Bangladesh’s women’s volleyball team won the bronze medal at the CAVA Cup held in the Maldives, defeating Afghanistan 3–0 in straight sets. The victory secured third place for Bangladesh, marking the best achievement in the country’s women’s volleyball history. Four teams participated in this year’s tournament, where Bangladesh lost to the Maldives in the semifinals before claiming the bronze in the third-place match. The team was coached by experienced trainer Shafiqul Islam Russell.

Bangladeshi women have been playing volleyball since 1973 and have represented the country internationally for 52 years. However, this is the first time they have finished third in an international competition. Officials of the Bangladesh Volleyball Federation expressed great satisfaction with the result. Executive member Sohel Rana described the success as commendable and a sign of progress for women’s volleyball in the country, expressing hope for even better performances in the future.

National Board of Revenue (NBR) Chairman Abdur Rahman Khan has called for realizing the vision shown by the 'July warriors', saying they pointed out the right path for the nation. He stated that the country had been on the wrong track and must correct its course to build a prosperous Bangladesh. Khan made these remarks on Friday, December 26, at the centenary celebration of Dalta Rahmania High School in Ramganj, Lakshmipur, where he attended as the chief guest.

During his speech, the NBR chairman emphasized the need for social respect toward deserving individuals, noting that society often honors the wrong people while neglecting those who merit recognition. He also encouraged students to pursue education sincerely, saying that opportunities are open both at home and abroad for those who learn properly.

The event was presided over by education enthusiast and social worker Khorhshed Alam Bhuiyan and conducted by former student Abu Hannan Lavlu. Several notable figures, including Dhaka University Pro-Vice Chancellor Dr. Mamun Ahmed and industrialist Kamal Hossain, addressed the program virtually.

Supreme Court senior lawyer Mohammad Shishir Monir has collected nomination papers to contest the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election from the Sunamganj-2 (Dirai-Shalla) constituency as a candidate of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami. He collected the nomination papers on Friday, December 26, from the office of the Dirai Upazila Nirbahi Officer and Assistant Returning Officer.

During the submission, he was accompanied by senior teacher Pulin Bihari Das, freedom fighter Pandab Chandra Das, Jamaat’s Dirai Upazila Ameer Abdul Kaddus, Ashish Chakraborty, farmer Sudhanshu Biswas, Rabeya Monir, Sushma Pal, and physically challenged Samraj Mia, along with leaders of the eight-party alliance. After collecting the papers, Shishir Monir told journalists that he wanted a free, fair, and festive election in Dirai-Shalla.

He emphasized that all participants should follow the electoral code of conduct until the end of the campaign and urged the administration to ensure a level playing field so that no voter or candidate feels intimidated during the election process.

Bangladesh and Thailand have signed a bilateral memorandum of understanding to facilitate the recruitment of Bangladeshi workers in Thailand. The agreement was signed on Friday, December 26, at the office of Thailand’s Labour Minister Trinuch Thienthong. During the signing ceremony, Minister Thienthong expressed optimism that the recruitment process could begin soon under the new arrangement, noting Thailand’s need to address its existing labor shortages through foreign worker recruitment.

Bangladesh’s Ambassador to Thailand, Faiyaz Murshid Kazi, assured that workers would be sent through a safe, orderly, and regular process. He also invited Thai authorities to visit Bangladesh to gain firsthand understanding of the country’s labor migration systems and procedures. Minister Thienthong instructed her senior colleagues to advance discussions on implementing the memorandum and emphasized the importance of swift action to meet labor market demands.

Ambassador Kazi briefed the Thai minister on ongoing discussions with Thai business communities and reiterated Bangladesh’s commitment to following best practices similar to other major labor markets in the Asia-Pacific region.

Former sports adviser Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan has said that his official Facebook page, which had around three million followers, was removed by Facebook authorities following mass reports. He claimed the removal occurred after posts about Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of Inqilab Moncho, were reported. Asif shared the information in a Facebook post on Friday, stating that all posts and videos related to Hadi were targeted with strikes and coordinated reports.

According to Asif, links were circulated in various Telegram groups to organize the reporting campaign, and three videos about Hadi received strikes. The incident comes as Asif prepares to contest the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election as an independent candidate from Dhaka-10. He had earlier resigned as a student adviser of the interim government, along with Mahfuz Alam, a day before the election schedule was announced.

