Bangladesh’s export earnings have slowed in the 2025–26 fiscal year, driven largely by a downturn in the ready-made garment (RMG) sector, which accounts for nearly half of total exports. According to the Export Promotion Bureau, exports to the European Union fell by 1.03% year-on-year between July and November, totaling $7.83 billion. While shipments to Spain, Poland, and the Netherlands rose slightly, exports to Germany, France, Denmark, and Italy declined, reflecting reduced consumer demand and intensifying competition. Industry leaders attribute the slump to global inflation, higher living costs in Europe, and aggressive pricing by China and India. Domestically, rising gas prices—up nearly 150% since 2023—and higher lending rates have strained production. Exporters also cite reduced cash incentives, now at 2% from 5%, and weak marketing strategies as key challenges. The Exporters Association of Bangladesh warns that without policy support and energy cost relief, more factories may close, deepening the sector’s crisis. The RMG industry, employing millions, faces mounting pressure to diversify products and markets. Analysts expect export recovery to hinge on energy stability, financial reforms, and renewed trade competitiveness in 2026.

A livestock quarantine station built at Bilonia land port in Feni’s Parshuram upazila has remained unused since its completion nearly a decade ago. The facility, constructed in 2016 under the Department of Livestock Services’ disease prevention project, was intended to inspect imported animals and animal products before entry into Bangladesh. Despite an investment of several crore taka and installation of 51 laboratory instruments, the station has never been operational. Local traders and officials report that the station’s inactivity has led to the decay of expensive equipment, with only a single outsourced guard maintaining the premises. The Bilonia land port, opened in 2009 to facilitate trade with India, has seen minimal import activity, undermining the station’s purpose. Officials note that activating the facility could help regulate livestock imports, curb smuggling, and increase government revenue. Experts warn that prolonged neglect of such infrastructure not only wastes public funds but also weakens border biosecurity. The Livestock Department has indicated that operationalization depends on renewed diplomatic and trade engagement with India.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs recently stated that its territory has never been used for activities against the interests of Bangladesh’s people. The declaration, issued on December 14, followed reports that former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and several Awami League leaders had taken refuge in India after the July uprising. The statement drew sharp attention in Dhaka, where many questioned its credibility amid ongoing tensions between the interim government and New Delhi. Analysts and commentators argue that India’s claim contradicts historical and current realities, pointing to alleged instances of interference in Bangladesh’s internal affairs. The article highlights long-standing grievances, including India’s perceived favoritism toward the Awami League and its reluctance to repatriate Bangladeshi fugitives. Public anger reportedly intensified after the attempted assassination of activist Osman Hadi, whose attackers are said to have fled to India. Observers warn that unless India reassesses its approach and engages directly with the Bangladeshi public rather than political elites, bilateral trust may deteriorate further. Calls are growing for India to return wanted fugitives and prevent its soil from being used for political operations against Bangladesh.

Bangladesh’s government employees have postponed their previously planned protest program demanding implementation of the ninth pay scale. The decision was announced at a press conference held at the National Press Club under the banner of the Bangladesh Government Employees Demand Fulfillment Unity Council. The postponement was made to honor the late Shahid Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of the Inquilab Mancha, and in consideration of the current national situation. Union leaders reiterated their seven-point demand, urging the government to publish a gazette with recommendations for a discrimination-free ninth pay scale by December 31. They warned that if no visible progress is made by January 1, they would launch tougher programs. The leaders also paid tribute to Hadi, recalling his lifelong activism against inequality and pledging to continue his struggle for fair treatment of government employees. The next announcement on December 26 is expected to outline the future course of action, potentially shaping the trajectory of public sector wage reform in Bangladesh.

Bangladesh has been plunged into mourning following the death of Sharif Osman Bin Hadi, a prominent activist known for his role in the July uprising and his opposition to authoritarianism and foreign dominance. Hadi died in Singapore General Hospital after being shot at close range, sparking nationwide grief and protests. The government declared a day of national mourning and pledged to bring the perpetrators to justice. However, isolated incidents of violence and vandalism erupted in parts of the country, prompting appeals for restraint from political leaders and civil society. Several media offices, including The Daily Star and Prothom Alo, were attacked, raising concerns about attempts to divert public attention from Hadi’s legacy. Analysts and journalists have warned that opportunistic groups and social media influencers may be exploiting public emotion to sow division among reformist forces. Observers caution that continued infighting could undermine the democratic transition and justice process following the July uprising. Calls have intensified for unity among pro-reform groups to safeguard the ongoing political transformation and prevent destabilization ahead of the next parliamentary election.

