The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) of Bangladesh has filed three separate cases against three subsidiaries of S. Alam Group, accusing them of embezzling Tk 6,243 crore from state-owned Janata Bank under the guise of business loans. The cases were lodged at the ACC Chattogram-1 office, naming S. Alam Group chairman Saiful Alam Masud, his wife Farzana Parveen, and several Janata Bank officials as defendants.

According to the ACC, the alleged embezzlement occurred between 2005 and 2024 through S. Alam Vegetable Oil Ltd, S. Alam Cold Rolled Steel Mills Ltd, and S. Alam Trading Company Ltd. Each entity is accused of obtaining loans and misappropriating funds with accrued interest. The cases follow two earlier lawsuits filed on December 17 involving another Tk 3,085 crore linked to the group’s sugar and edible oil mills.

Investigators said the probe is ongoing and may expand to include additional individuals and institutions. The cases highlight growing scrutiny of corporate loan practices and potential collusion between private conglomerates and state-owned banks.

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 education and policy experts including Dr. Mahdi Amin, Bobby Hajjaj, and Shahriar Chowdhury.

Panelists argued that AI is transforming education, employment, and leadership, making teacher empowerment and continuous learning essential. They proposed a 'One Teacher, One Tablet' initiative to ensure educators can adapt to new technologies and deliver higher-quality instruction. Speakers also noted that countries like Japan and South Korea offer vast job opportunities, but language and skills gaps hinder participation.

The discussion highlighted the urgency of education policy reform, digital inclusion, and AI-driven skill development to prepare Bangladesh’s youth for global competitiveness. Participants called for coordinated national strategies to align education with future labor demands.

Bangladeshi electronics giant Walton has once again been named the country’s number one brand in the refrigerator, air conditioner, and television categories at the 17th Best Brand Awards 2025, organized by Bangladesh Brand Forum. The recognition marks Walton Refrigerator’s 12th consecutive win, Walton TV’s third, and Walton AC’s second in a row, reaffirming the company’s dominance in the domestic electronics market.

At the award ceremony held in Dhaka’s Le Méridien Hotel, Walton executives expressed gratitude to customers, dealers, and employees. Chief Marketing Officer Zoheb Ahmed highlighted Walton’s vision to transform Bangladesh into a global hub for AI- and IoT-based smart electronics manufacturing. The company is integrating advanced technologies into its products and has already expanded exports to over 50 countries, aiming to reach 100 markets.

The Best Brand Awards use the global “Winning Brands” methodology, evaluating consumer perception, brand equity, and market share. Walton’s continued recognition, alongside other national and international honors, strengthens its ambition to become one of the world’s leading smart electronics brands.

Bangladesh has formally rejected India's press note regarding an attempted protest near its High Commission in New Delhi. Foreign Affairs Adviser Mohammad Touhid Hossain said on Sunday that the family of the Bangladeshi High Commissioner in Delhi felt threatened and unsafe following the incident. He noted that although there was no concrete evidence of direct threats, reports of verbal intimidation had reached Dhaka. Hossain also questioned how demonstrators managed to enter the heavily secured diplomatic enclave and hinted that Bangladesh might consider scaling down its mission in India if necessary.

The incident occurred on Saturday night when several individuals arrived in three vehicles and shouted slogans outside the Bangladesh High Commission gate, demanding protection for Hindus and calling for the High Commissioner to be confronted. India’s Ministry of External Affairs later dismissed the reports as misleading propaganda. Dhaka’s rejection of that statement underscores growing diplomatic unease between the two neighbors.

Observers suggest that both sides will likely engage in quiet diplomatic consultations to prevent further escalation and ensure the safety of diplomatic personnel in Delhi.

Two Bangladeshi peacekeepers from Kurigram, killed in a drone attack on a UN mission base in Sudan’s Abyei region, were buried in their home villages on Sunday. The bodies of Sergeant Mominul Islam, 38, and Private Shanto Mondol, 26, arrived by military helicopter in Kurigram, where the Bangladesh Army provided a guard of honor before funeral prayers and burial.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), six Bangladeshi peacekeepers were killed and eight injured when separatist militants launched a drone strike on the Kadugli logistics base on December 13. Both soldiers had been deployed to Sudan only weeks earlier as part of Bangladesh’s long-standing contribution to UN peacekeeping operations.

Local officials, family members, and villagers attended the funerals, expressing pride and grief. Mominul leaves behind his wife and two daughters, while Shanto’s wife is five months pregnant. The government and military have pledged support for the families as Bangladesh mourns the loss of its peacekeepers abroad.

