack on one of Bangladesh’s leading media institutions.

Students at Begum Rokeya University in Rangpur have renamed two academic buildings to honor slain anti-hegemony activists Sharif Osman Hadi and Abrar Fahad. On December 22, students placed banners renaming Academic Building-3 as ‘Shaheed Osman Hadi Bhaban’ and Academic Building-2 as ‘Shaheed Abrar Fahad Academic Building,’ marking a symbolic tribute to their sacrifice.

Student organizers said the initiative aims to preserve the memory of those who spoke against foreign dominance and paid with their lives. Nezaj Ahmed from the Gender and Development Studies Department stated that future generations would learn about their courage through these building names. Other students echoed that the renaming reflects the spirit of justice and protest that universities should uphold.

Abrar Fahad, a BUET student, was beaten to death in 2019 for his criticism of foreign influence, while activist Osman Hadi died in December 2025 after being shot earlier that month. The move has sparked discussions on student activism and remembrance culture in Bangladesh’s universities.

Rajshahi University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Saleh Hasan Nakib stated that Bangladesh today lacks individuals like Hadi, a 32-year-old activist remembered for his moral courage and popularity across social strata. Speaking at a seminar titled “A Guide in Building an Intellectual, Cultural and Just Bangladesh” organized by RAKSU at the university’s Senate Building, he emphasized that establishing justice requires self-reflection and personal struggle.

The Vice-Chancellor urged young people to embody Hadi’s values of fairness and humanity, warning that envy and division cannot advance the nation. Former Islamic University VC Professor Rafiqul Islam described Hadi as a key figure in the July uprising who transcended party lines to pursue a just social order. RAKSU Vice-President Mostakur Rahman Jahid vowed to resist domination and authoritarianism in the spirit of Hadi’s ideals.

The event highlighted growing calls among academics and students for moral leadership rooted in justice and equality, reflecting a broader yearning for ethical renewal in Bangladesh’s political and civic life.

Bangladesh has suspended visa services for Indian citizens through its High Commission in New Delhi, according to diplomatic sources on Monday, December 22, 2025. The move follows a series of tense exchanges between Dhaka and New Delhi after recent political and security incidents that have strained bilateral relations.

The decision comes amid growing friction following reports that India provided refuge to several former Bangladeshi political figures and military officers. Tensions rose further after the killing of activist Sharif Osman Bin Hadi earlier in December, which triggered nationwide protests in Bangladesh. Demonstrations also occurred outside the Indian High Commission in Dhaka, while extremist groups allegedly threatened Bangladesh’s envoy in Delhi.

Bangladesh’s Foreign Ministry summoned the Indian High Commissioner to protest the threats, prompting a reciprocal summons by India. Analysts view the visa suspension as a significant diplomatic signal that could affect cross-border travel, trade, and cooperation if the standoff continues.

National Citizen Party (NCP) labor wing leader Md. Motaleb Shikdar was shot and injured in Khulna on Monday afternoon. Initially claiming he was attacked on the street, police later determined the shooting occurred inside a residence in the Sonadanga area. Motaleb was admitted to Khulna Medical College Hospital and is now out of danger, according to doctors.

Investigators found no evidence at the alleged street scene but discovered a bullet casing, liquor bottles, and drug paraphernalia inside the home of a woman named Tonni, identified as a known drug dealer. Police believe Motaleb had a personal connection with her and frequently visited the house. CCTV footage showed Motaleb and others entering the residence the previous night. Authorities suspect an internal dispute led to the shooting.

Law enforcement continues to search for Tonni, who fled after locking the house. Police officials said the motive remains unclear but confirmed that forensic and digital evidence are being analyzed to identify all those involved.

A Chattogram court has ordered the formal arrest of listed top criminal Sajjad Hossain, known as ‘Chhoto Sajjad,’ and his wife Sharmin Tamanna in connection with another murder case. The order was issued on Sunday by Metropolitan Magistrate Abu Bakkar Siddique after a virtual hearing. Both accused are currently in separate prisons—Sajjad in Rajshahi and Tamanna in Feni—and were not physically presented in court due to security concerns.

According to prosecutors, the case involves the killing of madrasa student Nizam Uddin during an anti-discrimination movement in the city’s New Market area on August 5 last year. Police investigations linked Sajjad and Tamanna to the murder, prompting the court to approve their arrest in this case. Sajjad faces 19 criminal cases, including 10 for murder, while Tamanna is accused in eight cases. Both were previously granted bail in seven murder cases, but the High Court later suspended those bail orders.

The latest court order reinforces the state’s stance on pursuing high-profile crime cases and signals tighter scrutiny of bail processes for repeat offenders.