The International Crimes Tribunal-1 of Bangladesh is set to deliver its order today on whether to formally frame charges against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and 16 others, including several senior military officers, in a case related to alleged enforced disappearances at the Taskforce for Interrogation (TFI) cell. The three-member judicial panel, led by Chairman Golam Mortuza Majumdar, will issue the ruling following hearings held earlier this month. Defense lawyers representing the accused sought discharge, arguing insufficient evidence, while the prosecution, led by Gazi M.H. Tamim, requested the tribunal to proceed with formal charges. Among the 17 accused, Hasina and six others, including her former security adviser Major General (Retd.) Tariq Ahmed Siddiq, remain absconding. Ten detained officers are expected to be brought to court from prison for the order. The case has drawn significant attention as it involves high-profile political and military figures. Legal analysts say the tribunal’s decision could shape future accountability proceedings for alleged human rights violations during the previous administration.

The United States has seized another Venezuelan oil tanker off the country’s coast, marking the second such operation this month. US Interior Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed the action in a post on X, stating that the Coast Guard, with Pentagon support, carried out the seizure early Saturday. Washington claims the operation targets illicit oil shipments allegedly funding narcoterrorism in the region. The move follows President Donald Trump’s recent declaration of a “total blockade” on tankers entering or leaving Venezuela under sanctions. Caracas has condemned the seizure, labeling it “serious international piracy” and rejecting Washington’s justification. The Venezuelan government said it views the incident as a violation of international law and sovereignty. This latest confrontation underscores worsening relations between the two nations as US enforcement of oil sanctions intensifies. Analysts warn that continued maritime seizures could further destabilize regional trade routes and complicate diplomatic efforts to ease sanctions or resume oil exports.

Authorities in Chattogram have dismissed widespread social media claims of an attack on the Indian Deputy High Commission, confirming that no direct assault or damage occurred. The confusion arose Thursday night after the death of Osman Hadi triggered protests in several city areas. A small group of demonstrators reportedly threw stones near the diplomatic compound, but police quickly contained the situation. Deputy Commissioner Aminur Islam stated that only a few stones hit the outer gate, with no intrusion, vandalism, or fire inside the premises. Police used tear gas and sound grenades to disperse the crowd, detaining 12 individuals. Later, army personnel joined to secure the area and prevent escalation. Video analyses and eyewitness accounts supported the police version, showing no evidence of an actual attack. Security analysts warned that misinformation involving diplomatic sites can create unnecessary panic and strain bilateral relations. They urged authorities and media to ensure verified communication to prevent similar rumor-driven unrest in the future.

The funeral prayers for six Bangladeshi peacekeepers killed in a terrorist drone attack on a United Nations mission base in Sudan’s Abyei region were held at the Dhaka Cantonment Central Mosque on Sunday morning. Senior military and government officials, including the chiefs of the army, navy, and air force, attended the ceremony alongside family members of the fallen soldiers. Floral tributes were placed on behalf of the President and the Chief Adviser. The six peacekeepers—hailing from Natore, Kurigram, Rajbari, Kishoreganj, and Gaibandha—were killed in the December 13 attack targeting the UN peacekeeping base. Their bodies arrived in Dhaka on Saturday via Emirates Airlines and were received with full military honors at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. A minute of silence was observed, and military personnel saluted the martyrs. Following the funeral, the bodies were flown by helicopter to their respective hometowns for burial with state honors. The attack has drawn condemnation and renewed attention to the risks faced by Bangladeshi peacekeepers serving in volatile conflict zones under the UN flag.

The Gaza Civil Defense announced on Saturday that 94 bodies of Palestinians were recovered from beneath the rubble in Gaza City. The bodies were transferred for forensic examination before being sent to Deir al-Balah for burial. The recovery operation comes amid continued devastation following Israeli airstrikes that began in October 2023. According to Gaza’s health authorities, more than 70,700 Palestinians have been killed and over 171,000 injured since the conflict began, with women and children comprising the majority of casualties. Civil Defense officials said they have relocated thousands of bodies previously buried in temporary sites, in cooperation with the Health and Religious Affairs ministries. Although a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas was declared on October 10, reports indicate that Israeli attacks have persisted, violating the truce. Humanitarian agencies warn that thousands more remain trapped under debris, underscoring the severe toll of the prolonged conflict on Gaza’s civilian population.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has warned that if those responsible for the killing of Sharif Osman Hadi are not brought to justice, no one in the country will remain safe. Speaking to reporters after visiting Hadi’s grave near Dhaka University’s central mosque, he demanded the immediate arrest of the perpetrators and their prosecution under the law. Dr. Rahman described Hadi as a symbol of revolutionary ideals and accused his killers of being enemies of Bangladesh’s independence and culture. He expressed dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of the investigation, saying the public remains unconvinced by its actions. He also suggested that Hadi’s growing popularity might have motivated the killing, calling it a planned attempt to silence a voice of justice. The Jamaat leader expressed hope that the upcoming national election, scheduled for February, would be held on time. Senior Jamaat and Islami Chhatra Shibir leaders were present during the visit, underscoring the party’s continued political mobilization around Hadi’s legacy.

