Administrators, faculty representatives, and trustees from Bangladesh’s private universities have voiced deep concern over the future of the country’s private higher education sector. Their alarm follows the University Grants Commission’s (UGC) proposed amendment to the Private University Act 2010, discussed at an emergency joint meeting in Dhaka attended by over a hundred representatives from 85 institutions. The Bangladesh Association of Private Universities (APUB) issued a statement on Monday warning that without changes to discriminatory and restrictive policies, the sector could face serious instability and conflict.

Speakers at the meeting said private university students bear full tuition fees along with VAT and other taxes but receive no government scholarships, student loans, or research support. They criticized delays in UGC approval for modern programs and PhD initiatives, which they said hinder global competitiveness. Participants argued that excessive regulatory control has left more than 400,000 students and thousands of teachers, researchers, and trustees in uncertainty.

The meeting proposed six key reforms, including forming an independent higher education commission, adopting education-friendly global policies, introducing student loans and research support, strengthening industry-academia collaboration, reviewing VAT and taxes, and ensuring transparent approval processes.

Former state minister for home affairs Lutfozzaman Babar has submitted his nomination papers to contest the upcoming election from the Netrokona-4 constituency, which includes Madan, Mohanganj, and Khaliajuri. The submission took place on Monday afternoon at the office of the district returning officer and deputy commissioner Md. Saifur Rahman.

Babar, representing the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), stated that his candidacy is driven by a commitment to restoring democracy, ensuring people's rights, and advancing the overall development of the Netrokona-4 area. He expressed confidence that with the love and support of local residents, his campaign team will move forward unitedly toward victory.

The report highlights Babar’s emphasis on unity and local support as central to his electoral strategy in the constituency.

A platform named Manch-24 held a press conference at Dhaka University’s Madhur Canteen on Monday, demanding justice within 25 days for the killing of Sharif Osman Bin Hadi, spokesperson of Inquilab Manch. The group also announced four demands, including the immediate arrest of the main killer and accomplices, reform of intelligence agencies before the election, action against anti-national elements in the media, and review of work permits for Indian citizens in Bangladesh.

At the event, Manch-24 convener Fahim Faruqi criticized the interim government for what he described as lenient decisions regarding the murder case, accusing it of leaning toward dominance and aggression. He said Hadi had embodied the 2024 student-people revolution both culturally and politically through his Inquilab Cultural Center and anti-hegemony activities.

Faruqi warned that failure to arrest the alleged killer Faisal would embolden criminal groups and endanger other movement leaders. Inquilab Manch continues its protest at Shahbagh demanding justice for Hadi’s killing.

At the International Crimes Tribunal–2 in Dhaka on Monday, investigating officer Ruhul Amin testified that a doctor was pressured to prepare a false autopsy report following the police shooting of Begum Rokeya University student Abu Sayeed, described as the first martyr of the July uprising. The statement came during the third day of his deposition in the ongoing trial before a three-member bench led by Justice Nazrul Islam Chowdhury.

Ruhul Amin said Sarowat Hossain Chandan, president of the Rangpur unit of the Swadhinata Chikitsak Parishad, opposed the protesters during the uprising and pressured the doctor to falsify the report. He testified as the 25th witness in the crimes against humanity case against 30 accused, including former vice-chancellor Hasibur Rashid. Six accused, including a former proctor and several police and student leaders, were produced in court, while others remain absconding.

As the testimony was not completed, the tribunal scheduled the next hearing for January 6.

Jamaat-e-Islami–nominated candidate and Nagarkanda Upazila Jamaat Amir Maulana Sohrab Hossain has withdrawn his candidacy for the upcoming national election in Faridpur-02 constituency, which covers Nagarkanda and Saltha. His decision came after an eight-party alliance declared Allama Shah Akram Ali, known as Dhola Huzur, as its official candidate. On Monday at 10 a.m., Sohrab Hossain announced his withdrawal through a Facebook post, expressing full support for the alliance’s nominee in the interest of Islamic unity.

The announcement has sparked discussion in local political circles, with party activists describing the move as a significant step toward strengthening unity among Islamic parties. Leaders of the eight-party alliance stated that all members would work together in support of Shah Akram Ali and expressed optimism about achieving favorable results through this cooperation.

