On the night of December 16, 2025, citizens in Rangpur gathered at the Central Shaheed Minar to honor the martyrs of Bangladesh’s Liberation War. Among them was six-year-old Malaicha Rahman, holding a placard reading “Bangladesh Awaits Osman Hadi,” symbolizing the nation’s concern for Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of Inquilab Mancha, who remains critically injured after a recent shooting.

Political leaders from the BNP, Jatiya Party, and National Citizens Party (NCP), along with cultural organizations, laid floral wreaths at the monument. District BNP convener Saiful Islam and several local leaders attended the midnight ceremony, calling for unity and prayers for Hadi’s recovery.

Hadi was shot in the head on December 12 by two assailants on a motorcycle in Dhaka’s Purana Paltan area. The attack has sparked widespread condemnation and renewed concerns over political violence. Authorities have yet to announce any arrests, while supporters continue to demand justice and improved security for activists.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has lifted the suspension of five local leaders from Nawabganj upazila in Dinajpur district. The decision was announced in a statement signed by Senior Joint Secretary General Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Monday. The leaders—former upazila president Md Yunus Ali, Md Azad Rahman, Md Kamruzzaman Babu, joint secretary Md Shahjahan, and treasurer Md Moharram Ali—had previously been suspended for alleged anti-organizational activities.

According to the BNP statement, the suspensions were revoked on December 15 following appeals and a subsequent review by the party’s central leadership. The move signals an effort by the BNP to consolidate internal unity ahead of potential political mobilizations.

Party insiders view the decision as part of a broader reconciliation process within the BNP’s grassroots network. Observers suggest that restoring these leaders may strengthen local organizational structures as the party prepares for upcoming political challenges and national-level engagements.

A newly submitted report by Bangladesh’s National Independent Inquiry Commission has alleged that India had a close and multifaceted involvement in the 2009 BDR (Bangladesh Rifles) mutiny that killed dozens of army officers in Dhaka’s Pilkhana headquarters. The commission, which handed its findings to the Chief Adviser on November 30, claims India sought five strategic advantages from the event, including weakening Bangladesh’s military leadership, undermining its peacekeeping reputation, and increasing dependence on Indian security structures.

The report cites testimonies from military officers, intelligence sources, and foreign research, suggesting coordination between Indian intelligence agency R&AW and certain Bangladeshi political figures before the mutiny. It references alleged meetings in India’s Barasat and statements by Indian diplomat Neeraj Srivastava as indicators of prior intent. The findings also recall the 2001 Padua border clash, implying a motive for retribution.

While the report’s claims remain unverified independently, they could reignite debate over foreign interference in Bangladesh’s security affairs. Officials have not yet commented on whether the government will initiate diplomatic discussions with India regarding the allegations.

The Bangladesh Election Commission (EC) has temporarily restricted the organization of religious sermons, known as waz mahfils, without prior approval until the completion of the 13th parliamentary elections on February 12, 2025. The EC has sent letters to the Home and Religious Affairs secretaries instructing them to oversee compliance, citing the need to maintain a neutral electoral environment. Returning officers may grant exceptions with written consent, and executive magistrates are to be present at approved events.

EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed clarified that the directive is not a blanket ban but a measure to ensure that religious gatherings are not used for political campaigning. Religious leaders and Islamic scholars have strongly criticized the decision, calling it disruptive to long-standing cultural traditions and unnecessary given the peaceful nature of such events. They urged the government to reconsider the restrictions.

The EC also issued a separate letter to the Information Ministry, emphasizing equal media access for all candidates and prohibiting personal attacks during televised election discussions, aiming to ensure a fair and balanced campaign environment.

Two crude bomb explosions occurred within ten minutes in separate areas of Manikganj town on Monday evening, causing widespread panic though no casualties were reported. The first blast took place near the District Council area around 7 p.m., followed shortly by another in front of the Deputy Commissioner’s office. Witnesses described loud explosions that sent residents fleeing and prompted shop closures across the city.

Police quickly arrived at both sites, collected evidence, and launched an investigation into the incidents. According to the Officer-in-Charge (Investigation) of Manikganj Sadar Police Station, preliminary findings suggest the blasts were caused by homemade explosive devices known locally as “cocktails.” No arrests have been made so far, but additional forces have been deployed and CCTV footage is under review.

Authorities have heightened security in key areas of the town as residents demand swift identification and arrest of those responsible. The motives behind the explosions remain unclear, and investigators are exploring whether the attacks were politically or criminally motivated.

