Police recovered the body of Jannatara Rumi, a leader of the National Citizens Party (NCP), from a women’s hostel in Jigatola, Dhaka, on Thursday morning. Rumi, who served as joint coordinator of the NCP’s Dhanmondi unit, was found hanging from the fifth floor of the building. Authorities have yet to confirm whether the death was a suicide or involved foul play. Following the discovery, former Bangladesh Students’ Union president Bappaditya Basu drew public criticism after expressing apparent satisfaction over Rumi’s death in a Facebook post. Basu, a former organizer of the Shahbagh-based Gonojagoron Mancha movement, had previously faced arrest in 2024 on charges of embezzlement and fraud. His remarks have reignited debate over political intolerance and online hate speech in Bangladesh. Investigators are examining the circumstances surrounding Rumi’s death, while political observers warn that such reactions on social media risk deepening divisions among activist groups. The NCP has not yet issued an official statement, and police said an autopsy report will determine the cause of death.

Chief Justice Dr. Syed Refaat Ahmed paid a farewell visit to President Mohammed Shahabuddin at Bangabhaban on Thursday, marking the conclusion of his tenure as the head of Bangladesh’s judiciary. During the meeting, the President commended the Chief Justice for his long and distinguished career, highlighting his professionalism, dedication, and contribution to upholding justice in the country. In response, Chief Justice Ahmed expressed his gratitude to the President for the cooperation extended to him during his tenure. He also briefed the President on key initiatives and reforms undertaken under his leadership to strengthen judicial efficiency and transparency. The meeting reflected mutual respect between the executive and judiciary at a time of transition in the Supreme Court. The farewell marks the end of an era in Bangladesh’s judicial leadership, with the government expected to announce a new Chief Justice soon. Legal observers note that the next appointment will be crucial for maintaining judicial independence and continuity in ongoing reforms.

At least three people were killed early Thursday in a Ukrainian drone strike targeting Russia’s Rostov region, according to regional governor Yuri Slyusar. The attack hit a cargo ship docked at the regional capital’s port, igniting a fire that killed two sailors and injured three others. Another civilian was killed and six wounded in nearby Bataysk city. Authorities said damage assessments are underway. The assault marks another escalation in Ukraine’s campaign to strike deep inside Russian territory, focusing on energy and logistics infrastructure that sustain Moscow’s war effort. Russian officials claim to intercept dozens of drones nightly, while Kyiv has recently acknowledged attacks on oil tankers and ports in the Black Sea, including Novorossiysk, a key oil terminal temporarily shut down after a previous strike. Despite renewed U.S.-led diplomatic initiatives for a ceasefire, neither side has shown willingness to halt hostilities. Turkey has warned that continued attacks on Black Sea shipping could dangerously heighten regional tensions.

Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of the Inquilab Mancha, remains in extremely critical condition after being shot in the head. Doctors at Singapore General Hospital are preparing for a complex brain operation to remove a bullet fragment lodged in his brainstem. The surgery is being considered as a final attempt to save his life, according to sources close to the family. Hadi suffered a massive heart attack and severe infection earlier, worsening his condition overnight. His brothers are by his side in Singapore, while another family member is en route. The Bangladeshi government has dispatched a foreign ministry official to coordinate with hospital authorities and Hadi’s family. The Chief Adviser’s Office confirmed his condition as “extremely critical” and discussed the matter in Thursday’s advisory council meeting. Authorities are also reviewing progress in the investigation into the assassination attempt. Officials say all necessary diplomatic and medical support is being extended as the situation remains grave and fluid.

Lieutenant Colonel Rashed Kamal Rony, commanding officer of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) Battalion-47, stated that the Bangladeshi youth Shanto, who was shot dead by India’s Border Security Force (BSF) on December 5, was killed inside Indian territory, not at the border. Speaking at a winter clothing distribution event in Kushtia, he said Shanto had illegally entered India and allegedly attempted to attack BSF personnel, prompting them to fire in self-defense. The BGB officer emphasized that the incident should not be termed a ‘border killing,’ arguing that it occurred beyond the zero line. He added that BGB has been working to prevent illegal crossings and smuggling through increased patrols and checkpoints. According to Rony, 99 percent of border crossing attempts are successfully prevented. The incident has reignited debate over border security and accountability between Bangladesh and India. Shanto’s body was returned eight days later following a flag meeting between the two forces. BGB maintains that it remains vigilant to prevent similar incidents and ensure civilian safety along the Kushtia-Meherpur frontier.

