BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has requested party members in the United Kingdom not to gather at London’s airport when he departs for Bangladesh on December 25. Speaking at a Victory Day discussion organized by UK BNP on December 16, Rahman said he would return home after nearly 18 years abroad and urged supporters to maintain discipline and avoid any commotion. He emphasized that large crowds at the airport could create disorder and harm the image of both Bangladesh and the BNP. Rahman noted that those who respect his request would be honoring the party’s and the nation’s dignity, while those who disregard it would be acting out of personal interest. His remarks come as BNP supporters prepare for his long-awaited return amid heightened political attention. Rahman’s return is expected to have significant political implications for the opposition party, which has been operating under his remote leadership from London. Observers anticipate increased political activity in Bangladesh following his arrival.

Bangladesh’s Under-19 cricket team will take on Sri Lanka in a crucial Youth Asia Cup group-stage match, scheduled for live broadcast at 11 a.m. on T Sports and Sony Sports. The fixture is part of a packed day of international cricket, which also includes Afghanistan versus Nepal in the same tournament. The Youth Asia Cup serves as a key platform for emerging Asian cricketers, offering exposure ahead of the ICC Under-19 World Cup. Bangladesh, known for its strong youth development program, will look to build momentum following mixed results in recent regional competitions. Sri Lanka, meanwhile, aims to reassert its dominance in the age-group format. Cricket fans will also have a busy viewing schedule with the Ashes Test between Australia and England, India’s T20 series against South Africa, and Big Bash League matches airing throughout the day. The Bangladesh-Sri Lanka encounter is expected to draw strong domestic interest as both teams vie for semifinal qualification.

Iraq’s iconic Tigris River, once the lifeline of Mesopotamian civilization, is now drying up due to severe pollution, upstream dam construction, and climate change. Stretching nearly 2,000 kilometers, the river’s flow has drastically declined, endangering the livelihoods of about 18 million people who rely on it for irrigation, drinking water, and power generation. Environmental groups warn that without urgent intervention, the river could face near extinction. Experts attribute the crisis to multiple factors: untreated sewage, industrial waste, and agricultural runoff have severely degraded water quality, while Turkey and Iran’s dams have reduced water flow into Iraq by over 30%. Local activists, such as Humat Dijlah’s founder Salman Khairallah, emphasize that the river’s decline is both an ecological and spiritual loss. In response, Baghdad and Ankara signed a recent “oil-for-water” deal to fund water management and pollution control projects. If current trends persist, Iraq could face its worst drought in a century by 2035, with water demand far exceeding supply, posing grave risks to regional stability and heritage preservation.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) acting chairman Tarique Rahman has called on party members to remain united as the party prepares for what he described as a challenging period ahead. Speaking at a meeting in London on December 17, Rahman expressed optimism that the BNP could form the next government through popular vote if it stays cohesive and focused on its plans. Rahman announced his intention to return to Bangladesh on December 25 after nearly 18 years abroad, a move that has stirred significant discussion within political circles. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir recently confirmed the date, underscoring the party’s preparations for his homecoming. Rahman acknowledged the difficulties ahead, urging members to adopt practical strategies rather than relying on rhetoric. Analysts view Rahman’s return as a pivotal moment for the BNP, which has struggled with leadership challenges and organizational setbacks. His arrival could reshape the opposition’s strategy ahead of the next national election, though questions remain about legal and political implications of his comeback.

French forward Ousmane Dembélé has been named the FIFA Best Men’s Player for 2025, adding to his Ballon d’Or triumph earlier this year. Dembélé outperformed Kylian Mbappé and Lamine Yamal to claim the award after leading Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) to their first-ever UEFA Champions League title. His contributions also secured PSG a domestic treble and a place in their first FIFA Club World Cup final. In the women’s category, Spain’s Aitana Bonmatí was crowned Best Women’s Player for the third consecutive year, while England coach Sarina Wiegman retained her title as Best Women’s Coach. PSG’s Luis Enrique was named Best Men’s Coach following his team’s European success. The FIFA Fair Play Award went to Dr. Andreas Harlass-Neuking for saving a spectator’s life during a Bundesliga 2 match, and Santiago Montiel won the Puskás Award for his spectacular overhead goal. Goalkeepers Gianluigi Donnarumma and Hannah Hampton received the Best Goalkeeper honors, rounding off a ceremony that celebrated excellence and sportsmanship across global football.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has announced that he will return to Bangladesh on December 25, ending nearly 18 years of self-exile in London. Speaking at a virtual meeting late on December 17, Rahman expressed optimism about forming the next government through popular mandate in the upcoming national election. Rahman acknowledged the challenges ahead, urging party members to prepare for a difficult political journey. He emphasized the need for strategic planning rather than rhetoric. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir recently confirmed the return date, fueling anticipation among party supporters. Rahman’s return has been a topic of speculation for months, with preparations reportedly underway for his residence and office in Dhaka. Political analysts view his return as a significant moment for the BNP, which has struggled to regain momentum in recent years. His presence could reshape opposition dynamics and influence election strategies ahead of the next parliamentary polls.

