Bangladesh’s Education Adviser Professor Dr. Chowdhury Rafiqul Abrar has called on the University Grants Commission (UGC) and universities to adopt comprehensive measures for students’ social and mental well-being. Speaking at a discussion on the ‘Social and Mental Health Protection’ project in Dhaka, he emphasized the need for sustainable programs to help students recover from the trauma of the July uprising.

The meeting, chaired by UGC Chairman Professor Dr. S.M.A. Faez, was attended by UNESCO’s Bangladesh representative Suzanne Wise, senior UGC members, and Education Ministry officials. Abrar noted that UNESCO’s initiative has already supported 10,000 students with mental health services and raised awareness among 20,000 more through social media. Wise highlighted that policy implementation, rather than formulation, remains the key challenge in Bangladesh.

The project, launched after the July movement, aims to strengthen mental health support across 22 universities. Participants agreed that continued collaboration among universities, UGC, and UNESCO is essential to ensure long-term psychological resilience among students.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has finalized extensive preparations for the return of its acting chairman, Tarique Rahman, who is set to arrive in Dhaka on December 25 after 18 years in self-exile in London. Party officials confirmed that his residence at 196 Gulshan Avenue has been fully prepared, including enhanced security measures such as CCTV installation and protective canopies. Separate offices have been arranged for him at the BNP chairperson’s Gulshan office and the party’s central headquarters in Naya Paltan.

BNP sources said the residence is located near Begum Khaleda Zia’s home, ‘Firoza,’ and another rented house in Gulshan will serve as the coordination center for the upcoming 13th national election campaign. Party Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir stated that leaders and activists are preparing to welcome Tarique in an orderly manner along Dhaka’s streets. The return marks a significant moment for the BNP as it seeks to consolidate leadership and mobilize support ahead of the next election.

Police in Bagatipara upazila of Natore have arrested Md. Sekendar Rahman, former general secretary of the local Awami League unit, during a special operation on Tuesday morning. The arrest took place around 10:30 a.m. at Malanchi Bazar, according to police sources. Rahman served as the upazila Awami League’s general secretary from 2004 to 2022.

Authorities stated that multiple allegations of corruption, extortion, and irregularities had been filed against him during his tenure. Local sources also claimed that Rahman was involved in politically motivated cases and repressive actions against opposition activists from Jamaat-e-Islami and the BNP. He was further accused of participating in crackdowns during the July movement.

Officer-in-Charge of Bagatipara Model Police Station, Md. Manjurul Alam, confirmed that Rahman was sent to court after initial interrogation. The arrest has drawn attention to growing scrutiny of local political figures and could signal intensified law enforcement actions ahead of upcoming political activities.

Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of Inquilab Mancha and independent candidate for Dhaka-8, remains in critical condition at Singapore General Hospital following a gunshot injury. Doctors report that his neurological condition has not improved, with ischemic changes and brain edema persisting. A specialized medical team continues to monitor him closely, but his current health does not permit the brain surgery required to remove bullet fragments.

According to Dhaka Medical College neurosurgeon Dr. Abdul Ahad, Hadi’s vital organs are being supported by artificial ventilation, and his Glasgow Coma Scale score remains unchanged. His brother Omar confirmed from Singapore that while other organs are functioning, his brain remains severely affected. Doctors emphasized that the next few days are crucial, as the medical ‘time window’ for potential recovery is narrowing.

Medical experts have urged the public to avoid spreading unverified information about Hadi’s condition. His family and colleagues have requested prayers, while doctors continue intensive treatment in hopes of unexpected improvement within medical limits.

Police in Bhangura, Pabna, have arrested two activists of the banned Chhatra League in connection with an explosives case. The detainees, identified as Bayezid Hossain of Puibil village and Suman Hossain of Patharghata village, were taken into custody from their homes late Monday night. Officer-in-Charge SM Mostafizur Rahman confirmed the arrests and said both were wanted in a case involving a cocktail explosion near the BNP office in Ashtamanisha Union.

Bayezid is also the second accused in a previous assault case against journalist Manik Hossain, who suffered a broken leg during the attack. Following legal procedures, both suspects were sent to Pabna Jail on Tuesday afternoon. Local authorities said the arrests are part of ongoing efforts to curb political violence and ensure accountability for recent unrest.

The incident underscores rising tensions between rival political groups in the region, with law enforcement maintaining heightened vigilance ahead of upcoming political events.

Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar has alleged that the recent attack on Sharif Osman Hadi was part of a deeper conspiracy to derail Bangladesh’s upcoming national election. Speaking at a youth marathon event in Dhaka on Victory Day, Parwar demanded that authorities ensure the safety of all candidates, including freedom fighters, and create a fair electoral environment where voters can cast ballots without fear.

Parwar criticized what he described as a long-standing pattern of political targeting and called for unity in building a 'new Bangladesh.' He also made controversial remarks about India’s role in 1971, claiming it acted out of strategic motives rather than support for Bangladesh’s independence. His comments drew attention amid heightened political tension and security concerns ahead of the polls.

Observers note that Jamaat’s renewed public activity signals its intent to reassert political relevance despite past restrictions. The Election Commission has yet to respond to Parwar’s security demands, but law enforcement agencies are under pressure to prevent further violence as the campaign season intensifies.

The National Citizens Party (NCP) launched its ‘Anti-Aggression March’ in Dhaka on Tuesday afternoon to commemorate Bangladesh’s Victory Day. The procession began at Banglamotor intersection around 3:30 p.m. and is scheduled to pass through Katabon, Nilkhet, and Palashi before concluding at the Central Shaheed Minar.

The march is being led by NCP convener Nahid Islam and member secretary Akhtar Hossain, accompanied by senior party figures including chief coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary, southern region organizer Hasnat Abdullah, and joint conveners Samanta Sharmin and Ariful Islam Adib. The event aims to highlight national unity and opposition to aggression, both domestic and external, according to party organizers.

The rally underscores NCP’s attempt to strengthen its political visibility amid a crowded opposition landscape. Observers note that the Victory Day occasion provides smaller political groups an opportunity to connect with citizens through symbolic demonstrations of patriotism and solidarity.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has announced a social media reel-making competition titled “Amar Vabnay Bangladesh” to mark the homecoming of its acting chairman, Tarique Rahman. The contest, unveiled at a press conference in Gulshan, Dhaka, encourages participants from Bangladesh and abroad to create one-minute reels on 11 selected themes, including family card, farmer card, employment, education, environment, and sports. Entries must be posted on the BNP’s official Facebook event page between December 16 and December 25.

According to Dr. Mahdi Amin, adviser to Tarique Rahman, the top ten winners will earn an exclusive conversation opportunity with the BNP leader. Winners will be chosen based on 30% public voting and 70% jury evaluation. The initiative aims to engage citizens of all ages, particularly youth, in expressing their vision for Bangladesh’s future through digital storytelling.

Party officials said the competition seeks to highlight public aspirations and foster political engagement ahead of Tarique Rahman’s return, signaling BNP’s growing emphasis on digital outreach and youth mobilization.

National Citizens Party (NCP) convener Nahid Islam declared that his party remains united against what he termed the 'traitors of 1971 and 2024'. Speaking at the National Martyrs’ Memorial on December 16, he accused 'fallen fascist forces' of attempting to destabilize Bangladesh and disrupt the upcoming parliamentary elections. Islam linked current political unrest to historical struggles for sovereignty and justice, asserting that the people’s fight for dignity continues.

He criticized the government for failing to arrest those involved in the recent attack on Inquilab Mancha leader Sharif Osman Bin Hadi, expressing frustration over what he described as a deteriorating security environment. Islam also urged NCP candidates to campaign for reform and a 'yes' vote in the forthcoming election and referendum.

Political analysts view his remarks as part of a broader effort by smaller parties to position themselves amid rising uncertainty before the polls. The NCP’s emphasis on anti-fascist unity may signal attempts to mobilize disaffected voters seeking systemic reform.

Gono Odhikar Parishad’s General Secretary Rashed Khan has accused the ruling Awami League of plotting to assassinate 50 parliamentary candidates before Bangladesh’s upcoming 13th national election. Speaking to reporters after paying tribute at the National Martyrs’ Memorial on Tuesday, Khan claimed the campaign had already begun, citing the recent shooting of activist Osman Hadi as evidence.

Khan criticized the government’s handling of the attack, questioning the effectiveness of law enforcement and intelligence agencies. He referenced the Home Affairs Adviser’s announcement of a 5 million taka reward for identifying the attackers, calling it a sign of institutional failure. Khan further alleged that the government’s advisory and administrative bodies lack coordination and competence, arguing that promised reforms have not materialized.

The opposition leader’s remarks come amid heightened political tension ahead of the election. His call for an “Operation Devil Hunt 2” against what he termed “fascist elements” in government underscores growing distrust between opposition groups and state authorities.

