A journalist and five student activists from Sreemangal, Moulvibazar, have reported receiving death and abduction threats through Facebook Messenger. The threats, allegedly sent from an account named 'No Caption', mentioned multiple individuals and outlined a plan for sequential killings. The victims, including journalist Md. Ehsanul Haque (Ehsan Bin Mujahir) and student leader Md. Mujahidul Islam, filed a general diary (GD) at Sreemangal Police Station on Sunday night. Ehsanul Haque, known for reporting on corruption and anti-drug issues, said he has faced similar threats and attacks before, expressing frustration over the lack of progress in earlier investigations. The Sreemangal Press Club strongly condemned the incident, calling it an attack on press freedom and demanding swift legal action. Police confirmed receipt of the GD and stated that digital evidence and screenshots are being verified. The incident has sparked concern among local journalists and activists, highlighting growing risks for those involved in advocacy and investigative reporting in regional Bangladesh. Authorities have pledged to identify the perpetrators and ensure security for the victims.

Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal-1 has scheduled January 4 for the next hearing on the formation of charges against Salman F Rahman, former adviser to ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, and former law minister Anisul Huq. The two are accused of crimes against humanity allegedly committed during the July Revolution. The tribunal, chaired by Justice Golam Mortuza Majumder and assisted by Justice Shafiul Alam Mahmud, issued the order after hearing arguments from the prosecution. Chief Prosecutor Tazul Islam presented the allegations, which include ordering curfews, directing ruling party affiliates to suppress protests, and authorizing lethal force that led to civilian deaths and injuries. The prosecution has charged both men under the doctrine of superior responsibility, citing their positions of authority during the unrest. Defense counsel Mansurul Haque requested additional time to respond, which the court granted. The accused, detained since August 13 following the fall of the Awami League government, remain in custody as the tribunal prepares for the next stage of proceedings.

The Bangladesh Garment Buying House Association (BGBA) held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Saturday night at Uttara Club in Dhaka. The event was attended by BGBA members and key guests including founding president Kaiyum Reza Chowdhury, Director General of the Department of Textiles Md. Shahidul Islam, NBR First Secretary Shahriar Hasan, and Adnan Masud, AMD of United Commercial Bank PLC. The meeting began with a moment of silence for the late Sharif Osman Hadi, followed by prayers led by BGBA Treasurer Fazlul Haque Saeed. Presided over by BGBA President Mofazzal Hossain Pavel, the AGM reviewed the association’s 2024–25 financial audit and discussed progress on previous initiatives. Secretary General Md. Zakir Hossain presented the annual report, while members raised questions and offered recommendations for organizational improvement. Pavel noted that after a High Court ruling, multiple AGMs had been consolidated in 2024, and the 2025 session marked a return to the regular calendar cycle. He expressed optimism for continued unity and thanked all members, committees, and donors for their support.

Cumilla district has recorded the highest number of expatriate voter registrations in Bangladesh ahead of the 13th National Parliament election and referendum. According to the Election Commission, 54,545 expatriates from Cumilla have registered through the 'Postal Vote BD' app, placing the district first among 64 nationwide. Dhaka ranks second. Registration began on November 19 and will continue until December 25, marking the first use of an IT-supported postal ballot system for overseas voters. Election officials report that of the total applicants, 52,835 are men and 1,710 are women, with 8,755 registrations already approved. Cumilla has around 4.99 million total voters across 11 constituencies. The district’s large expatriate population—over 764,000 workers sent abroad since 2015—contributes nearly 9% of Bangladesh’s overseas workforce and about $100 million in monthly remittances. Officials expect total expatriate voter registrations to reach 60,000–70,000 before the deadline. Authorities believe postal ballots could influence constituency results if participation is high. Ballots will be mailed to registered voters abroad, who will return them by post for counting on election day afternoon.

Israel’s far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has proposed building a ‘crocodile-enclosed detention center’ for Palestinian prisoners to prevent escapes, according to Israeli Channel 13. The proposed site lies near Hamat Gader in northern Israel, close to the occupied Syrian Golan Heights and the Jordanian border, an area that already hosts a crocodile farm and a zoo. Ben-Gvir reportedly presented the idea during a security assessment meeting with Prison Service Commissioner Kobi Yaakobi. The Israeli Knesset is also expected to vote on a separate bill he introduced, which seeks to impose the death penalty on Palestinians accused of planning or participating in attacks against Israel. Human rights groups in Israel and Palestine have condemned the proposal as inhumane and politically provocative. Over 9,300 Palestinians, including women and children, are currently detained in Israeli prisons. The plan emerges amid ongoing violence in Gaza, where more than 70,900 Palestinians have been killed since October 2023, according to rights monitors.

