India’s Ministry of External Affairs summoned Bangladesh’s High Commissioner to New Delhi, Riaz Hamidullah, on Tuesday, just hours after Dhaka called in Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma. The move followed Bangladesh’s formal protest over recent security incidents targeting its diplomatic premises in India. Earlier in the day, Bangladesh’s Foreign Ministry had expressed concern about violent demonstrations near its High Commission and the envoy’s residence in New Delhi, as well as vandalism at its visa center in Siliguri. Dhaka condemned what it described as “planned acts of intimidation” and urged India to ensure the safety of its diplomatic staff. Indian officials, however, downplayed the incidents, saying the protests were limited and did not breach security barriers. The reciprocal summons highlight rising diplomatic tension between the two neighbors. Analysts note that both sides are seeking to contain the dispute through official channels, but the episode underscores the fragility of bilateral sensitivities amid domestic political pressures in both countries.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi announced that the board will lodge a formal complaint with the International Cricket Council (ICC) regarding the behavior of Indian players during the Under-19 Asia Cup final. Pakistan defeated India by a massive 191-run margin, but the victory was overshadowed by allegations of excessive sledging and unsportsmanlike conduct by the Indian team. Naqvi stated that Indian players repeatedly provoked Pakistani cricketers throughout the match, calling the incidents contrary to the spirit of the game. Pakistan’s U-19 coach Sarfaraz Ahmed echoed the sentiment, describing India’s actions as “against cricketing ethics,” while emphasizing that his team maintained professionalism after the win. The PCB leadership stressed that politics and sports should remain separate. The India-Pakistan cricket rivalry has long been marked by heightened tension. Similar disciplinary concerns arose during the senior Asia Cup final earlier, when players from both sides faced ICC reprimands. The latest episode may prompt the ICC to review conduct guidelines for youth tournaments.

Inquilab Mancha has announced a nationwide wall-writing and graffiti campaign on December 24 and 25 to promote the struggle and ideals of Shaheed Sharif Osman Hadi. The announcement came after a 'Martyr’s Oath' event held at Shahbagh in Dhaka, where the group’s member secretary, Abdullah Al Jaber, urged supporters to share photos and videos of the campaign on social media. Jaber reiterated that the movement for justice over Osman Hadi’s killing would continue until accountability is ensured. He warned that those responsible would face no leniency and hinted at further programs on December 26 if their three-point demands remain unmet. Jaber also expressed hope that BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman would return to Bangladesh and join the movement. Osman Hadi’s brother issued a stern warning to the government, saying that failure to deliver justice could force officials to flee the country. The group’s latest call reflects growing frustration among supporters and signals potential escalation of political activism in the coming days.

Biman Bangladesh Airlines has advised all passengers traveling through Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on December 25 to allow extra time for their journey due to expected severe traffic congestion around the airport area. The national carrier issued a statement on Tuesday warning that heavy public gatherings are anticipated near the airport, Gulshan link road, and the Purbachal Expressway (300 feet), which could lead to significant delays. The advisory follows reports from multiple media outlets predicting large crowds in these areas on the day, possibly linked to public events and holiday travel. Biman requested both domestic and international passengers to plan their trips well in advance and arrive at the airport earlier than usual to avoid inconvenience. The airline expressed hope that passengers’ cooperation would ensure smooth and stress-free travel experiences. Authorities have not announced any special traffic management plan yet, but travelers are being urged to monitor updates and plan accordingly to prevent missed flights or disruptions.

Saiful Haque, General Secretary of the Revolutionary Workers Party of Bangladesh, has alleged that political mafias and terrorists have effectively taken the government hostage. Speaking at a central committee meeting in Segunbagicha, Dhaka, he urged the authorities to take immediate and strict action against these groups, regardless of political affiliation. Haque warned that the country is being deliberately pushed toward fear and anarchy, replacing the rule of law with authoritarianism. He cited the brutal killing of garment worker Dipu Chandra Das in Mymensingh as an example of growing lawlessness, calling it an unprecedented atrocity. Haque expressed concern that the failure to arrest and prosecute perpetrators has emboldened criminals nationwide. He also condemned recent attacks on media outlets such as Prothom Alo and The Daily Star, accusing state inaction of indirectly aiding violent groups. The party demanded exemplary punishment for those involved in recent killings, arson, and looting, warning that continued impunity could deepen insecurity and social unrest across Bangladesh.