Barrister Asaduzzaman Fuad, Secretary General of the Amar Bangladesh (AB) Party, stated that the aspirations of Bangladesh’s 1971 Liberation War remain unrealized even after 54 years. Speaking at a Victory Day discussion in Dhaka’s Bijoy Chattar, Fuad argued that the nation continues to face struggles that contradict the founding ideals of freedom and justice. Fuad criticized the current Election Commission for failing to take serious initiatives to ensure law and order before the upcoming national polls. He alleged that ‘fascist forces’ were conspiring to disrupt the election process and cited recent attacks on party figures, including Sharif Osman Hadi, as evidence of ongoing political threats. Fuad also linked the imprisonment of Khaleda Zia and the exile of Tarique Rahman to what he described as continued political repression. Party leaders present at the event echoed calls for unity and vigilance ahead of the election, emphasizing the need to restore democratic integrity and fulfill the unachieved promises of the Liberation War.

A 19-year-old tile worker named Faruk was stabbed to death by a group of teenagers in Dhaka’s Jatrabari area on Tuesday evening, December 16. The attack occurred near the Al Falah Mosque alley in Kajla Nayanagar, where witnesses reported seeing 10 to 15 youths assaulting the victim before fleeing the scene. Faruk, originally from Bancharampur in Brahmanbaria, was taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital, where doctors declared him dead. According to local youths, the attackers may be from the same neighborhood, though none could identify them or explain the motive behind the assault. Police confirmed the death and sent the body for autopsy. The Jatrabari police have begun an investigation to determine the cause and identify those responsible. Authorities are examining possible links to local disputes or youth gang activity, which have been rising in parts of Dhaka. Investigators are collecting CCTV footage and witness statements to trace the suspects and prevent further violence in the area.

The European Union has announced the deployment of an Election Observation Mission (EOM) to Bangladesh ahead of the country’s 13th parliamentary elections scheduled for February 12, 2025. The mission was appointed by EU High Representative Kaja Kallas following an official invitation from Bangladeshi authorities. Member of the European Parliament Ivars Ijabs has been named as the Chief Observer of the mission. According to the European External Action Service (EEAS), the EU observers will assess the electoral process based on international commitments and democratic standards. The mission will engage with all relevant stakeholders throughout the election period to ensure transparency and impartial evaluation. Ijabs stated that he was honored to lead the mission, emphasizing that it reflects the EU’s support for Bangladesh’s democratic institutions, rule of law, and human rights. The deployment underscores the EU’s continued engagement in promoting credible elections in partner countries. The mission’s findings and recommendations are expected to influence future EU-Bangladesh cooperation on governance and democratic reforms.

Bangladesh’s Rapid Action Battalion (RAB-2) has arrested the parents of Faisal Karim Masud, the prime suspect in the attempted murder of Inqilab Mancha spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi. The arrests followed a raid in Dhaka’s Agargaon area, where officers recovered 11 rounds of ammunition, two magazines, and a knife. Faisal’s father, Humayun Kabir, was detained in Narsingdi, while his mother was taken in for questioning. Authorities also seized multiple passports, checkbooks, and electronic devices from Faisal’s sister’s residence. RAB officials said CCTV footage showed Faisal and his accomplice leaving his sister’s home on December 12, the day of the attack, and later returning to retrieve hidden items. The footage guided investigators to recover the weapons. Hadi, who was shot while campaigning as a potential independent candidate for Dhaka-8 in the upcoming parliamentary election, remains in critical condition and has been transferred to Singapore for advanced treatment. Police have intensified efforts to capture Faisal and his associates, amid reports that the attackers may have fled across the border into India.