The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) continues to capture global football fans’ attention as key group-stage matches air live this weekend. Broadcasters have lined up several high-profile fixtures, including Mali vs Zambia, South Africa vs Angola, and Egypt vs Zimbabwe, offering fans a packed schedule of continental action. Matches will be streamed across major sports networks and digital platforms such as FanCode and Bet365. The tournament, known for its passionate crowds and unpredictable outcomes, remains Africa’s most prestigious football competition. Sports analysts note that this year’s edition features a strong mix of emerging talents and established stars, with several teams aiming to secure early qualification for the knockout rounds. Broadcasters report strong viewership from both African and international audiences. As the group stage intensifies, attention will turn to powerhouse nations like Egypt and South Africa, whose performances could shape the tournament’s later stages. Fans worldwide are expected to tune in for the high-stakes matches leading into the new year.

A 22-year-old street vendor named Shahin Mia was allegedly beaten to death in Nasirnagar, Brahmanbaria, after being accused of theft. According to police and family sources, the incident occurred on Sunday afternoon in the Madhyapara area, where Shahin was forcibly confined and assaulted by several villagers. His body was later taken to the district hospital morgue for autopsy. Family members claim that Shahin had been wrongly accused of stealing a silver chain belonging to a local resident’s relative. They allege that Arfat Ali and his nephews led the attack. Police have recovered the body and initiated an investigation to determine the cause of death and identify those involved. Inspector Krishna Lal Ghosh confirmed that legal action will follow based on the post-mortem report and family complaint. The incident has sparked local outrage and renewed concerns over mob justice in rural Bangladesh. Authorities have urged residents to avoid taking the law into their own hands as investigations continue.

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) conducted two coordinated operations under the Dighaltari Border Outpost (BOP) in Lalmonirhat, seizing Indian cattle and various smuggled goods. The raids, carried out by the 15 BGB Battalion, led to the confiscation of two Indian cows, cumin, sugar, snacks, a blanket, and a bicycle, with a total seizure value of approximately BDT 281,680. According to BGB officials, one suspect fled toward India after being challenged by patrol members near Namatari on November 21. The seized items included 12 kilograms of cumin, 38 kilograms of sugar, and other goods. Lieutenant Colonel Mehedi Imam, commanding officer of the Lalmonirhat Battalion, stated that the BGB remains vigilant to prevent smuggling and drug trafficking, emphasizing increased intelligence surveillance and patrols in sensitive border zones. Authorities confirmed that legal proceedings are underway to identify and prosecute those involved in cross-border smuggling. The operation reflects BGB’s ongoing efforts to curb illegal trade and maintain security along Bangladesh’s northern frontier.

Mohammad Motaleb Shikdar, convenor of the National Citizen Party’s (NCP) Khulna divisional committee, was shot and critically injured on Monday, December 22, 2025. The incident occurred around noon, and he was immediately taken to Khulna Medical College Hospital for treatment. The attack has sparked widespread concern within the party and among local residents. According to NCP joint chief organizer Dr. Mahmuda Mitu, who confirmed the news on social media, Shikdar was targeted in a sudden shooting. Law enforcement agencies have begun an investigation to determine the motive and identify those involved. Police officials are preparing an official statement regarding the incident. Senior NCP leaders have strongly condemned the attack, urging authorities to ensure a swift and transparent investigation. The incident highlights growing political tensions in the region, with observers warning that such violence could further destabilize local political activities if not addressed promptly.

Bangladesh has launched a nationwide ‘Vote Car’ campaign aimed at raising voter awareness and participation ahead of the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election and 2026 referendum. The campaign officially began Monday afternoon at the South Plaza of the National Parliament, inaugurated virtually by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus through a video message. The initiative will see specially branded vehicles travel across all 64 districts and over 300 upazilas, promoting civic engagement and voter education. Information and Broadcasting Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Cultural Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki, and Election Commission Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed attended the launch event. Officials emphasized that the campaign seeks to strengthen democratic participation and ensure a transparent electoral process. Observers note that the ‘Vote Car’ project reflects the interim government’s effort to restore public confidence in electoral institutions. As the election approaches, authorities hope the outreach drive will address voter apathy and misinformation, encouraging higher turnout in both the general election and the referendum.

