Bangladesh Bank’s latest report reveals a deepening crisis in the country’s banking sector, with 17 out of 61 banks now holding between 50% and 99% of their total loans as non-performing. As of September, the overall default loan ratio across the sector surged to 36%, up from 17% a year earlier, with total defaults reaching Tk 6.44 trillion. State-owned banks such as Janata, Rupali, and BASIC show default ratios above 50%, while several private banks—including Union, First Security Islami, and Global Islami—exceed 90%.

Banking officials attribute the surge to years of politically influenced lending and loan concealment under the previous government. Following a change in administration, previously hidden bad loans were reclassified, exposing the true scale of the problem. Analysts warn that the rapid deterioration threatens liquidity, investor confidence, and overall economic stability.

The government has begun merging several distressed banks to protect depositors and prevent systemic collapse. Economists urge urgent structural reforms, stronger regulatory oversight, and accountability measures to restore trust in Bangladesh’s financial system.

Bangladesh’s former army chief, General (Retd.) Moeen U Ahmed, told the National Independent Inquiry Commission that India had prepared for possible military intervention during the 2009 BDR mutiny if the Bangladeshi armed forces acted outside government orders. He said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, feeling insecure and uncertain of army support, had sought India’s security assistance. Indian paratroopers were reportedly on standby to secure key sites in Dhaka, including the Prime Minister’s residence.

The revelations, supported by research from Avinash Paliwal of SOAS, appear in his 2024 Oxford University Press book *India’s Near East: A New History*. Former foreign secretary Touhid Hossain confirmed that Moeen was instructed not to use force, as Indian troops could have entered Dhaka within an hour. The commission’s report, submitted on November 30, 2024, details these communications and India’s readiness.

Analysts suggest the episode underscores the fragility of Bangladesh’s civil-military relations at the time and India’s strategic vigilance in the region. The findings may influence future discussions on regional security cooperation and crisis management.

A case has been filed at Dhaka’s Paltan Police Station following the shooting and attempted murder of Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of Inqilab Manch and a potential independent candidate for the Dhaka-8 constituency. Police confirmed early Monday that the case was lodged by one of Hadi’s relatives, with Inspector (Operations) Yasin Mia assigned to lead the investigation.

Duty Officer ASI Rakibul Hasan stated that the case was formally registered after the attack, which left Hadi injured but alive. Authorities have not yet disclosed details about the suspects or motive behind the shooting. The incident has drawn attention within local political circles, as Hadi had recently announced his intention to contest as an independent candidate.

Police said they are reviewing CCTV footage and witness statements to identify the attackers. The case adds to growing concerns over political violence ahead of potential electoral activities in Dhaka’s central constituencies.

Sharif Osman Hadi, a key leader of the July Revolution and potential independent candidate for Dhaka-8, is being flown to Singapore on Monday afternoon for advanced medical treatment. Government officials confirmed that all arrangements, including a medical air ambulance and specialist team, have been completed. The decision followed an emergency conference led by Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus, with cultural adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki and senior physicians participating. All medical expenses will be covered by the state.

According to the medical board, Hadi’s condition remains extremely critical. Recent CT scans revealed worsening brain swelling and oxygen deficiency, though kidney and lung functions are stable. Physicians reported hormonal imbalances and blood pressure fluctuations due to brain stem injury. The medical team continues to monitor vital signs closely and maintain life support. The Chief Adviser has instructed continuous updates on Hadi’s condition and requested public prayers for his recovery.

Hadi will be admitted to Singapore General Hospital’s Accident and Emergency Department, where a full treatment plan is in place.

Bangladesh’s economy, under pressure from declining exports, weak private investment, and rising non-performing loans, is being sustained largely by record remittance inflows. According to Bangladesh Bank, expatriates sent $29.59 billion up to November 2024, an 18% increase from the previous year. Following the July 2024 political transition, remittance inflows surged by over 46%, helping foreign exchange reserves rise from $22 billion to nearly $32 billion.

Economists such as Dr. Zahid Hossain and Dr. Helal Uddin Ahmed note that remittances have stabilized the exchange rate and improved the balance of payments, offsetting weaknesses in exports and investment. Analysts attribute the surge to reduced money laundering, tighter monitoring, and a narrower gap between formal and informal dollar markets. Policy Exchange Bangladesh Chairman Masrur Riaz described the remittance boom as a “lifeline” for the economy.

Despite the relief, experts warn that gas shortages, export contraction, and slow investment continue to threaten recovery. They urge diversification of labor markets and skill development to sustain remittance growth and macroeconomic stability.

