The Bangladesh Coast Guard has detained 53 fishermen and seized around 5,500 kilograms of marine fish in two separate operations off the Cox’s Bazar coast. Officials also confiscated three artisanal trawling boats and 30 fishing nets, with the total value of the seized items estimated at over BDT 6.5 crore. The operations were conducted in the Khathkhali River estuary of Banshkhali and near Saint Martin’s Island.

According to Coast Guard media officer Lieutenant Commander Siam-ul-Haq, the first raid took place late Tuesday night based on intelligence reports, leading to the arrest of 16 fishermen and seizure of one illegal trawler. The second operation, conducted early Wednesday, resulted in the detention of 37 more fishermen and two additional trawlers. Authorities said legal proceedings against the detainees are underway.

Officials emphasized that such drives are part of ongoing efforts to protect marine resources and curb illegal fishing in Bangladesh’s coastal waters, with further operations planned in the coming months.

An arson attack struck the Grameen Bank branch office in Shorshodi Bazar, Feni Sadar upazila, early Thursday morning. According to local sources, unidentified miscreants set fire to the building’s stairwell area around 3:40 a.m., damaging three motorcycles and two benches before the blaze was brought under control. Bank officials and employees, who were sleeping on the upper floor, managed to contain the fire with the help of local residents and firefighters.

Branch manager Ashok Kumar Debnath confirmed that the fire was limited to the stairwell and did not spread to the main office. He stated that the bank would take further steps as directed by higher authorities. Feni Model Police Station’s Officer-in-Charge Muhammad Fouzol Azim said a written complaint had been received and an investigation was underway to identify those responsible.

Authorities have yet to determine the motive behind the attack. The incident has raised security concerns for financial institutions operating in semi-urban areas of Bangladesh.

Bangladesh’s prosecution authority has formally submitted charges against Obaidul Quader, the banned Awami League’s general secretary and former bridges minister, along with six others, for alleged crimes against humanity committed during the July Revolution. Prosecutor Gazi M.H. Tamim confirmed the filing on Thursday, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing post-revolution accountability process.

The accused include senior political figures and leaders of affiliated organizations: Awami League joint general secretary A.F.M. Bahauddin Nasim, former state minister for information and broadcasting Mohammad Ali Arafat, Jubo League president Sheikh Fazle Shams Parash, general secretary Mainul Hossain Khan Nikhil, and the banned Chhatra League’s president Saddam Hossain and general secretary Wali Asif Enan. The tribunal is expected to review the charges and decide on issuing arrest warrants soon.

Legal analysts say the case could reshape Bangladesh’s political landscape, testing the judiciary’s independence amid heightened tensions following the July Revolution. The proceedings may also influence future reconciliation efforts and the banned party’s potential rehabilitation.

A newly constructed bridge in Shahjadapur Union of Brahmanbaria’s Sarail upazila has developed major cracks before its official inauguration, alarming residents who fear a potential collapse. The bridge, built at a cost of about 32.3 million taka under the 2023–24 fiscal year, was expected to transform local connectivity for nearly 20,000 people across several villages.

Locals accuse the contractor and engineering department of using substandard materials and neglecting proper supervision. Witnesses claim that less cement was used and concrete curing was skipped, leading to structural weakness. Contractor Lokman Enterprise denies wrongdoing, citing a temporary halt in work due to soil shortage. The upazila engineer, however, said the cracks are being examined but are unlikely to cause major structural failure.

Residents are demanding an impartial investigation and legal action against those responsible, fearing that decades of anticipation for improved transport infrastructure could end in disappointment. Authorities have yet to announce any formal inquiry or remedial plan.

Police in Dhaka recovered the hanging body of Jannat Ara Rumi, a 30-year-old leader of the National Citizen Party (NCP), from the fifth floor of a women’s hostel on Jigatola Old Kitchen Market Road in Hazaribagh on Thursday morning. Rumi served as the joint coordinator of the Dhanmondi Thana coordination committee under NCP’s Dhaka South unit.

Authorities identified her as the daughter of Zakir Hossain and Nurjahan Begum from Nazipur in Patnitala, Naogaon district. Law enforcement officials have initiated an investigation to determine whether the death was a suicide or if foul play was involved. Hostel residents reportedly alerted police after discovering her body.

The incident has drawn attention within local political circles, as Rumi was an active organizer in Dhaka’s grassroots political network. Police stated that an autopsy will be conducted to confirm the cause of death, while NCP representatives expressed shock and called for a transparent inquiry.

