The Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) has announced a program to lay siege to the Vice-Chancellor’s office, pressing three key demands. The declaration was made on DUCSU’s official Facebook page on Saturday night, calling for immediate administrative action from the university authorities. The demands include renaming Mujib Hall as Shaheed Osman Hadi Hall, renaming Fazilatunnesa Hall as Felani Hall, and taking disciplinary measures against teachers, officers, and staff who allegedly supported the July massacre. DUCSU leaders stated that the move seeks to honor historical figures and ensure accountability within the university community. The announcement has sparked debate among students and faculty, with some viewing it as a legitimate expression of student activism, while others warn of political overtones. University officials have yet to issue an official response. The protest program is expected to intensify if the administration does not engage in dialogue soon.

Venezuela’s ambassador to the United Nations, Samuel Moncada, has sharply criticized U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent comments describing Venezuelan territory and oil resources as effectively belonging to the United States. Speaking at the 80th session of the UN General Assembly on the International Day for the Elimination of Colonialism, Moncada called the remarks a severe breach of international law and the UN Charter. Moncada accused Washington of reviving 19th-century imperialist attitudes and undermining the principles of state sovereignty. He described the U.S. stance as a “crime against civilized conduct” and urged respect for the UN Charter. The Venezuelan diplomat further argued that the Trump administration’s policies were fostering global instability and transforming modern forms of control into acts of aggression. Expressing solidarity with Palestine and Puerto Rico, Moncada said foreign domination contradicts the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. His statement underscores growing tensions between Caracas and Washington, as Venezuela continues to resist external pressure and defend its sovereignty on the global stage.

The Bangladesh Election Commission (EC) has issued a revised gazette notification amending parts of the previously declared schedule for the 13th National Parliamentary Election. Signed by Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed, the updated notification, released on December 20, modifies several dates and references originally published on December 11. According to the EC, three main changes were made under Article 11(1) of the Representation of the People Order, 1972. The revisions include adjustments to the appeal filing and disposal periods related to returning officers’ decisions on nomination papers. Specifically, the appeal filing window now runs from January 5–9 instead of January 5–11, and the appeal disposal period has been shifted to January 10–18 instead of January 12–18. Election officials stated that these corrections aim to ensure procedural clarity and synchronization across all constituencies. The EC is expected to hold further coordination meetings with security agencies and returning officers ahead of the election process.

Rashed Pradhan, vice president and spokesperson of the Jatiya Ganatantrik Party (JAGPA), has announced a personal protest march against what he calls Indian dominance and interference in Bangladesh’s sovereignty. On December 21, he plans to walk alone from Paltan Box Culvert Road to the Indian Embassy in Gulshan, Dhaka, a distance of about eight kilometers, symbolically carrying a black rose as a sign of resistance. In a video message released Saturday evening, Pradhan emphasized that the initiative is entirely his own and not linked to any political organization. He said previous attempts to submit memorandums to the Indian Embassy were blocked by police, prompting his decision to act alone and peacefully. He also warned that any obstruction to his protest would amount to an arrest. The announcement comes amid heightened nationalist sentiment following the August 5 uprising and ongoing debates over India’s role in Bangladesh’s internal affairs. Authorities have not yet commented on whether security measures will be taken during Pradhan’s planned march.

The bodies of six Bangladeshi peacekeepers killed in a terrorist drone attack on a UN peacekeeping base in Sudan’s Abyei region have returned to Dhaka. The flight carrying the remains landed at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on Saturday morning, where senior military and civilian officials received them. A funeral prayer will be held on Sunday at the Dhaka Cantonment Central Mosque before the bodies are flown to their respective hometowns for burial with full military honors. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the soldiers were martyred in the December 13 attack targeting the UN Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA). Nine other Bangladeshi peacekeepers were injured, eight of whom are being treated at Aga Khan University Hospital in Nairobi and are reportedly out of danger. The Chief of General Staff, Lieutenant General Mizanur Rahman Shamim, led the reception ceremony, joined by UN and government representatives. Bangladesh, one of the largest contributors to UN peacekeeping missions, has expressed deep sorrow over the loss while reaffirming its commitment to global peace operations.