Mufti Amir Hamza, the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami candidate for Kushtia-3 constituency, claimed that 90% of the stories surrounding Bangladesh’s 1971 Liberation War are fabricated. Speaking at a Victory Day rally organized by the district Jamaat at Kushtia’s Bijoy Ullash Chattar, he argued that the party’s wartime role had been misrepresented and that Jamaat was opposed to Indian intervention, not the independence movement itself.

Hamza cited historian Badruddin Umar’s writings to support his claim, asserting that the public had been denied the truth about the war’s history. He emphasized that Jamaat stood for Bangladesh’s sovereignty and sought to build a future free from foreign influence. Party leaders including Suja Uddin Joardar and Mazharul Haque were present at the event.

His remarks have drawn sharp criticism from pro-liberation groups and historians, who view such statements as attempts to distort the nation’s foundational history. The comments are likely to intensify political debate ahead of upcoming national elections.

A newly named road in Dhaka’s Gulshan area, ‘Felani Avenue,’ was inaugurated on Bangladesh’s Victory Day to honor Felani Khatun, the teenage girl killed by India’s Border Security Force (BSF) in 2011. The inauguration ceremony was attended by Adilur Rahman Khan, adviser to the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives, as chief guest, and chaired by Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) administrator Mohammad Ejaz.

Officials described the naming as a symbolic act of remembrance and protest against ongoing border killings. Khan stated that the road’s name would remind citizens of the cruelty Felani endured and reflect Bangladesh’s call to end such cross-border violence. Local Government Secretary Md. Rezaul Maksud Jahedi termed the killing a clear human rights violation.

DNCC administrator Ejaz noted that the initiative represents national dignity and moral protest, emphasizing that Bangladesh will uphold its humanitarian values in dialogue with neighboring countries. The move underscores continued public sensitivity to border-related human rights issues.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman is set to attend his final party program in London on Tuesday before returning to Bangladesh. The event, marking Victory Day, will take place at the City Pavilion at 5 p.m., where Rahman is expected to deliver a directive speech to party members and formally bid farewell to the UK-based BNP community.

Local BNP leaders confirmed that due to time constraints, no separate community event will be held. UK BNP Joint Secretary Khosruzzaman Khosru said enthusiasm among activists is high, with extensive preparations underway to ensure the program’s success. The meeting will be chaired by BNP Chairperson’s Adviser and UK BNP President M.A. Malik, and conducted by National Executive Committee member and UK BNP General Secretary Koysor M. Ahmed.

Rahman, who has lived in the UK since 2008 following his release from detention after the 2007 political upheaval, is expected to depart for Bangladesh on December 24. His return marks a significant political moment for the BNP ahead of the next national election.

Jagannath University’s branch of Islami Chhatra Shibir organized a 100-boat rally on Dhaka’s Buriganga River on December 16 to commemorate Bangladesh’s Victory Day. Around 700 activists participated, wearing red and green shirts and carrying national flags. The rally began at Shyambazar Ghat, reached Postogola Bridge, and returned to its starting point, drawing attention from locals and media.

Speakers, including Shibir’s Jagannath University president and student panel candidates, said the event aimed to honor the Liberation War’s legacy while raising awareness about river conservation. They criticized river encroachment and pollution, alleging that India’s upstream water control has harmed Bangladesh’s major rivers such as Teesta and Feni. The organizers also condemned a recent social media post by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling it disrespectful to Bangladesh’s independence.

The rally’s combination of patriotic celebration and environmental advocacy highlighted growing student activism around national sovereignty and ecological issues. Authorities have not commented on the event or its political undertones.

At a Victory Day event in Dhaka, Dr. Mahmudur Rahman, editor of *Amar Desh*, asserted that no foreign power, including India, could ever subjugate Bangladesh again. Speaking as chief guest at a free medical camp and scholarship ceremony organized by Insaf Baraka Kidney and General Hospital, he praised the resilience of Bangladesh’s 180 million citizens and honored the sacrifices of freedom fighters who secured independence in 1971.

Rahman emphasized the importance of remembering key national milestones such as 1947, 1971, and the July Revolution, describing them as defining moments of national pride. He criticized the country’s corrupt elite for exploiting ordinary citizens and urged investment in human resources and healthcare to reduce dependence on foreign medical treatment. Highlighting the success of students from modest backgrounds, he said they represent the nation’s true strength and future.

The event’s organizers echoed his call for unity and progress, stressing that the spirit of the Liberation War and July Revolution must guide Bangladesh’s development toward a self-reliant future.