Bangladesh is set to mark its 54th Victory Day with a record-breaking skydiving display involving the highest number of national flags. As part of a special government program, 54 paratroopers from the Army, Navy, and Air Force will perform a coordinated parachute jump at 11:40 a.m. from Tejgaon Old Airport, each carrying the national flag. The event aims to secure a new Guinness World Record for the largest flag-bearing parachute display.

Before the skydiving demonstration, the three branches of the armed forces will conduct separate fly-past exhibitions starting at 11:00 a.m. The celebrations will also feature a Victory Day band show at the same venue. Similar fly-past and musical events will be held in other cities across the country, organized by the armed forces, police, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), and Ansar. All events are open to the public.

Officials describe the initiative as a symbol of national pride and unity, reflecting Bangladesh’s enduring spirit of independence and progress.

Bangladesh’s Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has approved charge sheets against seven individuals, including three former customs officials, for allegedly embezzling approximately Tk176 crore in government revenue through misuse of duty benefits and forged import documents. The ACC’s public relations officer, Md Akhtarul Islam, confirmed the approval on Monday.

The first charge sheet accuses four people—including importers, a C&F agent, and a former customs officer—of misappropriating Tk80.92 crore by using falsified documents and low-duty goods. The second case involves three others accused of evading Tk94.61 crore in revenue through fake import declarations from China, misuse of HS codes, and forged shipping papers. The accused face charges under multiple sections of the Penal Code and the 1947 Prevention of Corruption Act.

Investigators allege the defendants colluded to defraud the state by fabricating shipping documents and falsifying customs declarations. The cases highlight persistent challenges in customs oversight and corruption prevention within Bangladesh’s import sector.

Students from the As-Sunnah Foundation’s ‘Medhabi Project’ blockaded the main gate of Jagannath University’s administrative building for nearly ten hours on Monday, demanding inclusion in the university’s special housing stipend policy. The protest, which began around 11 a.m., left the vice-chancellor, treasurer, and several officials confined inside the building until about 8:30 p.m.

The demonstrators presented three key demands: inclusion of Medhabi Project residents under the general housing stipend policy, replacement of merit-based criteria with need-based eligibility, and cancellation of the re-admission condition. During the prolonged protest, one student reportedly fell ill due to exhaustion and was taken to the university medical center. Protesters argued that they pay high accommodation fees but are unfairly excluded from the stipend.

University authorities have yet to issue an official response. The students vowed to continue their movement until their demands are met, warning of intensified action if ignored. The standoff highlights growing tension over housing affordability and equity in university welfare policies.

Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) has postponed the launch of the National Equipment Identity Register (NEIR) system to January 1, shifting from the earlier date of December 16. The decision, announced in a BTRC press release on Monday, aims to give mobile phone traders additional time to register unsold or stocked imported handsets in the system.

According to BTRC sources, many retailers have yet to submit International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) data for their devices, prompting the extension. The commission has requested all mobile phone traders to send the required information in a specified Microsoft Excel format to neir@btrc.gov.bd by December 31.

The NEIR system is designed to curb mobile phone theft and illegal handset use by tracking IMEI numbers nationwide. Once operational, it will help authorities block unauthorized or cloned devices from accessing mobile networks, enhancing consumer protection and national security.

Bangladesh’s Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) intelligence unit has arrested Kabir, a close associate of prime suspect Faisal, in connection with the attempted murder of Osman Hadi. Acting on a tip-off, RAB detained Kabir from a hideout late Monday night, according to a message from RAB headquarters.

Investigators said Kabir is linked not only to the Hadi case but also to other criminal activities led by Faisal’s network. During preliminary questioning, Kabir reportedly provided information about his role and the group’s operations. Authorities believe his arrest could significantly advance the investigation by helping identify other suspects and related branches of the criminal network.

Kabir will soon be handed over to the Detective Branch (DB) police, which is leading the case. Meanwhile, Hadi remains in critical condition after being shot in the head last Friday in Dhaka’s Bijoynagar area. He was transferred to Singapore for advanced treatment on Monday.