Turkey’s Interior Ministry confirmed that a Russian-made unmanned aerial vehicle, believed to be an Orlan-10 model, was found crashed in the northwestern province of Kocaeli. The ministry said the drone, typically used for reconnaissance missions, was discovered in the Kyubuklubala area, and an investigation is underway to determine the cause of the incident. Local media reported that the drone showed visible damage, though authorities have not confirmed whether it was shot down or suffered a technical malfunction. The crash occurred just days after Turkish forces downed another drone that had entered its airspace from the Black Sea. The incidents come as President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan warned against the Black Sea becoming a “zone of conflict” between Russia and Ukraine. The discovery follows a recent Russian airstrike near Ukraine’s Odesa that damaged a Turkish vessel, underscoring the region’s growing volatility. Analysts say Ankara is likely to raise the issue with Moscow as it seeks to balance ties with both Russia and Ukraine.

National Life Insurance Company Limited has been awarded the Gold Medal in the Life Insurance category at the 15th ICMA Bangladesh Best Corporate Award 2024. The award ceremony took place on December 17 at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center, where Commerce Adviser Sheikh Bashir Uddin presented the honor to CEO Md. Kazim Uddin and CFO Probir Chandra Das FCA. The Institute of Cost and Management Accountants of Bangladesh (ICMAB) recognized National Life for its excellence in corporate governance, transparency, and contribution to the national economy. Senior officials including NBR Chairman Md. Abdur Rahman Khan, Commerce Secretary Mahbubur Rahman, and Financial Reporting Council Chairman Dr. Md. Sajjad Hossain Bhuiyan attended the event. This marks the fourth consecutive year that National Life Insurance has received the prestigious Gold Award, reinforcing its leadership in Bangladesh’s life insurance sector and its commitment to ethical business practices and financial reporting standards.

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has warned that while famine in Gaza has been averted following the recent ceasefire, the humanitarian situation remains dire. Speaking at UN headquarters in New York, Guterres said over 75% of Gaza’s population—around 1.6 million people—are suffering from severe food insecurity and face heightened risks of malnutrition. Guterres urged all parties to ensure a sustainable ceasefire and called for the removal of restrictions on border crossings, the entry of essential supplies, and bureaucratic barriers that hinder aid delivery. He emphasized the need for safe routes within Gaza, consistent donor funding, and uninterrupted access for humanitarian agencies. The UN chief also highlighted worsening conditions in the West Bank, where Palestinians face escalating settler violence, land seizures, and home demolitions. Guterres stressed that advancing to the second phase of the peace plan is essential, warning that continued inaction would deepen the crisis and prolong civilian suffering across the occupied territories.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Moscow is ready to consider halting attacks on Ukraine during its election days if Ukrainians living in Russia are granted voting rights. Speaking at a year-end press conference in Moscow, Putin linked a potential ceasefire to the participation of Ukrainian citizens residing in Russia, estimated between five and ten million people, in Ukraine’s national elections. Putin stated that Russia could ensure security during the Ukrainian elections by refraining from deep strikes into Ukrainian territory, provided that Kyiv allows its citizens in Russia to vote. The proposal, reported by Turkey-based Anadolu Agency, marks a rare public linkage between Russia’s military actions and Ukraine’s electoral process. Analysts view the statement as a strategic move to influence Ukraine’s domestic politics and international negotiations. Kyiv has not yet responded officially, but Western observers are likely to interpret the offer as an attempt to exert political pressure under the guise of humanitarian concern.

Iran has executed a man identified as Aghil Keshavarz after convicting him of espionage on behalf of Israel, according to the country’s judiciary. Officials stated that all legal procedures were completed before the execution, which was carried out following a court verdict that found Keshavarz guilty of collaborating with Israeli intelligence and conducting surveillance on Iranian military and security sites. Judicial documents revealed that Keshavarz had allegedly established contact with Israel’s intelligence and security services through cyberspace, maintaining communication with the Israeli military and the Mossad. He was arrested earlier this year in the northwestern city of Urmia during April and May. The execution comes amid heightened tensions between Iran and Israel following a series of confrontations in mid-2025. Human rights organizations have criticized Iran’s increasing use of the death penalty in espionage-related cases, warning that such actions could further escalate regional hostilities and complicate diplomatic efforts.

