Bangladesh’s tea production has dropped by 10–12% in 2025 due to adverse weather, labor unrest, and rising production costs, raising fears of a collapse in export trade. The National Tea Company and other producers reported that prolonged droughts, heavy rains, and delayed leaf growth have disrupted yields across major tea estates, particularly in Moulvibazar, which hosts more than half of the country’s 171 gardens.

Industry stakeholders say the government’s minimum price of Tk 245 per kilogram has failed to offset higher costs for fertilizer, fuel, and pesticides. Auction sales have also declined, while illegal imports of low-quality tea from neighboring countries are undercutting domestic producers. Laborers report reduced earnings as lower yields mean fewer leaves to pluck.

Experts warn that without urgent government intervention and improved irrigation, the industry could face long-term decline. Calls are growing for stricter border controls, better quality assurance, and modernization to restore competitiveness in both domestic and export markets.

Thousands of low-income farmers in Langadu upazila of Rangamati are facing severe difficulties as water levels in Kaptai Lake have not receded on time. More than 13,000 farmers are unable to plant Boro rice because their fields remain submerged, raising fears of a food shortage in the coming year. Normally, by the Bengali month of Poush, farmers begin seasonal cultivation, but this year the lake’s water continues to flood agricultural land.

Local farmers claim the government has kept the Kaptai dam closed, preventing water release. Agricultural officials report that of Langadu’s 8,000 hectares of farmland, about 6,500 hectares remain underwater. The Upazila Agriculture Office has urged authorities to lower water levels within the month to save the season’s crops. Meanwhile, a Power Development Board manager stated that a proposal was made to maintain current water levels until the upcoming election.

If water is not released soon, thousands of families could face economic hardship and food insecurity, prompting calls for urgent government intervention.

Students at Dhaka University have renewed calls to rename halls and structures bearing the Sheikh family’s names, arguing that such titles symbolize past political dominance. The movement gained momentum following the killing of activist Sharif Osman Hadi, prompting the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) to stage a sit-in and submit a memorandum to the administration demanding the removal of what they call ‘symbols of fascism.’ Protesters proposed renaming Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Hall to ‘Shaheed Osman Hadi Hall’ and Begum Fazilatunnesa Mujib Hall to ‘Fellani Hall.’

The issue has sparked internal debate within student bodies, with some hall representatives objecting to DUCSU’s unilateral announcements. Alternative names such as ‘Captain Sitara Begum Hall’ also received strong student support. University officials stated that final decisions will be made in an upcoming syndicate meeting. The controversy reflects broader tensions following the July uprising, as students seek to align campus symbols with what they describe as the spirit of political change.

Observers note that the outcome may set a precedent for renaming politically affiliated institutions nationwide, testing the balance between historical legacy and post-uprising reform sentiment.

On December 21, 2025, countries across the Northern Hemisphere, including Bangladesh, experienced the longest night and shortest day of the year, marking the winter solstice. The astronomical event occurs when the Northern Hemisphere tilts farthest from the Sun, resulting in reduced daylight hours and the official onset of winter.

Scientists explain that Earth’s axial tilt causes seasonal variations as the planet orbits the Sun. Around June 21, the Northern Hemisphere leans toward the Sun, creating the longest day, known as the summer solstice. Conversely, in December, the Southern Hemisphere tilts sunward, bringing summer to the south and winter to the north.

The winter solstice has cultural and scientific significance, symbolizing renewal and the gradual lengthening of days ahead. Meteorological departments in South Asia noted cooler temperatures and longer nights, though no severe cold wave was reported. The event also serves as a reminder of Earth’s dynamic relationship with the Sun and its impact on global climate patterns.

BNP candidate for Dhaka-6, Engineer Ishraque Hossain, announced that the party’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman is expected to return to Bangladesh on December 25, where millions of supporters will welcome him. Speaking at a women’s wing event in Gopibagh, Dhaka, Ishraque said there is no concern over Rahman’s safety, asserting that the people themselves will safeguard their leader.

Hossain emphasized the importance of women’s participation in politics, noting that women make up about 52% of the electorate. He pledged that a future BNP government would introduce special laws and a ‘Family Card’ program to empower women financially. On election integrity, he said BNP seeks a free and fair vote and is training polling agents, with plans to assign female agents to women’s centers.

Criticizing the ruling Awami League, Hossain accused it of destroying voting rights over the past 17 years. He vowed that if BNP returns to power, it will repatriate misappropriated funds and invest them for public welfare.

