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.

A construction site manager was shot and injured by a group of masked attackers near the under-construction Nursing Institute beside Mohakhali TB Gate in Dhaka on Sunday afternoon. The victim, identified as 42-year-old Md. Nazimuddin, was taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital, where he is receiving treatment. Police confirmed that the incident occurred around 3:30 p.m. and that the local police station has been notified for further investigation.

According to Nazimuddin’s younger brother, Azimuddin, a group of eight to ten masked men arrived at the site, asked for the engineer, physically assaulted him, and fired a shot before fleeing. The bullet reportedly entered and exited through Nazimuddin’s left knee. He is originally from Khanpur in Begumganj, Noakhali, and currently resides in Nakhalpara, Dhaka.

Authorities are investigating the motive behind the attack, which has raised concerns about security at major construction sites in the capital. No arrests had been reported as of late Sunday night.

A Dhaka court has issued a travel ban on Faisal Karim Masud, the prime suspect in the murder of Inquilab Moncho spokesperson Shahid Sharif Osman Hadi. The order was given by Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Awlad Hossain Mohammad Junayed following a petition from the Detective Branch (DB) of police. Investigators argued that intelligence reports indicated Masud might attempt to flee the country, prompting the need for immediate legal restrictions on his departure.

The petition, filed by DB Inspector Faisal Ahmed, requested that immigration authorities at land, sea, and air ports be alerted to prevent Masud’s escape. The court accepted the request and directed relevant agencies to enforce the ban. The murder case, initially filed as an attempted murder on December 14 by Inquilab Moncho’s secretary Abdullah Al Jaber, was later updated to include murder charges under Section 302. So far, nine individuals have been arrested in connection with the case.

Legal analysts note that the travel ban underscores the court’s intent to ensure accountability and prevent obstruction of justice as the investigation continues.

Bangladesh’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has uncovered more than Tk127 crore in suspicious financial transactions connected to Faisal Karim Masud, the prime suspect in the murder of Shahid Sharif Osman Hadi, a key figure of the July Revolution and spokesperson of Inquilab Mancha. The CID revealed the findings in a press release on Sunday, noting that the transactions may be linked to money laundering and organized crime financing.

Following Hadi’s fatal shooting on December 12 in Dhaka’s Purana Paltan area, CID launched a shadow investigation, collecting CCTV footage and forensic evidence. Several associates and family members of Masud have been arrested for allegedly concealing evidence and aiding his escape. Investigators also found unexecuted cheque records worth about Tk218 crore.

Authorities have initiated a separate money laundering probe and are taking steps to confiscate Tk65 lakh from related bank accounts. CID teams are also examining whether a broader criminal network was involved in financing or planning the killing, while efforts to arrest the main suspect continue.

Bangladeshi UN peacekeeper Sabuj Mia, who was killed in a drone attack on a UN base in Sudan’s Abyei region, was buried with full state honors in his home village of Palashbari, Gaibandha. His body arrived by helicopter on Sunday afternoon and was later taken to his family home, where hundreds of villagers gathered to pay their respects. The funeral prayer was held at the local Eidgah field, followed by burial beside his father’s grave.

Army officials representing the Chief of Army Staff and local administration officers paid floral tributes during the ceremony. The attack, carried out by a separatist armed group on December 13, killed six Bangladeshi peacekeepers stationed at the Kadugli logistics base. Family members, including Sabuj’s mother and young wife, were seen grieving deeply as the community mourned the loss.

The government and military have condemned the attack, calling for stronger international measures to ensure the safety of peacekeepers deployed in conflict zones under UN missions.

BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman announced plans to transform Bangladesh’s youth into a skilled workforce through training and digital empowerment. Speaking virtually from London at the inauguration of a ‘Digital Memorial’ in Bogura on Sunday, he emphasized the party’s commitment to expanding freelancing opportunities and ensuring free internet access for students and young professionals. He also revealed that 20 locations in Bogura will soon have free Wi-Fi, with one college already connected.