Police detained a suspected mugger in front of Dhaka University’s Central Mosque on Saturday afternoon, following swift intervention by local citizens. The incident occurred around 2:30 p.m., when the suspect allegedly attempted to snatch two mobile phones from pedestrians. Bystanders managed to apprehend the individual and handed him over to law enforcement officers. According to police sources, the detained suspect was taken to Shahbagh Police Station for further questioning and legal processing. Witnesses reported that the quick response of nearby people prevented the suspect from escaping, highlighting growing public vigilance against street crimes in the area. Authorities have increased patrols around the university campus in recent months due to a rise in petty thefts and snatching incidents. Police officials said the investigation is ongoing and urged residents to report suspicious activity immediately to maintain campus safety.

The funeral prayer for Osman Hadi, spokesperson of the July Warriors and Inqilab Mancha, was held on Saturday at the South Plaza of the National Parliament in Dhaka. The ceremony drew millions of mourners, including Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus, members of the advisory council, political leaders, and citizens from all walks of life. Hadi’s brother, Maulana Abu Bakar, led the prayer. Addressing the gathering, Dr. Yunus said that Hadi would remain in the hearts of Bangladeshis as long as the nation exists. He emphasized that the people had not come to bid farewell but to make a collective promise to fulfill Hadi’s vision and values. Yunus highlighted Hadi’s compassion, political insight, and humanistic approach as qualities to be remembered and followed. The massive turnout underscored Hadi’s influence on Bangladesh’s political and social movements. Observers noted that his legacy could continue to inspire civic activism and unity across generations, reflecting a deep national sentiment of respect and remembrance.

Students of Chittagong University held an absentee funeral prayer on Saturday for Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of Inquilab Manch, who died after being shot during an election campaign in Dhaka earlier this month. The prayer took place at the university’s Zero Point following the noon prayer, led by Professor Dr. A.K.M. Abdul Kader of the Arabic Department, under the banner of the Chittagong University Central Students’ Union (CHAKSU). Faculty members and student leaders attended the service, expressing grief and admiration for Hadi’s activism. Associate Professor Mozammel Haque described Hadi as a symbol of moral courage, while CHAKSU Vice President Ibrahim Hossain Rony praised his political awareness and influence at a young age. Hadi, aged 32, succumbed to his injuries on December 18 at Singapore General Hospital after being critically wounded in a shooting on December 12. His death has sparked widespread mourning across campuses and political circles, with calls to honor his legacy. Memorial prayers were also held at other universities, reflecting his impact on youth activism and national politics.

Bangladesh’s Religious Adviser Dr. A.F.M. Khalid Hossain attended the funeral prayer of Sharif Osman Hadi, a key figure in the July uprising and spokesperson of the Inquilab Mancha, held at the South Plaza of the National Parliament on Saturday. Addressing mourners, he said that the entire nation is grieving Hadi’s death, describing him as a martyr who sacrificed his life for justice and equality. Dr. Hossain prayed for Hadi’s forgiveness and eternal peace, urging the nation to fulfill his dream of building a fair, anti-hegemonic society. He also noted that, under the directive of the Ministry of Religious Affairs, prayers and recitations were held in mosques across the country in Hadi’s memory. The large turnout at the funeral reflected Hadi’s influence as a political and social activist. Observers say his death could further galvanize movements advocating social justice and reform, while the government’s involvement in national mourning underscores his symbolic importance.

Inqilab Manch has issued a 24-hour ultimatum to Bangladesh’s Home Adviser Jahangir Alam Chowdhury and Chief Adviser’s Special Assistant Khoda Box Chowdhury, demanding they present progress on the murder investigation of Shaheed Osman Hadi or resign. The warning came from the platform’s member secretary Abdullah Al Jaber during Hadi’s funeral prayer at Manik Mia Avenue in Dhaka on Saturday. Jaber accused the government of inaction, claiming that despite a week passing since Hadi’s shooting in Bijoynagar, no arrests had been made and no official updates provided. He alleged that a criminal network, not a lone assailant, was behind the killing and called for public mobilization toward Shahbagh to demand justice. The slain activist’s family echoed calls for the perpetrators to be exposed and prosecuted. The ultimatum adds pressure on the interim administration amid rising public anger and political tension. Authorities have yet to comment on the demand or provide new details about the investigation.