Khalistan supporters disrupted a protest organized by Hindutva activists outside the Bangladesh High Commission in London on Saturday. The protest had been arranged in response to reports of violence against Hindus in Bangladesh. During the demonstration, the Khalistani group chanted anti-India slogans and displayed their flags, effectively halting the event. A brief scuffle occurred between Paramjit Singh Pamma, coordinator of the Khalistan Referendum campaign, and an Indian Hindu protester. Metropolitan Police officers quickly intervened, separating the individuals involved and dispersing both groups from the area surrounding the mission building. No injuries were reported in the incident. Manu Khajuria of the UK Insight Group described the actions of the Khalistani extremists as surprising, saying they attempted to silence voices advocating for minority rights and harmony.

At the International Crimes Tribunal–2 in Dhaka on Monday, investigating officer Ruhul Amin testified that a doctor was pressured to prepare a false autopsy report following the police shooting of Begum Rokeya University student Abu Sayeed, described as the first martyr of the July uprising. The statement came during the third day of his deposition in the ongoing trial before a three-member bench led by Justice Nazrul Islam Chowdhury. Ruhul Amin said Sarowat Hossain Chandan, president of the Rangpur unit of the Swadhinata Chikitsak Parishad, opposed the protesters during the uprising and pressured the doctor to falsify the report. He testified as the 25th witness in the crimes against humanity case against 30 accused, including former vice-chancellor Hasibur Rashid. Six accused, including a former proctor and several police and student leaders, were produced in court, while others remain absconding. As the testimony was not completed, the tribunal scheduled the next hearing for January 6.

Jamaat-e-Islami–nominated candidate and Nagarkanda Upazila Jamaat Amir Maulana Sohrab Hossain has withdrawn his candidacy for the upcoming national election in Faridpur-02 constituency, which covers Nagarkanda and Saltha. His decision came after an eight-party alliance declared Allama Shah Akram Ali, known as Dhola Huzur, as its official candidate. On Monday at 10 a.m., Sohrab Hossain announced his withdrawal through a Facebook post, expressing full support for the alliance’s nominee in the interest of Islamic unity. The announcement has sparked discussion in local political circles, with party activists describing the move as a significant step toward strengthening unity among Islamic parties. Leaders of the eight-party alliance stated that all members would work together in support of Shah Akram Ali and expressed optimism about achieving favorable results through this cooperation. Local observers noted that the Jamaat candidate’s withdrawal is expected to bolster the alliance’s position in Faridpur-02 and reshape the electoral dynamics in the constituency.

Former president of Islami Chhatra Shibir, Md. Abdul Jabbar, has withdrawn his candidacy from the Narayanganj-4 constituency ahead of the upcoming national parliamentary election. He announced the decision on Monday through a verified Facebook post, stating that he stepped down in accordance with his organization’s decision and emphasized that the nation’s interest remains the top priority. In his post, Abdul Jabbar expressed gratitude to his supporters, including members, well-wishers, students, and youth who worked tirelessly during the campaign. He extended his best wishes to Advocate Abdullah Al Amin, the central leader of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), who received the coalition’s nomination for the same seat on Sunday. The withdrawal marks a shift in the electoral dynamics of Narayanganj-4, as the 10-party alliance consolidates its support behind the NCP candidate following Jabbar’s decision.

BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman visited the party’s central office in Naya Paltan, Dhaka, on Monday afternoon, marking his first appearance there in 17 years. He left his residence on Gulshan Avenue at 3 p.m. and arrived at the office around 4 p.m., where senior party leaders including Ruhul Kabir Rizvi and M Rashiduzzaman Millat welcomed him with flowers. Several central leaders, advisers, and staff members were also present during the visit. Addressing party members, Tarique Rahman said there was no formal event scheduled and requested that roads be reopened quickly to avoid public inconvenience. He asked everyone to pray for each other’s well-being and called on supporters to contribute from their respective positions to rebuild the country anew. He added that he would deliver a speech when future programs are announced. The visit was seen as a symbolic return to the party’s central hub after a long absence, with Tarique emphasizing unity and collective effort for national reconstruction.

