Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus chaired the weekly meeting of the Advisory Council in Dhaka, where the deteriorating health of activist and Inquilab Mancha spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi was a key topic. Hadi, a prominent figure in the July uprising, remains in critical condition at Singapore General Hospital after suffering a massive heart attack and severe infection.

According to officials, Singapore’s Foreign Minister Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan has been in regular contact with Dr. Yunus regarding Hadi’s condition. A senior Bangladeshi foreign ministry official has been dispatched to Singapore to coordinate with Hadi’s family, hospital authorities, and the Singaporean government. Doctors are reportedly preparing for a complex brain operation to remove a bullet fragment lodged in his brainstem.

The government’s press wing confirmed Hadi’s condition as “extremely critical.” His family members are by his side, and additional relatives are traveling to Singapore. The situation has drawn close attention from both Dhaka and Singapore, with urgent medical and diplomatic coordination underway.

Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has briefed foreign diplomats in Dhaka on the government’s preparations and security measures for the upcoming 13th national election and referendum. The briefing, held at the Padma State Guesthouse and led by Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam, outlined updated plans to ensure safety and order during the electoral process.

According to the ministry’s statement, armed forces and law enforcement agencies are on high alert and ready to respond to any situation. Around 40 diplomats from various embassies attended the session, where they were informed that the Election Commission will welcome foreign election observers and invited them to send monitoring teams. The government also reassured embassies about the safety of their personnel and premises.

The move comes amid heightened international attention on Bangladesh’s electoral environment. Officials emphasized transparency and cooperation with the diplomatic community, signaling efforts to maintain stability and confidence ahead of the polls.

Bangla Academy has announced the recipients of its 2025 awards, recognizing eight individuals for their contributions to literature, science, and the arts. The awards will be formally presented on December 27 during the Academy’s 48th annual general meeting. Each award carries a monetary prize ranging from fifty thousand to two hundred thousand Bangladeshi taka.

Among the honorees are Professor Mansur Musa for linguistic research, Khosru Chowdhury for science communication, and Sanaul Haque Khan for poetry. Hafiz Rashid Khan will receive the Sa’dat Ali Akhand Literary Award for his research on ethnic literature, while actor-director Tariq Anam Khan will be honored for his contributions to theatre. Shibabrata Barman is recognized for translation, Safiq Islam for his mathematics book, and fiction writers Subrata Barua and Anisur Rahman for their storytelling achievements.

The Bangla Academy awards, established to promote intellectual and creative excellence, remain among Bangladesh’s most prestigious honors. The 2025 selections highlight the diversity of contemporary Bangladeshi scholarship and creativity across disciplines.

Former anti-discrimination student movement coordinator Tarekul Islam, known as Tarek Reza, has claimed that the death of activist Jannat Akter Rumi was not a suicide but a murder. In a Facebook post on Thursday, he accused ruling party supporters of relentless cyberbullying and threats that allegedly drove Rumi to take her own life. Rumi, a joint coordinator of the NCP Dhanmondi unit, reportedly faced continuous online harassment and phone threats over the past month.

According to Reza, despite repeated appeals, authorities failed to provide protection or take action against those responsible. He vowed to seek justice, declaring that those who destroyed his “sister’s life” would not live in peace. The incident has sparked outrage among student activists and renewed debate over digital harassment and political intimidation in Bangladesh.

Observers say the case highlights the growing dangers of online abuse targeting political activists, particularly women. Calls are mounting for a transparent investigation and stronger cybercrime enforcement to prevent similar tragedies.

Police recovered the body of Jannat Ara Rumi, a 30-year-old political activist known as the 'July Daughter,' from a women’s hostel in Hazaribagh, Dhaka, on Thursday morning. Rumi, who had been active in the 2024 anti-discrimination and anti-government movements, was serving as a joint coordinator for the Dhanmondi unit of the National Citizen Party (NCP). Her sudden and unexplained death has sparked widespread grief in her hometown of Patnitala, Naogaon.

Local leaders and former student movement colleagues described Rumi as a courageous figure who led early demonstrations against the then-ruling Awami League. Friends and associates have demanded a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death, urging authorities to identify and punish anyone found responsible. Rumi, a trained nurse and mother of a four-year-old, had divorced five months earlier and recently relocated to Dhaka for political work.