The Shailkupa Mini Fish Hatchery in Jhenaidah, Bangladesh, has remained closed for ten years due to a persistent shortage of staff and malfunctioning equipment. Once a vital source of fish fry production since its establishment in 1982, the facility has fallen into disrepair, causing a significant shortage of fish fry in the region. Local fish farmers have urged the government to reopen the hatchery to restore supply and reduce costs.

According to the Upazila Fisheries Office, the hatchery could produce around 40 kilograms of fish spawn per season—enough for over four million fry—if operational. Farmers report that the closure has forced them to buy fry from distant districts, increasing expenses and reducing profitability. Shailkupa Fisheries Officer Imran Hossain confirmed that while the facility was renovated in 2024 through a government allocation, it remains inactive due to staffing and budget constraints.

Experts warn that without urgent action, the hatchery’s infrastructure may become permanently unusable, further undermining local aquaculture and rural livelihoods.

Bangladesh Border Guard (BGB) has reported a sharp rise in arms smuggling along the Chapainawabganj-India border as the country prepares for its 13th national election. In a recent operation, BGB seized four U.S.-made pistols, nine magazines, and 24 rounds of ammunition from smugglers who fled during a chase near Monoharpur. Officials fear the weapons are being brought in to incite unrest and violence during the election period.

Chapainawabganj’s 129-kilometer border with India has long been a sensitive route for illegal trade. Following the shooting of a political figure in Dhaka, BGB launched special operations and set up additional checkpoints. Lieutenant Colonel Kazi Mustafizur Rahman confirmed that intelligence reports indicated attempts to smuggle arms to destabilize the political environment. The BGB has since strengthened surveillance and patrols to prevent further infiltration.

Authorities warn that the influx of foreign arms could threaten national security and disrupt the election process. Enhanced intelligence coordination and cross-border cooperation are expected to continue in the coming weeks.

A late-night arson attack targeted the Grameen Bank branch at Shorshodi Bazar in Feni Sadar upazila, Bangladesh, on Wednesday, December 17. Unknown assailants allegedly poured petrol outside the bank’s main gate and set it on fire, burning three motorcycles and several pieces of furniture. Bank staff, who were asleep on the second floor, were awakened by the night guard’s alarm and helped control the blaze before firefighters arrived to extinguish it completely.

Branch manager Ashok Kumar Debnath stated that the attackers climbed over the boundary wall and ignited the fire from outside the gate. Police from Feni Model Station visited the site and confirmed that a formal complaint had been filed by the bank authorities. Inspector (Investigation) Sajal Kanti Das said an inquiry is underway, and legal measures will follow based on the findings.

The incident has raised concerns over security at rural financial institutions, prompting calls for enhanced surveillance and nighttime protection in remote banking areas.

Two Union Parishad chairmen and their relatives in Cumilla’s Titas upazila have been accused of illegally occupying land owned by the Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB) to construct a market. The disputed land, located near the Asmania Bazar area along the left bank of the Gumti River embankment, was originally acquired for flood protection projects. A local resident, Zainal Abedin, has filed a formal complaint demanding the removal of the illegal structures.

According to the complaint, the encroachers built multiple commercial establishments on about 15 decimals of BWDB land, renting them out for profit. Despite previous eviction notices in 2016 and 2020, enforcement was reportedly halted due to political interference. The accused chairmen, including Narandia Union’s current and former leaders, claim they will vacate the land only if BWDB conducts an official eviction.

BWDB Executive Engineer Mohammad Rashed Shahriar confirmed receiving the complaint and said a surveyor has been assigned to verify the land boundaries. The findings will determine subsequent legal and administrative actions.

Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of the Inquilab Mancha, remains in extremely critical condition at Singapore General Hospital after sustaining a gunshot wound to the head. His brother Omar bin Hadi was allowed a brief visit on Thursday morning. Doctors report that Hadi suffered a massive heart attack and a spreading infection, further worsening his condition overnight.

Dhaka Medical College neurosurgeon Dr. Abdul Ahad confirmed the deterioration, describing Hadi’s state as 'extremely critical.' The Chief Adviser’s Office issued a statement echoing that assessment and announced that a senior Foreign Ministry official has been dispatched to Singapore to coordinate with Hadi’s family, hospital authorities, and Singaporean officials. The government’s advisory council also held an unscheduled discussion on Hadi’s condition and the ongoing investigation into the attempted murder.

Authorities are reviewing security measures and progress in identifying those responsible for the attack. Further updates are expected following consultations between Dhaka and Singapore medical teams.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jamaat-e-Islami have finalized their candidates for seven parliamentary constituencies in North Chattogram ahead of the 13th national election. Following the political collapse of the Awami League after the 2024 July uprising and the flight of its top leaders, the region’s political landscape has shifted sharply. BNP has nominated new faces in five constituencies, while all Jamaat candidates are newcomers, signaling a generational and strategic reset.