A Dhaka court has ordered nine individuals to be sent to jail in connection with the violent attack, arson, and looting at the office of The Daily Star in Karwan Bazar. The order was issued by Metropolitan Magistrate Md Jamshed Alam after the accused were produced before the court. The suspects, hailing from various districts including Dhaka, Rajshahi, and Sylhet, were denied bail following a hearing where both prosecution and defense presented arguments. According to the case filed at Tejgaon Police Station, the attack occurred around 12:35 a.m. on December 19, when a group of armed assailants entered the newspaper’s premises, assaulted staff, and set multiple floors on fire. The attackers allegedly looted cash and equipment worth approximately BDT 40 crore, damaging CCTV systems and fire safety infrastructure. The incident led to the rescue of 30 employees. The case was filed by The Daily Star’s Head of Operations, naming 350–400 unidentified suspects. Investigations are ongoing as authorities assess the extent of damages and possible motives behind the attack.

Jamaat-e-Islami’s nominated parliamentary candidate for Habiganj-4 (Madhabpur–Chunarughat), journalist Oliullah Noman, has intensified grassroots campaigning ahead of the upcoming national election. On December 23, he conducted extensive voter outreach across local markets in Chunarughat Sadar Union, urging support for the party’s election symbol, the scale. During his campaign, Noman pledged improvements in education and infrastructure, including schools, colleges, madrasas, and roads. He also stated that if Jamaat-e-Islami forms the next government, it will establish a justice-based state system. Local Jamaat leaders and supporters accompanied him throughout the day’s activities, emphasizing the party’s renewed focus on community engagement. The announcement underscores Jamaat’s attempt to reassert its political relevance after years of restrictions and controversies. Analysts note that the party’s emphasis on justice and development aims to appeal to rural voters seeking stability and reform. The campaign in Habiganj-4 reflects Jamaat’s broader strategy to rebuild its grassroots presence ahead of the national polls.

Dr. Md. Fakhruddin Manik, former central president of Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir, has officially collected his nomination papers to contest the upcoming national election from the Feni-3 (Daganbhuiyan–Sonagazi) constituency. The nomination was collected on Tuesday, December 23, from the district returning officer’s office. Dr. Manik is the nominated candidate of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami for this constituency. Several senior Jamaat leaders, including Feni district Ameer Mufti Abdul Hannan, Mahmudul Hasan, and former upazila Ameer and freedom fighter A.S.M. Nur Nabi Dulal, were present during the submission. Dr. Manik currently serves as a member of Jamaat’s central Majlish-e-Shura and assistant secretary of the party’s Dhaka North unit. He has been active in social initiatives under the Daganbhuiyan–Sonagazi Development Forum. His participation marks Jamaat-e-Islami’s continued effort to field candidates across constituencies despite political restrictions. Observers note that his candidacy could influence local voter dynamics and test Jamaat’s organizational strength in the Feni region.

The Office of the Chief Adviser of Bangladesh’s interim government has expressed deep sorrow over the killing of factory worker Dipu Chandra Das in Mymensingh’s Bhaluka area. Education Adviser Professor C.R. Abrar visited the victim’s family on behalf of the government, offering condolences and assurances of continued support during this difficult time. In a statement issued Tuesday evening, the Chief Adviser’s Press Wing described the murder as a heinous crime with no justification. It reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the rule of law, emphasizing that only the state has the authority to investigate and ensure justice through proper legal procedures. Law enforcement agencies have so far arrested 12 suspects, and the investigation is ongoing. The government reiterated its pledge to protect all citizens equally, regardless of religion or identity, and called on communities and leaders to reject violence and uphold restraint and humanity. Financial and welfare assistance will be provided to the victim’s family, with authorities maintaining regular contact to ensure continued support.

Although Israeli airstrikes have decreased, Palestinian children in Gaza continue to die—this time from cold weather and collapsing buildings. Heavy rains have flooded tent camps and temporary shelters, while damaged structures have caved in on families. At least 16 Palestinians, including several children, were killed in recent storms. Amnesty International described these deaths as preventable, blaming Israel’s blockade and violations of ceasefire terms for obstructing humanitarian aid and shelter access. Over two months of ceasefire breaches have left more than 1,400 Palestinians dead or injured, with Israel continuing to restrict essential supplies and repair materials. The UNRWA, which could provide shelter for 1.3 million displaced people, has been denied entry for its materials. Nearly 92% of Gaza’s infrastructure is damaged, and more than half of its territory remains inaccessible to residents. Human rights groups warn that the ongoing blockade and destruction are creating unlivable conditions. International legal experts urge Israel to comply with humanitarian law and allow aid access, as Gaza faces worsening humanitarian collapse.