Dhaka Metropolitan Detective Branch (DB) has taken journalist Anis Alamgir into custody for extensive questioning regarding unspecified matters. According to DB Chief Shafiqul Islam, Alamgir was unable to provide satisfactory answers to several questions during the interrogation, prompting the initiation of legal procedures against him. As a result, he was required to remain at the DB office overnight.

Officials stated that Alamgir was brought in for questioning on specific issues, though no formal case details were disclosed. Additional Commissioner of Police noted that further information would be provided through the DMP Media Center. The reasons behind the interrogation and the nature of the alleged issues remain unclear, with authorities maintaining that the process is ongoing.

The incident has drawn attention within media circles, raising concerns about press freedom and the treatment of journalists in Bangladesh. Observers are awaiting official clarification from the police and any subsequent legal developments in the coming days.

A complaint has been filed under Bangladesh’s Anti-Terrorism Act against journalist Anis Alamgir, actress Meher Afroz Shaon, and two others. The case was lodged Sunday night at Uttara West Police Station by Arian Ahmed, a central organizer of the July Revolutionary Alliance. The complaint alleges that the accused conspired to destabilize the state and promote banned organizations through social media and television appearances following the July 2024 student movement.

According to the complaint, the accused allegedly spread propaganda to revive outlawed groups such as the Awami League’s student and youth wings, inspiring followers to engage in anti-state activities. Following the filing, Dhaka Metropolitan Detective Police (DB) took Alamgir in for questioning Sunday night. DB officials confirmed his detention for interrogation but said further decisions would follow after questioning.

The incident has drawn attention from media and civil society, with observers noting the sensitivity of applying anti-terror laws to public figures. Authorities have not yet confirmed whether formal charges will proceed or if the accused will be released after questioning.

Dhaka Metropolitan Detective Police (DB) have identified three additional suspects believed to be part of a support team in the attempted murder of Inqilab Manch spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi. CCTV footage showed suspicious movements by three individuals near the crime scene, moments before gunman Faisal shot Hadi and fled with accomplice Alamgir on a motorcycle. Authorities are conducting nationwide raids, though the suspects remain at large.

Conflicting reports have emerged over whether the main suspects fled to India. While police claim Faisal and Alamgir are still in Bangladesh, DB sources suggest they escaped through the Haluaghat border. Law enforcement has sealed their passports and tightened border security. RAB has detained Faisal’s wife, brother-in-law, and girlfriend for questioning over possible involvement.

The attack has heightened concern over candidate safety ahead of the upcoming national election. Police have classified over 8,700 polling centers as highly risky and launched “Operation Devil Hunt Phase-2” to capture the attackers. Government officials have pledged maximum efforts to ensure justice and maintain election security.

Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) Liberation War and Democratic Movement Secretary Fatima Tasnim Juma has called on all citizens to join an all-party resistance rally scheduled for Monday afternoon at the Central Shaheed Minar. The rally is being organized to protest the recent shooting of activist Sharif Osman Hadi. Juma made the appeal through a Facebook post late Sunday night, expressing deep emotion and solidarity with Hadi and his supporters.

In her post, Juma described Hadi as a selfless leader devoted to his comrades and the nation, recalling his dedication and personal sacrifices. She criticized the state for failing to protect what she called one of its most patriotic citizens and vowed that those responsible for the attack would be held accountable. The post also carried a strong nationalist tone, pledging to resist external cultural and political dominance.

The rally is expected to draw participants from various political and student groups. Observers note that the event could become a focal point for renewed student activism and broader political mobilization in Dhaka.

Abdullah Al Jaber, member secretary of Inqilab Mancha, issued a stern warning to Bangladesh’s interim government on Sunday night, saying the administration would face its 'last day' if Osman Hadi, who was recently shot, suffers further harm. Speaking at an emergency press briefing outside Evercare Hospital in Dhaka, Jaber criticized authorities for failing to arrest those responsible within the 48-hour deadline previously set by the group.

He accused the government of negligence and warned that the nation’s stability could be at risk if justice is not served swiftly. Jaber also condemned certain lawyers for allegedly prioritizing money over justice, questioning how a suspect in a weapons case could be granted bail. Addressing the media, he urged journalists to avoid giving platforms to individuals who, in his view, celebrate violence or undermine national unity.

The statement reflects rising political tension surrounding the attack on Hadi, with Inqilab Mancha positioning itself as a vocal critic of the interim administration’s handling of the case.

