A 12-second video filmed in Netrakona’s Purbadhala upazila has triggered widespread outrage after going viral on social media. The footage, showing a young man appearing to harass a girl near a madrasa, was later revealed to be a staged act recorded by twin brothers Roman and Rakib, both 18, with a 13-year-old boy playing the female role. The video was reportedly made to gain online views under their page ‘Rakib is Skating Blog.’

Local authorities confirmed the video was pre-planned and condemned the act as socially harmful. Purbadhala Union Council Chairman Siddiqur Rahman Bulbul warned that such content spreads fear among schoolgirls and urged legal action. Police said the accused have gone into hiding and their social media page has been removed. The Upazila Nirbahi Officer has directed police to take immediate legal measures.

The incident highlights growing concerns over the misuse of social media for sensational content and its psychological impact on communities. Law enforcement continues efforts to locate and arrest the suspects.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar has accused law enforcement and intelligence agencies of repeated failures in maintaining national stability. Speaking at a courtyard meeting in Kharnia Union, Dumuria, Khulna, on Thursday, he said that while citizens are preparing for elections, a group is attempting to destabilize the situation through violence, referring to the shooting of Inquilab Mancha convener Sharif Osman Hadi.

Parwar urged government institutions to strengthen monitoring and called on political parties to cooperate in ensuring a peaceful election under the government’s declared timeline. He emphasized the need for tolerance, patience, and sincerity among political actors, and urged the media to act responsibly in coordination with both parties and the public.

Addressing another event in Bamundia, he called for national unity across gender, religion, and ethnicity to build a new Bangladesh after recent upheavals, and encouraged citizens to support a referendum providing legal basis for the July Charter reforms.

The FIFA World Cup 2026 Trophy is scheduled to arrive in Bangladesh on January 14, 2026, as part of the official global trophy tour organized by Coca-Cola. The Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) confirmed the visit earlier, and Coca-Cola issued an official statement detailing the event. Football fans in Bangladesh will have the opportunity to view the iconic trophy up close and take photographs during its stay.

According to Coca-Cola Vice President Mikael Vinet, the tour aims to bring fans closer to the heart of the game and celebrate the passion and excitement that define football. The 150-day global tour will cover 30 FIFA member countries and showcase the trophy in 75 locations. FIFA Chief Business Officer Romy Gai highlighted that this year’s tour marks the 20th anniversary of the FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour by Coca-Cola, which has visited 182 of FIFA’s 211 member nations since its inception.

In Bangladesh, Coca-Cola has also launched an interactive “Under the Cap” campaign, offering fans a chance to win tickets to see the trophy and take photos with it.

Bangladeshi shuttlers Al Amin Zumar–Moeazzem Hossain Ohidul and Masud Ahmed–Sadakat Robin advanced to the quarterfinals of the Yonex-Sunrise Bangladesh International Challenge 2025 after impressive performances in the pre-quarterfinals. Zumar and Ohidul defeated India’s Devart Mann and Saurav Nain 21–19, 17–21, 21–14, while Masud and Robin staged a comeback to beat Malaysia’s Liu Wen Ji and Jia Li Tan 14–21, 21–14, 21–17. The quarterfinal matches are scheduled for Friday, December 19, at the Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmed Indoor Stadium in Dhaka.

Other Bangladeshi pairs faced early exits. Mostafizur Rahman Lipton–Rafiul Raid lost to Vietnam’s Bui Dan–Nguyen Duc, and Rahatun Naim–Mizanur Rahman fell to India’s Swastik Matharasan–Gokul. In women’s doubles, Dalia–Mathina and Reshma–Brishti were eliminated by British and Indian pairs respectively. Mixed doubles duo Sifat Ullah–Brishti Khatun also lost to an Indian team. Despite these setbacks, the home side’s doubles success offered hope for Bangladesh’s badminton prospects.

The tournament continues with quarterfinal action tomorrow, as local fans anticipate further breakthroughs from the advancing Bangladeshi pairs.

National Citizen Party (NCP) central organizing secretary for the southern region, Hasnat Abdullah, emphasized peaceful political competition during a series of campaign rallies across Cumilla-4’s Debidwar constituency. Speaking in Elahabad and Jafarganj unions, he declared that love and public trust cannot be won through fear or violence, asserting that his campaign would focus on constructive work rather than confrontation.

Abdullah accused rival political groups of using phone threats and intimidation to influence voters, claiming such actions stem from their own insecurity. He also vowed to end extortion and tender manipulation if elected, suggesting that opposition to his campaign arises from vested interests. Addressing threats to his life, Abdullah expressed confidence in local women and residents to protect him, adding that even opposition activists would stand against fascism.

