A mild cold wave has continued for seven consecutive days in Tetulia, Panchagarh, marking the lowest temperatures in Bangladesh for over a week. On Wednesday, December 17, the Tetulia Weather Observatory recorded a minimum temperature of 9.7°C with 71% humidity, following 9.5°C the previous day and 9°C on December 15. The daytime highs have remained around 27°C, indicating a sharp contrast between day and night temperatures.

According to Jitendranath Roy, acting officer of the Tetulia Weather Observatory, the mild cold wave began on December 11 and has persisted across various parts of the upazila. The consistent low temperatures have made Tetulia the coldest region in the country during this period. Local residents have reportedly experienced increased cold discomfort, especially during early mornings and late nights.

Meteorologists expect the cold conditions to continue for several more days, with the possibility of the cold wave spreading to adjacent northern districts. Authorities have advised residents to take precautions against cold-related illnesses, particularly among children and the elderly.

Bangladesh’s Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) has recovered firearms and ammunition allegedly used in the shooting of Inqilab Mancha spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi. The operation, conducted on December 16 in Narsingdi’s Tarua area, led to the arrest of a 25-year-old suspect named Md. Faisal. Authorities seized two foreign pistols, two magazines, a toy gun, and 41 rounds of ammunition from his possession, according to RAB’s Legal and Media Wing Director, Wing Commander M Z M Intekhab Chowdhury.

The recovery followed intelligence-based operations after Hadi was shot in the head on December 12 while traveling by rickshaw in Dhaka’s Bijoynagar area. The assailant reportedly fired from a moving motorcycle. Earlier, RAB had detained the parents of the prime suspect, Faisal Karim Masud, in connection with the case.

Investigators are now analyzing ballistic evidence and communication records to trace the network behind the attack. The incident has drawn public concern over political violence and the safety of activists ahead of upcoming political programs.

The political alliance 'July Unity', which claims to uphold the spirit of the 2024 mass uprising, announced a 'March to Indian High Commission' program scheduled for Wednesday afternoon in Dhaka. The rally will begin at Rampura Bridge and is expected to include former military officers, student leaders from Dhaka University and other institutions, and representatives from various political and social groups. The organizers said the march aims to protest alleged conspiracies by Indian proxies and demand the repatriation of individuals accused of crimes during the 2024 events.

According to the group’s statement, India has been providing shelter to those they describe as perpetrators of violence and continues to interfere in Bangladesh’s democratic process. July Unity leaders stated they would issue an ultimatum to both the Indian government and the interim Bangladeshi administration, warning of consequences if their demands are not met. Authorities have heightened security around the Indian High Commission, and the Indian visa center is expected to close early due to safety concerns.

The protest underscores ongoing tensions in Dhaka’s political landscape and the fragile state of Bangladesh-India relations amid accusations of external interference.

Bangladesh Bank’s latest report reveals that as of September 2025, nearly 91% of all defaulted loans in the banking sector have become unrecoverable, posing a severe threat to the country’s financial stability. The total volume of defaulted loans reached BDT 6.44 trillion, with BDT 5.85 trillion classified as bad or loss category. This marks a sharp rise from the previous year, when unrecoverable loans accounted for about 82% of total defaults.

Sector insiders attribute the surge to large business groups that borrowed heavily during the previous Awami League government and allegedly siphoned funds abroad. Following political changes, many borrowers fled the country, further reducing recovery prospects. State-owned banks hold the largest share of bad loans, with Janata Bank alone reporting BDT 695.86 billion in unrecoverable debt. Private banks, including Islami Bank Bangladesh and First Security Islami Bank, also face mounting pressure.

Experts warn that the growing volume of bad loans will erode banks’ lending capacity and profitability, as they must maintain full provisioning against such debts. Bangladesh Bank has identified 24 commercial banks failing to meet required provisions, signaling deep structural stress in the sector.

Bangladeshi intelligence sources have revealed that a secret meeting took place at a resort in Savar to plan the killing of Inqilab Manch spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi. The three-and-a-half-hour meeting reportedly occurred early Friday morning at the Green Zone Resort in Madhumati Model Town. Surveillance footage shows four individuals entering and leaving the room during the specified time frame.

Investigators identified the participants as alleged shooter Faisal Karim Masud, also known as Dawood Khan, his partner Maria, and two others including Alomgir Hossain. Authorities claim the group discussed details of the planned attack, with an audio recording of their conversation now in the possession of law enforcement. Maria was arrested on December 13, and the investigation remains ongoing.

