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.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) conducted a special operation across Pallabi and Uttara areas, arresting 31 individuals allegedly involved in various criminal activities. According to a DMP press release issued on Tuesday, 17 suspects were detained from Pallabi, 16 from Uttara East, and 14 from Uttara West police station areas. The arrests targeted individuals accused in regular cases, drug-related crimes, and those with outstanding warrants.

Police officials stated that the operation was part of an ongoing effort to maintain law and order in the capital. The arrested individuals include known offenders with prior criminal records, and investigations are underway to determine their involvement in recent incidents. Authorities emphasized that such drives will continue to curb rising urban crime and ensure public safety.

The DMP reiterated its commitment to sustaining these operations as part of a broader strategy to strengthen community security and deter organized criminal networks in Dhaka’s densely populated neighborhoods.

At least 20 activists of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami were reportedly injured in an attack by local BNP members during a Victory Day celebration in Daulatkhan upazila of Bhola on Wednesday, December 16, 2025. The clash broke out at the Amirjang Ghaznavi Stadium over seating arrangements reserved for Jamaat leaders, with witnesses claiming that BNP activists objected to their presence and initiated the violence. Four of the injured were said to be in critical condition.

Jamaat’s upazila amir Hasan Tarek Hawlader alleged that BNP activists tore off nameplates from designated seats and launched an unprovoked assault, chanting offensive slogans. BNP leaders, however, described the incident as a misunderstanding that had since been resolved. Police confirmed that both groups sustained injuries but said no formal complaints had been filed. The upazila executive officer stated he was not present at the time and held both parties responsible.

The incident highlights persistent political tensions between BNP and Jamaat at the local level, even during national commemorations meant to foster unity.

A Dhaka court has granted a seven-day remand for Md. Kabir, an associate of fugitive suspect Faisal Karim Masud, in connection with the attempted murder of Osman Hadi. The order was issued by Metropolitan Magistrate Hasibuzzaman after a hearing on Tuesday. Kabir was arrested in Narayanganj’s Fatullah area and brought before the court, where the police sought a ten-day remand. Investigators allege Kabir owned the motorcycle used in the attack and assisted in the murder attempt.

During the hearing, Kabir claimed the motorcycle was purchased by his friend Mainuddin Islam Shuvo, using Kabir’s ID card only for registration. He also stated he had previously worked as an Uber driver and had been contacted several times by Faisal Karim Masud for errands. Meanwhile, Faisal’s wife, friend, and brother-in-law are already on five-day remand, and another suspect, Abdul Hannan, is on three-day remand under Section 54.

Police continue to investigate the motive and network behind the attack, which has drawn public attention due to the involvement of multiple associates and the use of false ownership documents.

Interim Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus described BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia as an 'integral part of a significant chapter in Bangladesh’s history' during his Victory Day address to the nation on December 16, 2025. He expressed concern over her current illness and hospitalization, noting the government’s recognition of her as a 'nationally significant person.'

Yunus highlighted Khaleda Zia’s long-standing contributions to the country’s independence, sovereignty, and democratic politics. He stated that the government is extending full cooperation to ensure her medical care, respecting her family’s wishes regarding treatment options both at home and abroad. His remarks come amid heightened public attention to Zia’s health and her political legacy.

The statement marks a notable acknowledgment from the interim government toward a major opposition figure, potentially signaling a conciliatory tone in national politics. Observers suggest the move could ease political tensions and foster dialogue during the country’s transitional period.

Bangladesh’s interim government has formally notified India to facilitate the return of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and ex-Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan, both accused in connection with killings during the July uprising. Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus made the announcement in a televised address to the nation on Victory Day, emphasizing that the request is part of a lawful judicial process.

Yunus stated that the International Crimes Tribunal has already delivered one verdict, sentencing Hasina to death for allegedly ordering indiscriminate killings of students, workers, and civilians under the previous regime. The government, he added, is prioritizing three key objectives: ensuring justice for the July–August killings, implementing structural reforms for a transparent democratic system, and organizing a credible national election.

The formal request to India marks a significant diplomatic step, potentially testing bilateral relations. Observers note that New Delhi’s response will be crucial in shaping the next phase of Bangladesh’s transitional justice and political stabilization efforts.

