In Naldanga upazila of Natore, Bangladesh, farmers have begun planting onion and garlic with renewed optimism for the winter season. Favorable weather and last year’s good prices have encouraged many to expand cultivation, with local agricultural officials setting ambitious acreage targets and promoting improved seed varieties.

However, this optimism is clouded by an acute fertilizer shortage. Farmers allege that local dealers are distributing fertilizer selectively, forcing many to buy at inflated retail prices—up to Tk 1,000 higher per sack and often underweight. Small and medium farmers say these irregularities are undermining their ability to cultivate properly. Agricultural officers acknowledge the problem and stress the need for transparent distribution and stronger monitoring.

If the shortage persists, farmers fear reduced yields could disrupt future market supply, potentially driving up prices. They are urging the administration to ensure fair fertilizer access and curb dealer malpractice before the planting season’s critical window closes.

National Tubes Limited (NTL), Bangladesh’s only manufacturer of MS and GI pipes licensed by the American Petroleum Institute (API), held its 45th Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Sunday at its Tongi, Gazipur factory premises. The meeting was chaired by Md. Anwarul Alam, Additional Secretary and Chairman of Bangladesh Steel and Engineering Corporation (BSEC) and NTL’s Board of Directors.

The event was attended by board members including A.K.M. Mizanur Rahman, Director (Finance) of Petrobangla; Nurunnahar, Deputy Secretary of the Ministry of Industries; Dr. Ridwanul Haque, Professor at IBA, University of Dhaka; Company Secretary Mohammad Abu Sayeem; and Managing Director Engineer Nirupam Singh. Shareholders, BSEC officials, and employees from all levels of the company were also present.

The AGM highlighted NTL’s continued role in Bangladesh’s industrial sector and its strategic importance as the country’s sole API-certified pipe producer. Stakeholders discussed operational performance, future growth opportunities, and the company’s contribution to national infrastructure development.

Bangladesh police have stated that there is still no confirmed information on the whereabouts of Faisal, the prime suspect in the murder of Inquilab Mancha spokesperson Shahid Sharif Osman Hadi. Additional Inspector General (AIGP) Khondker Rafiqul Islam made the remarks during a press briefing at the Ministry of Home Affairs on Sunday evening, where he also discussed the progress of the 'Devil Hunt Phase-2' operation and the overall law and order situation.

The AIGP clarified that authorities have not received any reliable evidence suggesting Faisal has fled abroad, warning that misinformation about suspects’ locations often circulates. He added that multiple police units are investigating different aspects of the case, and ten individuals allegedly involved in planning the murder have already been arrested.

Officials emphasized that the investigation remains active, with forensic evidence being analyzed. Law enforcement agencies are under pressure to locate Faisal and bring all perpetrators to justice as public attention on the case continues to grow.

The interim government of Bangladesh has officially established eight regional tribunals dedicated to preventing and addressing enforced disappearances across the country. A gazette notification issued by the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs confirmed that the tribunals will operate separately in each of the eight administrative divisions, including Dhaka, Chattogram, Sylhet, Rajshahi, Rangpur, Khulna, Barishal, and Mymensingh. The order, signed by Senior Assistant Secretary Ashek-ur Rahman, states that the decision takes immediate effect under the authority of the Enforced Disappearance Prevention and Remedy Ordinance, 2025.

The creation of these tribunals marks a significant institutional step toward addressing long-standing concerns over disappearances and ensuring accountability. Human rights observers have long urged the government to establish independent mechanisms to investigate such cases. Legal experts note that the division-based structure could help streamline case management and improve access to justice for victims’ families.

Implementation details, including staffing and procedural rules, are expected to follow soon. The move is being closely watched by civil society and international partners as a test of Bangladesh’s commitment to human rights reforms.

In Gazipur’s Sreepur, van driver Suruj Ali’s long-cherished dream has come true as his youngest son, Md. Sanaullah, secured admission to Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College for the 2025–26 academic year. Despite years of hardship and limited income, Suruj and his wife, garment worker Afroza Khatun, prioritized their children’s education above all else. Their perseverance has now been rewarded with their son’s success in the national MBBS-BDS entrance examination.

Sanaullah, who achieved GPA-5 in both SSC and HSC exams, attributes his success to his parents’ sacrifice and determination. His father, who migrated from Netrakona to Gazipur two decades ago, worked tirelessly to fund his children’s studies. Local educators praised the achievement as a symbol of hope and inspiration for underprivileged families. Abdul Hannan Sajal, principal of Haji Chhoto Kalim School and College, said the success reflects the power of perseverance and family commitment.