The removal of the page has drawn attention due to its timing before the election and the large follower base involved, though Facebook’s official reasoning for the removal has not been detailed in the report.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman announced that the party will work to build a humane and discrimination-free Bangladesh through unity among all classes of people. He made the remarks on Friday morning at the central members’ conference of Islami Chhatra Shibir held at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center, where more than 6,000 members from across the country participated. The event will also elect the organization’s new central president for the 2026 session.

In his speech, Dr. Rahman emphasized employment creation over unemployment allowances for youth and called for an education system free from corruption, fear, and violence. He said Jamaat aims to establish institutions where there is no place for drugs or terrorism and where women can move safely and with dignity. He described Islami Chhatra Shibir as a guardian of the student community, tasked with restoring moral education, modern knowledge, and research in educational institutions.

Dr. Rahman urged students to prepare themselves for nation-building, stressing that every young person should become a craftsman of the country’s development.

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) recovered 24 electric detonators from the Charagaon border area in Sunamganj’s Tahirpur upazila on Friday morning, acting on a tip-off. The explosives were found wrapped in polythene at Maizhati, near the border, around 8 a.m. According to BGB officials, the recovered items are capable of being used to make high-powered improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

Lieutenant Colonel AKM Zakaria Kadir, commander of the 28 BGB Battalion in Sunamganj, stated that the operation was based on secret intelligence. He said the detonators were likely smuggled into Bangladesh with the intention of destabilizing the country’s current situation and carrying out acts of sabotage.

Authorities suspect the explosives were imported illegally through border smuggling networks. The recovery highlights ongoing security challenges along the Sunamganj frontier and the vigilance of border forces in preventing potential threats.

Barrister Toufiqueur Rahman, a central committee member of the suspended Awami Jubo League, has collected nomination papers to contest as an independent candidate in the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election from Narsingdi-5 (Raipura) constituency. The nomination papers were collected on his behalf by his personal assistant Sanaullah from Assistant Returning Officer and Raipura Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md Masud Rana at the Raipura Upazila Parishad office on December 24.

According to the assistant returning officer, the nomination papers were issued following due procedure. Toufiqueur Rahman is the grandson of Shaheed Abdur Rab Serniabat and the nephew of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s sister Amena Begum, a family background that has kept him in public discussion both locally and nationally.

The collection of nomination papers by a leader from the banned Jubo League has sparked varied reactions among local political activists and residents, with some viewing it as a significant and curious signal ahead of the upcoming election.

Bangladesh Rastrer Sangskar Andolon has announced it will not join any alliance led by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) or Jamaat-e-Islami ahead of the upcoming 13th National Parliament Election. Party president Hasnat Kayum made the declaration on Friday during a press conference at the party’s office, stating that his organization would continue its political activities independently.

Within the broader Ganatantrik Sangskar Jote, the National Citizen Party (NCP) is currently engaged in seat-sharing discussions with both BNP and Jamaat. However, another partner in the alliance, AB Party, has yet to clarify its position on the matter. Hasnat Kayum emphasized that his party is not only refusing to form an alliance with BNP or Jamaat but is also unwilling to hold any discussions about such cooperation.

The announcement underscores divisions within the reformist coalition as parties prepare for the national election, with some exploring alliances while others maintain independent political strategies.

The Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) 42 Dinajpur Battalion conducted a special anti-smuggling operation late on December 25 and recovered a large quantity of banned Indian Tapentadol tablets from the Pirganj border area in Thakurgaon district. According to a BGB press release, the tablets were found abandoned about 500 yards inside Bangladesh near border pillar 340/3-S in Guchhagram area. The seized consignment contained 198 pieces of the narcotic tablets, valued at 59,400 taka. Legal proceedings regarding the recovered drugs and the absconding individuals are underway.

Lieutenant Colonel Abdullah Al Moin Hasan, commanding officer of the 42 Dinajpur Battalion, stated that legal action is in process concerning the seized narcotics. He added that intelligence efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend the drug traffickers who fled the scene.

The BGB emphasized that the operation was based on specific intelligence information and forms part of its ongoing campaign to curb cross-border drug smuggling in northern Bangladesh.