Police Superintendents across Bangladesh have urged the Election Commission to increase the number of executive magistrates deployed during the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. During a high-level coordination meeting in Dhaka’s Agargaon, they argued that without additional magistrates, police should be granted limited magistracy powers to ensure smooth law enforcement and prevent electoral violence. The officers cited challenges including vehicle shortages, insufficient manpower, and the logistical strain of managing multiple elections on the same day. They also requested higher operational budgets and recommended deploying Red Crescent volunteers to assist elderly and disabled voters. District Commissioners, meanwhile, highlighted the need for helicopters for remote areas, tighter border security, and stronger measures against misinformation and AI-driven disinformation. The Election Commission is expected to review these proposals as part of its final election preparedness plan. Analysts note that granting police magistracy powers could raise legal and accountability concerns, but may also enhance rapid response capacity in volatile regions.

A Dhaka court has granted a five-day remand for Kabir, a close associate of Faisal Karim Masud alias Rahul Dawood, the prime suspect in the murder of Inquilab Mancha leader Shaheed Sharif Osman Hadi. The order came from Additional Metropolitan Magistrate Sefatullah after Kabir was produced before the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Court upon completion of a previous seven-day remand. According to Detective Branch Inspector Faisal Ahmed, Kabir accompanied Faisal multiple times to Hadi’s office and owned the motorcycle allegedly used in the killing. The prosecution, led by Dhaka Metropolitan Public Prosecutor Omar Faruk Faruki, argued that Kabir’s close ties with Faisal and his possession of the vehicle warranted further interrogation. The court approved five days of additional remand despite Kabir not having legal representation during the hearing. Investigators are still uncertain whether Faisal has fled the country or remains in hiding. Authorities have emphasized the need for a thorough investigation to identify the actual perpetrators behind the high-profile murder that has drawn nationwide attention.

The Ministry of Primary and Mass Education of Bangladesh has officially upgraded the pay grade of all government primary school head teachers from the 11th to the 10th grade, granting them gazetted officer status. The new salary scale starts at BDT 16,000 and rises to BDT 38,640, replacing the previous range of BDT 12,500 to BDT 30,230. The gazette notification, signed on December 15 and published on December 23, affects 65,502 head teachers nationwide. The decision follows a long legal and administrative process, including approval from the Ministry of Public Administration, the Finance Division, and the Administrative Development Secretary Committee. It also complies with a Supreme Court ruling that recognized head teachers as second-class gazetted officers. Untrained head teachers must complete Basic Training for Primary Teachers (BTPT) within 18 months. The government expects the move to enhance financial security and social recognition for head teachers, motivating them to improve primary education quality. Meanwhile, assistant teachers—currently in the 13th grade—continue to press for an upgrade to the 11th grade, a proposal now under review by the National Pay Commission.

U.S. President Donald Trump has described Pakistan’s Chief of Defence Forces and Field Marshal Asim Munir as a “highly respected general,” lauding his leadership during a press conference at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida. Trump claimed his administration had “stopped eight wars,” including a potential nuclear conflict between India and Pakistan, which he said could have cost millions of lives. The remarks follow a series of public compliments Trump has made toward Munir since their June meeting in Washington, where the Pakistani military leader was hosted for a rare White House luncheon. Trump reiterated his positive relations with both Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Pakistan’s leadership, calling them “tremendous people.” His comments come amid ongoing debate over conflicting accounts of the May border conflict in Kashmir, during which both nations claimed aerial victories. Analysts note that Trump’s statements may reflect his broader effort to highlight diplomatic achievements ahead of the 2026 election cycle, though his version of events has drawn skepticism from regional observers and defense analysts.

Dr. Tasnim Jara, senior joint member secretary of the National Citizens Party (NCP) and a potential candidate for the Dhaka-9 parliamentary seat, announced that her election fund received Tk 2.368 million in just 14 hours. The update was shared on her verified Facebook page on Tuesday afternoon, where she expressed gratitude to supporters and encouraged further contributions through bank transfers after her mobile payment limit was reached. Jara stated that her campaign’s fundraising target is Tk 4.693 million, meaning she has already secured more than half of the goal within the first day of the drive. Earlier, she reported receiving over Tk 1.2 million within the first seven hours of launching the campaign on Monday. She emphasized transparency in handling donations, sharing screenshots of transactions and promising full disclosure of expenditures. Observers note that Jara’s rapid fundraising reflects growing public engagement in digital political financing in Bangladesh. Her approach could set a precedent for transparent, citizen-driven campaign funding ahead of the upcoming national elections.