BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has called for transparent investigations and visible punishment for those responsible for recent arson killings and violent incidents across Bangladesh. Speaking to journalists at the Burn Institute in Dhaka after visiting a victim from Lakshmipur, Rizvi said that a series of secret attacks has created fear and uncertainty among citizens, posing a serious concern for the state.

Rizvi emphasized that people want to see justice served and that it is the government's duty to identify and prosecute the real perpetrators. He cautioned that any shortcomings in the investigation could deepen public anxiety and mistrust. The BNP leader also raised suspicions of a larger conspiracy possibly linked to the upcoming national elections or attempts to destabilize the country, hinting at potential foreign involvement.

He added that as a government claiming democratic legitimacy, the authorities must act decisively against wrongdoers. Other BNP leaders, including Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie and Dr. Rafiqul Islam, were present during his remarks.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has collected nomination papers on behalf of its chairperson Khaleda Zia and acting chairman Tarique Rahman for two parliamentary constituencies in Bogura. On Sunday, local BNP leaders collected the forms from the district administration offices, signaling the party’s preparation for the upcoming national election.

According to officials, district BNP president Rezaul Karim Badsha led the team collecting Tarique Rahman’s nomination papers for Bogura-6 from the district returning officer. Meanwhile, BNP chairperson’s adviser Helaluzzaman Talukder Lalu collected Khaleda Zia’s nomination papers for Bogura-7. Party leaders expressed optimism about their leaders’ participation, citing Khaleda Zia’s previous electoral victories in the area.

The move marks a symbolic step for the BNP, as both leaders have faced legal and political challenges in recent years. Party sources said final submission of the nomination papers will follow internal consultations with Tarique Rahman. The developments in Bogura are being closely watched as indicators of BNP’s broader electoral strategy and its stance against the ruling government.

The Bangladesh Election Commission (EC) has extended the application deadline for domestic observer organizations wishing to monitor the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. According to an official notice signed by Assistant Director (Public Relations) Ashadul Haque, observer groups now have until December 29 to submit their applications. The election and a national referendum are scheduled for February 12, 2025.

Under the Election Observation Policy 2025, organizations were initially required to apply within ten days of the election schedule announcement, which expired on December 21. The EC extended the deadline following requests from several observer groups. The commission also clarified that central observers will receive ID cards and vehicle stickers from the EC Secretariat, while local observers will collect theirs from respective returning officers.

Observers must submit attested copies of their educational certificates, national ID cards, and completed undertaking forms when collecting credentials. The extension aims to ensure broader participation and transparency in the electoral monitoring process.

A Mymensingh court has ordered the imprisonment of former BNP lawmaker Shah Shahid Sarwar, 65, in connection with an attack and shooting during an anti-discrimination student protest. The Chief Judicial Magistrate’s Court rejected his bail plea on Sunday after he surrendered, citing specific allegations against him. The order was issued by Judge Md Sifat Ullah of the 6th Magistrate Court, and police confirmed Sarwar’s transfer to jail following the hearing.

According to the case filed by Amir Hossain on April 15, Sarwar allegedly led an armed group that attacked protesters in Phulpur municipality, injuring the complainant with a gunshot to the head. The case was later recorded as an FIR on June 23 under court directive. Sarwar, who served as MP for Mymensingh-2 after winning the 2001 election, was expelled from the BNP in 2024 after contesting under an independent symbol.

The case underscores continuing political tensions in Bangladesh, with opposition figures facing legal scrutiny amid protests and allegations of violence. Further hearings are expected in the coming weeks.

Islami Chhatra Shibir’s central president Zahidul Islam stated that the assassination of Sharif Osman Hadi, described as a fearless fighter against dominance and corruption, cannot change the ideological foundation upon which Bangladesh stands. Speaking at a memorial discussion and prayer event organized by the Thakurgaon Development Forum in Dhaka, he said those responsible for Hadi’s death made a grave mistake and that his martyrdom has only strengthened the resolve of young revolutionaries.

The event, attended by political figures and student leaders, highlighted Hadi’s commitment to justice and sovereignty. Speakers including parliamentary candidates from Thakurgaon constituencies praised Hadi’s struggle against oppression, corruption, and authoritarianism. They asserted that his ideals would inspire future generations to continue resisting dominance and injustice.

Participants emphasized that Hadi’s death symbolizes a broader struggle for a corruption-free and equitable society. The gathering concluded with prayers seeking the highest honor for the slain activist, underscoring his enduring influence among Bangladesh’s youth movements.

