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.

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.