The NCP candidate’s remarks come amid heightened political activity ahead of the upcoming national elections, as parties intensify grassroots campaigns across Bangladesh’s constituencies.

Bangladesh received $2 billion in remittances during the first 17 days of December 2025, marking a 14% increase compared to the same period last year, according to Bangladesh Bank spokesperson Arif Hossain Khan. The central bank’s data shows that expatriate income continues to rise steadily, reflecting stronger inflows through formal banking channels.

In November 2025, remittances totaled $2.889 billion, up 31.37% from $2.199 billion in November 2024, making it the highest monthly inflow in six months. From July to December 17 of the current fiscal year, Bangladesh received $15.04 billion in remittances, compared with $12.89 billion during the same period last year—a 16.7% year-on-year growth.

Economists attribute the surge to improved exchange rate management and incentives for remittance senders. The continued rise in remittance inflows is expected to support Bangladesh’s foreign exchange reserves and help stabilize the local currency amid global economic uncertainty.

Bangladesh police have arrested 67 individuals across eight districts of Rangpur Division during a 24-hour operation named ‘Devil Hunt Phase-2’. The detainees are reportedly members and affiliates of the banned Awami League and its associated organizations. The arrests took place between Wednesday and Thursday morning, confirmed Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Aminul Islam of the Rangpur Range.

According to police sources, the operation covered Rangpur, Kurigram, Lalmonirhat, Nilphamari, Gaibandha, Dinajpur, Thakurgaon, and Panchagarh districts. Those arrested face charges related to murder, attempted murder, and terrorism under the Anti-Terrorism Act, many linked to the anti-discrimination student movement. DIG Islam described the operation as part of a broader effort to curb political violence and enforce the ban on the party’s activities.

Authorities have not disclosed whether further arrests are expected, but security operations are likely to continue across northern Bangladesh as part of the ongoing crackdown on banned political networks.

The Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) seized illegal Indian sarees valued at approximately Tk 6.28 million during separate anti-smuggling operations along the Comilla border on Thursday, December 18. The raids were conducted by special patrol teams under the Comilla Battalion (10 BGB) in the Tikkar Char, Kabiraj Bazar, and Chauddagram areas, where the sarees were found abandoned within eight kilometers inside Bangladesh territory.

According to BGB sources, the operations were part of ongoing efforts to curb cross-border smuggling of goods and narcotics. Comilla Battalion Commander Colonel Mir Ali Ejaz confirmed the seizure and stated that the confiscated items would be handed over to customs authorities following legal procedures. He emphasized that the BGB would continue such drives to prevent illegal trade across the frontier.

The incident underscores persistent challenges in controlling cross-border smuggling activities along the Bangladesh-India boundary, where textile and consumer goods are frequently trafficked. Authorities are expected to strengthen surveillance and coordination with customs to enhance border security.

Shamaruh Mirza, daughter of BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, publicly criticized a Jamaat-e-Islami leader’s recent statement suggesting that joining the party is necessary to attain heaven. In a Facebook post on Thursday, she expressed dismay, calling the remark potentially un-Islamic and urging reflection on its implications for faith and politics.

The controversy stems from a viral video showing Jamaat-affiliated lawyer Barrister Shahriar Kabir allegedly telling supporters that paradise is reserved for those aligned with Jamaat-e-Islami. Kabir has since denied the authenticity of the footage, claiming it was manipulated. The video has sparked widespread debate on social media, with many questioning the use of religious rhetoric in political mobilization.

Analysts note that the incident underscores growing tensions between Islamist and secular political narratives in Bangladesh. The Election Commission and religious scholars have yet to comment, but observers warn that such statements could deepen ideological divides ahead of the next national polls.

The century-old Bangladesh Muslim League has announced its reunification and decision to field candidates in all 300 constituencies in the upcoming 13th national election. The announcement came after a meeting in Old Dhaka, chaired by senior leader Md. Sharafuddin, where previously divided factions pledged unity against what they termed foreign dominance. Leaders including Secretary General Kazi Abul Khair and Vice President Nazrul Islam attended, while senior figures Abdul Aziz Hawlader and Aftab Hossain Molla joined virtually to endorse the move.

Party leaders described the unification as a historic step to restore the League’s nationalist identity and influence. Kazi Abul Khair accused a neighboring state of undermining Bangladesh’s sovereignty, while organizational secretary Khan Asad admitted internal divisions had weakened the party’s public appeal. The leadership vowed to rebuild the organization under its traditional lantern symbol and reconnect with grassroots supporters.