At the seventh convocation of State University of Bangladesh (SUB) in Purbachal, Professor Dr. Asif Nazrul, Adviser to the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, emphasized that academic degrees alone are insufficient for success in global competition. He called on graduates to cultivate capability, discipline, and credibility, noting that Bangladesh has achieved much at the individual level but lagged in building sustainable institutions.

Dr. Nazrul observed that once-strong institutions such as the police, judiciary, and administration have weakened over the past decade and a half, making effective governance difficult. Drawing on post–World War II Europe, he stressed that strong institutions are vital for sustainable development. University Grants Commission Chairman Dr. S.M.A. Faiz also addressed the event, urging graduates to transform technological challenges into opportunities and contribute to a humane, knowledge-driven Bangladesh.

The convocation awarded degrees to 672 graduates across ten departments, with several receiving gold, silver, and dean’s awards. The event concluded with a colorful procession and cultural program celebrating the university’s achievements.

Police in Patiya, Chattogram, have arrested two local leaders from the Krishak League and Awami League for alleged involvement in anti-state activities. The detainees are Nurul Abbas Khan, 32, organizational secretary of Baralia Union Krishak League, and Ratan Chakraborty, 62, a local Awami League leader. Abbas was detained Sunday afternoon from Kolagaon Union, while Chakraborty was arrested Saturday night during an ongoing special operation titled “Devil Hunt Phase-2.”

According to police, Abbas was charged under the Anti-Terrorism Act and Chakraborty under the Explosives Act. Both were presented before court following their arrests. Investigating Officer Yujutsu Yash Chakma stated that preliminary interrogation revealed evidence of their involvement in activities deemed harmful to the state. Local law enforcement has intensified surveillance under the special operation to curb subversive activities in the region.

Authorities have not disclosed further details about the nature of the alleged offenses. The arrests come amid heightened security operations across Chattogram, and further investigations are underway to identify any wider network linked to the suspects.

Mufti Syed Muhammad Rezaul Karim, the Amir of Islami Andolon Bangladesh and Charmonai Pir, has called on the United Nations to take responsibility for ensuring that political killers from Bangladesh do not find refuge in neighboring India. Speaking to journalists after visiting the grave of slain leader Sharif Osman Hadi, he demanded that those involved in Hadi’s murder and other crimes under the previous government be extradited to Bangladesh for trial.

Karim emphasized that mutual respect for sovereignty is a fundamental principle of international politics and criticized what he described as India’s regional dominance. He questioned how Hadi’s killers managed to flee Bangladesh after the high-profile shooting in Dhaka. The cleric also praised the massive public turnout at Hadi’s funeral as evidence of national unity against external interference.

The statement comes amid heightened political tension and cross-border sensitivity. Observers note that the demand for UN involvement reflects growing frustration over perceived impunity and regional power dynamics. The government has yet to respond to Karim’s remarks.

Maulana Muhammad Faisal, the Central Organizing Secretary of Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis, has officially collected his nomination papers to contest in the upcoming national election from Dhaka-8 (Ramna–Motijheel) constituency. The nomination was collected on Sunday afternoon from the office of the Divisional Commissioner in Dhaka, marking the formal start of his campaign activities.

Party leaders including Maulana Fazlur Rahman, Maulana Zahirul Islam, Maulana Harunur Rashid, and Maulana Ruhul Amin accompanied Faisal during the submission. Party officials confirmed that Faisal has been finalized as the party’s candidate and will contest under the ‘Rickshaw’ symbol. The event drew enthusiasm among local supporters and activists.

The nomination marks Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis’s renewed effort to strengthen its political presence in Dhaka’s central constituencies. Observers note that the party’s participation could diversify the electoral competition in the capital, where major national parties traditionally dominate.

More than 200 men and women from Telihati Union in Gazipur’s Sreepur upazila formally joined the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) on Sunday. The joining ceremony took place at the residence of Professor Dr. S.M. Rafiqul Islam Bachchu, BNP’s central assistant secretary for health affairs and party candidate for Gazipur-3 constituency. The group was led by Telihati Union Parishad member Safiqul Islam and local resident Abdul Malek.

During the event, the new members presented flowers to Dr. Bachchu, expressing admiration for his leadership and the party’s nationalist ideals. Dr. Bachchu welcomed them, stating that the country is facing a deep political and democratic crisis, and that citizens’ spontaneous participation reflects trust in the BNP. He emphasized that such grassroots involvement would strengthen the movement to restore democracy.