Dhaka North unit of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has initiated a cleanup operation following the massive public gathering held to celebrate the historic homecoming of the party’s acting chairman, Tarique Rahman. According to the party, the waste removal work began this morning across the 36 July Expressway (300-foot highway), Airport Road, and adjacent areas.

The cleanup is being conducted under the supervision of Dhaka North BNP, with participation from volunteers and party activists. Party leaders stated that the initiative aims to ease public inconvenience and ensure normal movement for city residents.

BNP leaders added that the party has always maintained a responsible role in preserving environmental and urban cleanliness alongside its peaceful and disciplined programs, and this effort continues that tradition.

Political activity in Khulna has intensified ahead of Bangladesh’s 13th national parliamentary election, with the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami emerging as the main contenders across six constituencies. Jamaat finalized its candidates early in the year and began campaigning, while BNP’s internal disputes over nominations have persisted despite official announcements on November 3 for five seats. Although no major public clashes have occurred, signs of factional tension remain visible within BNP ranks.

Jamaat appears more organized, though its new alliance with eight Islamist parties has raised questions about seat-sharing. The party has also drawn attention by nominating a Hindu candidate, Krishna Nandi, in Khulna-1, signaling an inclusive political message. In contrast, BNP continues to struggle with rebel candidates and local dissatisfaction in several constituencies, including Khulna-2 and Khulna-5, where prominent figures face internal resistance.

The evolving dynamics suggest Jamaat currently holds a more stable position in Khulna, while BNP’s unresolved divisions could affect its electoral strength if not addressed before the polls.

Two separate fires broke out within one night at Rohingya camps in Ukhiya, Cox’s Bazar, destroying a hospital and several homes. The first incident occurred early Friday, December 26, at the D-block of Madhurchhara Camp No. 4, where a hospital was completely burned down along with valuable medical equipment. Firefighters and local residents brought the blaze under control after about two and a half hours. Earlier, around 10 p.m. on Thursday, December 25, another fire erupted about four kilometers away in the B-block of Kutupalong registered camp, burning five houses. No casualties were reported in either incident.

The destroyed hospital, known as ‘Obat Health Post,’ was established in 2017 by the charity Obat Helpers USA to serve newly displaced Rohingya refugees. It was being operated with support from Human International USA and the Bangladesh camp administration. Local residents and health officials expressed deep concern over the loss, noting that the facility provided free medical care to both Rohingya and nearby communities.

Authorities said the cause of the fires remains under investigation. Security forces remain on alert, and officials have pledged to rehabilitate the damaged health center and assist affected residents.

More than a thousand passengers narrowly escaped a major accident when the passenger launch Imam Hasan-5 collided with a stationary sand-laden bulkhead on the Meghna River at Mohonpur in Matlab Uttar upazila of Chandpur late Thursday night. The collision occurred amid dense fog that severely reduced visibility. Passengers panicked at the loud impact but quickly evacuated to nearby riverbanks for safety. Mohonpur River Police responded promptly, conducting rescue and relief operations at the site.

Eyewitnesses said the launch was moving slowly toward Chandpur due to the thick fog, and limited visibility made it difficult to determine the route, leading to the collision. After the impact, the vessel was anchored near the shore, and all passengers were disembarked safely. Sub-Inspector Abul Kalam of Mohonpur River Police confirmed that no casualties were reported. Passengers were later transported to their destinations by another launch, speedboats, and road transport.

Officials noted that heavy fog during winter nights has increased navigational risks on the Meghna River and urged vessel operators to exercise greater caution to prevent similar incidents.

Two people were killed when two passenger launches, Zakir Samrat-3 and Adventure-9, collided on the Meghna River near Harina in Chandpur Sadar early Thursday night. The accident occurred around 2 a.m. amid dense fog that reduced visibility on the river.

According to Chandpur BIWTA Deputy Director (Traffic) Babu Lal Baidya, the collision happened due to heavy fog in the area. Several others were reported injured, though the exact number of casualties was not confirmed. Authorities said the identities of the deceased could not be determined because the destinations of the two vessels were not identified.

Officials are continuing efforts to gather more details about the victims and the circumstances of the collision as investigations proceed.