Inqilab Mancha’s member secretary Abdullah Al Jaber has demanded that justice for the killing of Shaheed Osman Hadi be ensured before the upcoming national election. Speaking at a press conference in Dhaka’s Shahbagh on Monday, he accused the home and law advisers of negligence, saying their irresponsibility had contributed to the current state of disorder in the country. The statement followed a Facebook post by the organization on Sunday night, which alleged that none of its two major demands had been met despite widespread public support. The post also criticized the home and deputy home advisers for failing to provide explanations during a recent briefing. It further claimed that the chief adviser had not established full authority over civil and military intelligence agencies and that individuals loyal to the previous administration remained in key positions. The group warned that attempts to downplay Hadi’s murder through official briefings would deepen public mistrust. Observers note that the demand adds political pressure on the interim administration as the election approaches.

The central committee of Jubo Dal has issued a show-cause notice to its Madaripur district convener, Faruk Hossain Bepari, after he was seen leading a group guarding the residence and businesses of suspended Awami League leader Shahjahan Khan and his family. The notice, signed by the party’s assistant office secretary, requires a written explanation within three days. Local sources said the incident occurred amid heightened political tension following an attack on Inquilab Mancha spokesperson Osman Hadi. Photos of Faruk and around 40–50 activists stationed at a petrol pump owned by Shahjahan Khan’s brother circulated on social media, drawing criticism. Senior BNP leaders accused Faruk of damaging the party’s image by allegedly taking money to protect a rival’s property. Faruk denied the allegations, claiming he acted at the request of police and local authorities to prevent possible sabotage. The controversy underscores internal strain within BNP’s youth wing as it navigates political unrest in Madaripur.

Dhaka’s Metro Rail authority has launched an online recharge system for Rapid Pass and MRT Pass cards, allowing passengers to top up their travel cards without visiting station counters. The new service, accessible through the website rapidpass.com.bd, supports payments via major digital platforms including bKash, Nagad, Rocket, and credit cards. This move aims to reduce long queues at metro stations and enhance commuter convenience in the traffic-congested capital. According to the announcement, users can register online, log in, and recharge between Tk 100 and Tk 5,000. bKash users can receive up to Tk 100 cashback on transactions. Each card can have only one pending recharge at a time, and refunds are subject to a 5% service charge. The refund process is currently suspended. Officials expect the online system to streamline fare management and encourage digital payment adoption among commuters. The initiative aligns with Bangladesh’s broader push toward smart urban transport and cashless mobility solutions.

Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan, a former student representative in the interim government’s advisory council, has collected his nomination form to contest the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election from Dhaka-10 constituency. He obtained the form from the Dhanmondi Thana Election Office on Monday morning, confirming his intention to run as an independent candidate. Bhuiyan and fellow student adviser Mahfuz Alam resigned from their advisory roles on December 10 after meeting with Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus. Their resignations sparked speculation about possible political affiliations, with rumors suggesting Bhuiyan might join the National Citizen Party (NCP) or the Gonodhikar Parishad under the BNP alliance. However, Bhuiyan clarified on December 12 that he would contest independently. The Dhaka-10 constituency, covering Dhanmondi, Kalabagan, New Market, and Hazaribagh, is expected to see a competitive race. BNP has nominated Sheikh Robiul Alam, while Jamaat-e-Islami’s candidate is Supreme Court lawyer Jasim Uddin Sarkar. The NCP has yet to announce its contender for the seat.

The digital content landscape is witnessing a growing debate between short-form and long-form video formats. Platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts have popularized quick, algorithm-driven clips that cater to shrinking attention spans and fast-paced lifestyles. Meanwhile, long-form videos—ranging from podcasts to documentaries—continue to attract audiences seeking depth, storytelling, and emotional connection. Analysts note that short videos excel in virality and brand visibility, while long videos build trust and loyalty. However, both formats face challenges: short clips risk superficiality, and long videos demand sustained viewer engagement. Increasingly, creators are blending the two—using short clips to attract viewers and long videos to retain them. This hybrid model is emerging as the most effective strategy. Experts predict that the future of digital content will depend less on format dominance and more on creators’ adaptability. Success will hinge on understanding audience behavior and choosing the right format for the right moment.