Sanaullah aims to become a compassionate doctor serving marginalized communities, embodying the values his parents instilled through years of struggle and sacrifice.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia is set to contest the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election from the Feni-1 constituency, covering Fulgazi, Parshuram, and Chhagalnaiya. On Monday afternoon, BNP National Executive Committee member Abu Taleb collected the nomination papers on her behalf from the district returning officer’s office in Feni.

Local BNP leaders, including members of the Nationalist Lawyers’ Forum, were present during the submission. Abu Taleb stated that Feni-1 is Khaleda Zia’s home constituency, where she has been elected five times consecutively. He added that residents are eager to see her return to Parliament, expressing optimism about a strong voter turnout in her favor.

The announcement has energized BNP supporters in the area, with local leaders expressing confidence that Khaleda Zia could secure a sweeping victory if the election environment remains fair. Another nomination paper was also collected for Dhaka BNP convener Rafiqul Alam Majnu, signaling potential intra-party competition within the constituency.

A Dhaka court has granted bail to Abdul Hannan, the owner of a motorcycle suspected to have been used in the shooting of Inquilab Mancha spokesperson Shahid Sharif Osman Hadi. The order was issued on Sunday by Metropolitan Magistrate Md. Hasan Shahadat following a hearing on Hannan’s bail petition. Hannan had been arrested on December 13 by RAB-2 and later remanded for three days under Section 54 of the Criminal Procedure Code.

During interrogation, investigators verified his vehicle registration with BRTA, discovering two motorcycles registered in his name—a Suzuki Gixxer and a Yamaha. However, the motorcycle used in the attack was a Honda Hornet, with a registration number differing by one digit from Hannan’s vehicle. After his remand ended on December 17, he was sent to jail pending further investigation.

The murder of Hadi, an independent candidate for Dhaka-8, has drawn political attention amid allegations of broader conspiracies to destabilize the upcoming 13th national election. Authorities continue to investigate the case and identify the gunmen involved.

Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) has officially named the road stretching from Uttara North Metro Station to Mirpur Cantonment DOHS MP Checkpost as 'Ahmed Sofa Sarani', in honor of the late writer and intellectual Ahmed Sofa. The inauguration ceremony took place on December 21 near Uttara South Metro Station, attended by Professor Dr. Salimullah Khan as chief guest and DNCC Administrator Mohammad Ejaz as chair.

During the event, Dr. Khan highlighted Ahmed Sofa’s contribution to Bangladesh’s liberation movement, recalling his publication of the first wartime book 'Jagrat Bangladesh' in 1971. He noted the symbolic significance of the naming, given Sofa’s earlier exclusion from burial at the Martyred Intellectuals’ Cemetery. Administrator Ejaz emphasized DNCC’s approach to 'narrative-based governance', linking urban infrastructure with cultural memory.

The initiative reflects DNCC’s broader effort to integrate the city’s historical and intellectual heritage into its development projects. Officials and cultural figures present described the naming as a tribute to those who shaped the nation’s identity and thought.

Bangladesh Election Commissioner Abul Fazal Md. Sanaullah announced that joint forces will continue regular operations to maintain law and order ahead of the upcoming 13th national parliamentary election and referendum. Speaking at a law enforcement briefing in Agargaon, Dhaka, he stated that the operations are ongoing and will be reported through regular press briefings. According to him, around 2,000 individuals are being arrested daily as part of the security drive.

Earlier, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A.M.M. Nasir Uddin chaired a high-level meeting with senior officials from the armed forces, police, and intelligence agencies to review the overall security situation. The meeting included the chiefs of the army, navy, and air force, as well as top representatives from the Ministry of Home Affairs and other security agencies.

The Election Commission’s decision signals an intensified security approach as Bangladesh prepares for a politically sensitive election period. Observers note that the coordination between civil and military authorities aims to prevent unrest and ensure a peaceful voting environment.

Speakers at a discussion organized by the Civil Coalition in Dhaka on December 21 stressed that the interim government must guarantee security to hold what it calls the 'best election in history.' Participants from various political and civic groups warned that without robust law enforcement and accountability, public trust in the electoral process cannot be restored. They emphasized that both the Election Commission and the government share responsibility for ensuring voter confidence and safety.

Leaders from Jamaat-e-Islami, BNP, Ganosamhati Andolon, Ganaodhikar Parishad, and the AB Party voiced concerns about political violence, unlicensed weapons, and the failure to arrest perpetrators of recent killings. Rights activists, including Shahidul Alam and Irene Khan, also called for stronger institutional reforms. Several speakers criticized the government’s claim of lacking funds for CCTV installations, calling it an excuse for inaction.

