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.

Inqilab Mancha has called for the immediate and live arrest of those involved in the killing of Sharif Osman Bin Hadi, rejecting any possibility of so-called 'gunfight dramas.' The organization made the demand through a verified Facebook post on Sunday night, emphasizing that justice must be served transparently and without extrajudicial actions.

Earlier, the group announced a protest march scheduled for Monday afternoon, starting from Shahbagh’s Shaheed Hadi Chattar and ending at the Central Shaheed Minar, urging authorities to expedite the investigation. Meanwhile, a court has issued a travel ban on Faisal Karim Masud, also known as Dawood Khan Rahul, the prime suspect in the case. The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) reported discovering over BDT 127 crore in suspicious transactions linked to Masud and his associates.

The developments have intensified public scrutiny of the case, with civil society groups calling for accountability and transparency in law enforcement operations. Authorities are expected to provide further updates as the investigation progresses.

Bangladesh secured a total of 11 medals, including one gold, six bronze, and four technical awards, at the 27th International Robot Olympiad (IRO) held from December 17 to 20, 2025, in Gold Coast, Australia. The event brought together young innovators from across the globe to showcase their robotics and creative engineering skills. Mohammad Abdullah Al Titu from Anandamohan College won the gold medal in the senior creative category.

According to the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications, and Information Technology, Bangladesh’s bronze medalists represented schools such as YWCA Higher Secondary Girls’ School, Mohammadpur Preparatory School and College, Ideal School and College, Dhaka Residential Model College, and Scholastica. Four additional students received technical awards for excellence in physical computing and creative movie categories.

The Bangladesh Open Source Network organized the national selection process earlier in 2025, with top performers chosen through online and in-person rounds. Officials hailed the achievement as a milestone for the country’s growing robotics education movement and a sign of Bangladesh’s emerging talent in global technology competitions.

Six deans of Rajshahi University resigned late Sunday following a day-long student protest demanding their removal. The deans, reportedly aligned with the Awami League-backed Yellow Panel, declared their inability to continue duties during an evening meeting, confirmed Public Relations Administrator Professor Akhtar Hossain Majumder. The resignations came after students locked the deans’ offices and confined the registrar in protest.

The six deans represented key faculties including Law, Science, Business Studies, Social Science, Engineering, and Geoscience. Their terms had officially expired earlier in the week, but the vice-chancellor had instructed them to remain in office until new elections were held. Student leaders, including those affiliated with Islami Chhatra Shibir, led the demonstrations, demanding immediate resignations. Attempts to reach Vice-Chancellor Professor Saleh Hasan Naqib for comment were unsuccessful.

The resignations highlight growing tensions between politically aligned academic panels and student groups. The university administration is expected to announce further decisions regarding interim appointments and upcoming dean elections in the coming days.

Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a formal statement rejecting India’s claim that local media reports on a protest outside the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi were misleading. The ministry described the December 20 incident as deeply regrettable, noting that demonstrators were allowed to gather just outside the mission without prior notice, causing alarm among staff inside the compound.

The statement came a day after India’s official response and emphasized that Bangladesh expects the Indian government to uphold its commitment to ensuring the safety of all Bangladeshi diplomatic posts. Dhaka also dismissed Indian authorities’ attempt to portray a recent isolated attack on a Hindu citizen in Bangladesh as a broader assault on minorities, stressing that suspects had already been arrested.

Bangladesh reiterated that interfaith relations in the country remain comparatively stable within South Asia and underscored that protecting minority communities is a shared responsibility of all regional governments. The exchange highlights ongoing sensitivities in bilateral relations between the two neighbors.

Around 48,910 expatriate Bangladeshis from Sylhet Division have registered to vote in the upcoming 13th National Parliament election and referendum, according to the Election Commission’s website. The registration, conducted through the Postal BD app, began on November 18 and will close in four days. Despite an estimated 1–1.2 million Sylhetis living abroad, only a small fraction have completed registration.

Officials note that this marks the first time expatriates will be able to vote since Bangladesh’s independence, following a landmark decision by the interim government. However, progress has been slow due to limited technical capacity at embassies, lack of awareness, and the busy schedules of migrant workers. Sylhet district recorded the highest number of registrants at 23,687, followed by Moulvibazar, Sunamganj, and Habiganj.

Observers say the initiative could strengthen expatriate engagement in national governance, though low participation remains a concern. Expatriate leaders have urged all political parties to promote full registration before the deadline.