A new study by Educo Bangladesh and the Child Labor Elimination Platform (CLAP) reveals that 66.6% of child laborers in Bangladesh are working in industrial factories, followed by 44.4% in services and 38.8% in agriculture. The report, presented at a policy-sharing event in Dhaka, warns that most of these children face severe health risks and calls for stronger social protection measures to prevent child labor. Dr. Khondaker Golam Moazzem, who presented the policy proposal, noted that around 3.5 million children are engaged in various forms of work, with about 100,000 in hazardous conditions. Despite existing laws and international commitments, informal child labor remains widespread. Government officials reaffirmed their commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and pledged to expand social safety nets for out-of-school children. Experts at the event emphasized the need for universal child benefits, increased education spending, and investment in rural livelihoods to reduce economic dependency on child labor. The recommendations aim to strengthen Bangladesh’s social protection framework and accelerate progress toward eliminating child labor by 2030.

Bangladesh Police have introduced extensive security arrangements ahead of Christmas and New Year’s Eve to ensure peaceful celebrations across the country. The decision was made during a meeting at the Police Headquarters chaired by Inspector General of Police Baharul Alam, attended by senior officers, Christian community leaders, and representatives from law enforcement agencies. The meeting emphasized vigilance around churches, tourist zones, and public gatherings, with additional lighting, volunteer deployment, and standby power systems recommended for event organizers. The police chief reaffirmed the force’s readiness to maintain law and order, while community leaders expressed satisfaction with the preparations. Cyber monitoring will be intensified to prevent misinformation or communal incitement on social media, and immediate legal action will be taken against violators. Authorities also announced stricter enforcement against reckless driving and noise pollution during festivities. Emergency services via hotline 999 will remain active. The measures reflect Bangladesh’s commitment to preserving communal harmony and ensuring safe, inclusive celebrations for all citizens.

Bangladesh’s interim government has acknowledged ongoing tensions in its relationship with India, according to Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossain. Speaking at a press briefing in Dhaka on Wednesday, Hossain said the recent summoning of Bangladesh’s High Commissioner to the Indian Ministry of External Affairs was not unexpected and reflected normal diplomatic practice between neighboring states. Hossain noted that strains have persisted since the beginning of the interim government’s tenure but emphasized that Dhaka remains committed to improving ties with New Delhi. He stressed that constructive engagement requires reciprocal efforts from both governments, underscoring that Bangladesh alone cannot determine the pace of progress. His remarks come amid heightened scrutiny of bilateral relations following India’s diplomatic outreach. Observers suggest that while the current friction may test regional cooperation, both sides have strong incentives to maintain stability, particularly in trade, connectivity, and border management. Further diplomatic consultations are expected in the coming weeks to ease tensions and reaffirm mutual priorities.

Bangladesh’s Election Commission (EC) has confirmed that the European Union (EU) is likely to send between 175 and 200 election observers for the upcoming 13th national parliamentary polls. Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed announced the development in Dhaka, noting that an administrative agreement has been signed among the EU, Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the EC. The EU delegation will be led by Member of the European Parliament Ivars Ijabs. According to Ahmed, the agreement was finalized earlier but awaited formal approval from Brussels, which was received recently. The EC will provide logistical and administrative support to the EU mission, including assistance with travel and movement across the country. However, the Commission has requested that observers strictly follow local security protocols, particularly in sensitive areas such as the Chittagong Hill Tracts. The deployment of EU observers is seen as a step toward ensuring transparency and international confidence in the electoral process. The final number of observers and their detailed schedule will be announced later.

Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh has strongly condemned what it describes as a growing trend of associating Islamic symbols such as the beard and prayer cap with the term 'razakar'—a label historically used for wartime collaborators. In a statement issued on Wednesday, the group’s joint secretary general, Maulana Azizul Haque Islamabadi, said the practice promotes hatred and division under the guise of patriotism. Islamabadi accused certain secular and pro-Indian groups of reviving anti-Islamic rhetoric during Victory Day celebrations. He alleged that such narratives aim to marginalize religious identity and distort the history of Bangladesh’s Liberation War. The Hefazat leader also criticized past governments for fostering hostility toward Islamic culture and called for unity against what he termed “Hindutva propaganda.” The statement urged historians to present an objective account of the 1971 war to younger generations. Analysts note that Hefazat’s remarks reflect ongoing tensions between religious and secular narratives in Bangladesh’s political discourse, particularly around national identity and historical interpretation.