Sharif Osman Bin Hadi, an independent candidate hopeful for Dhaka-8 and convener of the Inqilab Manch, was critically injured after being shot on Friday, December 12. He is currently receiving treatment at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka, where doctors report that bullet fragments remain lodged in his head. The attack has sparked widespread condemnation across Bangladesh’s political spectrum, with parties and government officials denouncing the violence.

However, the reaction across the border in India has taken a disturbing turn. Several Indian social media activists and accounts have celebrated the attack, spreading false claims that Hadi sought to annex India’s northeastern region to form a so-called “Greater Bangladesh.” Retired Indian Army officer Major Madhan Kumar and BJP-linked campaigners such as Dr. Rajesh Patil amplified these narratives, using hashtags like #Dhurandar to praise the attackers. Analysts from The Descent found that many of these posts originated from coordinated pro-BJP networks.

The incident underscores rising cross-border disinformation and political polarization online, raising concerns about digital extremism and its potential to inflame regional tensions.

A passenger bus belonging to Achim Paribahan was set on fire near Pragati Sarani in North Badda, Dhaka, on Sunday night around 8:15 p.m., according to police. Sub-Inspector Md. Golam Kibria Khan of Badda Police Station confirmed the incident, stating that firefighters quickly brought the blaze under control and no injuries or fatalities were reported.

Authorities have yet to determine who was responsible for the fire or the motive behind it. Police have launched an investigation to uncover how the fire started and whether it was an act of sabotage or an accident. The incident adds to growing concerns over public transport safety in the capital, where sporadic cases of vehicle arson have been reported in recent months.

Officials said further updates would follow once the forensic and security footage analyses are complete. The event underscores the need for enhanced surveillance and emergency response readiness in Dhaka’s busy transport corridors.

The Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) has announced a protest program to surround the Home Affairs Adviser’s office, demanding the arrest of those involved in the shooting of student leader Osman Hadi. The announcement was made late Sunday by DUCSU Vice President Abu Sadiq Kayem through a Facebook post, calling for a nationwide crackdown on illegal firearms and banned militant groups.

According to the declaration, students will gather at the DUCSU premises at noon on Monday before marching toward the adviser’s office. The call for action follows growing student unrest after the attack on Hadi, which has raised concerns about campus security and political violence. DUCSU Social Welfare Secretary A.B. Zubair also expressed alarm on social media, warning of potential instability and foreign interference.

The protest underscores rising tensions within student politics and broader anxieties about law enforcement and governance. Authorities have yet to respond formally to DUCSU’s demands, but security measures are expected to be tightened around the adviser’s office during the demonstration.

BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman has called on party leaders and activists to take their development and governance plans directly to the public ahead of Bangladesh’s upcoming national elections. Speaking virtually from London at a discussion titled ‘Upcoming National Election and Public Expectations’ in Dhaka’s Gulshan, Rahman emphasized unity within the party and the need to clearly articulate BNP’s vision for governance if it returns to power.

Rahman outlined several priorities for a future BNP government, including establishing the rule of law, improving public safety, and addressing Dhaka’s chronic traffic congestion. He also highlighted the capital’s water crisis, citing the depletion of groundwater and pollution of major rivers. Addressing youth issues, he argued that social and cultural engagement, not punishment alone, is key to tackling drug abuse. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir chaired the event, which featured academics and policy experts.

Rahman concluded that implementing even 40 percent of BNP’s proposed plans could significantly alleviate national crises, signaling a renewed push to connect policy with public sentiment before the election season intensifies.

At a discussion marking Martyred Intellectuals Day, United Peoples Bangladesh (UP Bangladesh) chief organizer Naeem Ahmad claimed that the systematic killing of intellectuals by Pakistani forces in 1971 paved the way for the emergence of what he termed a fascist ideology, 'Mujibism,' after independence. Speaking as chief guest, Ahmad argued that opportunistic groups exploited the post-war vacuum to consolidate political control under this ideology.

Ahmad further alleged that similar tactics of silencing dissent are being revived following the July 2024 mass uprising, citing recent attacks on activists including Inquilab Mancha spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi and the killing of UP Bangladesh leader Tahmid. Other speakers, including Advocate Munshi Abdul Alim, accused the government of remaining indifferent to such violence and called for unity among pro-democracy forces.

The event concluded with prayers for the souls of intellectuals killed on December 14, 1971. Analysts note that such statements reflect ongoing tensions between opposition movements and the ruling establishment over political freedoms and historical narratives.