Local BNP leaders, including Mosleh Uddin Mridha and Nurul Amin Akand, attended the event. Party officials described the mass joining as a sign of growing public confidence ahead of future political mobilizations in the region.

Bangladeshi non-governmental organization CSS has announced a new recruitment circular for 2025, seeking to hire 200 loan officers. The circular, published on December 20, 2025, invites both male and female candidates with at least an HSC or bachelor’s degree to apply. Applications must be submitted online between January 9 and January 30, 2026, depending on the chosen deadline. The salary range for the positions is set between BDT 23,080 and BDT 25,000 per month.

According to the announcement, both fresh graduates and experienced applicants are eligible to apply, provided they meet the minimum age requirement of 18 years. The recruitment process will be conducted through a formal examination. CSS, known for its community development and microfinance programs, aims to expand its workforce to strengthen its financial inclusion initiatives.

The recruitment is expected to support CSS’s ongoing rural development projects and microcredit operations. Interested candidates are advised to complete their online applications within the specified dates to ensure eligibility for the selection process.

Bangladesh Bank has reduced the provisioning rate for loans in the agriculture and cottage, micro, small, and medium enterprise (CMSME) sectors to encourage banks to expand credit to these areas. According to a circular issued on Sunday, banks will now need to maintain only 0.5% provisioning against standard and special mention account (SMA) loans in these sectors until December 31, 2026. This marks a reduction from the previous 1% rate set in October 2025.

The central bank stated that the decision aims to stimulate short-term agricultural lending and support small-scale industries that are vital for rural employment and economic resilience. Financial analysts view the move as a liquidity-friendly measure that could ease credit flow to underserved sectors. However, some caution that lower provisioning may heighten risk exposure if loan recovery remains weak.

The revised policy is expected to help banks allocate more funds to productive sectors, potentially boosting rural output and SME growth in 2026. Bangladesh Bank will monitor compliance and loan performance under the new framework.

BNP Chairperson’s adviser Lion Aslam Chowdhury has officially collected nomination papers to contest from Chattogram-4 (Sitakunda) constituency in the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. The papers were collected on his behalf by Mohammad Morsalin, former president of the North District Jubo Dal, from the office of the Divisional Commissioner and Returning Officer in Chattogram on Sunday afternoon.

Several local BNP leaders and activists were present during the submission, including Sitakunda Upazila BNP convener Dr. Kamal Kader, municipal BNP convener Zakir Hossain, and former district committee members. Their presence signaled strong local organizational support for Chowdhury’s candidacy.

As the election approaches, major political parties are accelerating their nomination processes across Bangladesh. Chowdhury’s move reflects BNP’s efforts to strengthen its position in key constituencies of Chattogram, a region historically significant in national politics. The final list of candidates is expected to be confirmed following scrutiny by the Election Commission later this month.

Bangladesh Bank reported that the country received $2.17 billion in remittances during the first 20 days of December 2025, equivalent to about Tk 26,499 crore at an exchange rate of Tk 122 per US dollar. The data highlights strong inflows through private and state-owned banks, reflecting continued reliance on expatriate earnings to support the national economy.

According to the central bank’s updated report, private banks handled the majority of remittances, totaling $1.58 billion, while state-owned banks received $371 million and specialized banks $215 million. Islami Bank Bangladesh Limited topped the list with $484.9 million, followed by Bangladesh Krishi Bank and Janata Bank. Eight banks, including five foreign ones, reported no remittance inflows during the period.

Economists note that the steady remittance flow remains a vital source of foreign exchange amid global economic uncertainty. Analysts expect total December inflows to surpass previous months if the current pace continues, helping to stabilize the country’s reserves and currency value.

Bangladesh Bank has purchased $2.93 billion from commercial banks in the first half of the current fiscal year, including $60 million from four banks last Sunday. The central bank confirmed the move as part of its strategy to prevent the dollar’s value from falling too sharply amid increased foreign currency supply.

Officials said the market has seen a turnaround since the fall of the previous government, with remittance inflows and export earnings both rising following tighter anti–money laundering measures. Between fiscal years 2021–22 and 2023–24, the central bank sold nearly $34 billion to stabilize the market, but this year it has shifted to buying dollars as supply now exceeds demand.

Bangladesh Bank spokesperson Arif Hossain Khan stated that the intervention aims to maintain exchange rate balance and protect exporters and remittance earners from losses. As a result, the country’s foreign exchange reserves have risen to $32.57 billion, or $27.87 billion under IMF’s BPM–6 methodology. Analysts say sustained inflows could further strengthen reserves if the trend continues.