At a multi-party rally in Dhaka organized by the Inqilab Mancha, Amar Desh editor Mahmudur Rahman delivered a strong statement accusing India of providing refuge to former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and undermining Bangladesh’s sovereignty. Swearing by the blood of political activist Sharif Osman Hadi, Rahman warned that if India fails to return Hasina and others accused of attacks on Bangladeshi leaders, a nationwide resistance movement against Indian institutions in Bangladesh would be launched. Rahman called on the government to revoke work permits of Indian nationals and to raise the issue at the United Nations, describing India’s actions as an “undeclared war” against Bangladesh. He also announced plans to form local “public security committees” to monitor suspected collaborators and ensure accountability within administrative and judicial systems. His remarks have drawn attention for their sharp anti-India tone and for urging direct civic mobilization. The speech signals rising nationalist rhetoric amid ongoing political instability. Analysts warn that such statements could strain Dhaka–New Delhi relations and complicate regional diplomacy if not addressed through formal diplomatic channels.

BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman has assured that the upcoming national election in Bangladesh will be held on schedule, dismissing fears of delay or disruption. Speaking at a Victory Day discussion organized by the BNP at the Institution of Engineers in Dhaka, he said he would personally join the electoral process to uphold people’s rights. Rahman emphasized that the next decade would be one of transformation, with the BNP planning to implement a ‘nation-building program’ aimed at creating a self-reliant and prosperous Bangladesh by engaging women, youth, and workers. He described the forthcoming election as more complex and significant than any in the past, linking it to the nation’s sovereignty and the aspirations of future generations. Rahman warned of domestic and foreign forces attempting to distort the history of independence and democracy. He reiterated BNP’s commitment to free and fair elections, accusing vested groups of trying to sabotage the process. Calling for unity and courage, he said that no one could suppress the will of the people when they stand together, citing Bangladesh’s historic democratic struggles as proof.

Chittagong University authorities issued a press release on Monday evening to clarify confusion surrounding remarks made by its Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Professor Dr. Mohammad Shamim Uddin Khan, about the 1971 intellectual killings. The statement, signed by acting registrar Professor Dr. Saiful Islam, said partial media reports from a December 14 discussion on Martyred Intellectuals Day had created public misunderstanding. According to the release, Dr. Khan’s comments were made in an academic context during a seminar titled “Free Thought, Liberation War, and the Killing of Intellectuals in 1971.” He had suggested that the killings might have involved international conspiracies and called for an independent investigation commission. The university clarified that Dr. Khan unintentionally used certain words—such as “Pakistani warriors” instead of “Pakistani forces”—which led to misinterpretation. The administration reaffirmed its respect for press freedom but urged media outlets to avoid creating confusion. It emphasized that the deputy vice-chancellor’s intent was scholarly, not political, and aimed at encouraging historical research on the unresolved aspects of the 1971 tragedy.

A new joint survey by RTL Info, Ipsos, and Le Soir reveals that 67% of Belgians oppose the European Union’s proposal to use frozen Russian assets to finance loans for Ukraine. The poll, released Monday, shows strong public backing for Prime Minister Bart De Wever’s stance that Belgium should not consent to releasing the seized funds. Analysts attribute this opposition to concerns over potential financial and institutional risks for Belgium, as a significant portion of the frozen assets are held in Brussels-based Euroclear, a key financial clearinghouse. Only 22% of respondents supported the EU plan, while 11% expressed no opinion. Russia’s central bank has denounced the proposal as illegal and vowed to defend its interests through all available means. The EU recently decided to keep Russian assets frozen indefinitely. Leaders are expected to debate the allocation of these funds to Ukraine during a two-day Brussels summit starting Thursday, amid growing legal and political divisions among member states.

Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam stated that no democracy in the world permits organizations led by convicted war criminals to operate, let alone participate in elections. His remarks, shared on his verified Facebook account on Monday, appeared to refer to the recently ousted Sheikh Hasina and the Awami League following the mass uprising. Responding to a question about whether the Awami League could contest the upcoming general election, Alam said the party’s chief is a fugitive sentenced to death for crimes against humanity and accused of inciting terrorist attacks against Bangladesh. He argued that such a figure’s leadership disqualifies any organization from political participation in democratic nations. The statement adds to the uncertainty surrounding Bangladesh’s political transition and the future of major parties after the fall of the previous government. Observers note that the caretaker administration’s stance could shape the electoral landscape and international perceptions of Bangladesh’s democratic process.

