Bangladesh’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has seized assets worth approximately Tk 5.45 crore belonging to AHM Fuad, former assistant personal secretary (APS) to ex-LGRD minister Engineer Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain. The seizure, ordered by the Faridpur Senior Special Judge’s Court, includes a luxury flat and nearly 39 decimals of land. Fuad is accused of amassing illegal wealth through tender manipulation, extortion, and forming a gang known as the ‘Helmet Bahini’ to dominate government contracting processes in Faridpur. Investigations revealed that he laundered money and purchased properties under the names of his two wives, mother-in-law, and relatives. The CID filed a money laundering case on August 3 under the Money Laundering Prevention Act and continues to investigate Fuad’s financial network and associates. Officials said the operation aims to uncover the full extent of his illicit activities and bring all involved individuals under legal scrutiny.

Dr. Badiul Alam Majumdar, head of the Election Reform Commission, has expressed concern that politics in Bangladesh has become a business, with political parties operating like business syndicates. Speaking at a roundtable organized by Dhaka Institute of Research and Analytics (DAIRA) on 'Political Financing Culture and Business Protection in Bangladesh,' he questioned whether any truly democratic and transparent political party exists in the country. Participants highlighted the lack of transparency in party financing, weak regulatory oversight, and dependence on informal transactions that distort democratic competition and policymaking. Transparency International Bangladesh’s Executive Director Dr. Iftekharuzzaman proposed mandatory public disclosure of income and expenditure by elected representatives. Other speakers, including academics and party representatives, discussed the deep-rooted link between business and politics and the need for legal clarity and political goodwill to ensure accountability. The discussion underscored doubts about the Election Commission’s capacity to reform the current opaque system.

Thirty-five former members of the Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) were released on bail from Kashimpur Central Jail in Gazipur on Monday evening in connection with a case filed under the Explosives Control Act related to the 2009 BDR mutiny. Their release followed a court order issued last Thursday granting bail to 53 accused. According to prison officials, the bail documents arrived at the jail on Monday afternoon and were verified before the prisoners were released around 6:30 p.m. Among those freed, one was from the Kashimpur High Security Central Jail, two from Central Jail Part-1, and 32 from Part-2. The 2009 BDR mutiny at the Pilkhana headquarters in Dhaka resulted in the deaths of 74 people, including 57 army officers. Following the incident, separate murder and explosives cases were filed, leading to one of the largest trials in Bangladesh’s history, with hundreds convicted and others acquitted.

A Dhaka court has ordered the freezing of 21 bank accounts belonging to former Dhaka South City Corporation mayor Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh, his sons Sheikh Fazle Nashwan and Sheikh Fazle Nawar, and their associates. The order was issued by Dhaka Metropolitan Senior Special Judge Md Sabbir Foyez following a petition from the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). The ACC alleged that Taposh abused his power to amass illegal wealth worth over Tk 73 crore. Investigators found that between September 2013 and August 2024, Taposh deposited and withdrew a total of Tk 539 crore across 27 bank accounts, along with significant foreign currency transactions. The ACC argued that the freeze was necessary to prevent the transfer or concealment of assets while the investigation continues. The court granted the request after reviewing the evidence presented by the ACC’s assistant director and investigation officer, Md Ferdous Rahman.

Police in Jessore have arrested a man named Babul Hossain, 32, for allegedly running an illegal Voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP) operation and smuggling information to India and other countries. Acting on a tip-off, police raided a rented house near Chuadanga Bus Stand early Sunday and detained Hossain, while two or three others managed to flee. Officers seized a Dell laptop, 317 Indian SIM cards—47 from VI and 270 from BSNL—a black VOIP device, two Bangladeshi SIM cards, and a mobile phone. Investigators said Hossain had been importing Indian SIM cards illegally and using them to conduct VOIP calls that evaded government taxes. He was charged under the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulation Act and sent to jail on Monday following a court order. Authorities suspect the operation had been ongoing for a long time, causing financial losses to the state through revenue evasion.

