The Bangladesh government is preparing to transfer the entire Registration Department from the Ministry of Law to the Ministry of Land, with the proposal expected to be discussed in Wednesday’s cabinet meeting. News of the move has triggered strong discontent among officials and legal experts, as the issue remains pending before the High Court since a 2008 public interest writ petition halted similar efforts. The Land Ministry argues that combining land registration with Assistant Commissioner (Land) offices would streamline public service delivery. However, the Law Ministry insists that land registration is a judicial function governed by complex legal frameworks, including the State Acquisition Act and Non-Agricultural Tenancy Act. Critics warn that placing the function under administrative officers without legal training could increase public hardship and bureaucratic confusion. Observers note that the Land Ministry already struggles with service delivery and corruption allegations. Bringing the Registration Department under its control, they argue, could worsen inefficiency. The cabinet’s decision, if pursued despite the pending court case, may invite further legal challenges and institutional friction.

Libya’s Chief of Staff, General Mohammed Ali Ahmed al-Haddad, was killed in a plane crash in Turkey on Tuesday night, according to the Libyan Prime Minister. The Falcon-50 aircraft departed Ankara’s Esenboğa International Airport at 8:12 p.m. local time bound for Tripoli but lost contact 42 minutes after takeoff. Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya confirmed that the aircraft had requested an emergency landing before communication was lost. General al-Haddad had been in Ankara for an official meeting with Turkey’s Chief of Staff and was returning to Libya when the crash occurred. Four others were reportedly on board the aircraft. Turkish and Libyan authorities have launched a joint investigation to determine the cause of the incident, with early reports suggesting possible technical failure. The death of General al-Haddad is expected to have significant implications for Libya’s fragile military command structure. Analysts note that his loss could complicate ongoing defense coordination with Turkey, a key ally in Libya’s post-conflict stabilization efforts.

Advocate Maulana Sheikh Abdul Wadud, Jamaat-e-Islami’s candidate for Bagerhat-3 (Mongla-Rampal), stated that his party has always stood by the Hindu community and will continue to do so. Speaking at a courtyard meeting with local Hindu residents in Mithakhali Union, he emphasized that Jamaat’s politics is rooted in protecting the rights, dignity, and security of all citizens regardless of religion or ethnicity. Wadud described Bangladesh as a nation built by people of all faiths—Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists, and Christians—and reiterated Jamaat’s commitment to a just and discrimination-free society. He argued that honest and capable leadership is essential to end political revenge and ensure public safety. Local Jamaat leaders, including Professor Kohinur Sardar, echoed his call for interfaith harmony and mutual respect. The meeting, chaired by community leader Manoranjan Halder, also highlighted social and civic challenges faced by the Hindu community. Participants urged cooperation among all groups to maintain peaceful coexistence in the region.

Mujibur Rahman Manju, chairman of the Amar Bangladesh (AB) Party and candidate for the Feni-2 constituency, collected his nomination papers from the district returning officer and deputy commissioner on Wednesday, December 24, 2025. The event marks his formal entry into the race for the 13th National Parliamentary Election, representing the party’s Eagle symbol. Manju was accompanied by senior AB Party leaders, including Barrister Zobaer Ahmed Bhuiyan and several regional organizers. Speaking to the media, he said he sought the judgment of Feni’s people on the need for new political arrangements beyond what he described as 54 years of flawed politics. He emphasized that the electorate would decide whether the call for new politics has real support. Manju further stated that Feni’s development required no grand promises but rather an end to violence, extortion, and political hostility. He called for neutrality in administration and political unity to make Feni one of Bangladesh’s most peaceful and advanced districts.

National Citizens Party (NCP) convener Nahid Islam has described Bangladesh’s political history as one defined by broken promises and unfulfilled commitments. Speaking at an election dialogue organized by The Daily Star at the China Friendship Conference Center in Dhaka, he said that the country’s political movements once aimed for systemic reform, but those aspirations were never fully realized. Despite this, the NCP plans to support the ‘yes’ vote in the upcoming national referendum. Islam emphasized that without transparency and accountability, corruption cannot be eradicated. He proposed a new initiative called “Hisab Dao” (Give Account), under which the government would regularly disclose its activities and expenditures to the public. He also urged political parties to honor their pledges, including the creation of a post-election consensus commission. Addressing the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami, Islam criticized them for competing with the ruling Awami League for votes rather than presenting unified reform agendas. His remarks reflect growing frustration among smaller parties over the credibility of Bangladesh’s political process ahead of the next election.

