An Israeli drone attack in southern Lebanon’s Sidon district killed three people on Monday, according to Lebanon’s state news agency NNA. The strike targeted a vehicle on the Aktnit–Quneitra road and was described by Lebanese officials as a new violation of the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon. Israel has not issued any immediate comment on the incident. Tensions have been escalating along the border in recent weeks, with reports of near-daily Israeli air raids inside Lebanon. Israel claims its operations are aimed at Hezbollah fighters and infrastructure. The two countries reached a ceasefire in November 2024 after more than a year of cross-border clashes linked to the Gaza conflict, which left over 4,000 dead and 17,000 injured. Despite the truce, Israeli forces have reportedly maintained positions at five border posts that were due to be vacated in January, raising concerns among Lebanese authorities and international observers about the durability of the ceasefire and the risk of renewed hostilities.

Bangladesh Bank has directed that the shares of five Shariah-based banks undergoing merger be valued at zero, citing negative net asset values. The affected institutions—First Security Islami Bank, Social Islami Bank, Global Islami Bank, Union Bank, and EXIM Bank—received official letters instructing them to nullify their paid-up capital under the Bank Resolution Ordinance 2025. The central bank stated that the decision followed an assessment showing each bank’s equity had turned negative. Executive Director and spokesperson Arif Hossain Khan confirmed that the order does not require approval from the Dhaka or Chittagong stock exchanges or the Registrar of Joint Stock Companies. Governor Ahsan H. Mansur earlier explained that shareholders would not receive stakes in the newly formed Combined Islami Bank PLC, as each share’s net asset value had fallen between Tk 350 and Tk 420 below zero. The move effectively wipes out shareholder equity, leaving investors facing heavy losses. Trading of the banks’ shares remains suspended, while the newly licensed Combined Islami Bank PLC begins operations as the country’s largest state-owned Shariah-compliant bank.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry has reiterated that its missile program is purely defensive and not open for negotiation, dismissing external criticism over its growing arsenal. Spokesperson Esmail Baghaei stated at a weekly press briefing that the program was designed solely to deter attacks and protect Iran’s territorial integrity. The statement follows heightened Israeli alarm after the June 12-day conflict, during which Israel labeled Iran’s ballistic and nuclear programs as major threats. Tehran retaliated with missile and drone strikes on Israeli cities following what it described as unprecedented Israeli assaults that killed over 1,000 people in Iran. Israel, in turn, reported more than 50 Iranian missile strikes that left 28 dead. According to NBC, Iran is now rebuilding and expanding its missile production capacity, prompting fears that Israel could launch preemptive strikes to disrupt these efforts. The United States briefly joined Israel in targeting Iranian nuclear facilities before a ceasefire was declared, underscoring the fragile regional balance and the potential for renewed escalation.

A local Awami League leader in Madan municipality of Netrokona, retired army officer Manjurul Haque, has been accused of cutting a government-built road known as Hazera Aziz College Road. Witnesses said Haque personally oversaw the use of an excavator to dig up the road on Monday afternoon, claiming the road had been constructed over his private land. The road, built about five years ago under a rural infrastructure project, serves residents of Ward No. 6 for daily commuting. Municipal officials confirmed the road’s public status and said attempts to stop the demolition were ignored. Assistant Commissioner (Land) Shaolin Nahar stated that local authorities halted the work after receiving complaints, while the district commissioner ordered legal measures. Locals alleged that Haque, who unsuccessfully sought party nominations multiple times, acted out of political frustration. Haque denied wrongdoing, insisting on his property rights. The incident has sparked debate over land ownership and misuse of political influence in local governance. Authorities are investigating, and further administrative action is expected in the coming days.

China has reportedly discovered an enormous undersea gold deposit off the coast of Laizhou in Shandong province, which local media describe as Asia’s largest underwater gold mine. The find, located near Yantai, is estimated to contain over 3,900 tons of gold, accounting for roughly 26 percent of China’s total reserves. While the central government has yet to confirm the discovery, reports from the South China Morning Post suggest the actual volume may exceed initial estimates. The discovery follows a series of major gold finds across China, including deposits in Liaoning and Xinjiang provinces. The China Gold Association notes that China remains the world’s top gold ore producer, with 377 tons mined last year. However, it still trails South Africa, Australia, and Russia in total reserves. Geological teams have increasingly used artificial intelligence, high-powered radar, and satellite imaging to locate new mineral resources. Analysts believe this discovery could strengthen China’s position in global gold markets and reduce import dependency. The government’s ongoing investment in exploration—totaling about 4.5 trillion yuan since 2021—signals a strategic push to secure critical resources amid global economic uncertainty.

Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) has distributed around BDT 2 million in financial incentives to 21 churches across the capital ahead of Christmas. The initiative, funded from the administrator’s discretionary fund, aims to support religious events, social welfare activities, and community preparations for the holiday. DNCC Administrator Mohammad Ejaz extended greetings to all residents, emphasizing the city’s commitment to ensuring a safe and festive environment for people of all faiths. He stated that DNCC seeks to foster a multicultural, humane city where citizens of every religion and culture can live without fear or discrimination. The administrator reaffirmed that the corporation values civic harmony, tolerance, and mutual respect, pledging continued practical support for major religious festivals. Similar financial assistance was previously provided by DNCC during Eid and Durga Puja, reflecting an ongoing policy of promoting interfaith cooperation and social inclusion within Dhaka’s diverse urban community.

Bangladesh has indefinitely suspended visa services for Indian citizens following a series of violent attacks and threats against its diplomatic missions in India. The decision, confirmed by multiple sources at the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi, comes after repeated security breaches, including vandalism and arson at mission offices in Delhi, Siliguri, and Guwahati. Dhaka cited inadequate protection for its diplomats and accused Indian authorities of failing to ensure safety despite repeated requests. The violence, reportedly led by Hindu nationalist groups such as the Vishva Hindu Parishad and Hindu Jagaran Manch, has intensified amid political mobilization in several Indian states. Demonstrators, some linked to opposition leader Suvendu Adhikari, attempted to storm the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission in Kolkata and burned effigies of interim government adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus. Bangladesh’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossain rejected India’s explanation of the incidents, calling them unacceptable breaches of diplomatic norms. Analysts warn that the escalating hostility could push Dhaka to further reduce its diplomatic presence in India if security conditions do not improve, marking one of the most strained phases in bilateral relations in recent years.

BNP candidate for Nilphamari-4 constituency and Syedpur district BNP president, Principal Abdul Gafur Sarkar, announced that if the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) returns to power, it will ensure Bangladesh’s rightful share of Teesta River water from India. Speaking at a press briefing at Kishoreganj Press Club on Monday, he warned that if India delays, the issue could be taken to an international court. Sarkar emphasized that his constituency is heavily dependent on agriculture and that fair access to Teesta water would transform local farming. He also outlined broader BNP plans, including introducing agricultural, family, and health cards, and creating employment opportunities for youth. The meeting was chaired by Abu Hasan Sheikh, president of the local press club, and attended by several BNP and community leaders. The Teesta water-sharing issue has long been a sensitive bilateral matter between Bangladesh and India. Sarkar’s remarks reflect renewed political focus on water diplomacy ahead of upcoming national elections.

Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman delivered a match-winning spell for Dubai Capitals in the UAE’s International League T20, claiming three wickets in a single over against Gulf Giants. His figures of 3.5 overs, 34 runs, and 3 wickets earned him his first Player of the Match award of the tournament as Dubai Capitals secured a six-wicket win in Abu Dhabi. The Giants were cruising at 110 for 3 after 13 overs before Mustafizur’s second over changed the game’s momentum. He dismissed James Vince, Azmatullah Omarzai, and Abarshan Dickson in quick succession, reducing the Giants to 156 all out. Dubai Capitals chased down the target in 19.2 overs. The left-arm seamer has now taken 14 wickets in seven matches with an economy rate of 8.29, ranking just behind teammate Waqar Salamkheil, who leads with 15 wickets. Mustafizur’s consistent form in the ILT20 strengthens his reputation as a dependable T20 specialist and could boost his prospects for upcoming international assignments with Bangladesh.

A Dhaka court has imposed a travel ban on Dr. Md. Jalal Uddin, the BNP-nominated candidate for Chandpur-2 constituency, along with four others, in connection with allegations of amassing illegal wealth and laundering money abroad. The order was issued on Sunday, December 21, following an application by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) investigation officer. Senior Special Judge Mohammad Abdullah Al Mamun approved the request after reviewing the case documents and hearing the public prosecutor. According to ACC Director General Md. Akhter Hossain, Dr. Jalal is the principal suspect in the case, which involves attempts to legalize illicit income through bank transfers and overseas remittances. The ACC argued that the accused might attempt to flee the country, potentially obstructing the ongoing investigation and evidence collection. The court accepted this reasoning and granted the travel restriction. The decision comes amid heightened scrutiny of election candidates’ financial transparency ahead of Bangladesh’s 13th national polls. The ACC’s investigation continues under the Money Laundering Prevention Act, with further legal action expected if sufficient evidence is found.