Dhaka Metro Rail services will be temporarily suspended for 40 minutes today, December 16, to ensure safety during a parachute jump demonstration at the old Tejgaon Airport area as part of Victory Day celebrations. The Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL) announced that operations will halt from 11:50 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Ahsan Ullah, Deputy Project Director (Public Relations) of DMTCL, confirmed the schedule, citing safety measures for paratroopers as the reason behind the short suspension. The authority expressed regret for any inconvenience caused to passengers and assured that services will resume immediately after the event.

The temporary halt reflects coordination between metro authorities and national event organizers to maintain public safety during the Victory Day festivities, which include military demonstrations and aerial displays. Normal metro operations are expected to continue smoothly following the brief interruption.

The Bangladesh government has introduced a new policy governing firearm licenses and armed retainer appointments for politically significant individuals and parliamentary candidates ahead of the 13th national election. Announced by the Ministry of Home Affairs, the ‘Firearm License and Retainer Appointment Policy 2025’ outlines eligibility criteria, including being a government-recognized political figure, submitting nomination papers, verified security threats, and maintaining physical and mental fitness.

Under the policy, licenses granted will remain valid until 15 days after election results are declared, after which they will automatically expire. The Home Ministry may convert temporary licenses into regular ones if all standard conditions are met. Misuse, violation of election conduct rules, or other legal breaches will result in immediate license cancellation without prior notice, though appeals can be made to the ministry.

The policy emphasizes strict adherence to election commission codes of conduct and prohibits using licensed firearms for intimidation or non-security purposes. Authorities say the move aims to balance candidate security with electoral integrity.

Former information adviser Mahfuz Alam has declared that those safeguarding Indian interests in Bangladesh will not be allowed to remain secure. Speaking at an all-party resistance rally organized by Inqilab Mancha on Monday, Alam accused sections of the country’s cultural, intellectual, and legal sectors of being co-opted to maintain Indian dominance. He claimed that some individuals have sold their conscience and are consciously engaging in anti-national activities.

Alam described these individuals as foreign 'assets' and cited the case of Osman Hadi, whom he said was attacked for standing against such forces. He criticized the silence of intellectuals and cultural figures during the attack, calling it part of a broader conspiracy. Referring to past political violence, Alam warned that patience has limits and that future retaliation would not be restrained.

His remarks come amid heightened nationalist rhetoric and growing sensitivity over Bangladesh’s relations with India. Analysts suggest the speech reflects deepening divisions within political and civil society circles over foreign influence and national sovereignty.

The Government of Bangladesh has approved the purchase of 50,000 metric tons of non-basmati parboiled rice from India for the 2025–26 fiscal year. The procurement, valued at BDT 2.147 billion (USD 17.55 million), was sanctioned at a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Government Purchase chaired by Economic Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed. The rice will be sourced from India’s M/S Bagadia Brothers Pvt Ltd at USD 351.11 per ton, equivalent to BDT 42.98 per kilogram.

According to officials, the decision follows a proposal from the Ministry of Food aimed at strengthening national food reserves and ensuring stability in government distribution channels. The Economic Affairs Committee also approved the import of up to 900,000 tons of rice from international sources to meet emergency and public demand.

Analysts note that the move reflects the government’s precautionary approach amid concerns over domestic production and price volatility. The imports are expected to bolster food security and maintain supply continuity ahead of the next fiscal year.

At a multi-party rally in Dhaka organized by the Inqilab Mancha, Amar Desh editor Mahmudur Rahman delivered a strong statement accusing India of providing refuge to former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and undermining Bangladesh’s sovereignty. Swearing by the blood of political activist Sharif Osman Hadi, Rahman warned that if India fails to return Hasina and others accused of attacks on Bangladeshi leaders, a nationwide resistance movement against Indian institutions in Bangladesh would be launched.

Rahman called on the government to revoke work permits of Indian nationals and to raise the issue at the United Nations, describing India’s actions as an “undeclared war” against Bangladesh. He also announced plans to form local “public security committees” to monitor suspected collaborators and ensure accountability within administrative and judicial systems. His remarks have drawn attention for their sharp anti-India tone and for urging direct civic mobilization.

The speech signals rising nationalist rhetoric amid ongoing political instability. Analysts warn that such statements could strain Dhaka–New Delhi relations and complicate regional diplomacy if not addressed through formal diplomatic channels.

BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman has assured that the upcoming national election in Bangladesh will be held on schedule, dismissing fears of delay or disruption. Speaking at a Victory Day discussion organized by the BNP at the Institution of Engineers in Dhaka, he said he would personally join the electoral process to uphold people’s rights. Rahman emphasized that the next decade would be one of transformation, with the BNP planning to implement a ‘nation-building program’ aimed at creating a self-reliant and prosperous Bangladesh by engaging women, youth, and workers.

He described the forthcoming election as more complex and significant than any in the past, linking it to the nation’s sovereignty and the aspirations of future generations. Rahman warned of domestic and foreign forces attempting to distort the history of independence and democracy. He reiterated BNP’s commitment to free and fair elections, accusing vested groups of trying to sabotage the process. Calling for unity and courage, he said that no one could suppress the will of the people when they stand together, citing Bangladesh’s historic democratic struggles as proof.

Chittagong University authorities issued a press release on Monday evening to clarify confusion surrounding remarks made by its Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Professor Dr. Mohammad Shamim Uddin Khan, about the 1971 intellectual killings. The statement, signed by acting registrar Professor Dr. Saiful Islam, said partial media reports from a December 14 discussion on Martyred Intellectuals Day had created public misunderstanding.

According to the release, Dr. Khan’s comments were made in an academic context during a seminar titled “Free Thought, Liberation War, and the Killing of Intellectuals in 1971.” He had suggested that the killings might have involved international conspiracies and called for an independent investigation commission. The university clarified that Dr. Khan unintentionally used certain words—such as “Pakistani warriors” instead of “Pakistani forces”—which led to misinterpretation.

The administration reaffirmed its respect for press freedom but urged media outlets to avoid creating confusion. It emphasized that the deputy vice-chancellor’s intent was scholarly, not political, and aimed at encouraging historical research on the unresolved aspects of the 1971 tragedy.

Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam stated that no democracy in the world permits organizations led by convicted war criminals to operate, let alone participate in elections. His remarks, shared on his verified Facebook account on Monday, appeared to refer to the recently ousted Sheikh Hasina and the Awami League following the mass uprising.

Responding to a question about whether the Awami League could contest the upcoming general election, Alam said the party’s chief is a fugitive sentenced to death for crimes against humanity and accused of inciting terrorist attacks against Bangladesh. He argued that such a figure’s leadership disqualifies any organization from political participation in democratic nations.

The statement adds to the uncertainty surrounding Bangladesh’s political transition and the future of major parties after the fall of the previous government. Observers note that the caretaker administration’s stance could shape the electoral landscape and international perceptions of Bangladesh’s democratic process.

Bangladesh Jatri Kalyan Samity’s Accident Monitoring Cell reported that in November 2024, a total of 577 transport-related accidents across the country claimed 553 lives and injured around 900 people. Among these, 526 incidents occurred on roads, resulting in 507 deaths and 899 injuries, while 44 railway accidents caused 40 deaths and one injury. Seven waterway accidents left six people dead and four missing.

The report, based on national and regional media monitoring, identified motorcycles as the most accident-prone vehicles, accounting for 38.7% of total road crashes and 41% of fatalities. Dhaka Division recorded the highest number of road accidents, with 155 incidents leading to 132 deaths and 257 injuries, while Sylhet Division saw the fewest. Victims included drivers, pedestrians, students, women, children, and members of law enforcement.

Analysts noted that nearly half of the accidents were caused by vehicles running over victims, followed by head-on collisions and loss of control. The findings highlight persistent road safety challenges despite ongoing awareness campaigns, prompting renewed calls for stricter enforcement and improved transport management.

Bangladesh’s Finance Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed announced that the Finance Ministry will bear all expenses for the overseas medical treatment of Inquilab Mancha spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi. Speaking to reporters after a government procurement advisory committee meeting on Monday, he confirmed that the ministry is prepared to fund the air ambulance and all related costs immediately.

Dr. Ahmed emphasized that the decision to send Hadi abroad was made by the relevant board, and the government promptly sought the ministry’s opinion, to which it responded with full readiness. He added that the country’s political environment remains satisfactory and is expected to become more stable as the Election Commission completes its preparations for the upcoming national polls.

The adviser further stated that the Finance Ministry will allocate funds to the Election Commission as per its forthcoming demand, noting that the election and referendum being held on the same day will increase the budgetary requirement. He also remarked that while the macroeconomic situation is stable, some micro-level weaknesses persist.