Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary Mia Golam Porwar has claimed that Bangladesh did not achieve true independence in 1971, arguing that political leaders compromised the nation’s sovereignty for power. “Those who claim to uphold the spirit of the Liberation War actually sold the country to Delhi for political gains. That’s why the 2024 mass uprising marks our second independence,” he stated. Porwar further accused past governments of empowering anti-liberation figures, claiming that 12 to 13 war criminals were made presidents, ministers, and MPs. He also warned that those who challenge Jamaat-e-Islami will face the same fate as Sheikh Hasina.

In Kaliganj, Jhenaidah, a loudspeaker was vandalized while broadcasting a speech by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on Independence Day. The incident occurred at the Muktijoddha (Freedom Fighters’) building, where organizers had set up a sound system to play the speech. Local residents reportedly opposed the broadcast and asked for it to be stopped. When the caretaker, Sagar Hossain, refused and continued playing the speech, an enraged crowd stormed the venue and damaged the loudspeaker.

On December 11, Liberation War Affairs Adviser Faruk E Azam urged those who falsely claimed freedom fighter status to return their certificates. He offered amnesty but warned of legal consequences for fraud. In response, at least twelve individuals, including a retired government official, have applied to the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs to return their certificates. The ministry has not disclosed their identities but confirmed that the applicants admitted their wrongdoing and sought forgiveness.

The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has expressed concern over the rising inhumane treatment of Muslims in India. The agency also recommended imposing targeted sanctions on India’s intelligence agency, RAW, over allegations of involvement in the assassinations of Sikh separatists in the US and Canada. The report highlighted that religious freedom in India deteriorated further in 2024, with increasing attacks and discrimination against religious minorities. It criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP for spreading hate speech and misinformation against Muslims during last year’s election campaign. It also recalled Modi’s remarks in April, where he referred to Muslims as “infiltrators” who have “too many children,” linking this to opposition parties’ electoral interests.

The Mirsharai Upazila administration imposed Section 144 due to tensions between two factions of the BNP. However, despite the restrictions, a group led by former Upazila BNP secretary Gazhi Nizam, backed by Chattogram North District BNP’s joint convener Nurul Amin Chairman, visited the Shaheed Minar on Wednesday at 9 AM with over a hundred activists to place floral tributes. Nizam stated, “The administration enforced Section 144 fearing unrest, but we are peacefully paying our respects.” Meanwhile, Upazila Executive Officer and Executive Magistrate Mahfuza Zerin clarified that only groups of less than five people were allowed to offer tributes.

Railway Advisor Muhammad Fauzul Kabir Khan has revealed that Bangladesh Railways spends 2.5 times the revenue it generates, attributing the losses to corruption and operational inefficiencies. He emphasized the need to curb wasteful expenses and unauthorized travel, warning that continued financial mismanagement could jeopardize railway services. The ministry has set a target to reduce spending per revenue taka below two and has tasked officials with tackling corruption. Meanwhile, a delegation led by Dr. Yunus is visiting China to discuss railway development, including the procurement of new coaches and infrastructure upgrades.

Amid ongoing protests following the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, Turkish authorities detained at least seven journalists, including an AFP photojournalist, on Tuesday. The mass demonstrations have continued for seven consecutive days. Authorities claim the detained journalists were participating in ‘illegal protests.’ AFP’s CEO has sent a formal request to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, demanding the journalist’s release.

A U.S. intelligence report has identified India, alongside China, as a ‘state accomplice’ in supplying precursor chemicals for illicit fentanyl production. The report, released Tuesday, highlights India’s role in providing raw materials to criminal organizations involved in manufacturing synthetic opioids. Fentanyl is the deadliest drug in the U.S., responsible for over 52,000 deaths in the 12 months leading up to October 2024. The assessment places India as the second-largest supplier after China.

BNP’s acting chairman, Tarique Rahman, commemorated Independence Day by highlighting the role of former President Ziaur Rahman in the Liberation War. In a Facebook post, he claimed that on this day in 1971, then-Major Ziaur Rahman declared Bangladesh’s independence, rallying the nation against Pakistani forces. He described the event as a cornerstone of Bangladesh’s sovereignty and reiterated his commitment to safeguarding democracy, people’s rights, and inclusive development.

Dhaka Civil Surgeon Dr. Mohammad Zillur Rahman faced sharp criticism from war veterans after equating the July 2024 movement with the 1971 Liberation War. During a public event, he stated that the fight for democracy in 2024 was a continuation of the struggle for independence. This statement provoked strong objections from freedom fighters present, who demanded he retract his remarks. Following protests, both the civil surgeon and a veteran later apologized.

Sirajum Munira, the Assistant Commissioner (Land) of Sarail, Brahmanbaria, faced intense criticism after a Facebook post from the account ‘Acland Sorail’ referred to Sheikh Mujibur Rahman as the ‘proclaimer of independence.’ The post sparked backlash from local BNP activists and other groups. At an Independence Day event at Annada High School, BNP members confronted her. The post was deleted within an hour, with claims that her account had been hacked. However, BNP leaders dismissed this as a cover-up and demanded her immediate removal from office. She has since been temporarily relieved of her duties.

Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory message to Bangladesh’s President Mohammed Shahabuddin on the occasion of Independence Day. Chinese Premier Li Qiang also extended his greetings to Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus. Xi Jinping emphasized that over the past 50 years, China and Bangladesh have upheld the principles of peaceful coexistence, mutual respect, and beneficial cooperation, bringing tangible benefits to the people of both nations.

In response to the ongoing heatwave, residents of Kishoreganj organized a special Istisqa prayer seeking rainfall. The congregation, attended by people from various walks of life, included religious leaders and community elders. Following the prayer, a special sermon and nationwide supplication were offered for rain. Notable attendees included retired teacher Maulana Qari Abdul Khaleq, Anwar Hossain, secretary of Chiknirchar Central Mosque, and former UP member Selim Mia.

To mark Bangladesh’s Independence and National Day, the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) exchanged goodwill gestures with India’s Border Security Force (BSF) at the Hili border checkpoint. At 10:30 AM, BGB’s Hili ICP Company Commander Asim Marak presented sweets to BSF’s Camp Commander Rohit Sharma, who reciprocated with flowers. Both sides engaged in a cordial interaction, reinforcing the tradition of exchanging gifts during national and religious festivities to maintain cross-border harmony.

Police detained three individuals at the National Martyrs’ Memorial on Independence Day for allegedly attempting to ‘create instability’ by chanting the slogan ‘Joy Bangla, Joy Bangabandhu.’ The incident occurred when members of the Liberation War Family Command and Liberation War Generation League paid tribute to martyrs. The arrested individuals include Selim Reza (47), General Secretary of the Liberation War Family Command; Shahidul Islam (50), Organizational Secretary of the same group; and Sohel Parvez (41) from Ashulia. All three are reportedly affiliated with the ruling Awami League.