National Citizen Party (NCP) leader Hasnat Abdullah declared that opposition activists from BNP and Jamaat, along with anti-fascist supporters, would stand as a shield to protect him. He made the remarks during an election march and courtyard meeting at Barur village in Jafarganj Union, Debidwar upazila of Cumilla on Thursday night.

Hasnat Abdullah praised those who have long opposed what he called fascist politics, noting that many endured imprisonment and harassment for their beliefs. He emphasized that local women and supporters would be enough to defend him against threats, followed by BNP-Jamaat activists. Rejecting intimidation politics, he said that fear cannot win people’s love or sustain leadership.

The event was attended by local NCP, Jubo Shakti, and Chhatra Shakti members, along with residents from various professions. Hasnat’s comments come amid heightened political tensions in the region ahead of upcoming elections, reflecting growing alliances between smaller parties and opposition groups.

Mahmudur Rahman, editor of the Bangladeshi newspaper *Amar Desh*, has called on citizens to remain calm following the death of activist Sharif Osman Hadi in a Singapore hospital on Thursday night. Hadi, described as a young leader in the anti-Indian hegemony movement, passed away while undergoing treatment. Rahman expressed deep sorrow and urged the government to grant Hadi a state funeral and declare a national day of mourning in recognition of his contributions.

In his statement, Rahman emphasized that Hadi’s revolutionary ideals should inspire future generations and asked supporters to attend the funeral peacefully and in an orderly manner. He warned that “enemies of the nation” might exploit any unrest arising from public emotion over Hadi’s death. Rahman also prayed for patience and strength for Hadi’s family and colleagues.

The call for restraint comes amid heightened political sensitivities, as authorities reportedly denied permission for funeral prayers in Singapore. Observers note that Rahman’s appeal seeks to prevent potential clashes while maintaining Hadi’s symbolic legacy within nationalist circles.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has collected nomination papers to contest from the Thakurgaon-1 constituency in the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. The papers were collected on his behalf on Thursday, December 18, by former district BNP vice-president Nur-e-Shahadat Swajan, confirmed District Election Officer Md. Waliullah.

Following the announcement, local BNP leaders and supporters expressed enthusiasm, with discussions spreading across tea stalls and community gatherings in Thakurgaon. Swajan stated that he collected the forms as instructed by Mirza Fakhrul, who had earlier declared his intention to run from the same seat during a press conference in Dhaka on November 3.

The move marks the beginning of BNP’s formal participation in the upcoming election process. Political observers note that Mirza Fakhrul’s candidacy could energize the party’s grassroots in northern Bangladesh, though challenges remain amid the broader political climate and electoral uncertainties.

Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) has reported that 98.9% of households in the country now use mobile phones, reflecting the deep penetration of mobile technology across both rural and urban areas. The data comes from the first-quarter report of the 2025–26 ICT Use and Application Survey, conducted between July and September 2025, covering over 61,000 households nationwide.

According to the survey, 72.4% of households use smartphones, a slight decline from 72.8% in the previous fiscal year. Individual mobile phone usage, however, rose to 80.6% from 78.9% last year. Internet usage also increased modestly, reaching 48.9% of the population. Gender disparities persist: 80.9% of men and 78.8% of women use mobile phones, but ownership rates remain lower among women (52.8%) than men (63.2%).

Urban households show higher smartphone adoption (80.8%) compared to rural ones (68.8%). BBS noted that such data will help policymakers assess progress toward Sustainable Development Goals and design targeted ICT development programs.

A 12-second video filmed in Netrakona’s Purbadhala upazila has triggered widespread outrage after going viral on social media. The footage, showing a young man appearing to harass a girl near a madrasa, was later revealed to be a staged act recorded by twin brothers Roman and Rakib, both 18, with a 13-year-old boy playing the female role. The video was reportedly made to gain online views under their page ‘Rakib is Skating Blog.’

Local authorities confirmed the video was pre-planned and condemned the act as socially harmful. Purbadhala Union Council Chairman Siddiqur Rahman Bulbul warned that such content spreads fear among schoolgirls and urged legal action. Police said the accused have gone into hiding and their social media page has been removed. The Upazila Nirbahi Officer has directed police to take immediate legal measures.

The incident highlights growing concerns over the misuse of social media for sensational content and its psychological impact on communities. Law enforcement continues efforts to locate and arrest the suspects.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar has accused law enforcement and intelligence agencies of repeated failures in maintaining national stability. Speaking at a courtyard meeting in Kharnia Union, Dumuria, Khulna, on Thursday, he said that while citizens are preparing for elections, a group is attempting to destabilize the situation through violence, referring to the shooting of Inquilab Mancha convener Sharif Osman Hadi.