National Democratic Party (JAGPA) Vice President and spokesperson Rashed Pradhan inaugurated a 'Pillar of Hatred' in Dhaka’s Paltan area on Monday, displaying photographs of those allegedly responsible for the killing of Inquilab Mancha spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi. The symbolic structure was unveiled ten days after Hadi was shot dead, with Pradhan condemning the interim government for failing to arrest the perpetrators. During the event, Pradhan accused the authorities of negligence, saying that the planners, financiers, and executors of the murder remained at large. He expressed deep resentment on behalf of the people of Bangladesh and demanded that Box Culvert Road be renamed 'Shaheed Osman Hadi Road.' He also urged the government to permit the construction of a permanent memorial, pledging that it would be funded by citizens. The incident has sparked renewed criticism of law enforcement’s slow progress in politically sensitive murder investigations, with opposition groups calling for greater accountability and transparency from the interim administration.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has strongly condemned comments made by Nurul Kabir, editor of the New Age newspaper, during a recent television talk show. In a statement issued Monday, Jamaat’s Assistant Secretary General and head of its publicity division, Advocate Ehsanul Mahbub Zubair, said the remarks were hurtful and based on misinformation. He rejected Kabir’s allegations that Jamaat or its affiliates were involved in violent acts or sought to delay elections for political gain. Zubair emphasized that Jamaat’s leadership supports holding free and fair elections in February and dismissed claims that the party links religious beliefs with voting behavior. He described Kabir’s comments as undemocratic and divisive, urging responsible journalism and constructive criticism instead. The statement also refuted Kabir’s claim that Jamaat’s political evolution involved hypocrisy, calling such language inappropriate for a senior journalist. The exchange highlights ongoing tensions between political parties and sections of the media ahead of Bangladesh’s upcoming elections, where issues of faith, democracy, and political legitimacy remain highly sensitive.

BNP’s Dhaka-6 candidate and convener of the Nationalist Generation of Liberation War, Engineer Ishraq Hossain, has strongly criticized what he described as deliberate attempts to distort and demean Bangladesh’s 1971 Liberation War. Speaking at a wreath-laying ceremony at the mausoleum of former President Ziaur Rahman in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, he said false and misleading narratives were being spread to obscure one party’s role in the war, calling such propaganda deeply condemnable. Hossain urged unity among pro-democracy and nationalist groups, warning that internal divisions were enabling violence against patriots and allowing perpetrators to escape justice. He also accused the government of failing to implement necessary administrative and electoral reforms, alleging that it operates with the support of Prime Minister Hasina’s allies. Senior BNP leaders including Ruhul Kabir Rizvi attended the event. He further requested prayers for BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s recovery and announced a major gathering on December 25, inviting party members nationwide to join without obstruction.

Bangladesh’s interim government, led by Dr. Muhammad Yunus, is set to announce a significant reshuffle in its advisory council on Tuesday, December 23, according to reliable sources. The move follows mounting criticism over the handling of the killing of Sharif Osman bin Hadi, a spokesperson of the Inquilab Mancha and a key figure in the July uprising. Several advisers have faced public pressure and allegations of inaction or misconduct. Information Adviser Mahfuz Alam and Sports Adviser Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan recently resigned to contest upcoming elections, while Law Adviser Asif Nazrul and Home Adviser Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Jahangir Alam have come under fire for their roles in recent controversies. The failure to arrest the main suspect in Hadi’s killing and the early bail of an accused in a separate arms case have intensified demands for accountability. The reshuffle marks another test for the 16-month-old interim administration that took power after the fall of a 15-year authoritarian regime. Analysts say the changes may aim to restore public trust and stabilize governance ahead of the planned national elections.

A Dhaka court has directed the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to preserve the DNA sample of Sharif Osman Hadi, convener of the Inquilab Mancha, as part of an ongoing investigation into his death. The order was issued on Monday by Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Awlad Hossain Mohammad Junayed following a petition from Detective Branch Inspector Faisal Ahmed. According to the petition, Hadi was injured by gunfire from unidentified assailants in Dhaka’s Bijoynagar area on December 12. He was treated at Dhaka Medical College and Evercare Hospital before being transferred to Singapore General Hospital, where he died on December 18. His body was returned to Bangladesh on December 19, and a post-mortem examination was conducted the next day by Dr. Nashat Zabin of Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College. The court emphasized that preserving the DNA sample at the CID’s profiling laboratory is essential for ensuring a fair and thorough investigation. The Chief DNA Analyst of the Bangladesh Police Forensic Department has been assigned to oversee the profiling and storage process.