Thousands of people from across Bangladesh gathered at the National Memorial in Savar on Tuesday morning to pay their respects to the martyrs of the 1971 Liberation War. President Md. Shahabuddin and interim government Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus led the tributes by placing floral wreaths at dawn, followed by a moment of silence in memory of the fallen heroes.

After the official ceremony, the memorial was opened to the public, allowing citizens, students, political leaders, freedom fighters, and their families to offer flowers and pay homage. The memorial premises were filled with floral tributes, banners, and national symbols. Senior civil and military officials, diplomats, and members of the judiciary were also present during the state ceremony.

Victory Day is being celebrated nationwide with various programs organized by the government, political parties, and social and cultural organizations. The day serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made for Bangladesh’s independence and the enduring unity of its people.

Investigators from Dhaka Metropolitan Detective Branch (DB) are facing difficulties in solving the attempted murder of Inqilab Manch spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi. Despite multiple interrogations and field operations, police have yet to identify a clear motive or mastermind behind the December 12 shooting in Purana Paltan. The main suspect, Faisal Karim Masud, who was seen in Hadi’s election campaign, remains at large, prompting heightened border surveillance amid rumors he fled to India.

Authorities have arrested Faisal’s wife, brother-in-law, and a female friend, each placed on five-day remand for questioning. Police sources say key leads are being verified, while RAB has conducted a parallel shadow investigation. Hadi, critically injured in the attack, has been transferred to Singapore for advanced treatment. Officials admit there has been no significant progress, though they believe Faisal’s arrest could unlock the case.

The incident has sparked nationwide attention, with law enforcement under pressure to explain how a campaign associate became an alleged shooter.

Farmers in Shibganj, Chapainawabganj, are celebrating a bumper yield of off-season Katimon mangoes, which have already reached markets across Bangladesh. Favorable weather conditions contributed to strong production, while high demand from Dhaka traders has driven prices upward. Wholesale buyers are crowding the Kansat mango market, purchasing the premium fruit at record prices.

According to local traders, top-grade Katimon mangoes are selling for Tk 15,000–16,000 per maund, up from Tk 13,000–14,000 just a week earlier. Agricultural officials report that around 2,150 hectares in the upazila are now dedicated to Katimon cultivation, reflecting its growing popularity. Farmers say advance bookings from urban buyers have further boosted local prices.

While growers and wholesalers benefit from the strong market, retail consumers complain that the fruit has become unaffordable. The Department of Agricultural Extension expects production to expand next year with proper management, as more farmers shift toward cultivating this profitable off-season variety.

Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus paid homage to the martyrs of Bangladesh’s 1971 Liberation War at the National Martyrs’ Memorial in Savar on Tuesday morning, marking the 54th Victory Day. He placed floral wreaths in honor of those who sacrificed their lives for the country’s independence and stood in solemn silence to show respect.

A smartly turned-out contingent comprising members of the Bangladesh Army, Navy, and Air Force presented a state salute, accompanied by the mournful sound of the bugle. Following the tribute, Professor Yunus exchanged greetings with members of the Advisory Council, senior military officials, freedom fighters, and relatives of the martyrs. Earlier in the morning, President Mohammed Shahabuddin also paid his respects by laying wreaths at the memorial.

The Victory Day ceremonies highlight national unity and remembrance, reaffirming Bangladesh’s commitment to the ideals of independence and freedom. The day was observed across the country with patriotic fervor and tributes to the nation’s heroes.

A late-night incident at Jagannath University in Dhaka sparked unrest after students painted Pakistan’s national flag on the campus main gate without prior authorization. The act, which occurred around 1 a.m. on December 15, led to heated exchanges between students and the university’s proctorial team, who attempted to stop the activity. Despite the intervention, the students completed the painting, prompting immediate backlash.

In response, the university unit of the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) organized a protest march around 2:30 a.m., chanting anti-Pakistan slogans and rallying across the campus before gathering in front of the administrative building. Proctor Professor Dr. Tajammul Haque stated that drawing any foreign flag within the campus requires prior administrative approval, which was not obtained in this case.

The incident has raised concerns about campus discipline and political tensions ahead of Victory Day commemorations. University authorities are expected to review the situation and consider disciplinary measures against those involved.