Bangladesh’s Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) has arrested Humayun, the father of Faisal Karim Masud, the prime suspect in the shooting of Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of Inquilab Moncho and an independent aspirant for Dhaka-8 constituency. The arrest took place in Narsingdi at Faisal’s in-laws’ residence, according to a RAB press release issued late Tuesday night. Authorities reported that three firearms believed to have been used in the attempted murder were recovered from a pond near the location. The arrest follows an ongoing investigation into the December attack on Hadi, which sparked public concern over political violence ahead of the upcoming national elections. RAB officials stated that efforts are continuing to locate Faisal Karim Masud, who remains at large. The incident has drawn attention to rising tensions among independent and party-affiliated candidates in Dhaka. Security agencies have increased surveillance in politically sensitive areas, while election observers have urged restraint and impartial investigation into all politically motivated attacks.

Bangladesh’s Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) has recovered two magazines, 11 bullets, and several documents from the house of Faisal Karim Masud’s sister in Agargaon, Dhaka. Faisal is the prime suspect in the attempted murder of Sharif Osman Hadi, an independent candidate for Dhaka-8. The raid, conducted Tuesday night, followed analysis of CCTV footage and intelligence inputs. According to RAB, the operation also led to the seizure of a knife, multiple passports, checkbooks, and electronic devices. CCTV footage reportedly showed Faisal, his associate Alamgir, and family members handling items near the building shortly after the shooting incident. The case, initially filed at Paltan Police Station, has since been transferred to the Detective Branch (DB) for further investigation. Hadi was shot last Friday while campaigning in Purana Paltan and later flown to Singapore for advanced treatment. The recovery of ammunition near Faisal’s family home has intensified scrutiny of the suspect’s network and raised questions about political violence ahead of the upcoming election.

Bangladesh has witnessed widespread outrage following the shooting of Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of Inquilab Mancha and an independent candidate for Dhaka-8 in the upcoming parliamentary election. Hadi was shot last Friday while campaigning in Paltan and later transferred to Singapore General Hospital after his condition worsened. The attack has sparked protests, prayer gatherings, and social media campaigns demanding justice and accountability. Political and civic groups have condemned the daylight attack as a threat to democratic participation. University leaders, activists, and cultural figures expressed solidarity, calling Hadi a symbol of anti-fascist resistance. Dhaka University’s student leaders warned that the incident raises serious concerns about candidate safety and election credibility. Despite public pressure, no suspects have been arrested yet. Observers say the shooting underscores growing political tension ahead of the national polls. Calls are mounting for the interim government to ensure security for all candidates and to investigate the political motives behind the attack. The nation continues to follow Hadi’s recovery closely, with prayers and vigils ongoing across the country.

Bangladesh’s joint security forces have arrested 2,433 people across the country in four days under a special drive titled “Operation Devil Hunt Phase-2.” The operation, launched Saturday evening, aims to recover illegal firearms and curb political violence ahead of the upcoming national elections. According to police headquarters, 12 firearms and various ammunition were seized during the raids. Officials said the decision to launch the operation followed the shooting of Sharif Osman Hadi, an independent candidate for the Dhaka-8 constituency. The Home Ministry’s core committee on law and order approved the campaign to ensure a peaceful electoral environment. Police and army units are jointly conducting the raids. Authorities claim the operation is essential to maintain stability before the polls, though human rights groups have previously expressed concerns about mass arrests. The drive is expected to continue in the coming days as law enforcement intensifies surveillance and weapons recovery efforts nationwide.

A 110-foot replica of the Statue of Liberty collapsed in Guaíba, southern Brazil, during a powerful storm on Monday afternoon. The statue, located in the parking lot of a Havan retail store near a fast-food restaurant, was severely damaged as strong winds caused it to sway and eventually break apart. Authorities confirmed that no injuries or fatalities occurred. According to NDTV, the replica was one of several similar installations across Brazil, symbolizing the retail chain’s brand identity. The upper 24 meters of the structure were destroyed, while the 11-meter base remained intact. Havan stated that the statue, installed in 2020, had all required technical certifications. Following the collapse, the area was cordoned off to ensure public safety, and cleanup operations began within hours. Local officials are assessing the extent of the damage and reviewing safety standards for similar structures nationwide. The incident highlights growing concerns about infrastructure resilience amid increasingly severe weather patterns in southern Brazil.