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department has forecast a drop in temperature and an increase in cold conditions across Dhaka and surrounding areas. In its six-hour forecast issued Sunday morning, the department reported that skies are likely to remain clear, with dry weather prevailing. Winds from the north-northwest may blow at speeds of 6 to 12 kilometers per hour, and light to moderate fog is expected in the early morning hours. At 6 a.m., the recorded temperature in Dhaka was 17.8 degrees Celsius, indicating a gradual cooling trend. Officials noted that while no formal cold wave has been declared, the combination of clear skies and northwesterly winds is contributing to a perceptible chill. Residents have been advised to take precautions, especially during early mornings and nights. Meteorologists expect the cooler conditions to persist for the next few days, with temperatures possibly dipping further if dry continental air continues to dominate. Rural areas in northern Bangladesh, such as Tetulia, are likely to experience even lower temperatures.

The Bangladesh Armed Forces have requested permission from the Election Commission (EC) to enter polling stations freely and exercise judicial authority under the Mobile Court Act during the upcoming national elections. The proposal was raised at a recent inter-agency meeting chaired by Chief Election Commissioner Nasir Uddin, but no immediate decision was made. Currently, under electoral law, security personnel may enter polling centers only with the presiding officer’s consent. Election Commissioner Abdur Rahmanel Mashud confirmed that the government has already deployed the armed forces nationwide with limited judicial powers until February 28. However, he noted that the Representation of the People Order (RPO) restricts such authority to executive magistrates. The EC will revisit the issue in a follow-up meeting. Other security agencies, including the Navy and Air Force, raised logistical concerns, while the EC emphasized neutrality and swift action against electoral offenses. The discussion reflects broader efforts to ensure a peaceful and credible election amid concerns over potential unrest, sabotage, and misuse of money. Final decisions on the armed forces’ expanded powers are expected after further consultations.

In Mymensingh’s Bhaluka upazila, 27-year-old garment worker Dipu Chandra Das was beaten and burned to death after being accused of religious defamation. Investigations and family accounts suggest the killing was premeditated, linked to his activism for workers’ rights at Pioneer Knitwears (BD) Ltd. His brother filed a murder case against 150 unidentified individuals, while joint operations by RAB-14 and district police have led to ten arrests. Sources indicate Das had long advocated for fair wages, overtime pay, and better working conditions, creating friction with management. On December 18, he was allegedly pressured to resign and threatened with false blasphemy charges. CCTV footage later revealed that most attackers were outsiders, not local residents. Political leaders from BNP and Jamaat have called the incident a conspiracy to destabilize the country. Local reports allege that the factory’s owner, known for ties to ruling Awami League figures, may have influenced events. Authorities face growing pressure for an impartial investigation amid concerns over labor rights, misuse of religious sentiment, and industrial accountability.

As Bangladesh’s 13th parliamentary election nears, the Sylhet region has emerged as a key battleground for the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). Despite early campaign momentum, internal disputes over nominations and alliance negotiations with Jamaat-e-Islami’s eight-party coalition have created tension within the BNP. The party has announced candidates for five of Sylhet’s six constituencies, leaving the Sylhet-5 seat undecided amid speculation it may be allocated to an ally. Local BNP leaders have expressed frustration over the delay and potential seat-sharing compromises, while Jamaat and other Islamist parties have already launched vigorous campaigns. Political observers note that BNP’s traditional dominance in Sylhet could be undermined if factionalism persists. Meanwhile, Jamaat’s strong grassroots organization and the presence of multiple smaller parties could fragment the opposition vote. Analysts suggest that finalizing the alliance deal before late December will be crucial for BNP’s electoral cohesion. Failure to resolve internal rifts may weaken its position in a region long considered a bellwether for national political trends.