Local observers noted that the Jamaat candidate’s withdrawal is expected to bolster the alliance’s position in Faridpur-02 and reshape the electoral dynamics in the constituency.

Former president of Islami Chhatra Shibir, Md. Abdul Jabbar, has withdrawn his candidacy from the Narayanganj-4 constituency ahead of the upcoming national parliamentary election. He announced the decision on Monday through a verified Facebook post, stating that he stepped down in accordance with his organization’s decision and emphasized that the nation’s interest remains the top priority.

In his post, Abdul Jabbar expressed gratitude to his supporters, including members, well-wishers, students, and youth who worked tirelessly during the campaign. He extended his best wishes to Advocate Abdullah Al Amin, the central leader of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), who received the coalition’s nomination for the same seat on Sunday.

The withdrawal marks a shift in the electoral dynamics of Narayanganj-4, as the 10-party alliance consolidates its support behind the NCP candidate following Jabbar’s decision.

BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman visited the party’s central office in Naya Paltan, Dhaka, on Monday afternoon, marking his first appearance there in 17 years. He left his residence on Gulshan Avenue at 3 p.m. and arrived at the office around 4 p.m., where senior party leaders including Ruhul Kabir Rizvi and M Rashiduzzaman Millat welcomed him with flowers. Several central leaders, advisers, and staff members were also present during the visit.

Addressing party members, Tarique Rahman said there was no formal event scheduled and requested that roads be reopened quickly to avoid public inconvenience. He asked everyone to pray for each other’s well-being and called on supporters to contribute from their respective positions to rebuild the country anew. He added that he would deliver a speech when future programs are announced.

The visit was seen as a symbolic return to the party’s central hub after a long absence, with Tarique emphasizing unity and collective effort for national reconstruction.

Law enforcement agencies have been unable to arrest Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader and six other top leaders of the party’s affiliated organizations in a war crimes case related to killings during the July Revolution. The prosecution informed International Crimes Tribunal-2 on Monday that officers visited both permanent and temporary addresses but could not locate the accused. The tribunal, led by retired district judge Md Manjurul Basid with member judge Nur Mohammad Shahriar Kabir, said further orders would follow after receiving all reports.

The accused include Awami League Joint General Secretary A.F.M. Bahauddin Nasim, former State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Mohammad Ali Arafat, Jubo League President Sheikh Fazle Shams Parash, General Secretary Mainul Hossain Khan Nikhil, Chhatra League President Saddam Hossain, and General Secretary Wali Asif Enan. Arrest warrants were issued on December 18 after the prosecution filed formal charges and presented specific allegations against each accused, including three counts against Quader for instruction, provocation, and incitement.

The tribunal will issue its next order once the remaining address report for Sheikh Fazle Shams Parash is submitted.

The government has canceled the appointments of one deputy attorney general and three assistant attorneys general over allegations of irregularities. A formal notification announcing the decision was issued on Monday afternoon, according to the report published on December 29, 2025.

Those whose appointments have been revoked are Deputy Attorney General Zulfiqar Ali Shimul and Assistant Attorneys General Ibrahim Khalil, Ayub Ali, and Montu Alam. The report did not provide further details about the nature of the alleged irregularities or the specific circumstances leading to the decision.

Further information about the case is expected to be released later, as the report indicated that more details are forthcoming.

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department has forecast that night temperatures across the country may drop slightly within the next 24 hours, increasing the feeling of cold. The forecast, issued on Monday morning, also warned that moderate to dense fog may form in various parts of the country from midnight to morning, with some areas experiencing it until noon.

According to the department, the weather is expected to remain dry with partly cloudy skies nationwide. The fog could disrupt air travel, inland water transport, and road communication. The lowest temperature in the country was recorded at 10 degrees Celsius in Nikli, Kishoreganj. The Met Office attributed the current conditions to the extension of a subcontinental high-pressure zone over West Bengal and adjoining areas, while a seasonal low lies over the South Bay of Bengal extending to the northeast.

The department noted that while daytime temperatures are likely to remain nearly unchanged, the cold sensation will persist in many regions due to foggy conditions.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has confirmed that another political party is joining its existing 10-party electoral alliance. The announcement was made by Jamaat’s central assistant secretary general Advocate Abdul Halim, who said the name of the new party would be revealed soon. He expressed hope that the alliance would succeed in building an inclusive and united Bangladesh. The statement came after Jamaat Amir Dr. Shafiqur Rahman’s nomination papers were submitted for the Dhaka-15 constituency, which includes Mirpur and Kafrul.