Senior journalist Manik Muntasir has called on Baul artists to reject hypocrisy and return to the spiritual and humanist teachings of legendary figures like Lalon Shah and Shah Abdul Karim. His comments came through a Facebook post titled “Stop hypocrisy in the name of Baulism,” following the arrest of Baul singer Abul Sarkar, accused of making derogatory remarks about Islam and Allah. Muntasir emphasized that true Baul saints never mocked any religion and urged that Sarkar’s alleged offenses be handled through proper judicial process. While acknowledging that Sarkar and his followers were previously victims of attack, Muntasir criticized their misinterpretations of religious texts and warned against using religion for sensationalism. He concluded by advising aspiring Bauls to study the lives of Lalon Shah, Shah Abdul Karim, and even Gautama Buddha to understand the essence of spiritual practice and social reform.

The Bangladesh Police Service Association has strongly protested remarks made by Jamaat-e-Islami leader Shahjahan Chowdhury, who urged party members to bring local administrations under their influence ahead of the next national election. In a statement issued Monday night, the association said such comments undermine the professionalism and neutrality of a key democratic institution and incite political misuse of law enforcement. The association described the remarks as 'ambitious and derogatory' toward the police. Shahjahan Chowdhury, a central executive member of Jamaat and former MP, made the comments at a rally in Chattogram on Saturday, sparking widespread criticism on social media. The association emphasized that the Bangladesh Police operates under the constitution and law, and that attempts in the past to politicize the force have damaged public trust. It reaffirmed that ahead of the February 2026 parliamentary election, the police remain neutral, professional, and accountable to the people.

National Citizen Party (NCP) chief coordinator Nasiruddin Patwari has called for the trial of those involved in the 1971 genocide, similar to the accountability sought for the 2024 massacre perpetrators. Speaking at a press conference in Dhaka’s Shahbagh, he announced that a new alliance will soon be formed to represent women, religious scholars, and the interests of Bangladesh. Without naming Jamaat-e-Islami, he accused a political group of trying to control the administration through intimidation. Patwari also criticized the Election Commission, alleging bias and lack of a level playing field ahead of the upcoming elections. NCP’s southern region organizer Hasnat Abdullah claimed that the Awami League and Jatiya Party are obstructing democratic progress. Meanwhile, senior joint secretary Dr. Tasnim Jara said the party has completed most of its candidate interviews, including those of expatriate aspirants, and will finalize the remaining ones soon.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has reinstated 65 of its leaders and activists by withdrawing previous expulsion and suspension orders, just three months before the upcoming national election. In a press release issued late Friday, the party announced that the disciplinary actions had been lifted following individual appeals and a central committee decision. The reinstated members include leaders from various districts such as Kushtia, Narsingdi, Sunamganj, Rajshahi, Khulna, and Cumilla, among others. The BNP stated that the decision was made to strengthen internal unity and organizational readiness ahead of the polls. Additionally, the suspension of Mojammel Hossain Mridha, the former general secretary of Majidbari Union BNP in Patuakhali, was also revoked. The move is seen as part of the party’s broader effort to consolidate its grassroots network and reconcile with previously penalized members before the national election.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) acting chairman Tarique Rahman has stated that only an elected government has the legitimate authority to make long-term national decisions such as the country’s graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status and strategic decisions regarding Chittagong Port. In a detailed Facebook post, he argued that the current interim government lacks electoral mandate and therefore should not take decisions that could shape Bangladesh’s economic future for decades. Rahman emphasized that while Bangladesh has earned the qualification to graduate from LDC status, it may not yet be fully prepared for the transition, citing economic pressures on businesses, foreign exchange shortages, and export challenges. He also criticized the government for closing off public debate and weakening the country’s negotiating position internationally. Referring to past examples of countries that delayed their LDC graduation, he urged for strategic patience and democratic legitimacy in policymaking, asserting that only a government elected by the people should decide the nation’s future.