The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) conducted a special operation across the capital to maintain law and order, resulting in the arrest of 47 individuals in Mirpur and Uttara. The arrests were made by three police stations—Pallabi, Uttara East, and Uttara West—during a daylong drive on December 15, confirmed DMP Deputy Commissioner of Media and Public Relations Muhammad Talebur Rahman on Tuesday.

According to police sources, Pallabi Police Station detained 17 suspects from Mirpur, while Uttara East and Uttara West stations arrested 16 and 14 individuals respectively. The detainees include suspects in regular criminal cases, narcotics-related offenses, and those with outstanding warrants. Authorities stated that all arrestees have been sent to court following legal procedures.

The DMP has recently intensified its citywide operations to curb rising street crimes and ensure public safety. Officials indicated that similar drives will continue in other parts of Dhaka as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen urban security and community confidence.

A man named Hafizul Islam, 45, was killed in Kushtia’s Sadar upazila on Tuesday afternoon after a violent altercation with his cousin over chickens entering a garlic field. Police confirmed that the incident occurred in Mothpara village, where Hafizul was attacked with a sharp weapon by his cousin Mahid following a long-standing family dispute. Two individuals have been detained, though no formal case has yet been filed.

According to Hafizul’s brother, the conflict had been ongoing for months as the chickens repeatedly damaged Mahid’s garlic plants. When the issue resurfaced on Tuesday, an argument escalated into physical violence, leading Mahid to strike Hafizul with a spear-like weapon. Hafizul was rushed to Kushtia General Hospital, where he died from excessive bleeding, confirmed the hospital’s resident physician Dr. Hossain Imam.

Police are investigating the incident and awaiting autopsy results. The case highlights recurring rural disputes in Bangladesh that often escalate into fatal violence over minor property or livestock issues.

A coalition of at least 36 political parties and organizations known as July Unity has issued a legal notice to Bangladesh’s Chief Election Commissioner and the Ministry of Law, demanding a ban on the Awami League, Jatiya Party, and other members of the 14-party alliance. The notice, sent by Abdullah Al Mahmud on behalf of July Unity, follows an alleged assassination attempt on Sharif Osman Hadi, an independent candidate and activist linked to the July movement.

The alliance accuses the Awami League-led government of establishing authoritarian rule since 2008, which it claims ended after mass protests in August 2024. July Unity argues that despite the government’s fall, former ruling party leaders continue to destabilize the country through conspiracies and violence. The attempted attack on Hadi has intensified calls for a formal ban on the coalition parties.

The Election Commission and Law Ministry have not yet commented on the notice. Political analysts suggest the move could deepen polarization in Bangladesh’s post-transition political landscape, testing the country’s fragile democratic institutions.

Police in Dhunat upazila of Bogura have arrested four local leaders of the Awami League and Jubo League in connection with two separate cases involving arson, vandalism, and a cocktail attack. The cases stem from incidents targeting former MP GM Siraj’s vehicle and a local Jubo Dal leader. The detainees were sent to Bogura District Jail on Tuesday following their arrest from their homes.

According to case details, one incident occurred in February when Awami League activists held a torch procession in Dhunat town, leading to a clash with Jubo Dal members and an alleged cocktail attack. Another case relates to a 2018 campaign event where GM Siraj’s vehicle was attacked and set on fire. Police said efforts are ongoing to apprehend other accused individuals.

The arrests come amid heightened political tensions in the region ahead of national elections, with law enforcement under pressure to curb politically motivated violence. Authorities have pledged further operations to prevent recurrence of such incidents.

Bangladesh has renamed a major road in Dhaka as 'Felanī Avenue' to commemorate Felanī Khatun, a teenage girl killed by India’s Border Security Force (BSF) in 2011. The inauguration took place on Victory Day at Gulshan-2, where Local Government and Housing Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan stated that the nation demands an end to border killings. The event was organized by Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) and attended by senior government officials.

Adilur Rahman emphasized that the renaming serves as a reminder of the brutality Felanī faced and as a call to the global conscience about ongoing human rights violations along the Bangladesh-India border. Local Government Secretary Md. Rezaul Maksud Jahedi described the killing as a clear human rights breach, while DNCC Administrator Mohammad Ejaz said the road’s name symbolizes national dignity and protest.

The move highlights Bangladesh’s continuing diplomatic and humanitarian concerns over border violence, urging stronger accountability and bilateral cooperation to prevent further civilian casualties.