The Bangladesh Garment Buying House Association (BGBA) held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Saturday night at Uttara Club in Dhaka. The event was attended by BGBA members and key guests including founding president Kaiyum Reza Chowdhury, Director General of the Department of Textiles Md. Shahidul Islam, NBR First Secretary Shahriar Hasan, and Adnan Masud, AMD of United Commercial Bank PLC. The meeting began with a moment of silence for the late Sharif Osman Hadi, followed by prayers led by BGBA Treasurer Fazlul Haque Saeed.

Presided over by BGBA President Mofazzal Hossain Pavel, the AGM reviewed the association’s 2024–25 financial audit and discussed progress on previous initiatives. Secretary General Md. Zakir Hossain presented the annual report, while members raised questions and offered recommendations for organizational improvement. Pavel noted that after a High Court ruling, multiple AGMs had been consolidated in 2024, and the 2025 session marked a return to the regular calendar cycle. He expressed optimism for continued unity and thanked all members, committees, and donors for their support.

Cumilla district has recorded the highest number of expatriate voter registrations in Bangladesh ahead of the 13th National Parliament election and referendum. According to the Election Commission, 54,545 expatriates from Cumilla have registered through the 'Postal Vote BD' app, placing the district first among 64 nationwide. Dhaka ranks second. Registration began on November 19 and will continue until December 25, marking the first use of an IT-supported postal ballot system for overseas voters.

Election officials report that of the total applicants, 52,835 are men and 1,710 are women, with 8,755 registrations already approved. Cumilla has around 4.99 million total voters across 11 constituencies. The district’s large expatriate population—over 764,000 workers sent abroad since 2015—contributes nearly 9% of Bangladesh’s overseas workforce and about $100 million in monthly remittances. Officials expect total expatriate voter registrations to reach 60,000–70,000 before the deadline.

Authorities believe postal ballots could influence constituency results if participation is high. Ballots will be mailed to registered voters abroad, who will return them by post for counting on election day afternoon.

A 22-year-old street vendor named Shahin Mia was allegedly beaten to death in Nasirnagar, Brahmanbaria, after being accused of theft. According to police and family sources, the incident occurred on Sunday afternoon in the Madhyapara area, where Shahin was forcibly confined and assaulted by several villagers. His body was later taken to the district hospital morgue for autopsy.

Family members claim that Shahin had been wrongly accused of stealing a silver chain belonging to a local resident’s relative. They allege that Arfat Ali and his nephews led the attack. Police have recovered the body and initiated an investigation to determine the cause of death and identify those involved. Inspector Krishna Lal Ghosh confirmed that legal action will follow based on the post-mortem report and family complaint.

The incident has sparked local outrage and renewed concerns over mob justice in rural Bangladesh. Authorities have urged residents to avoid taking the law into their own hands as investigations continue.

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) conducted two coordinated operations under the Dighaltari Border Outpost (BOP) in Lalmonirhat, seizing Indian cattle and various smuggled goods. The raids, carried out by the 15 BGB Battalion, led to the confiscation of two Indian cows, cumin, sugar, snacks, a blanket, and a bicycle, with a total seizure value of approximately BDT 281,680.

According to BGB officials, one suspect fled toward India after being challenged by patrol members near Namatari on November 21. The seized items included 12 kilograms of cumin, 38 kilograms of sugar, and other goods. Lieutenant Colonel Mehedi Imam, commanding officer of the Lalmonirhat Battalion, stated that the BGB remains vigilant to prevent smuggling and drug trafficking, emphasizing increased intelligence surveillance and patrols in sensitive border zones.

Authorities confirmed that legal proceedings are underway to identify and prosecute those involved in cross-border smuggling. The operation reflects BGB’s ongoing efforts to curb illegal trade and maintain security along Bangladesh’s northern frontier.

Mohammad Motaleb Shikdar, convenor of the National Citizen Party’s (NCP) Khulna divisional committee, was shot and critically injured on Monday, December 22, 2025. The incident occurred around noon, and he was immediately taken to Khulna Medical College Hospital for treatment. The attack has sparked widespread concern within the party and among local residents.

According to NCP joint chief organizer Dr. Mahmuda Mitu, who confirmed the news on social media, Shikdar was targeted in a sudden shooting. Law enforcement agencies have begun an investigation to determine the motive and identify those involved. Police officials are preparing an official statement regarding the incident.

