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.

Police in Lakshmipur have reported finding no credible evidence of arson or mob involvement in the fire that destroyed the home of BNP leader Belal Hossain, killing his eight-year-old daughter and severely injuring two others. The incident occurred late on December 19, and as of Sunday, no case had been filed and no arrests made.

Belal Hossain alleged that the fire was deliberately set, claiming the doors were locked and flammable materials used. He urged authorities to conduct a fair investigation, questioning how his house could burn down within minutes without external interference. BNP leaders, including Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, expressed condolences and demanded justice.

Police officials stated that preliminary investigations found no signs of petrol or accelerants, and it remains unclear whether the incident was politically motivated or domestic in nature. The investigation continues as the surviving victims receive treatment in Dhaka Medical College Hospital’s burn unit.

Police in Kishoreganj upazila of Nilphamari district arrested two individuals, including a local Jubo League ward president, during separate raids on Saturday night under an anti-terrorism case. The detainees were identified as Ziaur Rahman, 42, president of the Jubo League’s Ward No. 9 unit in Putimari Union, and Jagdish Chandra Barman, 55, of Uttar Barovita Dangapara village. Both were sent to the district jail on Sunday afternoon following their arrest.

According to Abdul Kuddus, the investigating officer of Kishoreganj Police Station, the arrests were made as part of the ongoing “Devil Hunt Phase-2” operation targeting individuals accused in anti-terrorism cases. Police stated that the operation aims to strengthen law enforcement presence and curb militant or extremist activities in the region.

Local sources said the arrests have drawn attention within political circles, as one of the accused holds a leadership role in the ruling party’s youth wing. Authorities have not disclosed further details about the specific charges or the next steps in the legal process.

Police in Taraganj upazila of Rangpur district have arrested a local leader of the banned student organization, Chhatra League. The arrest took place around 1 p.m. on Sunday during an operation at Taraganj Bazar. The detainee, identified as Md. Ruhul Amin, 27, was serving as the general secretary of the Ikarchali Union unit of the group and is the son of Md. Abdul Majid from Ikarchali (Pashchimpara) village.

Officer-in-Charge Ruhul Amin of Taraganj Police Station confirmed the arrest and stated that the accused was sent to Rangpur Jail following a court order. Authorities have not disclosed further details about the charges or the specific reasons behind the ban on the organization. Local sources indicated that the arrest followed ongoing surveillance of banned political activities in the area.

The incident underscores the government’s continued enforcement against proscribed political groups in northern Bangladesh. Further legal proceedings are expected in the coming days as police continue monitoring similar organizations.

Omar Hadi, brother of slain activist Sharif Osman Hadi, has expressed deep concern about the possibility of receiving justice for his brother’s killing. Speaking at a prayer gathering organized by Jamaat-e-Islami at Al-Falah Auditorium in Dhaka’s Moghbazar, he said the family seeks no financial aid but only the fulfillment of Osman Hadi’s unfinished revolutionary mission.

Omar Hadi urged supporters to continue striving for an ‘insaf-based Bangladesh,’ emphasizing that the struggle initiated by his brother should not end with his death. He lamented that the family and members of the Inquilab Mancha, the movement Hadi led, have yet to return to normal life since the assassination.

The remarks come amid ongoing frustration over delays in the investigation and perceived lack of accountability in politically sensitive murder cases. Observers note that the call for justice may reignite discussions about political violence and the state of rule of law in Bangladesh.

Police in Dhunat upazila of Bogura have arrested two local leaders of the Awami League and Jubo League in connection with a case filed over an alleged cocktail explosion during a torch procession. The detainees, Golam Mostafa, 56, organizational secretary of Mathurapur Union Awami League, and Sohel Rana, 40, former organizational secretary of Mathurapur Union Jubo League, were sent to Bogura District Jail on Sunday following court orders.

According to the case, Awami League activists organized a torch procession on November 30 in Bhubangati Uttarpara area, where explosions reportedly caused panic among residents. On December 10, former Gopalnagar Union Chhatra Dal president Raju Ahmed filed a case naming 35 individuals and 60–70 unidentified persons. The two arrested leaders were among those unidentified suspects.

Dhunat Police Station Officer-in-Charge Atikul Islam said efforts are ongoing to apprehend the remaining accused. The arrests have drawn attention locally, as they involve ruling party figures amid heightened political tensions in the region.

Eleven members of the Ansar force were injured on Sunday morning when a passenger bus lost control and hit a flyover pillar in the Poyartola area of Brahmanbaria town along the Cumilla–Sylhet highway. The accident occurred as the group was returning to Suhilpur camp after completing a firing camp at the district Ansar and VDP office. Two of the injured were later transferred to Brahmanbaria Medical College Hospital due to critical conditions.

According to officials, the bus, operated by Diganta Paribahan, struck a pillar of an under-construction four-lane flyover, severely damaging the vehicle’s front section. Local authorities and rescue teams quickly transported the injured to the district hospital for treatment. Adjutant Mohammad Harun Rashid of Brahmanbaria Ansar and VDP confirmed that all victims were receiving medical care.

The incident highlights ongoing safety concerns on the busy Cumilla–Sylhet highway, where construction work and heavy traffic often contribute to accidents. Authorities are expected to review road safety measures and driver compliance in the area.

Bangladesh marked Victory Day on December 16, commemorating the nation’s triumph after nine months of war in 1971. The day, celebrated nationwide, was portrayed not only as a state holiday but as a symbol of youth consciousness, responsibility, and collective aspiration for a just and humane society. Students and educators emphasized that true respect for the martyrs lies in building a united, accountable, and democratic nation.