India has granted final approval for the Dulhasti Stage-2 hydropower project on the Chenab River, located in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir, according to The News. The project, costing about 327.7 billion Indian rupees, will be implemented by the state-owned NHPC Limited and aims to generate up to 260 megawatts of electricity. Construction is expected to begin early next year. Analysts link the approval to India’s earlier decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) following the Pahalgam incident, which heightened border tensions and led to reciprocal military actions between India and Pakistan. Despite India’s move, Pakistan reaffirmed its commitment to the IWT and pledged to continue participating in the neutral expert process. In August, the Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled that western rivers must flow freely for Pakistan’s unrestricted use. Experts warn that the project could harm Pakistan strategically and environmentally, as the Chenab flows into its territory. Environmental authorities have cautioned that altering water flow may disrupt the Marusudar River’s natural structure and ecosystem over a 25-kilometer stretch downstream of the Pakal Dul project.

Law enforcement agencies have been unable to arrest Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader and six other top leaders of the party’s affiliated organizations in a war crimes case related to killings during the July Revolution. The prosecution informed International Crimes Tribunal-2 on Monday that officers visited both permanent and temporary addresses but could not locate the accused. The tribunal, led by retired district judge Md Manjurul Basid with member judge Nur Mohammad Shahriar Kabir, said further orders would follow after receiving all reports. The accused include Awami League Joint General Secretary A.F.M. Bahauddin Nasim, former State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Mohammad Ali Arafat, Jubo League President Sheikh Fazle Shams Parash, General Secretary Mainul Hossain Khan Nikhil, Chhatra League President Saddam Hossain, and General Secretary Wali Asif Enan. Arrest warrants were issued on December 18 after the prosecution filed formal charges and presented specific allegations against each accused, including three counts against Quader for instruction, provocation, and incitement. The tribunal will issue its next order once the remaining address report for Sheikh Fazle Shams Parash is submitted.

Nine people, including five children, were killed in a mass stabbing in Paramaribo, the capital of Suriname, police confirmed on Sunday. The attack occurred overnight when a man used a sharp weapon to kill multiple people in his home and nearby area. Among the dead were four of the suspect’s own children. Another child and one adult were seriously injured and are receiving hospital treatment. The suspect, who was wounded and detained, reportedly attempted to attack police officers before being shot in the leg. Local media reported that the suspect had argued with his wife over the phone before the attack, and neighbors suggested he might have been suffering from mental health issues. Police have not released his identity but said he remains under hospital supervision. Suriname’s President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, calling it an unimaginably difficult time and offering strength and comfort to the bereaved families. Authorities stated that further details about the circumstances of the incident will be released later as investigations continue.

The government has canceled the appointments of one deputy attorney general and three assistant attorneys general over allegations of irregularities. A formal notification announcing the decision was issued on Monday afternoon, according to the report published on December 29, 2025. Those whose appointments have been revoked are Deputy Attorney General Zulfiqar Ali Shimul and Assistant Attorneys General Ibrahim Khalil, Ayub Ali, and Montu Alam. The report did not provide further details about the nature of the alleged irregularities or the specific circumstances leading to the decision. Further information about the case is expected to be released later, as the report indicated that more details are forthcoming.

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department has forecast that night temperatures across the country may drop slightly within the next 24 hours, increasing the feeling of cold. The forecast, issued on Monday morning, also warned that moderate to dense fog may form in various parts of the country from midnight to morning, with some areas experiencing it until noon. According to the department, the weather is expected to remain dry with partly cloudy skies nationwide. The fog could disrupt air travel, inland water transport, and road communication. The lowest temperature in the country was recorded at 10 degrees Celsius in Nikli, Kishoreganj. The Met Office attributed the current conditions to the extension of a subcontinental high-pressure zone over West Bengal and adjoining areas, while a seasonal low lies over the South Bay of Bengal extending to the northeast. The department noted that while daytime temperatures are likely to remain nearly unchanged, the cold sensation will persist in many regions due to foggy conditions.