Senior NCP leaders have strongly condemned the attack, urging authorities to ensure a swift and transparent investigation. The incident highlights growing political tensions in the region, with observers warning that such violence could further destabilize local political activities if not addressed promptly.

Bangladesh has launched a nationwide ‘Vote Car’ campaign aimed at raising voter awareness and participation ahead of the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election and 2026 referendum. The campaign officially began Monday afternoon at the South Plaza of the National Parliament, inaugurated virtually by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus through a video message.

The initiative will see specially branded vehicles travel across all 64 districts and over 300 upazilas, promoting civic engagement and voter education. Information and Broadcasting Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Cultural Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki, and Election Commission Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed attended the launch event. Officials emphasized that the campaign seeks to strengthen democratic participation and ensure a transparent electoral process.

Observers note that the ‘Vote Car’ project reflects the interim government’s effort to restore public confidence in electoral institutions. As the election approaches, authorities hope the outreach drive will address voter apathy and misinformation, encouraging higher turnout in both the general election and the referendum.

Inqilab Mancha’s member secretary Abdullah Al Jaber has demanded that justice for the killing of Shaheed Osman Hadi be ensured before the upcoming national election. Speaking at a press conference in Dhaka’s Shahbagh on Monday, he accused the home and law advisers of negligence, saying their irresponsibility had contributed to the current state of disorder in the country.

The statement followed a Facebook post by the organization on Sunday night, which alleged that none of its two major demands had been met despite widespread public support. The post also criticized the home and deputy home advisers for failing to provide explanations during a recent briefing. It further claimed that the chief adviser had not established full authority over civil and military intelligence agencies and that individuals loyal to the previous administration remained in key positions.

The group warned that attempts to downplay Hadi’s murder through official briefings would deepen public mistrust. Observers note that the demand adds political pressure on the interim administration as the election approaches.

The central committee of Jubo Dal has issued a show-cause notice to its Madaripur district convener, Faruk Hossain Bepari, after he was seen leading a group guarding the residence and businesses of suspended Awami League leader Shahjahan Khan and his family. The notice, signed by the party’s assistant office secretary, requires a written explanation within three days.

Local sources said the incident occurred amid heightened political tension following an attack on Inquilab Mancha spokesperson Osman Hadi. Photos of Faruk and around 40–50 activists stationed at a petrol pump owned by Shahjahan Khan’s brother circulated on social media, drawing criticism. Senior BNP leaders accused Faruk of damaging the party’s image by allegedly taking money to protect a rival’s property.

Faruk denied the allegations, claiming he acted at the request of police and local authorities to prevent possible sabotage. The controversy underscores internal strain within BNP’s youth wing as it navigates political unrest in Madaripur.

Dhaka’s Metro Rail authority has launched an online recharge system for Rapid Pass and MRT Pass cards, allowing passengers to top up their travel cards without visiting station counters. The new service, accessible through the website rapidpass.com.bd, supports payments via major digital platforms including bKash, Nagad, Rocket, and credit cards. This move aims to reduce long queues at metro stations and enhance commuter convenience in the traffic-congested capital.

According to the announcement, users can register online, log in, and recharge between Tk 100 and Tk 5,000. bKash users can receive up to Tk 100 cashback on transactions. Each card can have only one pending recharge at a time, and refunds are subject to a 5% service charge. The refund process is currently suspended.

Officials expect the online system to streamline fare management and encourage digital payment adoption among commuters. The initiative aligns with Bangladesh’s broader push toward smart urban transport and cashless mobility solutions.

Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan, a former student representative in the interim government’s advisory council, has collected his nomination form to contest the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election from Dhaka-10 constituency. He obtained the form from the Dhanmondi Thana Election Office on Monday morning, confirming his intention to run as an independent candidate.

Bhuiyan and fellow student adviser Mahfuz Alam resigned from their advisory roles on December 10 after meeting with Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus. Their resignations sparked speculation about possible political affiliations, with rumors suggesting Bhuiyan might join the National Citizen Party (NCP) or the Gonodhikar Parishad under the BNP alliance. However, Bhuiyan clarified on December 12 that he would contest independently.

The Dhaka-10 constituency, covering Dhanmondi, Kalabagan, New Market, and Hazaribagh, is expected to see a competitive race. BNP has nominated Sheikh Robiul Alam, while Jamaat-e-Islami’s candidate is Supreme Court lawyer Jasim Uddin Sarkar. The NCP has yet to announce its contender for the seat.

