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.

Saudi Arabia has announced an increase in the number of annual scholarships for Bangladeshi students, raising the quota to 500. The announcement was made by the Bangladesh Embassy in Riyadh on December 19, 2025. The scholarships will be available across 30 public and 14 private universities, covering undergraduate, master’s, PhD, and diploma programs in ten disciplines including economics, business administration, education, law, politics, media, religion, language, agriculture, computer science, and engineering. Applicants can now apply to three universities of their choice from a list of 25 institutions through a centralized system, replacing the previous requirement to apply separately to each university. Selection will be based on merit and specific quotas for foreign students. Participating universities include King Saud University, Islamic University of Madinah, and King Abdulaziz University. The move is expected to strengthen educational and cultural ties between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia, offering greater access to world-class higher education for Bangladeshi youth and supporting Saudi Arabia’s broader international education outreach.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has expressed gratitude to Pakistan for showing interest in joining a proposed international stability force for Gaza. Speaking at a press conference in Washington on Friday, Rubio said the US appreciates Pakistan’s willingness to contribute to peacekeeping efforts, though Islamabad has not yet made a final decision on troop deployment. Rubio noted that several countries have expressed readiness to send forces, and if Pakistan confirms participation, it would become a key partner in the mission. He added that certain operational and political issues must be clarified before the force can be deployed. Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi confirmed that no final decision has been made regarding participation in the International Stability Force (ISF). The move follows earlier remarks by Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar in November, indicating readiness to send troops to Gaza. Analysts suggest Pakistan’s involvement could strengthen its diplomatic standing but may also draw scrutiny from regional actors. Further announcements on the ISF’s structure and leadership are expected soon.

Sharif Osman bin Hadi, spokesperson of the Inquilab Manch and a key figure in the July revolutionary movement, was laid to rest beside the grave of national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam at the Dhaka University Central Mosque complex on Saturday, December 20, 2025. The funeral followed a public prayer at the South Plaza of the National Parliament, attended by thousands of mourners, fellow activists, and political figures. Hadi, aged 34, was fatally shot on December 12 while campaigning in the Bijoynagar area of Dhaka. He was initially treated at Dhaka Medical College Hospital and later transferred to Singapore, where he succumbed to his injuries on December 18. His death has sparked widespread grief and condemnation, with colleagues describing him as a courageous voice for political reform. Among those present at the burial were journalist Mahmudur Rahman and Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Niaz Ahmad Khan. The killing has intensified calls for accountability and raised concerns about political violence ahead of upcoming elections. Authorities have yet to announce any arrests or investigation outcomes.

James Cameron’s long-awaited science fiction sequel, *Avatar: Fire and Ash*, premiered worldwide yesterday, marking a synchronized release in Bangladesh’s Star Cineplex alongside major global markets. The film continues the saga of the Sully family, exploring grief, identity, and survival amid new threats on Pandora. Critics at a London preview praised its visual scale and reaffirmed the cinematic importance of large-screen storytelling. Cameron revealed at a Paris press conference that the film delves into themes of displacement and the search for belonging, aiming to connect emotionally with audiences. Composer Simon Franglen spent seven years crafting the score, writing over 1,900 pages of notation and inventing new instruments for Pandora’s inhabitants. Early reviews highlight the film’s technological innovation and emotional depth. The director noted that the commercial success of *Fire and Ash* will determine the future trajectory of the *Avatar* franchise, which has already grossed billions worldwide through its previous installments.

Dhaka University (DU) has laid to rest martyred student leader Sharif Osman Hadi beside the grave of national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam at the university’s central mosque premises. Following the burial, DU Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan stated that the university had embraced its son, symbolizing a mother’s reunion with her child. The decision to bury Hadi on campus was unanimously approved in an emergency Syndicate meeting held late Friday night with the consent of his family. The Vice-Chancellor emphasized that the burial site represents the university’s highest honor, as it also holds the graves of several DU members who sacrificed their lives during Bangladesh’s Liberation War. He expressed gratitude to Hadi’s family and those who assisted in the funeral, including journalist Dr. Mahmudur Rahman. The ceremony was attended by senior DU officials, political leaders, and student representatives. Hadi, remembered as a courageous voice in the July uprising, now rests among the nation’s revered figures. His burial at DU symbolizes institutional recognition of his sacrifice and the enduring spirit of student activism in Bangladesh.

Bangladesh’s Adviser on Shipping and Labour, Brigadier General (Retd.) Dr. M Sakhawat Hossain, inaugurated a new launch terminal at Dhalchar (Ananda Bazar) in Charfashion upazila of Bhola district. The terminal, established by the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA), aims to provide safe and regular river transport to one of the country’s most remote island regions near the Meghna River estuary and the Bay of Bengal. For decades, residents of Dhalchar faced severe travel hardships due to unsafe and irregular boat services, especially during adverse weather and tidal conditions. Speaking at the inauguration, Dr. Hossain said the new facility would ease access to healthcare, education, and administrative services while boosting local economic activity. BIWTA Chairman Rear Admiral Arif Ahmed Mostafa and local officials attended the event. The government has prioritized developing water transport infrastructure to integrate marginal and isolated island communities into the national development framework. Officials said the project reflects a broader goal of ensuring equitable growth across Bangladesh’s riverine regions.

BNP Standing Committee member Mirza Abbas declared that the return of acting party chairman Tarique Rahman will mark the revival of democracy in Bangladesh. Speaking at a preparatory meeting in Dhaka’s Gopibagh area on Saturday, Abbas said the people are ready to welcome Tarique, linking his homecoming with the democratic legacy of Ziaur Rahman and Khaleda Zia. Abbas accused anti-national forces of trying to destabilize the country through violence and conspiracies, citing recent arson attacks on media offices. He criticized the government for allegedly siding with such elements instead of cooperating with the BNP to ensure peace. Abbas reiterated that the BNP introduced multiparty democracy and remains committed to protecting it against authoritarian tendencies. The remarks come amid heightened political tension ahead of Tarique Rahman’s anticipated return. Abbas warned that undemocratic forces cannot survive against popular will, urging the government to act against mob violence. His comments signal BNP’s attempt to rally supporters and frame Tarique’s return as a turning point for democratic restoration.