Parwar urged government institutions to strengthen monitoring and called on political parties to cooperate in ensuring a peaceful election under the government’s declared timeline. He emphasized the need for tolerance, patience, and sincerity among political actors, and urged the media to act responsibly in coordination with both parties and the public.

Addressing another event in Bamundia, he called for national unity across gender, religion, and ethnicity to build a new Bangladesh after recent upheavals, and encouraged citizens to support a referendum providing legal basis for the July Charter reforms.

The FIFA World Cup 2026 Trophy is scheduled to arrive in Bangladesh on January 14, 2026, as part of the official global trophy tour organized by Coca-Cola. The Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) confirmed the visit earlier, and Coca-Cola issued an official statement detailing the event. Football fans in Bangladesh will have the opportunity to view the iconic trophy up close and take photographs during its stay.

According to Coca-Cola Vice President Mikael Vinet, the tour aims to bring fans closer to the heart of the game and celebrate the passion and excitement that define football. The 150-day global tour will cover 30 FIFA member countries and showcase the trophy in 75 locations. FIFA Chief Business Officer Romy Gai highlighted that this year’s tour marks the 20th anniversary of the FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour by Coca-Cola, which has visited 182 of FIFA’s 211 member nations since its inception.

In Bangladesh, Coca-Cola has also launched an interactive “Under the Cap” campaign, offering fans a chance to win tickets to see the trophy and take photos with it.

Bangladeshi shuttlers Al Amin Zumar–Moeazzem Hossain Ohidul and Masud Ahmed–Sadakat Robin advanced to the quarterfinals of the Yonex-Sunrise Bangladesh International Challenge 2025 after impressive performances in the pre-quarterfinals. Zumar and Ohidul defeated India’s Devart Mann and Saurav Nain 21–19, 17–21, 21–14, while Masud and Robin staged a comeback to beat Malaysia’s Liu Wen Ji and Jia Li Tan 14–21, 21–14, 21–17. The quarterfinal matches are scheduled for Friday, December 19, at the Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmed Indoor Stadium in Dhaka.

Other Bangladeshi pairs faced early exits. Mostafizur Rahman Lipton–Rafiul Raid lost to Vietnam’s Bui Dan–Nguyen Duc, and Rahatun Naim–Mizanur Rahman fell to India’s Swastik Matharasan–Gokul. In women’s doubles, Dalia–Mathina and Reshma–Brishti were eliminated by British and Indian pairs respectively. Mixed doubles duo Sifat Ullah–Brishti Khatun also lost to an Indian team. Despite these setbacks, the home side’s doubles success offered hope for Bangladesh’s badminton prospects.

The tournament continues with quarterfinal action tomorrow, as local fans anticipate further breakthroughs from the advancing Bangladeshi pairs.

National Citizen Party (NCP) central organizing secretary for the southern region, Hasnat Abdullah, emphasized peaceful political competition during a series of campaign rallies across Cumilla-4’s Debidwar constituency. Speaking in Elahabad and Jafarganj unions, he declared that love and public trust cannot be won through fear or violence, asserting that his campaign would focus on constructive work rather than confrontation.

Abdullah accused rival political groups of using phone threats and intimidation to influence voters, claiming such actions stem from their own insecurity. He also vowed to end extortion and tender manipulation if elected, suggesting that opposition to his campaign arises from vested interests. Addressing threats to his life, Abdullah expressed confidence in local women and residents to protect him, adding that even opposition activists would stand against fascism.

The NCP candidate’s remarks come amid heightened political activity ahead of the upcoming national elections, as parties intensify grassroots campaigns across Bangladesh’s constituencies.

Bangladesh received $2 billion in remittances during the first 17 days of December 2025, marking a 14% increase compared to the same period last year, according to Bangladesh Bank spokesperson Arif Hossain Khan. The central bank’s data shows that expatriate income continues to rise steadily, reflecting stronger inflows through formal banking channels.

In November 2025, remittances totaled $2.889 billion, up 31.37% from $2.199 billion in November 2024, making it the highest monthly inflow in six months. From July to December 17 of the current fiscal year, Bangladesh received $15.04 billion in remittances, compared with $12.89 billion during the same period last year—a 16.7% year-on-year growth.

Economists attribute the surge to improved exchange rate management and incentives for remittance senders. The continued rise in remittance inflows is expected to support Bangladesh’s foreign exchange reserves and help stabilize the local currency amid global economic uncertainty.