Bangladesh’s Religious Affairs Adviser A F M Khalid Hossain announced that several individuals involved in the recent arson attacks on the offices of national newspapers Prothom Alo and The Daily Star have been identified. Speaking to reporters at the Secretariat on Sunday, he said law enforcement agencies have been instructed to arrest the suspects and bring them under legal process. The adviser also condemned the mob killing of a Hindu garment worker in Mymensingh, calling it a heinous act and reaffirming the government’s stance against vigilante justice.

Hossain acknowledged the difficulty of preventing sudden attacks across multiple locations, including incidents at cultural institution Chhayanaut, but rejected claims of government complicity. He stated that the administration remains committed to maintaining law and order and ensuring a free and fair election. When asked about intelligence failures, he said such events are hard to predict but emphasized that prompt action had prevented further violence elsewhere.

The adviser further noted that misinformation and incitement from abroad via social media platforms like Facebook and YouTube remain outside direct government control, though authorities are monitoring the situation closely.

Bangladesh has formally rejected India’s press note regarding an attempted attack on the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi. Foreign Affairs Adviser Mohammad Touhid Hossain said on Sunday that Dhaka dismissed the Indian statement entirely, questioning how protesters managed to reach deep inside the diplomatic zone. He also mentioned that Bangladesh might consider downsizing its mission in India if necessary.

According to earlier reports quoting the High Commission’s press minister, several individuals arrived in three vehicles on Saturday night, shouted slogans demanding protection for Hindus, and called for the High Commissioner. They left after a brief demonstration. In response, Indian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal accused the media of spreading misleading propaganda about the incident.

The exchange underscores rising diplomatic tension between the two neighbors over security issues surrounding the Bangladeshi mission. Analysts suggest both governments may seek to de-escalate through diplomatic channels, though Dhaka’s remarks indicate growing concern about the safety of its diplomats in India.

Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) has completed the removal of all election campaign materials from its jurisdiction ahead of Bangladesh’s 13th National Parliamentary Election and the upcoming national referendum. Following a public notice issued on December 2, 2025, DSCC urged all organizations and individuals to voluntarily remove unauthorized banners, posters, festoons, and advertisements. The city authority began the cleanup operation on December 8, in compliance with the Election Commission’s directive to clear all campaign materials within 48 hours of the official election schedule announcement.

The Election Commission announced the schedule on December 11, 2025, prompting DSCC to act swiftly across all wards. Officials confirmed that nearly all unauthorized campaign materials were removed within the stipulated time. DSCC also appealed to political parties and candidates to adhere to the 2025 electoral code of conduct and maintain the city’s cleanliness and aesthetics.

Residents have been requested to report any reinstallation of unauthorized materials to the central control room via hotline 02223386014, as the monitoring and enforcement drive continues.

Omar Hadi, brother of slain activist Sharif Osman Hadi and convener of the Inquilab Moncho, has called on supporters to complete the revolutionary movement his brother began. Speaking at a prayer gathering organized by Jamaat-e-Islami at Al-Falah Auditorium in Dhaka’s Moghbazar, he emphasized that the family does not seek donations or financial assistance, but rather justice and fulfillment of Osman Hadi’s political vision.

During the event, Omar Hadi expressed doubts about receiving justice for his brother’s killing, which he linked to the July Revolution movement. He urged attendees to pledge that they would not rest until a just Bangladesh is established, echoing the ideals for which Osman Hadi was martyred. He also noted that the family and members of Inquilab Moncho have struggled to return to normal life since the death.

The call underscores ongoing frustration among supporters over the unresolved investigation into Hadi’s death and reflects broader dissatisfaction with the pace of political justice in Bangladesh.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has initiated an investigation into former Sirajganj-5 MP Abdul Momin Mondal and former Chowhali Upazila Chairman Taj Uddin over allegations of corruption, embezzlement, and illegal wealth accumulation. ACC’s Pabna district office confirmed the operation on December 20, citing suspicions of misappropriating government project funds and laundering money abroad.

According to ACC sources, both Mondal and Uddin, who were affiliated with the Awami League, are accused of acquiring assets beyond known income sources, including properties under their family members’ names. Mondal, first elected in 2018 and re-elected in 2024, lost his parliamentary seat following the fall of the Awami League government after a student-led uprising.

The investigation marks a continuation of the ACC’s intensified scrutiny of former political figures after the recent political transition. Officials indicated that further legal steps may follow depending on the outcome of the inquiry, which could set a precedent for future anti-graft actions in post-transition Bangladesh.