Bangladesh’s National Curriculum and Textbook Board (NCTB) is racing to complete printing nearly 300 million textbooks for the 2025 academic year, but delays in tender processes have raised concerns about timely distribution. While all 90 million primary-level books have been printed and dispatched, printing for most secondary-level books has only recently begun, leaving publishers doubtful that all students will receive their books by January.

Printing industry representatives blame the delay on NCTB’s cancellation of earlier tenders for grades six to eight, which compressed the production timeline to just 50 days. Analysts warn that if students do not receive books at the start of the school year, learning outcomes could suffer. NCTB officials, however, remain optimistic that distribution will be completed on time.

Economic adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed downplayed fears of major disruption, saying all pending approvals have been finalized and only minor delays may occur. With national elections and religious holidays approaching, education experts urge swift government action to avoid setbacks in the learning process.

Bangladesh’s Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) has arrested Cynthia Beethi, daughter of jailed top criminal Subrata Bain, from Cumilla. Beethi, widely known in the underworld as the ‘Gang Mother’, allegedly controlled her father’s crime network during his imprisonment. Authorities say her arrest could expose deeper ties between organized crime, political unrest, and cross-border terrorism.

Investigators believe Beethi maintained contact with Indian criminal groups and oversaw arms trafficking, extortion, and illegal financial operations. RAB is analyzing her digital devices and call records to trace her international connections and identify accomplices. Officials also suspect her involvement in recent attacks on July revolution activists and possible links with fugitive political figures.

Security analysts view the arrest as a potential breakthrough in dismantling a modern, tech-driven criminal network operating across borders. Law enforcement agencies are now focusing on uncovering her arms caches, financial backers, and trained hitmen, with more arrests expected in the coming weeks.

Digital investigative outlet The Descent has identified a third suspect linked to the attempted murder of Inqilab Mancha spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi. The suspect, Zakir Hossain alias 'Jin Zakir', was reportedly active in Hadi’s election campaign and maintained contact with two previously known suspects, Faisal Karim Masud and his motorcycle driver, Alamgir Hossain.

According to The Descent, Zakir had a prior criminal record, including robbery cases filed in Mohammadpur and Gabtoli in October 2024. Police had arrested him and two others, recovering cash, gold, and mobile phones. He was later released on bail in July following a High Court order. Daksu Liberation War Affairs Secretary Fatima Tasnim Juma publicly urged citizens to help capture the three suspects, posting a campaign photo marking them.

The identification raises questions about security lapses in political campaigns and the infiltration of criminal elements. Law enforcement agencies have yet to issue an official statement, while citizens and activists continue to demand swift action and transparency in the ongoing investigation.

A senior leader of the Jubo Dal in Hathazari, GM Saiful Islam, has been accused of leading a violent slogan against Islami Chhatra Shibir on the Chittagong University campus. Witnesses said the incident occurred Monday evening near the Zero Point area, and video footage of the event has circulated on social media. The slogan reportedly targeted Shibir activists amid escalating campus tensions.

The confrontation followed demands for the resignation of a university pro-vice-chancellor, which triggered rival gatherings among Chhatra Dal, leftist student groups, and Shibir activists. Mohammad Parvez, secretary of the university’s Shibir unit, alleged that former Chhatra League members now aligned with Chhatra Dal and Jubo Dal were reviving violent slogans once used by ruling party student wings. Attempts to reach Saiful Islam for comment were unsuccessful, and university authorities have yet to issue a statement.

Observers fear the incident could reignite factional violence on campus, undermining recent efforts to restore stability after earlier political clashes.

Leaders of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Bangladesh have expressed deep concern over incidents of unrest and disorder reported across the country following the announcement of the 13th parliamentary election schedule. Speaking at a special committee meeting held at Jamia Hossainia Arzabad in Mirpur on Monday, senior party figures said such anarchic situations are unacceptable and called for immediate and firm action to restore order.

The meeting, chaired by party president Maulana Ubaidullah Faruq, was attended by several top leaders including Maulana Abdul Quddus Talukdar, Maulana Junaid Al-Habib, and Maulana Manjurul Islam Afendi. They urged law enforcement agencies to act more decisively and cautioned government officials against making irresponsible statements that could further inflame tensions. The leaders emphasized that maintaining peace and discipline is essential during the election period.

Observers note that the party’s statement reflects growing anxiety among political and religious groups about potential instability as the election approaches. Authorities are expected to tighten security measures in sensitive areas in the coming days.