Bangladesh police have arrested 67 individuals across eight districts of Rangpur Division during a 24-hour operation named ‘Devil Hunt Phase-2’. The detainees are reportedly members and affiliates of the banned Awami League and its associated organizations. The arrests took place between Wednesday and Thursday morning, confirmed Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Aminul Islam of the Rangpur Range.

According to police sources, the operation covered Rangpur, Kurigram, Lalmonirhat, Nilphamari, Gaibandha, Dinajpur, Thakurgaon, and Panchagarh districts. Those arrested face charges related to murder, attempted murder, and terrorism under the Anti-Terrorism Act, many linked to the anti-discrimination student movement. DIG Islam described the operation as part of a broader effort to curb political violence and enforce the ban on the party’s activities.

Authorities have not disclosed whether further arrests are expected, but security operations are likely to continue across northern Bangladesh as part of the ongoing crackdown on banned political networks.

The Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) seized illegal Indian sarees valued at approximately Tk 6.28 million during separate anti-smuggling operations along the Comilla border on Thursday, December 18. The raids were conducted by special patrol teams under the Comilla Battalion (10 BGB) in the Tikkar Char, Kabiraj Bazar, and Chauddagram areas, where the sarees were found abandoned within eight kilometers inside Bangladesh territory.

According to BGB sources, the operations were part of ongoing efforts to curb cross-border smuggling of goods and narcotics. Comilla Battalion Commander Colonel Mir Ali Ejaz confirmed the seizure and stated that the confiscated items would be handed over to customs authorities following legal procedures. He emphasized that the BGB would continue such drives to prevent illegal trade across the frontier.

The incident underscores persistent challenges in controlling cross-border smuggling activities along the Bangladesh-India boundary, where textile and consumer goods are frequently trafficked. Authorities are expected to strengthen surveillance and coordination with customs to enhance border security.

Shamaruh Mirza, daughter of BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, publicly criticized a Jamaat-e-Islami leader’s recent statement suggesting that joining the party is necessary to attain heaven. In a Facebook post on Thursday, she expressed dismay, calling the remark potentially un-Islamic and urging reflection on its implications for faith and politics.

The controversy stems from a viral video showing Jamaat-affiliated lawyer Barrister Shahriar Kabir allegedly telling supporters that paradise is reserved for those aligned with Jamaat-e-Islami. Kabir has since denied the authenticity of the footage, claiming it was manipulated. The video has sparked widespread debate on social media, with many questioning the use of religious rhetoric in political mobilization.

Analysts note that the incident underscores growing tensions between Islamist and secular political narratives in Bangladesh. The Election Commission and religious scholars have yet to comment, but observers warn that such statements could deepen ideological divides ahead of the next national polls.

The century-old Bangladesh Muslim League has announced its reunification and decision to field candidates in all 300 constituencies in the upcoming 13th national election. The announcement came after a meeting in Old Dhaka, chaired by senior leader Md. Sharafuddin, where previously divided factions pledged unity against what they termed foreign dominance. Leaders including Secretary General Kazi Abul Khair and Vice President Nazrul Islam attended, while senior figures Abdul Aziz Hawlader and Aftab Hossain Molla joined virtually to endorse the move.

Party leaders described the unification as a historic step to restore the League’s nationalist identity and influence. Kazi Abul Khair accused a neighboring state of undermining Bangladesh’s sovereignty, while organizational secretary Khan Asad admitted internal divisions had weakened the party’s public appeal. The leadership vowed to rebuild the organization under its traditional lantern symbol and reconnect with grassroots supporters.

Analysts note that the League’s decision to contest all seats signals an attempt to reassert relevance in a polarized political landscape dominated by larger parties. The move may reshape alliances and test the party’s organizational strength nationwide.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) arrested 392 individuals in the capital within 24 hours under 'Operation Devil Hunt Phase-2'. Among those detained were 15 active members of the banned Awami League and its affiliated organizations, while 377 were wanted in various cases or named in charge sheets. The DMP said the operation was part of ongoing efforts to maintain law and order in the city.

In addition to the arrests, police set up 11 special checkpoints at key entry and exit points of Dhaka on December 17 to inspect suspicious vehicles and ensure public safety. During these checks, 769 vehicles were searched, and five more people were detained. The DMP emphasized that such operations will continue to preserve stability in the capital.

Authorities have not disclosed further details on the charges against the detainees, but the large-scale operation signals intensified security measures amid heightened political and public safety concerns in Dhaka.