Analysts note that the League’s decision to contest all seats signals an attempt to reassert relevance in a polarized political landscape dominated by larger parties. The move may reshape alliances and test the party’s organizational strength nationwide.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) arrested 392 individuals in the capital within 24 hours under 'Operation Devil Hunt Phase-2'. Among those detained were 15 active members of the banned Awami League and its affiliated organizations, while 377 were wanted in various cases or named in charge sheets. The DMP said the operation was part of ongoing efforts to maintain law and order in the city.

In addition to the arrests, police set up 11 special checkpoints at key entry and exit points of Dhaka on December 17 to inspect suspicious vehicles and ensure public safety. During these checks, 769 vehicles were searched, and five more people were detained. The DMP emphasized that such operations will continue to preserve stability in the capital.

Authorities have not disclosed further details on the charges against the detainees, but the large-scale operation signals intensified security measures amid heightened political and public safety concerns in Dhaka.

Islamic Movement Bangladesh has accused the Election Commission (EC) of infringing on religious freedom by imposing restrictions on waz mahfils, traditional Islamic sermons held across the country during winter. In a statement released Thursday, the party’s joint secretary general and spokesperson, Maulana Gazi Ataur Rahman, said such events are deeply rooted in Bangladeshi culture and banning them during the election period would be seen as an attack on religious rights.

Rahman argued that most preachers are non-political and focus solely on religious teachings. He warned that limiting these gatherings could create public resentment toward the government and the EC. The statement also noted that religious speakers often address issues like corruption and injustice, which should not be misinterpreted as political speech.

The party urged the EC to withdraw the restrictions, emphasizing that freedom of religious expression must be preserved even during election periods to maintain public trust and social harmony.

Chattogram Metropolitan Police Commissioner Hasib Aziz has pledged to guarantee voter safety during Bangladesh’s upcoming national election, even if extreme measures are required. Speaking at a press briefing at the Chattogram Press Club, Aziz said the city will be placed under a comprehensive security plan to encourage voter turnout and prevent intimidation. He warned that police will not hesitate to act decisively against armed groups operating in the city.

Aziz identified several local gangs, including the Sajjad, Laltu, and Poltu groups, as threats to public security, asserting that no force other than the police will be allowed to operate. He noted that 80% of previously looted police weapons have been recovered, while the rest are believed to be in the hands of separatist groups in hill areas. Additional security will be deployed in minority and high-crime polling centers.

The commissioner also criticized past administrations for aligning state institutions, calling it a cause of authoritarian governance. He urged officers to remain firm yet polite, emphasizing that public confidence and safety are the true measures of police success.

Bangladesh’s Ministry of Education has issued an urgent directive instructing all private schools and colleges to collect tuition fees strictly in accordance with the revised student admission policy. The notice, signed by Deputy Secretary Syed A.Z. Morshed Ali from the Secondary and Higher Education Division, emphasizes adherence to the updated 2026 academic year guidelines.

According to the circular, institutions must follow the 2024 Tuition Fee Policy schedules A, B, and C when determining and collecting fees. The revised admission policy for private schools and colleges, covering secondary, lower secondary, and attached primary levels, was officially published on November 19, 2025. The ministry’s directive aims to ensure transparency and uniformity in fee collection practices across private educational institutions.

Education officials said the move seeks to prevent arbitrary fee hikes and protect guardians from financial exploitation. Schools have been asked to implement the policy immediately and report compliance to the ministry. Monitoring mechanisms are expected to be strengthened ahead of the 2026 academic session.

Bangladesh’s Rapid Action Battalion (RAB-6) has arrested Md. Ijazul Hossain, a listed top criminal and active member of the 'Grenade Babu' gang, for his alleged direct involvement in the daylight double murder at the Khulna District and Sessions Judge Court premises. He was detained on December 17 from the Aichgati area across the Rupsha River. According to RAB, Ijazul confessed to participating in the killing of Fazle Rabbi Rajon and Hasib Howlader on November 30.

RAB officials stated that seven attackers took part in the assault, which stemmed from a long-standing feud between the 'Grenade Babu' and 'Palash' gangs over territorial control, drug trade profits, and extortion money. CCTV and mobile footage captured Ijazul at the scene, leading to his arrest. The victims’ families did not initially file a case, prompting police to register two cases under murder and arms laws on December 3.

Authorities continue to investigate the broader network behind the attack as law enforcement intensifies operations against organized crime groups in Khulna.