At least three people were killed on Sunday when security forces opened fire during Alawite community protests in western Syria, according to the country’s health authorities. The demonstrations erupted after a deadly bombing at a mosque in Homs city, which killed eight people on Friday. The protests spread across coastal and central provinces, raising renewed concerns over minority safety under the new Islamist-led government. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that two people were shot dead in Latakia province as security forces dispersed demonstrators, while state news agency SANA cited local health officials saying three were killed and about 60 injured in attacks blamed on remnants of the former regime. The Interior Ministry later confirmed one of the dead was a member of the General Security police. Clashes also broke out between protesters and government supporters in Latakia and Jableh, prompting security intervention and aerial gunfire. Alawite religious leader Ghazal Ghazal, who called for the protests, urged political decentralization and protection of minority rights. The Alawite Council condemned attacks on unarmed civilians and asked supporters to return home.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that Russia’s formal recognition of Afghanistan’s Taliban government has opened new opportunities for regional cooperation. Russia granted official recognition to the Taliban administration in July, a move welcomed by the Afghan government, according to Tolo News. Lavrov emphasized that the recognition has paved the way for collaboration between the two countries in areas including regional security. The Taliban government in Kabul expressed appreciation for Russia’s stance, saying that expanding regional cooperation would contribute to regional stability. Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid called on other countries to normalize relations with Afghanistan, describing Russia’s decision as courageous and beneficial for positive engagement. Political analyst Najibullah Hotak noted that Russia, as a regional power, could encourage Central Asian and other nations to strengthen ties with Afghanistan. Russia remains the only country to have officially recognized the Taliban government as of July 4.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has confirmed that another political party is joining its existing 10-party electoral alliance. The announcement was made by Jamaat’s central assistant secretary general Advocate Abdul Halim, who said the name of the new party would be revealed soon. He expressed hope that the alliance would succeed in building an inclusive and united Bangladesh. The statement came after Jamaat Amir Dr. Shafiqur Rahman’s nomination papers were submitted for the Dhaka-15 constituency, which includes Mirpur and Kafrul. At a press conference following the submission, Jamaat assistant secretary general Advocate Ehsanul Mahbub Zubair said the alliance’s seat-sharing arrangement among 11 parties would be finalized and announced later in the afternoon. He clarified that Jamaat had not sought an extension for nomination submission and emphasized the need for the Election Commission to ensure a level playing field. Zubair described the alliance as a strong electoral understanding rather than a formal coalition, with each party fielding one candidate per seat while others offer support. He also urged the interim government and the Election Commission to take necessary steps to create a fair electoral environment, including recovering illegal arms and arresting identified criminals.

A Dhaka court has granted a five-day remand for Major Md. Sadequl Haque and his wife Sumaiya Tahmid Zafrin in two separate cases filed under the Anti-Terrorism Act. The cases were lodged at Vatara and Gulshan police stations over alleged activities linked to guerrilla training of Awami League members. The order was issued on Monday by Metropolitan Magistrate Md. Hasan Shahadat, confirmed by state prosecutor Muhammad Shamsuddoha Suman. Investigators had sought seven-day remands for both accused. Major Sadequl was shown arrested on December 15 in the Vatara case, while Zafrin’s remand request was filed on December 21 in the Gulshan case. Both were produced before the court during the hearing. The cases accuse them of involvement in secret meetings and anti-government demonstrations. According to the case files, the alleged incidents involved banned organizations and gatherings that chanted anti-state slogans and planned activities deemed to threaten public security. Police filed the cases in July and April following these incidents.

Social media personality and Ten Minute School founder Ayman Sadiq came under heavy criticism on Monday after posting on Facebook about justice for Osman Hadi, who was killed earlier in December. In his post, Sadiq wrote that Hadi had always sought justice and that others should show courage to continue that pursuit. He questioned how long it would take to achieve justice, marking ten days since Hadi’s death. The post sparked strong reactions from netizens, with many criticizing Sadiq for speaking out late and for not mentioning Hadi’s name directly in his message. Users also mocked him through comments and memes shared across Facebook. The controversy unfolded as protests demanding justice for Hadi continued at Shahbagh under the banner of Inquilab Mancha. Osman Hadi was shot on December 12 in Dhaka’s Paltan area while returning from Friday prayers and died on December 18 in Singapore. Police have arrested 11 suspects, six of whom have given confessional statements in court.