Historically a BNP stronghold, North Chattogram now sees Jamaat gaining organizational strength through early campaigning and consistent grassroots presence. In contrast, BNP faces internal divisions and delayed candidate announcements, leading to factional disputes and even threats of rebel candidacies. Analysts note that the direction of former Awami League voters could decisively shape outcomes. Local observers describe competitive races in Mirsharai, Fatikchhari, Sandwip, Sitakunda, Hathazari, Raozan, and Rangunia, where Islamist alliances and Hefazat-linked networks may also influence results.

The evolving dynamics suggest a fragmented opposition contest, with Jamaat’s disciplined mobilization challenging BNP’s traditional dominance in the region.

Bangladesh Bank Governor Ahsan H. Mansur has directed that all depositors of five recently merged banks must receive their funds by the end of December 2025. The instruction came during the first board meeting of the newly formed Sammilit Islami Bank, which combines the five institutions under a single resolution framework. Mansur emphasized completing all procedural and technical preparations to ensure timely repayment and avoid disruptions.

The meeting, chaired by Dr. Mohammad Ayub Mia, included senior government secretaries and Bangladesh Bank officials. The governor also ordered rapid integration of IT systems and the creation of a unified human resources policy to harmonize ranks, grades, and promotion structures across the merged banks. Customers will be allowed to withdraw funds using previously issued checks.

The Sammilit Islami Bank is scheduled for formal inauguration in January 2026, but depositors are expected to receive their money beforehand. The board pledged to prioritize depositor protection and maintain transparency under Bangladesh Bank’s supervision.

An assassination attempt on Sharif Osman Hadi, convener of the Inquilab Mancha and a prominent youth leader of Bangladesh’s July uprising, has intensified political tensions in Dhaka. Hadi, known for his anti-fascist activism and cultural mobilization, was targeted in what observers describe as a politically motivated attack aimed at silencing dissenting voices and intimidating election candidates. The incident occurred shortly after the election schedule was announced, raising fears of renewed violence and instability.

Investigative outlet The Descent identified the attackers as members of the banned student wing linked to the former ruling Awami League. Reports suggest the assailants fled to India within 24 hours, fueling allegations of cross-border complicity. Critics accuse pro-Delhi networks of seeking to destabilize Bangladesh’s fragile post-Hasina transition and derail upcoming elections. Political parties have condemned the attack and discussed joint protests, though divisions remain over how to confront alleged external interference.

Analysts warn that failure to restore law enforcement credibility and political unity could embolden extremist elements. The attack underscores the volatile intersection of domestic power struggles and regional geopolitics shaping Bangladesh’s democratic trajectory.

A tweet by retired Indian Army officer Colonel (Retd.) Ajay K. Rayna has triggered widespread criticism and concern across social media in both India and Bangladesh. In his post, Rayna allegedly suggested that Bangladeshi political figure Hasnat Abdullah could be the next 'target' after Osman Hadi, a spokesperson of the Inquilab Mancha who was recently attacked. The tweet also contained violent language, which many interpreted as an explicit threat.

Following the post, Bangladeshi media personalities and commentators condemned the statement, calling it a direct incitement to violence against political actors in Bangladesh. Some analysts questioned whether the message was linked to the recent assault on Hadi. Despite the uproar, Rayna has not issued a formal clarification. In a brief media comment, he dismissed the controversy, saying people were being overly sensitive about social media posts and advised Bangladesh not to overreact to Indian security matters.

Observers warn that such rhetoric could strain diplomatic relations and fuel online hostility between the two neighboring countries if not addressed promptly.

Bangladesh’s interim government has firmly dismissed India’s recent comments on its upcoming national elections, saying Dhaka will not accept any ‘advice’ from New Delhi. Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossain stated that Bangladesh knows best how to conduct its own polls and criticized India for remaining silent during the previous 15 years of flawed elections. His remarks followed a series of diplomatic summons between the two neighbors, triggered by mutual concerns over security and political interference.

India summoned Bangladesh’s High Commissioner in New Delhi to express concern over what it described as a deteriorating security situation and threats to its missions in Dhaka. Earlier, Bangladesh had summoned the Indian envoy to protest alleged incitement by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who remains in India after being sentenced to death for war crimes. The closure of Indian visa centers in Dhaka and accusations of harboring extremists have further strained ties.

Observers note that the escalating rhetoric could complicate regional cooperation and election monitoring efforts. Both sides, however, have reiterated their commitment to maintaining diplomatic communication despite the current friction.