Security forces have seized CCTV footage and conducted searches at the resort. The resort’s staff, including a service worker who booked the room, have been questioned by the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB). Officials say the evidence is being analyzed to determine the full scope of the conspiracy.

Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal has formally accepted charges against retired Major General Ziaul Ahsan for alleged crimes against humanity, including enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings during the Awami League government’s tenure. Prosecutor Sheikh Mahdi submitted the charges to the tribunal’s registrar office on Wednesday morning, following Ahsan’s transfer from prison to the court. He is the sole accused in the case.

The prosecution alleges that Ahsan, a former senior army officer, was directly involved in three incidents of serious human rights violations. The tribunal’s move marks a rare instance of a high-ranking retired military official facing such charges. Legal observers note that the case could test the tribunal’s jurisdiction over alleged crimes committed outside the 1971 war context.

If the tribunal proceeds to trial, it may set a precedent for accountability in cases of enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings in recent political periods. The defense is expected to contest the admissibility of the charges in upcoming hearings.

The Indian Visa Application Center (IVAC) located at Jamuna Future Park in Dhaka announced an early closure on Wednesday due to unspecified security concerns. According to a notice published on IVAC Bangladesh’s official website, all operations were suspended from 2 p.m. onward, with no further processing of visa applications until a new schedule is announced.

The decision comes amid heightened tensions in the capital, where various political and social groups have planned demonstrations near diplomatic zones. While the Indian High Commission has not issued an official statement, the precautionary measure reflects growing worries about potential disruptions or safety risks for staff and applicants. Applicants with pending appointments have been advised to monitor official channels for updates.

The temporary closure may delay visa processing for travelers to India, including business and medical visitors. Authorities are expected to reassess the situation before resuming services, with further announcements likely in the coming days.

A torch procession allegedly organized by the banned Awami League in Shahjahanpur, Bogura, has drawn attention amid the ongoing nationwide Operation Devil Hunt Phase-2. The event’s video was posted late on December 16 by Sohrab Hossain Channu, former upazila chairman and local Awami League president, on his verified Facebook account. He claimed the march protested against what he called an illegal election schedule and arbitrary arrests.

Local police, however, denied that any such procession took place recently. Shahjahanpur Police Station Officer-in-Charge Touhidul Islam stated that after reviewing the video, investigators suspected it might have been recorded earlier and only uploaded now. The timing of the post, during a period of heightened security operations, has raised questions about political messaging and enforcement consistency.

The incident underscores tensions between authorities and banned political groups during the ongoing crackdown. Observers note that such digital postings could complicate law enforcement efforts and fuel further political polarization in the pre-election climate.

Bangladesh has witnessed a wave of public emotion and political reaction following the shooting of Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of Inquilab Mancha and an independent candidate for Dhaka-8 in the upcoming parliamentary election. Hadi was shot last Friday during a campaign event in Paltan and later transferred to Singapore General Hospital for advanced treatment after his condition worsened.

The attack has sparked protests, prayer gatherings, and widespread condemnation across political and social lines. Thousands joined a unity rally at the Central Shaheed Minar, while mosques and madrasas nationwide offered prayers for Hadi’s recovery. Social media has been flooded with messages of solidarity, with student leaders and cultural figures calling the incident a threat to electoral fairness and candidate safety. Dhaka University and Rajshahi University academics also voiced concern over the growing political violence.

Observers warn that the attack, coming just after the election schedule announcement, raises serious questions about security and the credibility of the upcoming polls. Authorities are under pressure to identify the assailants and ensure protection for all candidates.

Eight Islamist-oriented political parties, led by Jamaat-e-Islami, are finalizing a single-candidate strategy for each constituency in Bangladesh’s upcoming 13th parliamentary election. Liaison committee leaders from the alliance have been holding multiple rounds of meetings to reach consensus on seat-sharing and candidate selection, guided by agreed principles. Party insiders expect the final list of unified candidates to be announced soon.

The coalition—comprising Jamaat-e-Islami, Islami Andolon Bangladesh, Khelafat Majlish, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish, Nezame Islam Party, Jatiya Ganatantrik Party (JAGPA), and Bangladesh Development Party (BDP)—plans to contest under a cooperative framework without forming a formal alliance name. Leaders such as Dr. Ahmad Abdul Kader and Dr. Hamidur Rahman Azad emphasized that each seat will have one joint nominee, aiming to maximize electoral strength while maintaining discipline under election regulations.

While public campaigning remains suspended due to the election code of conduct, internal preparations and grassroots coordination are ongoing. Analysts note that the seat-sharing outcome will test the coalition’s ability to balance influence among partners and maintain unity ahead of the polls.