Online activist Asif Saikat and filmmaker Anonno Mamun have called for the strictest punishment for Baul singer Abul Sarkar, who was arrested on charges of making derogatory remarks about Islam and Allah during a musical performance in Ghior, Manikganj. Saikat stated that Sarkar’s comments constituted clear blasphemy and should be dealt with under existing laws, rejecting any call for his release. He also alleged that certain political groups used Sarkar to provoke religious sentiments. Mamun echoed similar sentiments, saying that artistic freedom cannot justify insulting religious beliefs. Following the October 4 incident, widespread criticism erupted on social media, and various Islamic organizations demanded Sarkar’s arrest. Police detained him in Madaripur and brought him to Manikganj, where he was sent to jail after appearing before a magistrate. The case, filed by a local imam, accuses Sarkar of distorting Quranic verses and misleading followers under the guise of spirituality. Authorities confirmed that the investigation is ongoing.

Former Inspector General of Police (IGP) A K M Shahidul Haque has alleged misconduct during his interrogation by the investigation agency of Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal. His lawyer, Sifat Mahmud, told Tribunal-1 on Monday that investigators asked Shahidul Haque about the promotion status of the current coordinator, which he described as inappropriate and unrelated to the inquiry. Prosecutor Md Mizanul Islam denied the allegation, saying that any complaint should be filed formally. The tribunal scheduled a hearing on the complaint for January 22, coinciding with the submission date for the investigation report in the same case. Shahidul Haque, along with former Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner Asaduzzaman Mia and former DMP Deputy Commissioner Md Jasim Uddin Molla, is under arrest in connection with the 2016 Kalyanpur ‘Jahaz Bari’ operation, where nine youths were allegedly killed. The tribunal also set separate hearing dates for other war crimes cases involving former military and police officers.

The Bangladesh Police Service Association has strongly condemned recent comments made by a former Member of Parliament who suggested that police officers should act under the direction of political leaders. The controversial remarks, delivered during a political rally and later circulated widely on social media, called for police to follow politicians’ orders in filing cases and making arrests. In a statement signed by the association’s General Secretary and Dhaka District Superintendent of Police Md. Anisuzzaman, the association described the comments as highly inappropriate and contrary to democratic principles. The statement emphasized that the police operate under the constitution and statutory law, maintaining neutrality since the August 5 student uprising. It reaffirmed the force’s commitment to impartiality ahead of the February 2026 national elections, rejecting any attempt to politicize law enforcement. The association urged political figures to refrain from making statements that undermine the integrity and independence of the police.

At a discussion titled 'Education Reform Ideas for Building a Democratic State' held at the National Press Club in Dhaka, Ganosamhati Andolon proposed that the government should take full responsibility for education up to the 12th grade. Party chief coordinator Zonayed Saki emphasized that education reform must align with a productive economic plan ensuring equality and fair resource distribution. He argued for a distinct salary scale and improved status for teachers across all levels, from primary to university. The event, part of the party’s manifesto preparation initiative, also featured education experts and activists who highlighted the need to depoliticize education and ensure universal access to quality learning. Professor Mahbub Ullah stressed that national development depends on mass education, while other speakers criticized the commercialization of education. The discussion aimed to gather expert and public input for Ganosamhati Andolon’s upcoming election manifesto.

Dhaka University (DU) has formed a Central Coordination Committee and four sub-committees to inspect and evaluate the structural safety of its residential halls and academic buildings following a recent earthquake. The central committee, headed by DU Treasurer Professor Dr. M. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, was established after an emergency meeting chaired by Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Niaz Ahmad Khan. The sub-committees, comprising experts from BUET’s Civil Engineering Department, will conduct technical inspections and assessments of the buildings. Their findings will be made public, and detailed reports will be preserved by the university’s engineering office and respective halls. If any building is deemed unsafe, students will be relocated to safer facilities. The committees include university officials, hall provosts, engineers, and representatives from the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU). The initiative aims to ensure the structural integrity and safety of the university’s infrastructure in the aftermath of the earthquake.