In Cumilla’s Debidwar upazila, around 200 suspended Awami League leaders and activists formally joined the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) at the residence of Manjurul Hasan Munshi, BNP’s candidate for Cumilla-4 and former district president. The mass defection, held on Sunday, has sparked widespread criticism across political circles, with many describing it as a controversial act of political rehabilitation.

Leaders from Jamaat-e-Islami, the National Citizen Party (NCP), and even several BNP grassroots members voiced disapproval, arguing that those accused of past political repression should not be accepted into the opposition. NCP’s southern region organizer Hasnat Abdullah called the move “a naked attempt at power politics,” while Cumilla BNP’s member-secretary AFM Tarek Munshi labeled it “embarrassing” for the party. BNP candidate Munshi did not respond to calls for comment.

The incident underscores growing unease within the opposition alliance ahead of the next election, raising questions about candidate selection, internal discipline, and the party’s broader strategy to expand its support base in key constituencies.

Two brothers from Mirzapur, Tangail, have each collected nomination papers to contest the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election from the same constituency, Tangail-7. According to local election officials, Firoz Haidar Khan collected his nomination papers on Thursday, followed by his younger brother, Dipu Haidar Khan, on Sunday. The Mirzapur Upazila Election Officer, Shahanaj Akter, confirmed the submissions on December 21.

Firoz Haidar Khan is the president of the Bangladesh Brick Manufacturers Association and a former member of the Tangail District BNP. His younger brother, Dipu Haidar Khan, serves as the organizing secretary of the BNP-affiliated Jatiyatabadi Krishak Dal’s central committee and is also the convener of the Tangail District Krishak Dal. Although Dipu was not initially nominated by the BNP, he proceeded to collect nomination papers independently.

The unusual development of two brothers seeking candidacy from the same party and constituency has drawn local attention, highlighting internal competition within the BNP’s Tangail unit. Party insiders suggest the nomination process may intensify as the election approaches, with the final candidate list expected after party scrutiny.

The Bangladesh Ethnosport team achieved notable success at the Tuguzkumalak and Mangala Asian Cup 2025, held in Ankara, Turkey, from December 16 to 22. Competing in the open category, Bangladeshi player Md. Rezaul Karim Molla secured third place, marking a significant milestone for the nation in the traditional mind-sport arena.

The event featured participants from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Russia, and Mongolia, making it a highly competitive and prestigious tournament. The opening ceremony was attended by Ankara’s Sincan District Governor Levent Kilik and Mayor Murat Eras, while dignitaries including Bangladeshi diplomat Dr. Muhammad Shahanur Alam and international federation officials joined the award ceremony. The three-member Bangladesh delegation was led by Md. Al Mamun, president of the International Ethnosport Bangladesh Association.

Observers believe this achievement will enhance Bangladesh’s reputation in global ethnosport competitions and inspire greater participation in future international events, promoting the country’s cultural and intellectual sporting heritage.

A mobile court in Daganbhuiyan, Feni, sentenced two young men to two months in jail for illegally excavating and selling soil from agricultural land. The operation took place on Sunday afternoon in the Sridharpur area, led by Assistant Commissioner (Land) and Executive Magistrate Shahidul Alam. The convicts, Mohin Uddin (24) and his brother Main Uddin (22), are residents of Noakhali’s Companiganj upazila.

Authorities reported that an excavator used in the soil cutting could not be moved from the site and was rendered inoperative. Magistrate Shahidul Alam stated that the drive aimed to protect farmland and the environment from illegal excavation practices. He emphasized that such enforcement actions will continue regularly to deter violations.

The case highlights ongoing administrative efforts to curb environmental degradation and preserve cultivable land in Feni district. Officials reaffirmed that strict legal measures will be taken against anyone involved in unauthorized soil extraction, underscoring the government’s commitment to sustainable land use.

Police in Faridpur’s Sadarpur upazila have arrested Jalal Uddin Sek, a local Awami League leader, during the ongoing ‘Devil Hunt Phase-2’ operation aimed at maintaining law and order across Bangladesh. The arrest took place on December 21 at Sek’s residence in Char Bishnupur Union, where he served as president of the party’s Ward No. 6 unit.

According to Sadarpur Police Station Officer-in-Charge Md Abdul Al Mamun Shah, the operation was part of a broader effort to curb criminal activities and prevent unrest in the region. Authorities allege that Sek was involved with a banned political organization, though details of the charges have not been publicly disclosed. Police confirmed that a case against him is currently being processed.