Inkilab Mancha has announced a protest march demanding the execution of those involved in the killing of its spokesperson, Shahid Sharif Osman Hadi. The march is scheduled for Monday, December 22, starting from Shahid Hadi Chattar in Shahbagh and ending at the Central Shaheed Minar. The announcement was made on Sunday through the organization’s verified Facebook page.

Osman Hadi, who was contesting as an independent candidate in Dhaka-8 constituency, was shot in the head on December 12 while campaigning in Purana Paltan. He was initially treated at Dhaka Medical College Hospital and later transferred to Evercare Hospital before being flown to Singapore on December 15, where he died on December 18. Following his death, a previously filed attempted murder case was converted into a murder case at Paltan Police Station.

The protest reflects growing frustration among supporters demanding swift justice. Law enforcement agencies are under pressure to identify and prosecute those responsible, while political observers warn of heightened tensions ahead of the upcoming election period.

United Peoples Bangladesh (UP Bangladesh) chief organizer Nayeem Ahmad has accused the Dr. Muhammad Yunus-led interim government of losing direction by failing to rely on public support. Speaking at a protest in Dhaka’s Shahbagh area, Ahmad said the government’s detachment from the people has endangered justice, reform, and the upcoming election. The rally was organized to protest recent killings and arson attacks, including the deaths of labor leader Dipu Chandra and a child named Ayesha.

Ahmad alleged that a fascist network, left unchecked within law enforcement, is orchestrating nationwide sabotage. He criticized the government for not purging loyalists of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and for ignoring the role of intelligence agencies, which he said remain “actively inactive.” He urged rebuilding trust between the government and citizens to ensure a fair election.

Speakers also demanded accountability from the Home Affairs Adviser and immediate action to stop ongoing violence. Ahmad expressed solidarity with the Inquilab Manch’s two-point program and called for protection of those who participated in the July uprising.

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) Chairman Md. Abdur Rahman Khan inaugurated an 'Income Tax Return Supporting Booth' for members of the Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) on December 21, 2025, at the DRU’s Shafiqul Kabir Auditorium. The initiative aims to assist journalists in submitting their income tax returns efficiently and confidently. DRU President Abu Saleh Akon presided over the event, while General Secretary Mainul Hasan Sohel conducted the session.

In his remarks, the NBR Chairman assured taxpayers that online return submissions are secure and that the board does not access personal banking data unless required by law. He praised DRU’s initiative, noting that online tax and VAT filing will soon become fully digital. Other speakers, including legal experts and DRU leaders, emphasized journalists’ civic duty to pay taxes and the importance of removing fear and confusion around the process.

The booth will provide members with professional tax advisory services. The NBR expects such initiatives to encourage broader tax compliance and digital adoption nationwide.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) of Bangladesh has initiated an investigation against 13 senior officials of the National Security Intelligence (NSI), including three additional directors and six joint directors, over allegations of corruption and illegal wealth accumulation. The ACC’s headquarters approved the inquiry on Sunday, assigning 13 of its own officers to conduct the probe, confirmed Deputy Director (Public Relations) Md. Akhtarul Islam.

According to the ACC, the accused officials face specific allegations of abuse of power, bribery, extortion, money laundering, and possession of assets beyond known sources of income, both in their own names and those of their spouses. The officials under scrutiny include Additional Directors Md. Azizur Rahman, M.S.K. Shaheen, and Mohammad Zahir Uddin, among others.

The investigation marks one of the most extensive corruption inquiries into a national intelligence agency in recent years. Legal experts note that the case could test the ACC’s independence and transparency in handling sensitive institutions. Further actions will depend on the findings of the initial inquiry, which is expected to take several weeks.

The Bangladesh Commission of Inquiry on Disappearances has alleged that certain groups are deliberately attempting to question its neutrality and credibility. In a press release issued on Sunday, the commission urged patriotic citizens to remain alert and not be misled by false or provocative claims circulating on social and mainstream media.

Signed by Secretary Kudrat-e-Elahi, the statement clarified that recent reports linking an individual named Khandaker Rakib to the commission’s interrogation activities are entirely baseless. The commission emphasized that Rakib has never been employed by or participated in any of its proceedings. It described these claims as part of a broader effort to obstruct or influence its ongoing work.