The International Criminal Court’s (ICC) Appeals Chamber on Monday dismissed Israel’s appeal challenging the legality of investigating alleged war crimes in Gaza committed after October 7, 2023. Israel had argued that the investigation was invalid and that the prosecutor should have issued a new notice following recent referrals. The chamber ruled that the post-October 7 incidents fall under the original 2021 notification, confirming that no new notice was required. The decision preserves the arrest warrants issued in November 2023 against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. Legal experts, including Professor Kevin Jon Heller of the University of Copenhagen, welcomed the ruling, noting that Israel could have exercised its complementarity rights but chose not to. The United States has already imposed sanctions on ICC officials involved in the case, including the chief prosecutor and two deputy prosecutors. The ruling marks a significant step forward for the ICC’s ongoing investigation into alleged war crimes in Palestine, potentially intensifying diplomatic tensions between Israel, the ICC, and its Western allies.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has formally submitted a proposal to parliament seeking to extend Turkey’s military deployment in Libya for an additional two years. The proposal cites ongoing political instability in Libya, where elections have yet to be held, as a threat to the fragile peace achieved in recent years. Ankara argues that maintaining a presence is vital to safeguarding regional security and supporting Libya’s path toward lasting stability. The document emphasizes Turkey’s role under the existing security and military cooperation memorandum signed with Libya, through which Turkish forces provide training and advisory support to local counterparts. Turkey first received parliamentary approval to deploy troops to Libya in January 2020, positioning itself as a key player in the North African nation’s post-conflict reconstruction. Analysts view the extension as part of Ankara’s broader strategy to preserve influence in the Mediterranean and North Africa. The proposal is expected to be debated in parliament soon, with potential implications for Turkey’s regional diplomacy and relations with international actors involved in Libya.

Bangladesh Jatri Kalyan Samity’s Accident Monitoring Cell reported that in November 2024, a total of 577 transport-related accidents across the country claimed 553 lives and injured around 900 people. Among these, 526 incidents occurred on roads, resulting in 507 deaths and 899 injuries, while 44 railway accidents caused 40 deaths and one injury. Seven waterway accidents left six people dead and four missing. The report, based on national and regional media monitoring, identified motorcycles as the most accident-prone vehicles, accounting for 38.7% of total road crashes and 41% of fatalities. Dhaka Division recorded the highest number of road accidents, with 155 incidents leading to 132 deaths and 257 injuries, while Sylhet Division saw the fewest. Victims included drivers, pedestrians, students, women, children, and members of law enforcement. Analysts noted that nearly half of the accidents were caused by vehicles running over victims, followed by head-on collisions and loss of control. The findings highlight persistent road safety challenges despite ongoing awareness campaigns, prompting renewed calls for stricter enforcement and improved transport management.

Bangladesh’s Finance Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed announced that the Finance Ministry will bear all expenses for the overseas medical treatment of Inquilab Mancha spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi. Speaking to reporters after a government procurement advisory committee meeting on Monday, he confirmed that the ministry is prepared to fund the air ambulance and all related costs immediately. Dr. Ahmed emphasized that the decision to send Hadi abroad was made by the relevant board, and the government promptly sought the ministry’s opinion, to which it responded with full readiness. He added that the country’s political environment remains satisfactory and is expected to become more stable as the Election Commission completes its preparations for the upcoming national polls. The adviser further stated that the Finance Ministry will allocate funds to the Election Commission as per its forthcoming demand, noting that the election and referendum being held on the same day will increase the budgetary requirement. He also remarked that while the macroeconomic situation is stable, some micro-level weaknesses persist.

Police in Chattogram have filed a petition to show the arrest of alleged militant Sajjad Hossain, known as ‘Chhoto Sajjad,’ and his wife Sharmin Tamanna in two additional criminal cases. The application was submitted on Sunday to the Chattogram Metropolitan Magistrate Court by Chandgaon Police Station, according to government prosecutor Raihanul Wazed Chowdhury. Authorities said the cases relate to the killing of Fazle Rabbi during the July uprising in Bahaddarhat, allegedly involving banned Chhatra League and Jubo League members, and to a separate clash near the residence of city BNP convener Ershad Ullah. The court has not yet set a hearing date for the petition, and investigations into the incidents remain ongoing. Legal observers note that the move reflects an intensifying crackdown on politically linked violence in Chattogram following recent unrest. Police sources indicated that further charges could be added as inquiries progress, signaling a broader probe into the July disturbances.