The ‘Devil Hunt Phase-2’ campaign has been active nationwide, with law enforcement agencies continuing targeted operations in multiple districts. Officials indicated that similar drives will continue in the coming days to strengthen local security and deter political violence.

Former Member of Parliament and BNP central committee member K.M. Anwarul Islam has collected nomination papers to contest as an independent candidate from the Pabna-3 constituency, which includes Chatmohar, Bhangura, and Faridpur upazilas. He obtained the nomination papers from the office of the Assistant Returning Officer and Chatmohar Upazila Nirbahi Officer Musa Naser Chowdhury on Sunday afternoon, accompanied by several local BNP leaders.

The move comes after the BNP officially nominated Krishak Dal president and agriculturist Hasan Jafir Tuhin for the same seat, triggering protests led by Anwarul Islam and other local BNP leaders. Demonstrations and torch processions were previously held in opposition to the party’s decision, reflecting internal divisions within the local BNP leadership.

Political analysts suggest that Anwarul Islam’s independent candidacy could split the BNP vote in Pabna-3, potentially benefiting rival parties. The development underscores the growing tension within BNP ranks ahead of the upcoming national elections, as several senior figures consider running independently after being denied party nominations.

The Election Commission of Bangladesh has authorized the Air Force to deploy drones for surveillance and security during the upcoming national elections. Chief Election Commissioner Abul Fazl Sanaullah announced the decision following a high-level meeting with the heads of the army, navy, and air force in Dhaka. The move comes amid heightened security concerns following the killing of political figure Sharif Osman Hadi, which officials say has affected law and order in several constituencies.

Sanaullah confirmed that joint forces have already launched coordinated operations to recover illegal weapons and detain suspects. Since December 13, security agencies have arrested around 2,000 individuals daily and seized dozens of weapons. The Election Commission emphasized that one-third of the planned 100,000-strong military deployment is already in place, with the remainder to follow soon. Authorities assured that all security forces are fully prepared to ensure a peaceful and credible election.

The Commission urged political parties to cooperate with law enforcement and maintain calm, stressing that those attempting to disrupt the electoral process will face legal consequences.

A 17-year-old college student was killed in a road accident in Shahjahanpur upazila of Bogura on Sunday when his motorcycle, driven at high speed in a so-called ‘dancing style,’ lost control and went under a truck. The crash occurred around 12:45 p.m. on the Oral Bridge in Rahimabad area, igniting both the motorcycle and the truck. Two others, including another rider and the truck driver, were injured in the incident.

Police identified the deceased as Md. Rohan, a first-year student at Sherpur Degree College. His companion, Maruf Hossain, 18, was hospitalized with injuries. Highway police seized the truck and confirmed that legal action would follow depending on the family’s complaint. Witnesses said the motorcycle was attempting to overtake the truck at high speed when it lost balance.

The accident highlights growing concerns over reckless motorcycle driving among youth in Bangladesh. Authorities have urged caution and pledged stricter enforcement of traffic laws to prevent similar tragedies.

The Bangladesh Jewellers Association (BAJUS) has announced another increase in gold prices, marking the third consecutive adjustment in recent weeks. Effective from Monday, December 22, 2025, the price of 22-carat gold will rise by BDT 1,050 per bhori (11.664 grams), reaching a record BDT 218,117 — the highest in the country’s history. The new rates were confirmed in a BAJUS statement released Sunday night.

Under the revised pricing, 21-carat gold will sell at BDT 208,202 per bhori, 18-carat at BDT 178,459, and traditional gold at BDT 148,599. The previous adjustment on December 15 had raised prices by BDT 1,470 per bhori. Despite the surge in gold, silver prices remain unchanged, with 22-carat silver priced at BDT 4,572 per bhori.

Analysts attribute the continued rise to global market volatility, higher import costs, and currency depreciation. Jewelers expect demand to remain steady during the wedding season, though consumers may face increased financial pressure if the upward trend persists.

Eleven Bangladeshi workers have left for Serbia after completing professional training in welding and shipping under the supervision of Asia Continental Group BD (RL-523). The group, trained at the JI Islamic Science and Technology Institute in Uttara, Dhaka, will receive monthly salaries between 600 and 700 euros, including accommodation and meals provided by their Serbian employer. Their departure ceremony was held on Sunday before their scheduled evening flight.

According to participants, the workers underwent several months of technical training and interviews with foreign delegates before securing visas. Each worker reportedly spent around 1.4 million taka to complete the process. Company officials stated that the initiative is part of a long-term program to send skilled Bangladeshi laborers to European countries through legal channels.