The commission reaffirmed its commitment to conducting investigations with impartiality and respect for the families of disappeared persons. It called for public cooperation and cautioned against spreading misinformation that could erode trust in the inquiry process.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has received official permission to organize a reception for its acting chairman, Tarique Rahman, who is scheduled to return from the United Kingdom on December 25. The approval was confirmed by BNP media cell member Shayrul Kabir Khan, who stated that the Dhaka Divisional Commissioner’s office issued a written authorization to BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on the evening of December 21.

According to party sources, the permission letter was delivered to BNP’s central office in Naya Paltan by an official from the commissioner’s office. BNP leaders, including central committee member Sattar Patwari, formally received the document. The event is being described by party officials as a “historic homecoming” for Tarique Rahman, who has been living in exile in the UK for several years.

The reception is expected to draw large crowds and tight security measures in Dhaka. Political observers note that Tarique’s return could significantly reshape Bangladesh’s opposition politics ahead of future elections.

A major political controversy has erupted in Kurigram after several former and current Awami League leaders, including an accused in the high-profile Rafiqul murder case, formally joined the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). The induction ceremony took place at the district BNP office last Saturday, sparking outrage among grassroots activists and civil society groups who labeled the move as a betrayal of political ethics.

Political and student organizations have sharply criticized the BNP’s decision, calling it a ‘rehabilitation of fascists’ and a ‘betrayal of martyrs.’ Among those joining were municipal councilor Anisur Rahman, Al Harunuzzaman Harun, Mostafa Kamal, Jamshed Ali Tunku, Abdul Malek, and two former reserved female councilors. Critics argue that bringing in figures linked to violent political episodes undermines BNP’s moral standing.

BNP leaders in Kurigram defended the move, claiming some of the returnees were former party activists who had joined the Awami League under pressure. Analysts say the controversy could deepen internal divisions within the BNP and complicate its efforts to rebuild credibility ahead of future elections.

A wedding ceremony in Shahjadpur, Sirajganj, ended abruptly after a playful tradition of hiding the groom’s shoes escalated into a violent altercation. The incident occurred on Friday at Guliakhali Char in Kaijuri Union, when members of the groom’s side reacted angrily to the prank, leading to vandalism of furniture and property at the bride’s home. Following the chaos, the groom’s family announced they would not proceed with the marriage.

Local police confirmed they were alerted through the national emergency hotline 999 and dispatched officers to the scene. Shahjadpur Police Station Officer-in-Charge Saiful Islam said no formal complaint had been filed, as the bride’s family opted for a social resolution. Relatives of the bride expressed shock, noting that arrangements had been made for over 200 guests, including gifts and meals, all of which went to waste.

The incident has stirred local discussion about the fragility of social customs and the need for restraint during celebratory events. Authorities are monitoring the situation for any further disputes.

A political rift has emerged in Panchhari upazila of Khagrachhari after a Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) joining event sparked allegations of covert rehabilitation of Awami League (AL) leaders. The December 2 program, attended by former MP and district BNP president Abdul Wadud Bhuiyan, reportedly saw over a hundred activists from various parties join the BNP.

However, local BNP members claim that around 70 of the new entrants were active or former AL leaders, including union-level officeholders and youth front members. Veteran BNP activists, who endured years of repression, expressed anger, saying the inclusion of former rivals undermines their sacrifices. Allegations also surfaced that financial transactions influenced the recruitment process.

Analysts warn that such cross-party realignments could destabilize local politics ahead of the 13th national election. The situation has been further complicated by claims that local Jamaat-e-Islami units are sheltering former AL activists. Residents have questioned the administration’s inaction amid the nationwide “Devil Hunt” anti-crime campaign, raising concerns about governance and political accountability in the region.

Police in Matlab North, Chandpur, rescued a local carpenter who was allegedly abducted and brutally tortured for four days inside a cowshed. The victim, Lokman Hossain Bhuiya, was reportedly taken from his home on December 18 by a man named Md. Masud, a resident of Gazaria in Munshiganj, after being accused of poisoning fish in Masud’s illegal fish enclosure.

According to police and local sources, Masud had long been living in the area and was known for unruly behavior. During the captivity, Lokman was chained, beaten, and pressured to confess to damaging Masud’s fish enclosure. When Lokman’s mother sought his release, Masud allegedly demanded a ransom of BDT 500,000. After she filed a complaint, police launched a rescue operation, freeing Lokman and arresting Masud.

Sub-Inspector Suman Chandra Das confirmed the arrest and said a case has been filed. The incident has sparked local outrage and renewed calls for stricter action against illegal detentions and private torture practices in rural Bangladesh.