The International Crimes Tribunal-1 in Bangladesh has ordered the commencement of trial proceedings against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and 12 senior military officers over allegations of enforced disappearances and torture during her administration. The tribunal issued the order on Thursday after formal charges were framed, following hearings earlier in December. Chief Prosecutor Tazul Islam presented five charges of crimes against humanity, urging the court to begin the trial, while defense counsel Azizur Rahman Dulu sought acquittal for the accused. Among the 13 defendants, three former Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI) directors are currently in custody, while several others, including Hasina and her former security adviser Tariq Ahmed Siddiq, remain at large. The case, centered on alleged abuses within the JIC Cell or “Aynaghar” detention facility, marks a rare instance of high-level accountability proceedings in Bangladesh. Legal analysts suggest the trial could have significant political and institutional implications, potentially reshaping discussions about state responsibility for past human rights violations.

Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani has called for any proposed stabilization force in Gaza to remain neutral and avoid favoring one side over another. Speaking in Washington after meetings with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and members of Congress, he expressed concern over repeated ceasefire violations and warned that such breaches undermine mediators’ credibility and the fragile truce. The Qatari leader said he and the U.S. Secretary of State agreed to intensify efforts to advance the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement. Preparations are underway for a meeting among mediators to establish a clear framework for the transition. Sheikh Mohammed also emphasized the worsening humanitarian conditions in Gaza and urged for unrestricted humanitarian aid access. He cautioned that the current situation in Gaza threatens to derail the ceasefire entirely if violations persist, underscoring the urgency of balanced international engagement and sustained diplomatic coordination.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson Khaleda Zia is reportedly receiving proper medical treatment and her condition remains stable, according to her personal physician and BNP Standing Committee member Professor Dr. A.Z.M. Zahid Hossain. Speaking to reporters outside Evercare Hospital in Dhaka on Thursday, Dr. Hossain said the former prime minister is responding positively to ongoing treatment and that further improvement is possible if her current condition continues. He expressed optimism about Zia’s recovery and extended gratitude to the hospital authorities, medical team, and BNP leadership for their continuous support. Acting BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman, along with family members Zubaida Rahman and Syeda Sharmila Rahman, are said to be closely monitoring her health updates. Khaleda Zia was admitted to Evercare Hospital on November 23 following a deterioration in her health. The update comes amid ongoing public interest in the health of the 79-year-old opposition leader, who has faced multiple hospitalizations in recent years. Party sources suggest she will remain under observation as doctors continue to evaluate her progress.

British police have announced that individuals carrying placards or chanting slogans such as 'Globalize the Intifada' will face arrest. The Metropolitan Police and Greater Manchester Police issued a joint statement saying the move follows recent violent incidents targeting Jewish communities, including a deadly shooting at Sydney’s Bondi Beach that killed 16 people. Authorities said the term 'intifada', historically linked to Palestinian uprisings against Israeli occupation, has become increasingly sensitive amid global tensions. The police cited community concerns about the slogan’s potential to incite hatred or violence. They also referenced an earlier stabbing at a Manchester synagogue that left two people dead. Enhanced patrols and security measures have been deployed around places of worship, schools, and community centers in London and Manchester. Officials emphasized that while free expression remains protected, any speech perceived as promoting violence or communal unrest will be met with firm legal action.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has warned that escalating hostilities between Russia and Ukraine in the Black Sea are posing serious threats to maritime security. In an interview with TRT World, he said both sides have targeted commercial vessels and that drones have entered Turkish airspace, directly affecting Ankara. Neighboring countries such as Romania and Bulgaria have also faced similar incidents, he noted. Fidan explained that the current risks trace back to floating naval mines that once reached the strategic Bosporus Strait, threatening to halt shipping entirely. Turkey’s military is now coordinating closely with Romania and Bulgaria to manage navigation and security challenges. However, he emphasized that military measures alone cannot resolve the situation and called for an immediate cessation of aggression. Fidan cautioned that if tensions persist, the instability could extend beyond the Black Sea into Europe. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan earlier reiterated that attacks on civilian and commercial vessels benefit no one and confirmed Turkey’s strict enforcement of the Montreux Convention to prevent further escalation.