Asia Continental Group BD representatives expressed optimism about resuming overseas recruitment after recent political changes in Bangladesh. They emphasized their commitment to ethical recruitment and expanding opportunities for skilled workers in European labor markets.

A group of teachers from the University of Chittagong held a human chain in front of the Chittagong Press Club demanding justice for the killing of Shahid Sharif Osman Bin Hadi, spokesperson of the July Revolutionary and Inquilab Mancha. The event, organized under the banner of 'Chittagong University Anti-Hegemony Teachers’ Unity,' was chaired by Professor Dr. Fuad Hasan and moderated by Professor Dr. Tanvir Mohammad Haidar Arif.

Speakers, including Professor Dr. Jamal Uddin of the Electrical and Electronic Engineering Department, urged national unity against hegemonic forces and called for a thorough investigation into the murder. They demanded not only the arrest of direct perpetrators but also exposure of political masterminds behind the crime. The teachers announced a four-point demand, emphasizing improved law and order and an end to the culture of impunity.

The demonstration reflects growing frustration within academic circles over unresolved political killings and calls for the interim government to ensure justice and accountability in Bangladesh’s governance system.

A mobile court in Kaunia upazila of Rangpur has fined a local farmer Tk 50,000 for illegally cutting and selling soil from arable farmland. The operation, led by Assistant Land Commissioner (AC Land) Ankon Pal, took place in Gedd Balapara village under Balapara Union following complaints that the farmer, Ahmed Ali, was removing topsoil and selling it to brick kilns using tractors, damaging both farmland and a nearby paved road.

Officials stated that such actions are strictly prohibited under environmental and agricultural protection laws, as they degrade soil fertility, disrupt crop production, and threaten infrastructure stability. AC Land Pal emphasized that the administration will continue similar drives to curb illegal soil extraction.

Local residents welcomed the enforcement action, urging authorities to ensure a permanent halt to the illegal trade in fertile land soil. The incident highlights ongoing challenges in rural land management and the need for stronger monitoring of agricultural land use in northern Bangladesh.

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) of Bangladesh will integrate taxpayers’ banking information into the electronic return (e-return) system starting next year, NBR Chairman Md Abdur Rahman Khan announced on Sunday. Speaking at the inauguration of an ‘Income Tax Return Submission Support Booth’ at the Dhaka Reporters Unity, he said the move aims to reduce data manipulation and improve transparency in income tax collection.

Khan noted that around 4.2 million taxpayers have registered for online return submission, with 2.6 million already filing their returns for the 2025–26 fiscal year. He added that about 50,000 taxpayers are submitting returns daily, and the government will consider extending the filing deadline beyond December 31 if necessary. The NBR also plans to launch a mobile app next year to make return submission more convenient.

The integration of banking data is expected to strengthen compliance, expand the tax base, and boost government revenue, aligning with Bangladesh’s broader digital governance goals.

Masud Alam, a Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) official once thrust into the public spotlight after a remark by former minister Obaidul Quader went viral, was recently seen in Cox’s Bazar. Alam, who previously served as a deputy director, has since been promoted to director (engineering) for the Chattogram division. He attended a government event distributing financial aid to families of road accident victims.

The phrase “Masud, be good” — uttered by Quader during the previous Awami League government — became a long-standing social media meme, often resurfacing in online discussions. Many attendees reportedly recognized Alam at the Cox’s Bazar event, while others viewed him simply as a senior official. A photo from the event circulating on Facebook reignited humorous commentary, with users jokingly asking if he had indeed “become good.”

Although Alam did not speak to the media, his reappearance has revived a piece of Bangladesh’s recent political and internet folklore, highlighting how viral moments can linger in public memory far beyond their original context.

Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh has strongly condemned the recent killings of Dipu Chandra Das in Mymensingh and a child named Ayesha in Lakshmipur, both reportedly burned to death in separate incidents. In a statement issued on Sunday, the group’s joint secretary general, Maulana Azizul Haque Islamabadi, demanded immediate arrests and exemplary punishment for those responsible.

The statement alleged that Dipu Chandra’s murder was a premeditated act disguised under religious motives but rooted in labor disputes. Hefazat also criticized the culture of impunity in Bangladesh, citing previous incidents of mob violence that went unpunished. The organization warned that political mistrust and sabotage were deepening divisions within society.

Addressing recent attacks on institutions following the death of activist Osman Hadi, Hefazat urged supporters to avoid violence and maintain peace. The group called on the government to strengthen intelligence and law enforcement to prevent further unrest, especially ahead of the upcoming national elections.