Police have yet to disclose preliminary findings, while the NCP and local activists are calling for transparency and justice. The incident has reignited discussions on the safety of young women in politics and the need for accountability in politically sensitive deaths.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman is set to return to Bangladesh on December 25, according to his personal secretary Abdus Sattar. His flight from London will arrive in Dhaka via Sylhet around 11 a.m., and he will be accompanied by his daughter. The announcement follows confirmation from BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir earlier this month that Rahman’s homecoming was being finalized.

Rahman, the eldest son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, left Bangladesh in 2008 after being released from an 18-month detention under the military-backed caretaker government that took power in 2007. He has since lived in London, maintaining political communication with party leaders remotely. His return marks a major political development for the BNP, which has been struggling with leadership challenges amid ongoing legal and political pressures.

Observers say Rahman’s return could reshape the opposition landscape ahead of future elections. Security arrangements and political reactions are expected to intensify as the date approaches.

Police recovered the body of Jannatara Rumi, a leader of the National Citizens Party (NCP), from a women’s hostel in Jigatola, Dhaka, on Thursday morning. Rumi, who served as joint coordinator of the NCP’s Dhanmondi unit, was found hanging from the fifth floor of the building. Authorities have yet to confirm whether the death was a suicide or involved foul play.

Following the discovery, former Bangladesh Students’ Union president Bappaditya Basu drew public criticism after expressing apparent satisfaction over Rumi’s death in a Facebook post. Basu, a former organizer of the Shahbagh-based Gonojagoron Mancha movement, had previously faced arrest in 2024 on charges of embezzlement and fraud. His remarks have reignited debate over political intolerance and online hate speech in Bangladesh.

Investigators are examining the circumstances surrounding Rumi’s death, while political observers warn that such reactions on social media risk deepening divisions among activist groups. The NCP has not yet issued an official statement, and police said an autopsy report will determine the cause of death.

Chief Justice Dr. Syed Refaat Ahmed paid a farewell visit to President Mohammed Shahabuddin at Bangabhaban on Thursday, marking the conclusion of his tenure as the head of Bangladesh’s judiciary. During the meeting, the President commended the Chief Justice for his long and distinguished career, highlighting his professionalism, dedication, and contribution to upholding justice in the country.

In response, Chief Justice Ahmed expressed his gratitude to the President for the cooperation extended to him during his tenure. He also briefed the President on key initiatives and reforms undertaken under his leadership to strengthen judicial efficiency and transparency. The meeting reflected mutual respect between the executive and judiciary at a time of transition in the Supreme Court.

The farewell marks the end of an era in Bangladesh’s judicial leadership, with the government expected to announce a new Chief Justice soon. Legal observers note that the next appointment will be crucial for maintaining judicial independence and continuity in ongoing reforms.

Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of the Inquilab Mancha, remains in extremely critical condition after being shot in the head. Doctors at Singapore General Hospital are preparing for a complex brain operation to remove a bullet fragment lodged in his brainstem. The surgery is being considered as a final attempt to save his life, according to sources close to the family.

Hadi suffered a massive heart attack and severe infection earlier, worsening his condition overnight. His brothers are by his side in Singapore, while another family member is en route. The Bangladeshi government has dispatched a foreign ministry official to coordinate with hospital authorities and Hadi’s family. The Chief Adviser’s Office confirmed his condition as “extremely critical” and discussed the matter in Thursday’s advisory council meeting.

Authorities are also reviewing progress in the investigation into the assassination attempt. Officials say all necessary diplomatic and medical support is being extended as the situation remains grave and fluid.

Lieutenant Colonel Rashed Kamal Rony, commanding officer of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) Battalion-47, stated that the Bangladeshi youth Shanto, who was shot dead by India’s Border Security Force (BSF) on December 5, was killed inside Indian territory, not at the border. Speaking at a winter clothing distribution event in Kushtia, he said Shanto had illegally entered India and allegedly attempted to attack BSF personnel, prompting them to fire in self-defense.

The BGB officer emphasized that the incident should not be termed a ‘border killing,’ arguing that it occurred beyond the zero line. He added that BGB has been working to prevent illegal crossings and smuggling through increased patrols and checkpoints. According to Rony, 99 percent of border crossing attempts are successfully prevented.

The incident has reignited debate over border security and accountability between Bangladesh and India. Shanto’s body was returned eight days later following a flag meeting between the two forces. BGB maintains that it remains vigilant to prevent similar incidents and ensure civilian safety along the Kushtia-Meherpur frontier.

The International Crimes Tribunal-1 in Bangladesh has ordered the commencement of trial proceedings against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and 12 senior military officers over allegations of enforced disappearances and torture during her administration. The tribunal issued the order on Thursday after formal charges were framed, following hearings earlier in December.