Israel has released 11 Palestinian detainees after holding them for several months, according to a statement from the Palestinian Prisoners Information Office. The release took place through a southern Gaza border crossing, though no details were provided about the prisoners’ physical condition. The International Committee of the Red Cross transported them to Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir al-Balah for medical evaluation. Previous groups of released detainees had reported signs of torture, malnutrition, and serious injuries, alleging mistreatment during detention. Human rights organizations in both Israel and Palestine estimate that more than 10,000 Palestinians, including women and minors, remain imprisoned in Israel. Many face poor conditions, inadequate medical care, and reports of abuse. The latest release follows earlier prisoner exchanges linked to ceasefire arrangements between Hamas and Israel. Observers say the move may signal limited progress in humanitarian negotiations, though concerns persist over the treatment of detainees and the broader humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

A jurisdictional dispute has erupted between Bangladesh’s Ministry of Land and the Ministry of Shipping over control of the country’s sand extraction zones, known as balumahals. The conflict intensified after three district commissioners lodged complaints alleging that the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA), under the Shipping Ministry, issued sand extraction permits without local administrative approval. Two inter-ministerial meetings failed to resolve the issue. Land Ministry officials argue that, under the Sand and Soil Management Rules 2025, they hold sole authority to lease and regulate sand resources through district-level committees. BIWTA, however, claims jurisdiction over riverine sand zones under the 1958 BIWTA Ordinance, citing navigational safety responsibilities. The dispute has exposed overlapping legal frameworks and revived allegations of past political influence over sand trade networks. The Cabinet Division has directed further consultations involving multiple ministries. Officials suggest that amendments to the 2025 regulations may be considered to clarify authority and prevent future conflicts, as unregulated sand extraction continues to raise environmental and governance concerns.

Bangladesh’s Advisory Council, chaired by Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus, has given final approval to two major ordinances — the Enforced Disappearance Prevention and Remedy (Amendment) Ordinance 2025 and the Haor and Wetland Conservation Ordinance 2025. The decision came during the council’s weekly meeting on Thursday, which also discussed the critical health condition of July uprising leader Sharif Osman Hadi, currently under treatment in Singapore. The disappearance ordinance allows a tribunal to officially declare a person “disappeared” after five years of absence and empowers victims’ families to manage property without prior approval. It also authorizes the appointment of public prosecutors for related tribunals. The wetland ordinance defines the jurisdiction of the Haor and Wetland Development Department, introduces legal protection for biodiversity, and criminalizes harmful activities in these ecosystems. Additionally, the council approved establishing a new Bangladeshi embassy in Bern, Switzerland, to strengthen diplomatic and development ties. Officials said the move will enhance Bangladesh’s global representation and cooperation with Switzerland.

A Bogura court has directed the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) to take immediate action against seven individuals, including Islami Bank PLC’s senior officials and Afaco Cold Storage Limited chairman Mahmudur Rahman Mannan, over allegations of loan rescheduling fraud worth Tk 380 million. The order was issued by Senior Special Judge Shahjahan Kabir following a case filed on December 11 by a local resident, accusing the defendants of falsifying board meeting attendance and signatures to secure loan rescheduling. According to court and bank sources, Afaco Cold Storage, located in Shibganj, Bogura, received a Tk 220 million loan in 2010, which has grown to Tk 380.4 million with interest. Despite being a profitable enterprise, the company allegedly delayed repayments and benefited from six rescheduling approvals. The accused include Islami Bank’s chairman Dr. M. Zubaidur Rahman and managing director Omar Faruk Khan. ACC’s Bogura office confirmed receipt of the court order and said an investigation is underway. The case highlights ongoing scrutiny of loan irregularities in Bangladesh’s banking sector, with the ACC expected to intensify its probe into potential policy violations and document forgery.

Bangladesh Bank Governor Ahsan H. Mansur stated that bank owners alone cannot be blamed for institutional collapse, emphasizing that officials also share responsibility. Speaking at an Economic Reporters Forum discussion in Dhaka, he outlined ongoing reforms, including plans to merge five banks to strengthen the sector. Mansur assured depositors that their funds remain safe under deposit insurance coverage and projected foreign reserves to reach $34–35 billion by fiscal year-end without borrowing from international lenders. The governor acknowledged persistent challenges such as capital shortfalls and a non-performing loan (NPL) rate now estimated at 36%. He pledged transparency in disclosing accurate financial data. Mutual Trust Bank’s CEO Syed Mahbubur Rahman noted that commercial banks had been forced into long-term investments due to a weak capital market, while CPD’s Executive Director Fahmida Khatun warned that political interference and poor governance had eroded the sector’s integrity. Experts urged continued implementation of the Bank Resolution Act and full autonomy for Bangladesh Bank to restore confidence and ensure sustainable recovery ahead of the upcoming national elections.