After nearly two decades of delay, Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) has officially opened the long-awaited 60-foot link road in Mirpur for public use. The inauguration ceremony, held in Mirpur, was attended by Faiz Ahmad Tayyeb, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser, as chief guest, and DNCC Administrator Mohammad Ejaz as chair. The project aims to directly connect the 60-foot road to Mirpur’s main thoroughfare, significantly improving traffic flow. DNCC officials explained that the project had been stalled for 17 years due to land disputes and inter-departmental coordination issues. Through joint efforts among government agencies, the road was completed within two months. Tayyeb emphasized the symbolic importance of the road, noting that coordinated work among service agencies can still make Dhaka a livable city. The DNCC cleared illegal structures and acquired postal department land to complete the connection. Local residents expect the new link to reduce chronic congestion between Mirpur-10 and Mirpur-2. DNCC plans further infrastructure upgrades to address long-pending urban mobility challenges.

The Ministry of Education has transferred Dhaka College sociology professor A.K.M. Rafiqul Alam to Charfassion Government College in Bhola following allegations that he attempted to incite students amid debates over the proposed Dhaka Central University model. The transfer order, issued on December 10 under presidential authority, requires him to be released from his current post by December 18. The ministry described the move as being in the public interest. The decision follows leaked remarks from an online meeting where Rafiqul Alam allegedly suggested mobilizing students to counter opposition to the proposed university structure. His comments drew criticism from students, who said teachers should guide and protect learners rather than provoke division or unrest. They welcomed the transfer, saying accountability is essential for educators. The incident has reignited debate over the governance of the seven affiliated colleges and the future of higher education reforms. Observers note that the ministry’s swift action signals a zero-tolerance stance toward educators’ involvement in politically sensitive agitation.

Chief Justice Dr. Syed Refaat Ahmed inaugurated the newly renovated courtroom of the International Crimes Tribunal-2 (ICT-2) in Dhaka on Wednesday afternoon. The ceremony was attended by Justice Md. Golam Mortuza Majumder, Chairman of Tribunal-1, and Justice Nazrul Islam Chowdhury, Chairman of Tribunal-2, along with other judges, prosecutors, and court officials. The upgraded facility replaces the previous tin-roofed structure that had housed ICT-2’s operations for years. The International Crimes Tribunals are currently handling cases related to alleged crimes against humanity committed during the Awami League’s 15-year rule, including incidents linked to the July 2024 mass uprising. Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tazul Islam and Supreme Court Registrar General Habibur Rahman Siddique were also present at the event, underscoring the judiciary’s commitment to improving infrastructure for war crimes adjudication. The new courtroom is expected to streamline trial processes, ensure better working conditions for judges and prosecutors, and reinforce public confidence in the tribunals’ ongoing efforts to deliver justice in politically sensitive cases.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police’s Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime (CTTC) unit has recovered a motorcycle, helmet, and fake number plate allegedly used in the recent attack on Inquilab Mancha spokesperson Osman Hadi. The items were found abandoned in the Bonolota residential area of Sher-e-Bangla Nagar on December 14, following a targeted search operation based on intelligence and CCTV footage analysis. According to CTTC officials, investigators traced the motorcycle’s altered registration number through video evidence and discovered it had changed hands eight times before being purchased under a false identity. The fake plate was later recovered from a nearby manhole. The recovered evidence has been handed over to the Detective Branch (DB) for further forensic and ownership verification. Authorities say the findings could help identify key suspects, including Faisal and his associate Md. Kabir, who allegedly used forged documents during the vehicle’s last transaction. Investigators are now focusing on mapping the chain of ownership to establish direct links to the attackers.