After nearly eight months of inactivity, the dry fish hubs of Asharchar and Nidrarchar in Barguna’s Taltali upazila have regained vitality as thousands of fishermen, traders, and workers return for the new season. Using natural, chemical-free drying methods, the communities are producing and supplying dried fish across Bangladesh, with some exports abroad. However, poor roads, inadequate sanitation, and lack of permanent facilities continue to hinder progress.

Local traders and union leaders warn that without government intervention, the once-thriving industry could decline further. They cite pollution from the nearby Payra thermal power plant as a major threat to marine life and fish yields. Despite these challenges, officials from the Department of Fisheries and local administration have promised to take steps to improve infrastructure and ensure sustainable livelihoods.

The dry fish sector, employing thousands and supporting coastal economies, remains a vital yet vulnerable part of Bangladesh’s fisheries industry. Stakeholders urge coordinated planning and investment to preserve this traditional trade and protect the environment.

As Bangladesh’s 13th parliamentary election approaches, political activity in Naogaon district has intensified, with candidates from the BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, and smaller parties campaigning vigorously. However, the BNP faces growing internal strife after announcing its nominees for all six constituencies. Many long-time leaders, denied nominations, have expressed anger and disappointment, leading to factional divisions among grassroots activists and weakening the party’s traditional vote base.

Jamaat-e-Islami, which announced its candidates nearly a year earlier, has gained momentum through consistent field activities, while the National Citizen Party (NCP) and Amar Bangladesh (AB) Party have also entered the race in several constituencies. Local BNP supporters have staged protests and torch processions demanding candidate changes, creating embarrassment for official nominees. Political observers note that Jamaat is capitalizing on BNP’s internal discord to strengthen its position.

Analysts warn that unless BNP resolves its internal disputes soon, its divided support base could benefit rival parties in key Naogaon seats. The situation underscores broader challenges for the opposition in presenting a unified front against the ruling Awami League.

A newly released report by Bangladesh’s National Independent Investigation Commission has reignited debate over the 2009 BDR mutiny, asserting that the massacre of army officers at Pilkhana might have been averted if the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) had acted promptly. The report, submitted on November 30 to the Chief Adviser, claims RAB’s forward units were ready to intervene but were denied permission to enter or open fire.

According to the findings, then RAB Director General Hasan Mahmud Khandker and Additional DG Major General Rezanur Khan withheld authorization, despite early opportunities to neutralize the mutiny. Rezanur later blamed senior security officials Major General Tarique Siddique and Major General Zainul Abedin for the delay. The commission also criticized police and RAB officers for remaining passive, allowing mutineers to escape and failing to protect victims.

The report’s revelations have renewed scrutiny of command decisions and coordination failures during one of Bangladesh’s deadliest security crises. Analysts expect calls for accountability and possible legal review of the implicated officials’ actions.

Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus declared that all attempts by defeated fascist and terrorist forces to destabilize the nation will fail. In a Victory Day address to the nation, he emphasized that no one can halt the country’s democratic progress through fear or violence. He urged citizens to remain calm, avoid rumors, and unite against those seeking unrest. Yunus also expressed deep concern over the attack on Sharif Osman Hadi, calling it an assault on Bangladesh’s democratic journey.

Yunus outlined three national priorities: justice for the July–August killings, structural reforms for accountability, and a free, fair, and participatory election. He confirmed that the general election and referendum will be held on 12 February 2026, with full government support for the Election Commission. He called on all political parties to treat each other as competitors, not enemies, and to ensure a peaceful electoral environment.

The Chief Adviser also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to Khaleda Zia’s medical care and the ongoing legal process against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, stressing that justice and democratic renewal remain central to the nation’s future.

Four days after the shooting of Inquilab Mancha spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi, police have yet to arrest the main suspects, Faisal Karim and his associate Alamgir. Law enforcement agencies have launched extensive operations across multiple districts, including Dhaka, Narayanganj, and Mymensingh, after the suspects reportedly fled toward the Haluaghat border area. Authorities say the fugitives turned off all electronic devices to evade tracking, forcing investigators to rely on manual intelligence sources.

The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) has arrested Kabir, a close aide of Faisal, who has been placed on a seven-day remand by a Dhaka court for interrogation. Kabir is accused of involvement in a plot to disrupt the upcoming national election by targeting Hadi. Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has intensified surveillance and set up checkpoints to prevent the suspects from crossing into India. Investigators are also questioning two suspected human traffickers believed to have assisted in the escape.

Officials suggest that identifying Faisal and Alamgir’s financiers could reveal the broader motive behind the attack, which is currently suspected to be politically motivated.