Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) acting chairman Tarique Rahman has called on party members to remain united as the party prepares for what he described as a challenging period ahead. Speaking at a meeting in London on December 17, Rahman expressed optimism that the BNP could form the next government through popular vote if it stays cohesive and focused on its plans.

Rahman announced his intention to return to Bangladesh on December 25 after nearly 18 years abroad, a move that has stirred significant discussion within political circles. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir recently confirmed the date, underscoring the party’s preparations for his homecoming. Rahman acknowledged the difficulties ahead, urging members to adopt practical strategies rather than relying on rhetoric.

Analysts view Rahman’s return as a pivotal moment for the BNP, which has struggled with leadership challenges and organizational setbacks. His arrival could reshape the opposition’s strategy ahead of the next national election, though questions remain about legal and political implications of his comeback.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has announced that he will return to Bangladesh on December 25, ending nearly 18 years of self-exile in London. Speaking at a virtual meeting late on December 17, Rahman expressed optimism about forming the next government through popular mandate in the upcoming national election.

Rahman acknowledged the challenges ahead, urging party members to prepare for a difficult political journey. He emphasized the need for strategic planning rather than rhetoric. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir recently confirmed the return date, fueling anticipation among party supporters. Rahman’s return has been a topic of speculation for months, with preparations reportedly underway for his residence and office in Dhaka.

Political analysts view his return as a significant moment for the BNP, which has struggled to regain momentum in recent years. His presence could reshape opposition dynamics and influence election strategies ahead of the next parliamentary polls.

Barrister Asaduzzaman Fuad, Secretary General of the Amar Bangladesh (AB) Party, stated that the aspirations of Bangladesh’s 1971 Liberation War remain unrealized even after 54 years. Speaking at a Victory Day discussion in Dhaka’s Bijoy Chattar, Fuad argued that the nation continues to face struggles that contradict the founding ideals of freedom and justice.

Fuad criticized the current Election Commission for failing to take serious initiatives to ensure law and order before the upcoming national polls. He alleged that ‘fascist forces’ were conspiring to disrupt the election process and cited recent attacks on party figures, including Sharif Osman Hadi, as evidence of ongoing political threats. Fuad also linked the imprisonment of Khaleda Zia and the exile of Tarique Rahman to what he described as continued political repression.

Party leaders present at the event echoed calls for unity and vigilance ahead of the election, emphasizing the need to restore democratic integrity and fulfill the unachieved promises of the Liberation War.

A 19-year-old tile worker named Faruk was stabbed to death by a group of teenagers in Dhaka’s Jatrabari area on Tuesday evening, December 16. The attack occurred near the Al Falah Mosque alley in Kajla Nayanagar, where witnesses reported seeing 10 to 15 youths assaulting the victim before fleeing the scene. Faruk, originally from Bancharampur in Brahmanbaria, was taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital, where doctors declared him dead.

According to local youths, the attackers may be from the same neighborhood, though none could identify them or explain the motive behind the assault. Police confirmed the death and sent the body for autopsy. The Jatrabari police have begun an investigation to determine the cause and identify those responsible.

Authorities are examining possible links to local disputes or youth gang activity, which have been rising in parts of Dhaka. Investigators are collecting CCTV footage and witness statements to trace the suspects and prevent further violence in the area.

The European Union has announced the deployment of an Election Observation Mission (EOM) to Bangladesh ahead of the country’s 13th parliamentary elections scheduled for February 12, 2025. The mission was appointed by EU High Representative Kaja Kallas following an official invitation from Bangladeshi authorities. Member of the European Parliament Ivars Ijabs has been named as the Chief Observer of the mission.

According to the European External Action Service (EEAS), the EU observers will assess the electoral process based on international commitments and democratic standards. The mission will engage with all relevant stakeholders throughout the election period to ensure transparency and impartial evaluation. Ijabs stated that he was honored to lead the mission, emphasizing that it reflects the EU’s support for Bangladesh’s democratic institutions, rule of law, and human rights.

The deployment underscores the EU’s continued engagement in promoting credible elections in partner countries. The mission’s findings and recommendations are expected to influence future EU-Bangladesh cooperation on governance and democratic reforms.