Chief Prosecutor Tazul Islam presented five charges of crimes against humanity, urging the court to begin the trial, while defense counsel Azizur Rahman Dulu sought acquittal for the accused. Among the 13 defendants, three former Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI) directors are currently in custody, while several others, including Hasina and her former security adviser Tariq Ahmed Siddiq, remain at large.

The case, centered on alleged abuses within the JIC Cell or “Aynaghar” detention facility, marks a rare instance of high-level accountability proceedings in Bangladesh. Legal analysts suggest the trial could have significant political and institutional implications, potentially reshaping discussions about state responsibility for past human rights violations.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson Khaleda Zia is reportedly receiving proper medical treatment and her condition remains stable, according to her personal physician and BNP Standing Committee member Professor Dr. A.Z.M. Zahid Hossain. Speaking to reporters outside Evercare Hospital in Dhaka on Thursday, Dr. Hossain said the former prime minister is responding positively to ongoing treatment and that further improvement is possible if her current condition continues.

He expressed optimism about Zia’s recovery and extended gratitude to the hospital authorities, medical team, and BNP leadership for their continuous support. Acting BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman, along with family members Zubaida Rahman and Syeda Sharmila Rahman, are said to be closely monitoring her health updates. Khaleda Zia was admitted to Evercare Hospital on November 23 following a deterioration in her health.

The update comes amid ongoing public interest in the health of the 79-year-old opposition leader, who has faced multiple hospitalizations in recent years. Party sources suggest she will remain under observation as doctors continue to evaluate her progress.

A jurisdictional dispute has erupted between Bangladesh’s Ministry of Land and the Ministry of Shipping over control of the country’s sand extraction zones, known as balumahals. The conflict intensified after three district commissioners lodged complaints alleging that the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA), under the Shipping Ministry, issued sand extraction permits without local administrative approval. Two inter-ministerial meetings failed to resolve the issue.

Land Ministry officials argue that, under the Sand and Soil Management Rules 2025, they hold sole authority to lease and regulate sand resources through district-level committees. BIWTA, however, claims jurisdiction over riverine sand zones under the 1958 BIWTA Ordinance, citing navigational safety responsibilities. The dispute has exposed overlapping legal frameworks and revived allegations of past political influence over sand trade networks.

The Cabinet Division has directed further consultations involving multiple ministries. Officials suggest that amendments to the 2025 regulations may be considered to clarify authority and prevent future conflicts, as unregulated sand extraction continues to raise environmental and governance concerns.

Bangladesh’s Advisory Council, chaired by Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus, has given final approval to two major ordinances — the Enforced Disappearance Prevention and Remedy (Amendment) Ordinance 2025 and the Haor and Wetland Conservation Ordinance 2025. The decision came during the council’s weekly meeting on Thursday, which also discussed the critical health condition of July uprising leader Sharif Osman Hadi, currently under treatment in Singapore.

The disappearance ordinance allows a tribunal to officially declare a person “disappeared” after five years of absence and empowers victims’ families to manage property without prior approval. It also authorizes the appointment of public prosecutors for related tribunals. The wetland ordinance defines the jurisdiction of the Haor and Wetland Development Department, introduces legal protection for biodiversity, and criminalizes harmful activities in these ecosystems.

Additionally, the council approved establishing a new Bangladeshi embassy in Bern, Switzerland, to strengthen diplomatic and development ties. Officials said the move will enhance Bangladesh’s global representation and cooperation with Switzerland.

A Bogura court has directed the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) to take immediate action against seven individuals, including Islami Bank PLC’s senior officials and Afaco Cold Storage Limited chairman Mahmudur Rahman Mannan, over allegations of loan rescheduling fraud worth Tk 380 million. The order was issued by Senior Special Judge Shahjahan Kabir following a case filed on December 11 by a local resident, accusing the defendants of falsifying board meeting attendance and signatures to secure loan rescheduling.

According to court and bank sources, Afaco Cold Storage, located in Shibganj, Bogura, received a Tk 220 million loan in 2010, which has grown to Tk 380.4 million with interest. Despite being a profitable enterprise, the company allegedly delayed repayments and benefited from six rescheduling approvals. The accused include Islami Bank’s chairman Dr. M. Zubaidur Rahman and managing director Omar Faruk Khan. ACC’s Bogura office confirmed receipt of the court order and said an investigation is underway.

The case highlights ongoing scrutiny of loan irregularities in Bangladesh’s banking sector, with the ACC expected to intensify its probe into potential policy violations and document forgery.