Bangladesh police have arrested 44 leaders and activists of the banned Awami League and its affiliated organizations across the Rangpur division during a 24-hour operation named 'Operation Devil Hunt Phase-2'. The arrests took place between Sunday morning and Monday morning across seven districts, including Rangpur, Gaibandha, Kurigram, Lalmonirhat, Nilphamari, Dinajpur, Thakurgaon, and Panchagarh.

According to Rangpur Range DIG Aminul Islam, those detained include several local leaders such as union presidents, general secretaries, and youth and student wing officials. Police stated that the detainees are accused in multiple cases related to murder, attempted murder, and anti-terrorism charges linked to the anti-discrimination student movement.

Authorities confirmed that the operation will continue, emphasizing a zero-tolerance stance toward banned political groups. The arrests mark one of the largest coordinated crackdowns in northern Bangladesh since the party’s activities were outlawed, signaling intensified enforcement ahead of potential political unrest.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman will apply for voter registration on December 27, according to BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed. He made the announcement after a meeting with Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A.M.M. Nasir Uddin at the Election Commission office in Agargaon on Monday.

Ahmed clarified that December 27 falls on a Saturday, when all Election Commission offices remain open during the election period, allowing Rahman to complete his voter registration or related formalities that day. Responding to questions about law and order, he emphasized that maintaining security is primarily the government’s responsibility, though the Election Commission has authority over official transfers during elections.

The BNP leader expressed hope for a peaceful and festive electoral environment, urging the government to ensure free and fair participation. He added that both the party and the public expect improved law and order as the election approaches.

Leaders from Bangladesh’s media, political, and civil society sectors have demanded immediate legal action against those responsible for recent attacks on the offices of Prothom Alo and The Daily Star. The call came during a joint protest meeting titled “Bangladesh Affected by Mob Violence,” organized by the Editors’ Council at a Dhaka hotel on Monday.

Speakers, including BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, described the assaults as direct attacks on democracy and freedom of expression. Alamgir urged unity against what he termed conspiracies to silence the press. Jamaat-e-Islami Assistant Secretary General Advocate Ehsanul Mahbub Zobayer also condemned the incidents, recalling previous attacks on journalists and editors.

Participants from political parties, human rights groups, business associations, and civic organizations expressed concern over the rise of mob violence in Bangladesh. Observers warned that repeated assaults on the media could further erode public trust and democratic accountability if perpetrators are not swiftly brought to justice.

The Inqilab Mancha has demanded the formation of a special judicial tribunal within 24 hours to ensure a fair and speedy trial in the murder case of Shahid Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of the July Revolutionary and Inqilab Mancha. At a press conference held in front of the National Museum in Dhaka, the group’s member-secretary Abdullah Al Jaber urged the government to seek assistance from international agencies such as the FBI or Scotland Yard if local investigators fail to deliver results.

Jaber described the Hadi killing as a critical test for post-July Bangladesh, warning that public trust in state institutions would erode further without visible judicial progress. He accused some quarters of attempting to divert attention from the case and insisted that no national election should be held before justice is served. He also called for transparency regarding obstacles to the investigation and urged the government to use extradition treaties to bring suspects back if they have fled abroad.

The group issued a 24-hour ultimatum, threatening to continue street protests if the government fails to respond satisfactorily.

A Mymensingh court has granted a three-day remand for 12 individuals arrested in connection with the killing of garment worker Dipu Chandra Das, 27, in Bhaluka. Senior Judicial Magistrate Shahadat Hossain issued the order after police sought five days of remand to investigate the planning and instigation behind the murder. Investigators aim to identify external organizers and those who allegedly incited the violence.

According to police and family sources, Dipu, an employee of Pioneer Knitwears (BD) Ltd, was beaten and killed after being accused of blasphemy. His family claims the allegation was fabricated to silence his activism for workers’ rights. CCTV footage reportedly shows that many attackers were outsiders, suggesting the violence was premeditated rather than spontaneous.

The case has sparked concern among labor rights advocates, who view it as an alarming example of how workplace disputes can be manipulated through religious provocation. Authorities are under pressure to ensure a transparent investigation and to hold both perpetrators and complicit factory officials accountable.

Bangladesh’s Home Affairs Adviser Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury said authorities remain uncertain about the whereabouts of Faisal Karim Masud, the prime suspect in the killing of July uprising leader Sharif Osman Hadi. Faisal may still be in the country or may have fled abroad, he told reporters after the 18th meeting of the Law and Order Advisory Committee. Ten people, including Faisal’s family members and associates, have been arrested so far in connection with the murder.

The adviser emphasized that the government is prioritizing justice for Hadi’s killing while maintaining maximum security ahead of the national election, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve. Operation Devil Hunt Phase–2, launched on December 13, has led to over 13,500 arrests and the recovery of illegal weapons and explosives. Security has been reinforced at churches, media offices, and major city areas.

Officials said law enforcement remains on high alert to prevent violence, extortion, and political unrest as the election approaches, with special training and surveillance measures already in place.