Haji Obaidul Haque, a suspended leader of the Awami League and former finance secretary of the party’s Feni district unit, has collected a nomination form to contest the 13th National Parliamentary Election from the Feni-2 constituency under the banner of Amjanatar Dal. He obtained the form on Tuesday from the district returning officer’s office. Speaking to reporters, Haque explained that since Awami League’s political activities are currently suspended, he could not contest under the party’s name and therefore chose Amjanatar Dal as an alternative platform. He clarified that although he remains a member of the Awami League, he is temporarily representing Amjanatar Dal in the election. Ashish Dutta, convener of the party’s Feni district branch, confirmed Haque’s candidacy. According to the district election office, a total of 30 candidates have collected nomination forms across Feni’s three constituencies so far. The development highlights shifting political alignments ahead of the upcoming national polls, with several local leaders seeking alternative affiliations amid party restrictions.

A 35-year-old Border Security Force (BSF) soldier, Bipin Kumar of the 97th Battalion, was shot and injured while on duty along the Maheshpur border in North Tripura. The incident occurred during a nighttime patrol when gunfire was suddenly heard, prompting immediate rescue and hospitalization. After surgery at Agartala’s GB Pant Hospital, his condition is reported stable. Initial media reports claimed that shots were fired from across the Bangladesh border, sparking tension amid the region’s existing diplomatic strain. However, preliminary investigations now indicate that the bullets came from Kumar’s own service rifle. Authorities have not yet confirmed whether it was an accident or a possible suicide attempt. No official statement has been issued by the BSF or the central government. Following the incident, a high alert was declared along the Tripura frontier, a region already sensitive due to smuggling and infiltration risks. Analysts warn that misinformation could inflame cross-border tensions, emphasizing the need for verified communication between India and Bangladesh.

Iran has conducted another round of missile drills across multiple cities, including Tehran, Isfahan, and Mashhad, marking its second such exercise in a month. State media released footage of the launches, though the exact locations remain unverified. Conflicting reports emerged as Iranian state outlets later denied any missile testing, claiming the visuals showed high-altitude aircraft instead. According to NBC News, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is preparing to brief U.S. President Donald Trump on what Israel views as an escalating threat from Iran’s ballistic missile program. Western powers consider Iran’s missile capabilities a major security risk for the Middle East, fearing they could eventually serve as delivery systems for nuclear weapons—an allegation Tehran continues to deny. Israeli officials reportedly believe Iran has resumed rebuilding nuclear enrichment facilities damaged in a U.S. airstrike earlier this year. As a result, Tel Aviv is exploring military options and coordinating with Washington, fueling renewed concerns of a potential confrontation between the two long-time adversaries.

A video showing a local student leader in Feni, Bangladesh, allegedly blackmailing a young man and woman at gunpoint has gone viral on social media, prompting police investigation and public condemnation. The accused, Anwar Hossain Choton, a former assistant secretary of the Bogadana Union unit of the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD), is seen brandishing a foreign-made pistol while threatening the pair. Following the video’s circulation, Choton reportedly went into hiding, and the victims remain untraced. Local residents claim Choton and his associates had long been extorting money from young people by trapping them in compromising situations and filming them under duress. Party officials confirmed that Choton currently holds no official position, limiting their ability to take disciplinary action. Feni district JCD leaders urged law enforcement to act swiftly, while police said they are working to identify the victims and locate the suspect. Authorities believe internal disputes among Choton’s associates may have led to the video’s release. The incident has reignited debate over political impunity and the misuse of party affiliation for criminal activities in local communities.

Leaders and activists of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in Cumilla are preparing to travel to Dhaka to welcome the party’s acting chairperson, Tarique Rahman, who is set to return to the country after 17 years. Local BNP units across Cumilla district and city have held multiple preparatory meetings, with processions and gatherings taking place in anticipation of the event scheduled for December 25. Cumilla South BNP President Zakaria Taher Suman said that party members have been instructed to reach Dhaka and join what he described as a ‘sea of people’. North district convener Md. Akhtaruzzaman noted that enthusiasm is at its peak, with activists ready to greet their leader near the 300 Feet area in Dhaka. City BNP General Secretary Yusuf Molla Tipu expressed emotional excitement, calling the return a historic moment for the party. According to BNP’s divisional organizing secretary Mostak Mia, over 100,000 activists from 17 upazilas are expected to join the reception. The event is seen as a major political mobilization ahead of future national political developments.