Global oil markets saw renewed volatility after U.S. President Donald Trump announced a blockade on all authorized oil tankers entering or leaving Venezuela. The move immediately pushed crude prices higher, with Brent futures rising 1.5% to $59.79 per barrel and West Texas Intermediate climbing to $56.12. The announcement came at a time of recovering demand, amplifying concerns about supply disruptions and geopolitical uncertainty. Traders in Asia described the price rebound as partly emotional, noting that Venezuela contributes a relatively small share to global oil supply. However, the timing of the U.S. action, coinciding with progress in Russia–Ukraine peace talks, added complexity to market sentiment. Analysts said that if sanctions on Moscow ease following a peace deal, global supply could stabilize despite the Venezuelan restrictions. Market observers warned that while the short-term spike reflects risk sentiment, continued political maneuvering in Washington and Caracas could sustain volatility. Investors are now watching both the U.S. policy trajectory and the outcome of the Russia–Ukraine negotiations for cues on oil’s next direction.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has formed a central committee to organize the reception for its acting chairman Tarique Rahman, who is scheduled to return to Bangladesh on December 25. The committee will be headed by BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed as convener and Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi Ahmed as member secretary. Party insiders said the body will coordinate all programs, public engagements, and logistical preparations surrounding the long-awaited homecoming. BNP leaders and supporters across the country have expressed strong enthusiasm about Rahman’s return, viewing it as a potential turning point for the opposition party. Many within the BNP believe his arrival could energize grassroots activists and reshape the national political landscape. The committee’s immediate task is to ensure a disciplined and large-scale welcome event, reflecting the party’s organizational strength. Analysts note that Rahman’s return may influence upcoming political dynamics, especially in the context of renewed opposition activity and calls for political reform. Security and logistical arrangements are expected to be closely monitored by both party and government agencies.

A planned protest march organized by the political alliance July Oikya, titled 'March to Indian High Commission,' was halted by police in Dhaka on Wednesday. The procession began at Rampura Bridge and advanced toward Middle Badda before being stopped by police barricades. Following the obstruction, organizers converted the event into a stationary rally at the site. Speakers at the rally accused India of interference in Bangladesh’s internal affairs and demanded the repatriation of alleged killers residing in India. They vowed to continue their movement until these demands were met and warned of tougher programs ahead. Police deployed additional personnel in the area to maintain order and prevent escalation. The incident reflects ongoing tensions between nationalist groups and authorities over Bangladesh–India relations. Officials have not reported any major violence, but security forces remain on alert as organizers plan further demonstrations in the coming weeks.

The Bangladesh government has pledged to bear all medical expenses for Inquilab Manch spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi, who was critically injured in a shooting incident in Dhaka. Officials confirmed that the state will also provide maximum assistance for his advanced treatment abroad. Hadi was airlifted to Singapore on Monday for specialized care following emergency treatment in Dhaka. Hadi sustained a gunshot wound to the head last Friday while returning from a campaign in the Motijheel area. He was initially treated at Dhaka Medical College Hospital before being transferred to Evercare Hospital. His condition remains critical, according to family sources and party representatives. The Inquilab Manch announced the government’s support through its official Facebook page. Authorities have not yet disclosed details about the investigation into the attack. The government’s decision to fund Hadi’s treatment underscores its commitment to ensuring medical support for political activists injured in violent incidents. Further updates on his recovery and the probe into the shooting are expected in the coming days.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs summoned Bangladesh’s High Commissioner, M. Riaz Hamidullah, on December 17 to express deep concern over the deteriorating security environment in Bangladesh. The Indian government highlighted reports of extremist elements planning activities near the Indian High Commission in Dhaka and urged Bangladesh’s interim government to ensure the safety of all diplomatic missions in accordance with international norms. In a formal statement, India rejected what it described as false extremist narratives surrounding recent incidents in Bangladesh and expressed disappointment that Dhaka had not yet completed a full investigation or shared relevant evidence. New Delhi reaffirmed its longstanding friendship with the Bangladeshi people, rooted in shared history and development cooperation, and reiterated its call for peaceful, inclusive, and credible elections in Bangladesh. The diplomatic exchange follows Bangladesh’s summoning of the Indian High Commissioner in Dhaka two days earlier, signaling rising tensions between the two neighbors amid political uncertainty in Bangladesh.

India’s Ministry of Home Affairs informed Parliament that nearly 80 percent of its border with Bangladesh has been fenced with barbed wire, as part of efforts to curb illegal crossings and enhance national security. Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai presented the figures in a written reply to the Lok Sabha, noting that 3,239.92 kilometers of the 4,096.70-kilometer India–Bangladesh border have been fenced. The ministry also reported that 93.25 percent of the India–Pakistan border, totaling 2,135.13 kilometers out of 2,289.66 kilometers, is now fenced. The remaining 154.52 kilometers are yet to be covered. India’s government said the fencing program is a strategic measure to prevent infiltration, smuggling, and cross-border crime. Progress has also been made along the India–Myanmar border, where 9.21 kilometers of fencing has been completed. Security analysts note that while fencing improves surveillance, it may affect border communities and bilateral relations. Further construction is expected to continue in challenging terrain areas through 2026.