Bangladesh’s Rapid Action Battalion (RAB-2) has arrested the parents of Faisal Karim Masud, the prime suspect in the attempted murder of Inqilab Mancha spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi. The arrests followed a raid in Dhaka’s Agargaon area, where officers recovered 11 rounds of ammunition, two magazines, and a knife. Faisal’s father, Humayun Kabir, was detained in Narsingdi, while his mother was taken in for questioning. Authorities also seized multiple passports, checkbooks, and electronic devices from Faisal’s sister’s residence.

RAB officials said CCTV footage showed Faisal and his accomplice leaving his sister’s home on December 12, the day of the attack, and later returning to retrieve hidden items. The footage guided investigators to recover the weapons. Hadi, who was shot while campaigning as a potential independent candidate for Dhaka-8 in the upcoming parliamentary election, remains in critical condition and has been transferred to Singapore for advanced treatment.

Police have intensified efforts to capture Faisal and his associates, amid reports that the attackers may have fled across the border into India.

Bangladesh’s Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) has arrested Humayun, the father of Faisal Karim Masud, the prime suspect in the shooting of Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of Inquilab Moncho and an independent aspirant for Dhaka-8 constituency. The arrest took place in Narsingdi at Faisal’s in-laws’ residence, according to a RAB press release issued late Tuesday night.

Authorities reported that three firearms believed to have been used in the attempted murder were recovered from a pond near the location. The arrest follows an ongoing investigation into the December attack on Hadi, which sparked public concern over political violence ahead of the upcoming national elections. RAB officials stated that efforts are continuing to locate Faisal Karim Masud, who remains at large.

The incident has drawn attention to rising tensions among independent and party-affiliated candidates in Dhaka. Security agencies have increased surveillance in politically sensitive areas, while election observers have urged restraint and impartial investigation into all politically motivated attacks.

Bangladesh’s Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) has recovered two magazines, 11 bullets, and several documents from the house of Faisal Karim Masud’s sister in Agargaon, Dhaka. Faisal is the prime suspect in the attempted murder of Sharif Osman Hadi, an independent candidate for Dhaka-8. The raid, conducted Tuesday night, followed analysis of CCTV footage and intelligence inputs.

According to RAB, the operation also led to the seizure of a knife, multiple passports, checkbooks, and electronic devices. CCTV footage reportedly showed Faisal, his associate Alamgir, and family members handling items near the building shortly after the shooting incident. The case, initially filed at Paltan Police Station, has since been transferred to the Detective Branch (DB) for further investigation.

Hadi was shot last Friday while campaigning in Purana Paltan and later flown to Singapore for advanced treatment. The recovery of ammunition near Faisal’s family home has intensified scrutiny of the suspect’s network and raised questions about political violence ahead of the upcoming election.

Bangladesh has witnessed widespread outrage 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 while campaigning in Paltan and later transferred to Singapore General Hospital after his condition worsened. The attack has sparked protests, prayer gatherings, and social media campaigns demanding justice and accountability.

Political and civic groups have condemned the daylight attack as a threat to democratic participation. University leaders, activists, and cultural figures expressed solidarity, calling Hadi a symbol of anti-fascist resistance. Dhaka University’s student leaders warned that the incident raises serious concerns about candidate safety and election credibility. Despite public pressure, no suspects have been arrested yet.

Observers say the shooting underscores growing political tension ahead of the national polls. Calls are mounting for the interim government to ensure security for all candidates and to investigate the political motives behind the attack. The nation continues to follow Hadi’s recovery closely, with prayers and vigils ongoing across the country.

Bangladesh’s joint security forces have arrested 2,433 people across the country in four days under a special drive titled “Operation Devil Hunt Phase-2.” The operation, launched Saturday evening, aims to recover illegal firearms and curb political violence ahead of the upcoming national elections. According to police headquarters, 12 firearms and various ammunition were seized during the raids.

Officials said the decision to launch the operation followed the shooting of Sharif Osman Hadi, an independent candidate for the Dhaka-8 constituency. The Home Ministry’s core committee on law and order approved the campaign to ensure a peaceful electoral environment. Police and army units are jointly conducting the raids.

Authorities claim the operation is essential to maintain stability before the polls, though human rights groups have previously expressed concerns about mass arrests. The drive is expected to continue in the coming days as law enforcement intensifies surveillance and weapons recovery efforts nationwide.