Analysts warn that continued insecurity could undermine the legitimacy of the upcoming election. They urged political unity and police accountability to prevent further destabilization and ensure a transparent, participatory vote.

At a Dhaka panel discussion on the future of Bangladesh’s education system in the age of artificial intelligence, speakers emphasized the need to develop citizens who are ethical, skilled, and capable of competing in both domestic and global labor markets. The event, organized by the Youth Council of Bangladesh, featured political and educational figures including Dr. Mahdi Amin, Bobby Hajjaj, and Shahriar Chowdhury.

Panelists argued that AI is transforming education, employment, and leadership, making teacher empowerment a national priority. They proposed a 'One Teacher, One Tablet' policy to ensure continuous learning and quality instruction, stressing that technology should strengthen, not replace, teachers. The discussion also addressed education policy reform, digital inequality, and AI’s role in preparing youth for future leadership.

Experts warned that without language proficiency and job-oriented training, Bangladesh may fail to benefit from global employment opportunities in countries like Japan and South Korea. The dialogue underscored the urgency of aligning education with AI-driven economic realities.

Police in Jhalakathi have arrested Afzal Hossain Rana, former mayor of Jhalakathi Municipality and ex-joint general secretary of the district Awami League, in connection with a case filed under the Explosives Act. He was detained on Sunday morning by the district Detective Branch (DB) officers as he exited the Deputy Commissioner’s office, where he had gone to renew his firearm license. After initial questioning at the DB office, he was handed over to Sadar Police Station.

Authorities later produced Rana before a court, which ordered his imprisonment pending further investigation. DB Inspector Md Touhiduzzaman confirmed the arrest, stating that it was made under an existing explosives case. Rana previously served two terms as the district Awami League’s organizational and joint general secretary.

The arrest has drawn local attention given Rana’s political background. Officials have not disclosed details of the explosives case, and no comment has yet been issued by the Awami League’s district leadership. Further legal proceedings are expected in the coming days.

Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar has urged the Bangladeshi government to issue a clear statement on the arrest and trial of those responsible for the killing of Inqilab Moncho spokesperson and July revolutionary fighter Sharif Osman Bin Hadi. Speaking at a prayer gathering in Dhaka’s Moghbazar, Porwar also called on Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus to fulfill the promises he made during Hadi’s funeral.

Porwar expressed solidarity with Inqilab Moncho’s 24-hour ultimatum to the government to apprehend the perpetrators. He questioned how the attackers managed to flee the country within hours of the incident and demanded an investigation into possible complicity within intelligence agencies. Other party leaders and Hadi’s brother, Omar Bin Hadi, echoed the call for justice and urged unity in realizing Hadi’s vision for a just and sovereign Bangladesh.

The event, attended by senior Jamaat leaders and supporters, concluded with prayers for Hadi’s soul and appeals for swift government action to ensure accountability and transparency in the murder investigation.

An emergency press briefing called by Bangladesh’s Ministry of Home Affairs to update the public on national law and order developments took place Sunday evening without the attendance of the Home Affairs Adviser, Lieutenant General (Retd.) Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury. The briefing was instead conducted by senior officials from the Dhaka Metropolitan Police and Border Guard Bangladesh, who discussed the ongoing ‘Devil Hunt Phase-2’ operation and recent security improvements.

Earlier in the day, ministry spokesperson Faisal Hasan had confirmed that the adviser would address journalists directly. His absence, however, drew attention from reporters and observers, as the session had been announced as a high-level update on internal security. Officials did not provide a reason for his nonappearance.

The briefing highlighted continued coordination among law enforcement agencies to maintain stability ahead of upcoming national events. Analysts suggest the adviser’s absence may raise questions about communication within the ministry, though operational updates indicate that security initiatives remain active and coordinated.

Bangladeshi civic group Inkilab Moncho has warned that the Home Adviser and his assistant, Khoda Box, must resign if they fail to provide a satisfactory explanation regarding government actions following the shooting of Shaheed Sharif Osman Hadi. The warning came ahead of the Home Adviser’s scheduled press conference on Saturday.

In a statement, the group outlined two key demands: swift prosecution of all individuals involved in the killing—including planners, accomplices, and protectors—and a public account of the steps taken since December 12 to ensure justice. Inkilab Moncho also urged authorities to identify and arrest alleged fascist collaborators embedded within civil and military intelligence networks.

The group’s statement reflects growing frustration over perceived government inaction and lack of transparency in the investigation. The Home Adviser’s upcoming briefing is expected to address these concerns, and failure to do so could heighten political pressure on the interim administration.