Speakers and contributors highlighted that despite progress in global standing, Bangladesh has yet to fully realize the promises of its liberation struggle—equality, human dignity, and social justice. They pointed to persistent challenges such as corruption, inequality, unemployment, and political mistrust as barriers to national progress. Calls were made for stronger rule of law, effective democracy, and moral renewal.

The reflections underscored a broader national sentiment: that independence should not remain a memory but be manifested in every layer of civic life, ensuring that the sacrifices of 1971 continue to inspire inclusive nation-building.

Engineer M.A. Matin Khan, former Assistant Personal Secretary (APS) to BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, has collected nomination papers to contest as an independent candidate in the Comilla-2 (Titas-Homna) constituency. The papers were collected from the Upazila Executive Officer and Assistant Returning Officer Md. Shahidul Islam on Sunday afternoon, marking the start of the nomination process for Bangladesh’s 13th National Parliamentary Election.

Local BNP leaders, including former upazila chairmen and union-level party officials, were present during the submission, signaling continued grassroots interest in the upcoming polls. According to election officials, the nomination paper distribution will continue until December 29. Meanwhile, the BNP’s official candidate for the seat, Principal Selim Bhuiyan, hails from neighboring Meghna upazila, which has drawn attention to intra-party dynamics.

Observers note that Matin Khan’s independent candidacy could split the BNP vote in Comilla-2, potentially influencing the overall electoral outcome. The development underscores growing competition among local political figures ahead of the national election.

A violent incident occurred in Muradnagar, Cumilla, on December 21, when local Awami League leader Sajjad Hossain allegedly drove a motorcycle into Kazi Tahmina Akter, president of the upazila unit of the BNP-affiliated Jatiyatabadi Mohila Dal. The attack took place during a leaflet distribution campaign promoting BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman’s 31-point program. Witnesses said Tahmina suffered a broken arm and head injuries before being taken to the Muradnagar Health Complex and later referred to Cumilla for further treatment.

BNP leaders claimed the assault was a politically motivated attempt to silence opposition activities ahead of the national election. Upazila BNP joint convener Kamal Uddin Bhuiyan accused the Awami League of orchestrating targeted attacks on opposition figures. Locals handed over the alleged attacker and his motorcycle to police. Authorities have yet to release an official statement on the incident.

The attack underscores rising political tensions in rural Bangladesh as both parties intensify grassroots campaigns. Police investigations and possible legal actions are expected in the coming days.

Barishal district Detective Branch (DB) police arrested Captain (Retd.) M. Moazzem Hossain Babul, president of the Sheikh Hasina Parishad and Barishal Division Development Forum, as part of the ongoing 'Devil Hunt Phase-2' operation. He was detained from his residence in Salia Bakpur village, Banaripara upazila, on Saturday night and sent to jail through the court on Sunday morning.

According to local sources, Hossain had sought Awami League nomination in the 2018 and upcoming 2028 parliamentary elections. Police presented him in court as an unidentified accused in an explosives case. The court set December 24 for the next hearing and ordered his detention. Banaripara Police Officer-in-Charge Mojibur Rahman confirmed the arrest, stating that authorities are verifying whether any other cases exist against him.

The arrest comes amid intensified law enforcement drives in Barishal under the 'Devil Hunt Phase-2' initiative, aimed at curbing political and criminal activities ahead of the election season.

A violent knife attack in Lohagara, Chattogram, left Muhib, brother of July martyr Ishmam, critically injured on Saturday evening. Witnesses said a group of banned Chhatra League activists ambushed him near Lohagara Station after evening prayers. Locals rescued Muhib and admitted him to the upazila hospital, where he remains under treatment. One of the attackers, identified as Chhatra League leader Minhaj, was detained by residents and handed over to police.

Police confirmed the incident and launched an investigation, pledging legal action against those involved. Muhib is known as the plaintiff in a high-profile case filed in Dhaka’s Chankharpul murder incident involving former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and others. His family alleged the attack was a premeditated attempt driven by political revenge. Local National Citizen Party (NCP) coordinator Zahir Uddin condemned the assault, demanding swift arrests and protection for plaintiffs in related cases.

The attack has sparked widespread outrage among residents, who called for exemplary punishment of the perpetrators to prevent further political violence.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi stated that although Bangladesh has passed through what he called a dark period of fascist rule, the nation’s sense of fear has not yet subsided. Speaking at a discussion meeting in Dhaka’s Radisson Blu Hotel on Sunday, Rizvi described the previous political climate as one where journalists and political activists alike faced widespread repression.

He emphasized that attacks on individuals for their opinions or statements remain unacceptable, warning that such incidents continue to raise deep concern even after the end of authoritarian governance. Rizvi referenced the treatment of veteran journalist Shafik Rehman as an example of the harsh conditions faced during that period.

The BNP leader also condemned the recent death of a young political activist, arguing that no one should lose their life for expressing their views. His remarks reflect the opposition’s ongoing criticism of the government’s human rights record and its call for greater political tolerance and accountability.

A thick blanket of fog continued to cover Nawabganj upazila in Dinajpur on Sunday morning, disrupting normal life despite the advancing day. The temperature dropped to 13°C at 6 a.m., with humidity at 95% and wind speed barely reaching 1 km/h, according to the local weather office. Vehicles were forced to move slowly with headlights on even after 10 a.m. due to extremely low visibility.

Residents, especially daily wage earners, have been hit hardest by the cold and fog. Many laborers reported being unable to work, leading to a sharp decline in daily income. CNG driver Tuhin Islam said visibility was so poor that vehicles could not be seen even a few meters ahead, while day laborer Jobbar Fakir lamented that the cold had halted work opportunities.

Officials noted that this is among the coldest periods of the season, with a previous low of 10.8°C recorded earlier. The persistent fog and chill are expected to continue affecting transportation and livelihoods in the coming days.