Hamas deputy chief Khalil al-Hayya stated that the group has a 'legitimate right' to retain its weapons, emphasizing that any post-ceasefire proposal for Gaza must preserve this right. Speaking on Hamas-run Al-Aqsa TV, al-Hayya linked the group’s armament to the broader goal of establishing a Palestinian state. His remarks come amid ongoing Israeli strikes despite a ceasefire that took effect on October 10. Al-Hayya’s comments directly challenge international and Israeli demands for Hamas’s disarmament under a proposed U.S.-backed peace plan. The plan outlines three stages: prisoner exchanges, Israeli troop withdrawals replaced by an international stabilization force, and Gaza’s reconstruction. Israel insists Hamas must surrender its weapons before progress can be made. Al-Hayya also confirmed the death of the head of Hamas’s weapons production unit in recent Israeli attacks. The statement underscores deep divisions over Gaza’s future governance and security arrangements. Analysts warn that Hamas’s insistence on keeping its arms could complicate ceasefire negotiations and delay reconstruction efforts in the war-torn enclave.

Sharif Osman Hadi, a key figure in Bangladesh’s July Revolution, has been flown to Singapore for advanced medical care. The air ambulance operated by Osprey Aviation departed Dhaka at 1:51 p.m. Monday, carrying Hadi to Singapore General Hospital’s Accident and Emergency Department, where arrangements for his treatment have been completed. The government will bear all medical expenses, following directives from Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus. The decision came after an emergency conference involving cultural adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki, health adviser Dr. Sayedur Rahman, and Hadi’s family. Medical reports indicate Hadi’s condition remains critical, with severe brain swelling and oxygen deprivation despite stable kidney and lung functions. Doctors warned of high mortality risk due to brainstem injury and hormonal imbalance affecting vital functions. Authorities continue to monitor his condition closely, with the Chief Adviser requesting regular updates and urging citizens to pray for Hadi’s recovery. The case underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring specialized care for national figures facing life-threatening injuries.

More than 411,000 expatriate Bangladeshis have registered to vote in the upcoming 13th national election and referendum through the ‘Postal Vote BD’ mobile application, according to the Election Commission (EC). Of these, 384,928 are men and 26,161 are women. The EC extended the registration deadline until December 25, allowing citizens abroad to register from any country using the app. Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed of the EC Secretariat confirmed that the app-based registration system remains open globally until December 18, with postal ballots to be sent based on the addresses provided. The EC urged registrants to ensure accurate mailing addresses to receive their ballots on time. The commission also plans to introduce an in-country postal voting system for government officials, detainees, and those stationed outside their constituencies. The Postal Vote BD app, launched on November 18, enables registration from 148 countries. The initiative marks Bangladesh’s first large-scale digital effort to include overseas citizens in the electoral process, potentially expanding voter participation and transparency.

A tense confrontation erupted at the Narayanganj court premises on Sunday when former Fatullah Model Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Manjur Kader was surrounded by Jamaat-e-Islami–aligned lawyers and student leaders. They accused Kader of torture, extortion, and political persecution during the previous government’s rule. As the situation escalated, BNP-affiliated lawyers, including Advocate Sakhawat Hossain Khan and Advocate Abu Al Yusuf Khan Tipu, intervened and escorted Kader to safety. Jamaat lawyers alleged that Kader had abused his authority under political patronage, targeting opposition activists and extracting money through coercion. Several claimed to be victims of his actions, citing incidents from 2013 following protests against the war crimes verdict of Abdul Quader Molla. In contrast, BNP lawyers argued that they acted to prevent mob justice and maintain order within the court compound. The incident has reignited debate over political divisions within the legal community and accountability for past police abuses. Local observers warn that such confrontations could further strain relations between BNP and Jamaat factions in Narayanganj’s legal circles.

The United States has transferred several Afghan Black Hawk helicopters from Uzbekistan to Peru, according to Tolo News. These aircraft were moved to Uzbekistan in 2021 after the fall of Kabul and the withdrawal of US forces from Afghanistan. The Taliban government has not yet commented on the transfer, though Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi recently urged countries holding Afghan helicopters to return them for humanitarian use. Military analyst Mohammad Zalmai Afghanier noted that Washington and its allies aim to maintain regional security and counter terrorism. He suggested that if the helicopters were returned to Afghanistan, they could be used in anti-terror operations. Following the 2021 government collapse, 46 Afghan military aircraft and helicopters were relocated to Uzbekistan, seven of which were handed over to the US in February 2023. The move may complicate US–Taliban relations and raises questions about the redistribution of former Afghan military assets. No official US statement has clarified the purpose of Peru’s acquisition.