The digital content landscape is witnessing a growing debate between short-form and long-form video formats. Platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts have popularized quick, algorithm-driven clips that cater to shrinking attention spans and fast-paced lifestyles. Meanwhile, long-form videos—ranging from podcasts to documentaries—continue to attract audiences seeking depth, storytelling, and emotional connection.

Analysts note that short videos excel in virality and brand visibility, while long videos build trust and loyalty. However, both formats face challenges: short clips risk superficiality, and long videos demand sustained viewer engagement. Increasingly, creators are blending the two—using short clips to attract viewers and long videos to retain them. This hybrid model is emerging as the most effective strategy.

Experts predict that the future of digital content will depend less on format dominance and more on creators’ adaptability. Success will hinge on understanding audience behavior and choosing the right format for the right moment.

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department has forecast that the country will experience mostly dry weather with partly cloudy skies over the next five days. The forecast, issued Monday morning for the next 120 hours, indicates that night and day temperatures may fluctuate slightly but will largely remain stable. Moderate to dense fog is expected in several regions, particularly from midnight to morning, affecting visibility and transportation.

According to the department, the extended outlook shows no significant weather changes during this period. The subcontinental high-pressure ridge currently lies over West Bengal and adjoining areas, while a seasonal low is positioned over the South Bay of Bengal. On Sunday, Chuadanga recorded the lowest temperature at 11.7°C, while Teknaf in Cox’s Bazar registered the highest at 30.8°C.

Officials advised caution for drivers and river transport operators during early morning hours due to fog. No cold wave is expected, but cooler nights may persist in northwestern districts.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has called for collective resistance against all forms of oppressive forces, emphasizing that awareness alone is not enough. Speaking on Monday morning, he urged citizens and political actors to take a firm stand to protect democratic values and freedoms.

Addressing recent attacks on media outlets, Fakhrul stated that the assaults on newspapers such as Prothom Alo and The Daily Star were not merely attacks on institutions but on democracy itself and the fundamental right to free expression. His remarks come amid growing concerns over press freedom and political polarization in Bangladesh.

Political analysts note that the BNP’s renewed rhetoric signals a broader campaign to mobilize public sentiment ahead of upcoming political activities. Observers warn that continued pressure on the media could further strain Bangladesh’s democratic environment and complicate dialogue between major political parties.

More than 575,000 expatriate Bangladeshis have registered to vote in the upcoming 13th National Parliament election and referendum through the ‘Postal Vote BD’ mobile application, according to the Election Commission’s latest update as of Monday morning. The registration process, initially open until December 18, has been extended to December 25 to accommodate more overseas voters.

Among the registered expatriates, 538,808 are men and 36,459 are women. Saudi Arabia accounts for the highest number of registrants at 138,705, followed by Qatar with 52,109, Oman with 38,099, Malaysia with 36,427, the United Arab Emirates with 26,500, and the United States with 24,055 voters. The Election Commission stated that the initiative aims to ensure greater participation of Bangladeshis living abroad in national decision-making.

Officials expect the final registration tally to rise further before the December 25 deadline, marking a milestone in Bangladesh’s effort to integrate its diaspora into the democratic process through digital platforms.

Tensions have risen within the eight-party alliance led by Jamaat-e-Islami in Sunamganj as disputes over candidate selection intensify ahead of Bangladesh’s 13th national election. The uncertainty centers on two constituencies—Sunamganj-1 and Sunamganj-3—where frequent party-switching by two prominent politicians, Dr. Rafiqul Islam Chowdhury and Advocate Maulana Shahinur Pasha Chowdhury, has triggered grassroots mistrust and internal divisions.

Dr. Rafiqul Islam, once a BNP executive member, has shifted allegiances multiple times, most recently joining Islami Andolan Bangladesh in November 2025 to seek the alliance’s nomination. Local Jamaat leaders argue his candidacy could endanger the coalition’s vote base. Similarly, Shahinur Pasha, now with Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis, faces skepticism from alliance activists due to his history of switching parties and participation in controversial elections.

Grassroots leaders warn that nominating controversial figures could erode voter confidence and damage the alliance’s electoral prospects. Party insiders suggest that final nominations will depend on field surveys and local acceptance to prevent internal rifts before the polls.