Rahman outlined a broader development vision, including the recruitment of 100,000 health workers—85% of whom will be women—and the promotion of technical and language education to meet global labor market demands. He linked these initiatives to BNP’s revised seven-point agenda derived from its original 31-point program. Urging party members to remain vigilant, he criticized past governance as destructive and called for unity in rebuilding the nation.

Local BNP leaders, including Mosharaf Hossain and Rezaul Karim Badsha, attended the event, which drew participants from various professional sectors.

A school principal in Feni’s Sonagazi upazila has been served a show-cause notice after posting a Facebook status mocking BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman. The head of Al-Helal Academy, Omar Faruk, reportedly deleted the post after facing backlash. The Al-Helal Society, which oversees the institution, confirmed that disciplinary action is being considered against him.

The Sonagazi municipal BNP issued a press release demanding Faruk’s removal and exemplary punishment, alleging political bias and misuse of his position. Local BNP leaders claimed that Faruk, previously linked to the Awami League, used his influence to secure his current post and accumulate wealth through school-related activities. The controversy has sparked widespread criticism on social media, with BNP-affiliated groups calling for accountability.

The incident underscores the growing political sensitivity surrounding social media expression in Bangladesh’s education sector. Authorities are expected to decide on disciplinary measures soon, as the case continues to draw attention from both political and community circles.

Around 9,000 expatriate voters from Feni district have been officially registered to vote in Bangladesh’s upcoming 13th National Parliament election and referendum through the ‘Postal Vote BD’ mobile application. According to the Election Commission’s website, a total of 20,491 expatriates applied for registration, of whom 8,755 have been approved while 11,736 remain pending. This marks the first time the Election Commission has introduced an IT-supported postal ballot system for overseas voters.

The new system allows expatriates, individuals in legal custody, and election officials on duty to cast their votes remotely. Registration began on November 19 and will continue until December 25. Once registered, voters will receive postal ballots by mail, cast their votes, and return them to the designated returning officer. Officials said the initiative aims to ensure broader participation of expatriates, though only 2.27% of Feni’s overseas population has registered so far.

District officials are promoting the process through social media and direct messaging. The system’s success could influence future national elections and expand digital voting mechanisms for Bangladesh’s large diaspora community.

Leaders of Islami Chhatra Shibir have strongly denied any involvement in recent attacks on the offices of national dailies The Daily Star and Prothom Alo, which followed protests over the death of Sharif Osman Hadi. In a statement issued Sunday, Shibir’s central president Zahidul Islam and secretary general Nurul Islam Saddam condemned what they called a deliberate attempt to implicate their organization.

The statement emphasized Shibir’s respect for media freedom and described any assault on journalists or cultural institutions as an attack on freedom of expression. The leaders alleged that vested groups were trying to deflect attention from the real culprits by blaming Shibir. They also clarified that controversial remarks made by some university-level Shibir members were personal opinions, not official positions.

Calling for an impartial and credible investigation, Shibir urged all parties to refrain from spreading misinformation. The group reiterated its commitment to lawful activism and national unity amid ongoing political tensions.

Pakistan’s legendary fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has been appointed as the new brand ambassador for Tilex, a leading homecare brand under Bangladesh’s Remark-Harlan Group. The announcement marks a strategic shift as Tilex aims to expand its international presence. Akhtar, known globally as the ‘Rawalpindi Express,’ replaces Bangladeshi cricket icon Shakib Al Hasan, who had long represented the brand domestically.

Remark-Harlan officials said Akhtar’s image of speed, strength, and determination aligns with Tilex’s message of cleanliness and vitality. The company hopes his global appeal will help position Tilex as a premium, ammonia-free cleaning solution in international markets. Akhtar expressed pride in joining a brand that promotes hygiene and environmental awareness, emphasizing cleanliness as essential to health and daily life.

Company executives believe this endorsement will strengthen Tilex’s credibility abroad, building on its domestic success under Shakib’s tenure. The move also reflects the group’s ambition to link sports-driven branding with sustainable, eco-friendly product innovation across South Asia.