The Vice-Chancellor of Patuakhali Science and Technology University (PSTU), Professor Dr. Kazi Rafiqul Islam, came under sharp criticism after organizing the university’s Victory Day celebration with participation from teachers and students allegedly aligned with Jamaat-e-Islami and Islami Chhatra Shibir. The event, held on December 16, was boycotted by BNP-leaning teachers and students, who staged protests and later held a separate celebration.

Led by Pro-Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. S.M. Hemayet Jahan, the protesting group accused the Vice-Chancellor of dishonoring the spirit of the Liberation War by involving individuals linked to anti-liberation forces. Demonstrators chanted slogans near the campus health center, calling for the removal of those they labeled as collaborators. In response, Dr. Rafiqul Islam defended his actions, stating that the event was a national program open to all members of the university community.

The incident underscores persistent political divisions within public universities in Bangladesh, where ideological affiliations often influence campus activities. University authorities have yet to announce any formal inquiry into the dispute.

The Government of Bangladesh has successfully completed the printing and distribution of 100 percent of pre-primary and primary-level textbooks for the current academic year ahead of Victory Day. The National Curriculum and Textbook Board (NCTB) led the massive operation, marking one of the fastest and most comprehensive textbook deliveries in recent years.

According to a press release signed by Education Ministry spokesperson Khalid Mahmud, the achievement was made possible through coordinated efforts among printing houses, transport agencies, and NCTB officials. Over 850 million textbooks were printed and prepared before the academic year began, ensuring that all students from grades one to five will receive new books on time.

Officials described the completion as a milestone in Bangladesh’s education sector, reflecting the government’s commitment to improving primary education quality. The Education Ministry expressed hope that this timely delivery will enhance classroom readiness and strengthen the country’s education-friendly image globally.

Bangladesh’s law enforcement agencies have launched a manhunt for Philip Snal, suspected of helping two men accused in the shooting of Osman Hadi to cross into India. Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) confirmed the arrest of two of Snal’s associates, Sanjay Chisim and Sibiron Dio, from the Haluaghat border area in Mymensingh. Both detainees are alleged members of a human trafficking network operating along the Bangladesh-India frontier.

Officials said the suspects may have assisted Hadi’s attackers, Faisal and Alamgir, in fleeing through underground tunnels beneath the border fence. CCTV footage from nearby areas failed to capture their movements, complicating the investigation. Local residents reported that Snal, who frequently traveled between Bangladesh and India, has been missing since last week.

Authorities continue joint operations by police and BGB to locate Snal and verify whether the attackers have entered India. The case underscores persistent challenges in securing porous border zones and combating illegal cross-border networks.

Bangladesh Bank has directed all scheduled banks to maintain uninterrupted services for replacing torn, damaged, or soiled banknotes. The central bank issued a circular through its Department of Currency Management, warning that any negligence in complying with the directive will lead to action against the concerned banks. The move aims to ensure that citizens can easily exchange unfit notes without disruption across all bank branches.

According to the circular, if more than 90% of a note remains intact and its security features are identifiable, banks must provide full value even if the note is unfit for circulation. Notes torn into two pieces must be attached to thin white paper for identification before submission. Notes deemed claimable will be sent to the nearest Bangladesh Bank office for verification, with payment decisions made within eight weeks. Customers must bear postal or courier costs, while burnt notes must be submitted directly to the central bank’s claim desk.

The circular also requires branches to display visible notices about this service and to report monthly data on note exchanges to Bangladesh Bank to enhance transparency and accountability in cash transactions.

The Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education (DSHE) has issued an urgent directive instructing all educational institutions across Bangladesh to organize sports, co-curricular, and cultural competitions throughout the year. The notice, signed by Deputy Director Professor Md. Shahidul Islam, outlines events such as football, volleyball, chess, cricket, and running under sports categories, while debate, quiz, and speech contests fall under co-curricular activities.

Cultural competitions will include Quran recitation, Nazrul and Rabindra songs, folk music, solo acting, dance, and graffiti drawing. The DSHE emphasized that such activities complement academic learning and play a vital role in students’ holistic development. Institutions have been asked to arrange these events on a house-based system, integrating them with regular class schedules.

The initiative aims to make school and college environments more dynamic and engaging, fostering teamwork, creativity, and leadership among students. Activities are set to begin in January and continue throughout the academic year.