Bangladesh is undergoing a period of significant transformation marked by rising civic awareness and a renewed emphasis on national identity. The concept of “Bangladesh First” has gained prominence, reflecting aspirations that extend beyond economic growth to include justice, good governance, and human dignity. Citizens are increasingly vocal about transparency, equality, and state accountability, signaling a shift in public expectations from mere development to participatory governance.

Observers note that fear among the public has diminished, and people—especially the youth—are more willing to question authority and engage in civic discourse. Infrastructure improvements in roads, bridges, electricity, and communications are driving economic dynamism, while social change is evident in growing female participation and entrepreneurship. However, challenges remain in ensuring equitable growth and sustaining democratic engagement.

Analysts suggest that this evolving political consciousness could shape the country’s future direction, demanding realistic evaluation of progress and collective commitment to inclusive nation-building.

Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal has postponed its order on charge framing against 17 accused, including 10 army officers, in a case involving enforced disappearances and torture. The tribunal, led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Majumder, rescheduled the hearing to December 23 after defense lawyers requested additional time. Senior lawyer Monsurul Haque Chowdhury represented three detained officers during the session.

Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam objected strongly to the defense’s repeated petitions, alleging that the defense team was deliberately attempting to mislead the tribunal and delay proceedings. He argued that such tactics were meant to obstruct justice and prevent the framing of charges despite the existence of prima facie grounds. The tribunal panel includes Justices Md Shafiul Alam Mahmud and retired District Judge Mohitul Haque Enam Chowdhury.

The delay highlights ongoing tensions in high-profile war crimes cases, where procedural motions often slow progress. Observers note that the tribunal’s next session will be crucial in determining whether formal charges proceed against the accused officers.

Police in Mirzaganj, Patuakhali, arrested Awami League leader and Union Parishad member Molla Maruf Hossain on Sunday morning. The arrest took place at a shop in New Market Bazar under Madhabkhali Union as part of the ongoing 'Operation Devil Hunt Phase-2'. Hossain, aged 42, serves as the publicity secretary of the Madhabkhali Union Awami League and represents Ward No. 7 in the local council.

According to Mirzaganj Police Station Officer-in-Charge Md. Abdus Salam, the arrest was made under regular legal procedures, and a case is being processed against Hossain. The police official added that the operation will continue as part of broader law enforcement efforts in the area. Local authorities have not disclosed further details about the charges or the nature of the investigation.

The arrest has drawn attention within the local political community, highlighting ongoing police actions targeting alleged irregularities and criminal activities in the region. Authorities have stated that similar operations will persist to ensure law and order.

Bangladesh’s Senior Land Secretary ASM Saleh Ahmed emphasized the importance of survey and settlement training in reducing land-related disputes and ensuring accurate land records. Speaking at the closing ceremony of the 141st Survey and Settlement Training Course in Dhaka, he said that precise surveys and reliable documentation can ease the burden on the judiciary and protect citizens from harassment. The 52-day training, organized by the Directorate of Land Records and Surveys, included 60 officers from various civil, police, forest, railway, and judicial services.

Ahmed highlighted the need to expand the use of modern tools such as GIS, GPS, drone surveys, and digital mapping to strengthen digital land services. Other speakers underscored that efficient human resource development is essential for fair resource management and transparency in land administration. Officials from the Land Appeal Board, Land Reform Board, and senior ministry representatives attended the event.

The initiative reflects the government’s broader effort to modernize land management, reduce litigation, and promote accountability through technology and capacity building.

Police in Netrakona recovered the body of Helal Uddin, a 60-year-old farmer, who was found with his hands, feet, and mouth bound and his throat slit in his bedroom early Sunday morning. The incident occurred in Nariyapara village of Kaliyara Gabragati Union under Netrakona Sadar upazila. According to local sources, Uddin’s wife discovered the body around 4 a.m. and alerted neighbors, who then informed police.

Law enforcement officials, including the Superintendent of Police Md. Tariqul Islam, visited the scene along with detectives and the CID crime scene unit, collecting evidence for investigation. Police suspect the murder was premeditated. Authorities noted inconsistencies in the wife’s statement, and she has been taken in for questioning. The body was sent to Netrakona Modern Sadar Hospital for autopsy.

Investigators are prioritizing the case, emphasizing that legal action will follow based on forensic findings and investigative progress. The killing has shocked the rural community, prompting heightened security and scrutiny of possible personal or financial motives.