The Secretary-General of Khelafat Majlis, Ahmad Abdul Kader, has emphasized the need to maintain national unity to protect the country’s independence and sovereignty. He stated that to honor the sacrifices of millions who laid down their lives in 1971, the fundamental goals of independence—equality, human dignity, and social justice—must be ensured. He further added that following the mass uprising of 2024, which led to the fall of the fascist Hasina regime, there is now an opportunity to secure people’s rights. The country must swiftly undergo necessary reforms and proceed towards a free and fair national election to build a stable, prosperous, and thriving Bangladesh.

Gono Odhikar Parishad leader Abu Hanif has stressed the importance of preserving the national unity that emerged through the July mass uprising. He acknowledged that cracks have appeared in this unity and warned against any statements or actions that could further damage it. “Defeated forces are actively trying to sabotage the unity of the people,” he stated. Hanif accused the Awami League of committing enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and political oppression over the past 15 years. He claimed that following the July-August movement, the party fled in the face of public outrage and has been politically ostracized by the people. Hanif also alleged that as Eid approaches, the Awami League is plotting subversive activities while the public remains preoccupied with celebrations. He further warned against any attempts to create a divide between the Liberation War and the 2024 mass uprising, stating, “We do not want to pit 1971 against 2024.”

In recognition of his outstanding contributions to law, justice, and human rights, Bangladesh’s Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed has been awarded an Honorary Fellowship by Oxford University. In a letter addressed to the Chief Justice, Robert Hanning, the Warden of Wadham College, stated, “It is with great pleasure that I inform you that the Governing Body of Wadham College has decided to award you an Honorary Fellowship. I hope you will accept this honor.”

President Md. Shahabuddin hosted a reception and Iftar gathering on the occasion of Independence Day. Following Iftar, attendees performed the Maghrib prayer under a temporary shed at the venue, led by the Army Chief as the Imam. Notably, President Md. Shahabuddin was seen praying while seated on a chair behind the Imam. Among the worshippers were Chief Election Commissioner A.M.M. Nasir Uddin, Home Secretary Nasimul Gani, and other invited guests.

On the occasion of Shab-e-Qadr, BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman extended his greetings to the nation and prayed for its well-being. He remarked that devout Muslims spend the holy month of Ramadan engaging in fasting and self-purification, culminating in the blessed night of Shab-e-Qadr, which brings immense divine mercy. “On this sacred night, believers immerse themselves in worship, offering voluntary prayers, reciting the Holy Quran, and making supplications,” he stated. He also prayed for the welfare of the country, the progress and prosperity of the Muslim Ummah, and for divine mercy to be showered upon everyone. “Ameen,” he concluded.

The United Nations General Assembly has adopted a resolution outlining the framework, methods, format, and organization of a high-level conference addressing the situation of Rohingya Muslims and other minority groups in Myanmar. The resolution passed without opposition, though 10 countries abstained from voting. Sponsored by Malaysia and Finland, the resolution was adopted on Wednesday, as confirmed by the Chief Adviser’s Press Wing. Russia had proposed several amendments, which Bangladesh did not accept. Following a voting initiative by the General Assembly President, the resolution was passed with 141 votes in favor.

BNP leader Syed Emran Saleh Prince has alleged that there are deliberate efforts to create a false opposition between the Liberation War and the 2024 mass uprising. He stated that while 1971 and 2024 are distinct events, neither should be undermined. “The Liberation War was a struggle to free the country from colonial shackles, while the 2024 mass uprising was a movement to liberate an independent country from fascist rule,” he said. Prince highlighted that the spirit of 1971 also fueled the November 7, 1975 movement, as well as the uprisings of 1990 and 2024. Any attempt to diminish the Liberation War is tantamount to denying independence itself, he added. BNP believes that a roadmap for elections must be announced soon, and national elections should be held within this year to rescue the country from chaos and conspiracy.

Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary Mia Golam Porwar has claimed that Bangladesh did not achieve true independence in 1971, arguing that political leaders compromised the nation’s sovereignty for power. “Those who claim to uphold the spirit of the Liberation War actually sold the country to Delhi for political gains. That’s why the 2024 mass uprising marks our second independence,” he stated. Porwar further accused past governments of empowering anti-liberation figures, claiming that 12 to 13 war criminals were made presidents, ministers, and MPs. He also warned that those who challenge Jamaat-e-Islami will face the same fate as Sheikh Hasina.

In Kaliganj, Jhenaidah, a loudspeaker was vandalized while broadcasting a speech by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on Independence Day. The incident occurred at the Muktijoddha (Freedom Fighters’) building, where organizers had set up a sound system to play the speech. Local residents reportedly opposed the broadcast and asked for it to be stopped. When the caretaker, Sagar Hossain, refused and continued playing the speech, an enraged crowd stormed the venue and damaged the loudspeaker.

On December 11, Liberation War Affairs Adviser Faruk E Azam urged those who falsely claimed freedom fighter status to return their certificates. He offered amnesty but warned of legal consequences for fraud. In response, at least twelve individuals, including a retired government official, have applied to the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs to return their certificates. The ministry has not disclosed their identities but confirmed that the applicants admitted their wrongdoing and sought forgiveness.

The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has expressed concern over the rising inhumane treatment of Muslims in India. The agency also recommended imposing targeted sanctions on India’s intelligence agency, RAW, over allegations of involvement in the assassinations of Sikh separatists in the US and Canada. The report highlighted that religious freedom in India deteriorated further in 2024, with increasing attacks and discrimination against religious minorities. It criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP for spreading hate speech and misinformation against Muslims during last year’s election campaign. It also recalled Modi’s remarks in April, where he referred to Muslims as “infiltrators” who have “too many children,” linking this to opposition parties’ electoral interests.

The Mirsharai Upazila administration imposed Section 144 due to tensions between two factions of the BNP. However, despite the restrictions, a group led by former Upazila BNP secretary Gazhi Nizam, backed by Chattogram North District BNP’s joint convener Nurul Amin Chairman, visited the Shaheed Minar on Wednesday at 9 AM with over a hundred activists to place floral tributes. Nizam stated, “The administration enforced Section 144 fearing unrest, but we are peacefully paying our respects.” Meanwhile, Upazila Executive Officer and Executive Magistrate Mahfuza Zerin clarified that only groups of less than five people were allowed to offer tributes.

Railway Advisor Muhammad Fauzul Kabir Khan has revealed that Bangladesh Railways spends 2.5 times the revenue it generates, attributing the losses to corruption and operational inefficiencies. He emphasized the need to curb wasteful expenses and unauthorized travel, warning that continued financial mismanagement could jeopardize railway services. The ministry has set a target to reduce spending per revenue taka below two and has tasked officials with tackling corruption. Meanwhile, a delegation led by Dr. Yunus is visiting China to discuss railway development, including the procurement of new coaches and infrastructure upgrades.

Amid ongoing protests following the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, Turkish authorities detained at least seven journalists, including an AFP photojournalist, on Tuesday. The mass demonstrations have continued for seven consecutive days. Authorities claim the detained journalists were participating in ‘illegal protests.’ AFP’s CEO has sent a formal request to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, demanding the journalist’s release.

A U.S. intelligence report has identified India, alongside China, as a ‘state accomplice’ in supplying precursor chemicals for illicit fentanyl production. The report, released Tuesday, highlights India’s role in providing raw materials to criminal organizations involved in manufacturing synthetic opioids. Fentanyl is the deadliest drug in the U.S., responsible for over 52,000 deaths in the 12 months leading up to October 2024. The assessment places India as the second-largest supplier after China.