At a press conference following the submission, Jamaat assistant secretary general Advocate Ehsanul Mahbub Zubair said the alliance’s seat-sharing arrangement among 11 parties would be finalized and announced later in the afternoon. He clarified that Jamaat had not sought an extension for nomination submission and emphasized the need for the Election Commission to ensure a level playing field. Zubair described the alliance as a strong electoral understanding rather than a formal coalition, with each party fielding one candidate per seat while others offer support.

He also urged the interim government and the Election Commission to take necessary steps to create a fair electoral environment, including recovering illegal arms and arresting identified criminals.

A Dhaka court has granted a five-day remand for Major Md. Sadequl Haque and his wife Sumaiya Tahmid Zafrin in two separate cases filed under the Anti-Terrorism Act. The cases were lodged at Vatara and Gulshan police stations over alleged activities linked to guerrilla training of Awami League members. The order was issued on Monday by Metropolitan Magistrate Md. Hasan Shahadat, confirmed by state prosecutor Muhammad Shamsuddoha Suman.

Investigators had sought seven-day remands for both accused. Major Sadequl was shown arrested on December 15 in the Vatara case, while Zafrin’s remand request was filed on December 21 in the Gulshan case. Both were produced before the court during the hearing. The cases accuse them of involvement in secret meetings and anti-government demonstrations.

According to the case files, the alleged incidents involved banned organizations and gatherings that chanted anti-state slogans and planned activities deemed to threaten public security. Police filed the cases in July and April following these incidents.

Social media personality and Ten Minute School founder Ayman Sadiq came under heavy criticism on Monday after posting on Facebook about justice for Osman Hadi, who was killed earlier in December. In his post, Sadiq wrote that Hadi had always sought justice and that others should show courage to continue that pursuit. He questioned how long it would take to achieve justice, marking ten days since Hadi’s death.

The post sparked strong reactions from netizens, with many criticizing Sadiq for speaking out late and for not mentioning Hadi’s name directly in his message. Users also mocked him through comments and memes shared across Facebook. The controversy unfolded as protests demanding justice for Hadi continued at Shahbagh under the banner of Inquilab Mancha.

Osman Hadi was shot on December 12 in Dhaka’s Paltan area while returning from Friday prayers and died on December 18 in Singapore. Police have arrested 11 suspects, six of whom have given confessional statements in court.

South Korean automaker Hyundai has unveiled its new electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, the Supernal S-A2, at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in the United States. The aircraft is designed for short-distance passenger transport within cities, capable of vertical takeoff and landing like a helicopter and forward flight like an airplane. It can fly up to 1,500 feet high at a maximum speed of 120 miles per hour and cover 25 to 40 miles on a single charge. Being fully electric, it produces minimal noise and no fuel-based pollution, making it suitable for urban environments.

In the context of Dhaka, the idea of air taxis is both exciting and challenging. Experts note that managing air routes, ensuring safety, and building vertiports would require significant investment and planning. Initially, such services might cater to corporate passengers or emergency needs, but as technology becomes cheaper and infrastructure develops, air taxis could evolve into a broader public transport option.

The report suggests that while air taxis may not fully solve Dhaka’s traffic crisis, they could help reduce congestion and transform urban mobility in the long term.

More than 941,000 expatriate Bangladeshis have registered to vote in the 13th National Parliament election and referendum through the ‘Postal Vote BD’ app, according to the Election Commission’s website update as of Monday at 2 p.m. Among the registrants, 838,309 are men and 102,839 are women. Saudi Arabia accounts for the highest number of registrants at 176,840, followed by Qatar with 63,754, Oman with 47,069, Malaysia with 51,212, the United Arab Emirates with 31,180, and the United States with 27,088.

The Election Commission has extended the registration deadline to December 31. Expatriate voters, government employees, election duty personnel, and those in legal custody can register through the app until that date. The app, launched on November 18, allows registration from 148 countries.

To complete registration, expatriate voters must use a mobile number from their respective countries, as required by the Election Commission.