The Bangladesh government has approved the purchase of 37.5 million liters of edible oil from international sources and 10 million liters locally to prevent an artificial shortage during the upcoming Ramadan. Additionally, 10,000 tons of lentils will be procured. The total cost for the oil purchase is estimated at Tk 642.45 crore, while lentil procurement will cost Tk 72.20 crore. The Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) will distribute these products nationwide. The approval came during a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Government Purchase chaired by Economic Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed. The imports include 20 million liters of soybean oil from Nigeria’s Vidok Farms and Exports Ltd, 12.5 million liters from the U.S.-based Stewart Klobanu Gerhard, and 5 million liters from Malaysia’s C Millennium Trade Sdn Bhd. Locally, one crore liters of rice bran oil will be sourced through open tender from three domestic firms. Officials stated that the oil will be sold through TCB at prices lower than the government-fixed retail rate but higher than the procurement cost, ensuring no subsidy burden. The move aims to stabilize market prices and ensure adequate supply during the fasting month.

Bangladesh’s Economic Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed stated that while economic ties with India remain stable, the government is actively working to normalize political relations. He made the remarks following a meeting of the Advisory Committee on Government Procurement at the Secretariat on Tuesday. Dr. Ahmed clarified that political relations between Dhaka and New Delhi have not deteriorated significantly, but the government is taking steps to prevent any abnormality. He emphasized that the Chief Adviser himself is engaged in efforts to improve bilateral understanding and maintain a cooperative atmosphere. The adviser reiterated that Bangladesh seeks cordial relations with all neighboring countries and does not wish for any tension in the region. His comments come amid ongoing discussions about regional cooperation and the importance of maintaining balanced diplomacy with India, Bangladesh’s largest trading partner and strategic neighbor.

Helal Uddin Munshi, a long-time Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leader and member of the Bauphal upazila convening committee, has joined Jamaat-e-Islami ahead of the 13th national parliamentary election. The switch was announced at a local rally in Bauphal’s Suryamani Union, where Munshi formally joined hands with Jamaat candidate Dr. Shafiqul Islam Masud. Following the announcement, the BNP expelled Munshi through an official statement signed by Bauphal BNP’s member secretary, Apel Mahmud Firoz. Munshi, who had been active in BNP politics for 25 years, said he now intends to dedicate his life to serving Islam under Jamaat’s banner. Local political observers believe his defection could strengthen Jamaat’s “balance scale” symbol in the Patuakhali-2 constituency, where BNP’s internal divisions have deepened. Jamaat leaders welcomed Munshi’s move, calling for unity to consolidate support ahead of the polls. The development underscores shifting alliances in southern Bangladesh as parties recalibrate strategies before the upcoming election, potentially altering voter alignments in key constituencies.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs summoned Bangladesh’s High Commissioner to New Delhi, Riaz Hamidullah, on Tuesday, just hours after Dhaka called in Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma. The move followed Bangladesh’s formal protest over recent security incidents targeting its diplomatic premises in India. Earlier in the day, Bangladesh’s Foreign Ministry had expressed concern about violent demonstrations near its High Commission and the envoy’s residence in New Delhi, as well as vandalism at its visa center in Siliguri. Dhaka condemned what it described as “planned acts of intimidation” and urged India to ensure the safety of its diplomatic staff. Indian officials, however, downplayed the incidents, saying the protests were limited and did not breach security barriers. The reciprocal summons highlight rising diplomatic tension between the two neighbors. Analysts note that both sides are seeking to contain the dispute through official channels, but the episode underscores the fragility of bilateral sensitivities amid domestic political pressures in both countries.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi announced that the board will lodge a formal complaint with the International Cricket Council (ICC) regarding the behavior of Indian players during the Under-19 Asia Cup final. Pakistan defeated India by a massive 191-run margin, but the victory was overshadowed by allegations of excessive sledging and unsportsmanlike conduct by the Indian team. Naqvi stated that Indian players repeatedly provoked Pakistani cricketers throughout the match, calling the incidents contrary to the spirit of the game. Pakistan’s U-19 coach Sarfaraz Ahmed echoed the sentiment, describing India’s actions as “against cricketing ethics,” while emphasizing that his team maintained professionalism after the win. The PCB leadership stressed that politics and sports should remain separate. The India-Pakistan cricket rivalry has long been marked by heightened tension. Similar disciplinary concerns arose during the senior Asia Cup final earlier, when players from both sides faced ICC reprimands. The latest episode may prompt the ICC to review conduct guidelines for youth tournaments.