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.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman visited the grave of Shaheed Sharif Osman Hadi on Sunday morning after offering Fajr prayers at the Dhaka University Central Mosque. He was accompanied by senior party leaders and members of Islami Chhatra Shibir, the student wing of Jamaat. The visit was part of a remembrance event honoring the late Osman Hadi’s contributions to the organization and his role in the party’s history. Among those present were Jamaat Secretary General Professor Mia Golam Porwar, Assistant Secretary General Maulana Abdul Halim, and several central and city-level leaders. Following the visit, Dr. Rahman spoke briefly with journalists, recalling Osman Hadi’s dedication and sacrifice. The event drew attention from both party supporters and observers, highlighting Jamaat’s ongoing efforts to maintain internal unity and historical continuity. The visit comes at a time when Jamaat is seeking to strengthen its organizational presence amid political challenges. Analysts note that such symbolic gestures may aim to reinforce morale among members ahead of future political developments.

The bodies of six Bangladeshi UN peacekeepers killed in a terrorist drone attack in Sudan’s Abyei region have arrived in Dhaka. Their funeral prayers are scheduled for Sunday at the Dhaka Cantonment Central Mosque, followed by burial with full military honors in their respective hometowns. The remains arrived at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on Saturday afternoon aboard an Emirates Airlines flight. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the attack occurred on December 13 at a UNISFA base in Abyei, killing six and injuring nine Bangladeshi peacekeepers. Senior officials, including the Bangladesh Army’s Chief of General Staff Lt. Gen. Mizanur Rahman Shamim, received the bodies at the airport alongside representatives from the UN and civil aviation authorities. Eight of the injured peacekeepers are being treated at Aga Khan University Hospital in Nairobi and are reported to be out of danger. The incident has drawn condolences from military and diplomatic circles, underscoring the risks faced by Bangladeshi troops serving in global peacekeeping missions.

The Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) has begun online ticket sales for its 12th edition, with prices starting at Tk 200. Fans can purchase tickets exclusively through the official website www.gobcbticket.com.bd, as the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has decided not to sell tickets at physical booths this year. The Sylhet phase of the franchise-based T20 tournament will begin soon, with ticket sales opening at 4 p.m. today. Ticket prices vary by stand: Tk 200 for the Shahid Turab Stand and Green Gallery/Green Hill areas, Tk 250 for Shahid Abu Sayeed Stand, Tk 500 for Club House (Upper), Tk 600 for Club House (Zero Waste Zone), and Tk 2,000 for the Grand Stand. The BCB expects the online-only system to streamline access and reduce crowding at stadium gates. The move reflects a broader digital shift in Bangladesh’s sports ticketing, aligning with global trends toward online sales. Fans are encouraged to purchase early due to high demand for the Sylhet matches, which traditionally draw strong local support.

Rajshahi Warriors have become the first team to begin training for the upcoming Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) 2025 season, marking a shift toward greater professionalism in the franchise tournament. Led by coach Hannan Sarkar, the team unveiled its new jersey—dedicated to July revolutionary Sharif Osman Hadi—on the opening day of practice. All local players, including Nazmul Hossain Shanto and Mushfiqur Rahim, attended the session, while six foreign recruits are expected to join the squad in Dhaka. The Warriors’ overseas lineup includes four Pakistanis, one Nepali, and one Sri Lankan player. However, the team may lose some Pakistani players midway through the season due to national commitments. Sarkar confirmed that all foreign players currently hold full NOCs until the BPL final. The franchise is yet to announce its captain, though Shanto is the leading candidate, and young wicketkeeper Akbar Ali is likely to start ahead of Mushfiqur Rahim. With a balanced mix of youth and experience, Rajshahi Warriors are being viewed as strong title contenders, aiming to set new standards of discipline and preparation in the BPL.

Cricket and football fans are set for a busy weekend of live sports broadcasts, led by the Ashes third Test between Australia and England in Adelaide. The decisive fifth day of the match will air from 5:30 a.m. on Star Sports, while New Zealand face West Indies in the second Test on Sony Sports. Domestic T20 action continues with the Big Bash League clash between Melbourne Renegades and Hobart Hurricanes, and ILT20 fixtures featuring Dubai Capitals, Gulf Giants, Desert Vipers, and MI Emirates. Football coverage remains equally intense, with Aston Villa hosting Manchester United in the English Premier League, Villarreal facing Barcelona in La Liga, Heidenheim meeting Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga, and Al Nassr taking on Al Najma in the Saudi Pro League. Broadcasters including Star Sports, FanCode, and Bet365 will carry these matches live. The packed schedule underscores the global appetite for year-end sports, offering fans a mix of international Tests, franchise cricket, and top-tier football across continents.

Three people have died after five vehicles, including a truck, fell into the Dhaleshwari River from a ferry in Fatullah, Narayanganj, on Saturday night. The accident occurred around 10 p.m. at the Baktabali ferry terminal when a truck reportedly lost control mid-river, striking several smaller vehicles before plunging into the water. The truck driver and his assistant managed to swim ashore, but others were missing. According to witnesses, the ferry had departed from Narsinghpur and was halfway across the river when the truck suddenly accelerated. The impact sent a motorcycle, two battery-run rickshaws, and a van into the river. Naval police later recovered the bodies of three victims — identified as motorcyclist Rafik, van driver Swadhin, and expatriate Masud. Authorities have temporarily halted the search operation for the night. Police officials stated that recovery efforts for the submerged vehicles will resume Sunday morning. The incident has raised renewed concerns over ferry safety and vehicle management practices on river crossings in Bangladesh.