Two crude bomb explosions occurred within ten minutes in separate areas of Manikganj town on Monday evening, causing widespread panic though no casualties were reported. The first blast took place near the District Council area around 7 p.m., followed shortly by another in front of the Deputy Commissioner’s office. Witnesses described loud explosions that sent residents fleeing and prompted shop closures across the city. Police quickly arrived at both sites, collected evidence, and launched an investigation into the incidents. According to the Officer-in-Charge (Investigation) of Manikganj Sadar Police Station, preliminary findings suggest the blasts were caused by homemade explosive devices known locally as “cocktails.” No arrests have been made so far, but additional forces have been deployed and CCTV footage is under review. Authorities have heightened security in key areas of the town as residents demand swift identification and arrest of those responsible. The motives behind the explosions remain unclear, and investigators are exploring whether the attacks were politically or criminally motivated.

Australia and England are set to face off in the third Ashes Test in Adelaide, a match that could decide the five-Test series. With Australia leading 2–0 after dominant wins in Perth and Brisbane, the hosts need only one more victory to seal the series with two games to spare. England, led by Ben Stokes, must win to keep their hopes alive and prevent another early series defeat. Australia’s pace attack, spearheaded by Mitchell Starck, has been the defining factor so far. Starck took 10 wickets in Perth and seven in Brisbane, dismantling England’s batting order. England have made one change for the Adelaide Test, bringing back fast bowler Josh Tongue in place of Gus Atkinson. Tongue, who impressed in the 2023 Ashes at Lord’s, is expected to add variety and aggression to the attack. Spinner Will Jacks retains his place as the sole spin option. The match is seen as a do-or-die contest for England, whose batting inconsistencies have drawn criticism. A win could revive their campaign, while another loss would hand Australia an unassailable lead and early series triumph.

Thousands of people from across Bangladesh gathered at the National Memorial in Savar on Tuesday morning to pay their respects to the martyrs of the 1971 Liberation War. President Md. Shahabuddin and interim government Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus led the tributes by placing floral wreaths at dawn, followed by a moment of silence in memory of the fallen heroes. After the official ceremony, the memorial was opened to the public, allowing citizens, students, political leaders, freedom fighters, and their families to offer flowers and pay homage. The memorial premises were filled with floral tributes, banners, and national symbols. Senior civil and military officials, diplomats, and members of the judiciary were also present during the state ceremony. Victory Day is being celebrated nationwide with various programs organized by the government, political parties, and social and cultural organizations. The day serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made for Bangladesh’s independence and the enduring unity of its people.

Investigators from Dhaka Metropolitan Detective Branch (DB) are facing difficulties in solving the attempted murder of Inqilab Manch spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi. Despite multiple interrogations and field operations, police have yet to identify a clear motive or mastermind behind the December 12 shooting in Purana Paltan. The main suspect, Faisal Karim Masud, who was seen in Hadi’s election campaign, remains at large, prompting heightened border surveillance amid rumors he fled to India. Authorities have arrested Faisal’s wife, brother-in-law, and a female friend, each placed on five-day remand for questioning. Police sources say key leads are being verified, while RAB has conducted a parallel shadow investigation. Hadi, critically injured in the attack, has been transferred to Singapore for advanced treatment. Officials admit there has been no significant progress, though they believe Faisal’s arrest could unlock the case. The incident has sparked nationwide attention, with law enforcement under pressure to explain how a campaign associate became an alleged shooter.

Farmers in Shibganj, Chapainawabganj, are celebrating a bumper yield of off-season Katimon mangoes, which have already reached markets across Bangladesh. Favorable weather conditions contributed to strong production, while high demand from Dhaka traders has driven prices upward. Wholesale buyers are crowding the Kansat mango market, purchasing the premium fruit at record prices. According to local traders, top-grade Katimon mangoes are selling for Tk 15,000–16,000 per maund, up from Tk 13,000–14,000 just a week earlier. Agricultural officials report that around 2,150 hectares in the upazila are now dedicated to Katimon cultivation, reflecting its growing popularity. Farmers say advance bookings from urban buyers have further boosted local prices. While growers and wholesalers benefit from the strong market, retail consumers complain that the fruit has become unaffordable. The Department of Agricultural Extension expects production to expand next year with proper management, as more farmers shift toward cultivating this profitable off-season variety.

Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus paid homage to the martyrs of Bangladesh’s 1971 Liberation War at the National Martyrs’ Memorial in Savar on Tuesday morning, marking the 54th Victory Day. He placed floral wreaths in honor of those who sacrificed their lives for the country’s independence and stood in solemn silence to show respect. A smartly turned-out contingent comprising members of the Bangladesh Army, Navy, and Air Force presented a state salute, accompanied by the mournful sound of the bugle. Following the tribute, Professor Yunus exchanged greetings with members of the Advisory Council, senior military officials, freedom fighters, and relatives of the martyrs. Earlier in the morning, President Mohammed Shahabuddin also paid his respects by laying wreaths at the memorial. The Victory Day ceremonies highlight national unity and remembrance, reaffirming Bangladesh’s commitment to the ideals of independence and freedom. The day was observed across the country with patriotic fervor and tributes to the nation’s heroes.

A late-night incident at Jagannath University in Dhaka sparked unrest after students painted Pakistan’s national flag on the campus main gate without prior authorization. The act, which occurred around 1 a.m. on December 15, led to heated exchanges between students and the university’s proctorial team, who attempted to stop the activity. Despite the intervention, the students completed the painting, prompting immediate backlash. In response, the university unit of the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) organized a protest march around 2:30 a.m., chanting anti-Pakistan slogans and rallying across the campus before gathering in front of the administrative building. Proctor Professor Dr. Tajammul Haque stated that drawing any foreign flag within the campus requires prior administrative approval, which was not obtained in this case. The incident has raised concerns about campus discipline and political tensions ahead of Victory Day commemorations. University authorities are expected to review the situation and consider disciplinary measures against those involved.

Bangladesh’s National Curriculum and Textbook Board (NCTB) is racing to complete printing nearly 300 million textbooks for the 2025 academic year, but delays in tender processes have raised concerns about timely distribution. While all 90 million primary-level books have been printed and dispatched, printing for most secondary-level books has only recently begun, leaving publishers doubtful that all students will receive their books by January. Printing industry representatives blame the delay on NCTB’s cancellation of earlier tenders for grades six to eight, which compressed the production timeline to just 50 days. Analysts warn that if students do not receive books at the start of the school year, learning outcomes could suffer. NCTB officials, however, remain optimistic that distribution will be completed on time. Economic adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed downplayed fears of major disruption, saying all pending approvals have been finalized and only minor delays may occur. With national elections and religious holidays approaching, education experts urge swift government action to avoid setbacks in the learning process.

Bangladesh’s Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) has arrested Cynthia Beethi, daughter of jailed top criminal Subrata Bain, from Cumilla. Beethi, widely known in the underworld as the ‘Gang Mother’, allegedly controlled her father’s crime network during his imprisonment. Authorities say her arrest could expose deeper ties between organized crime, political unrest, and cross-border terrorism. Investigators believe Beethi maintained contact with Indian criminal groups and oversaw arms trafficking, extortion, and illegal financial operations. RAB is analyzing her digital devices and call records to trace her international connections and identify accomplices. Officials also suspect her involvement in recent attacks on July revolution activists and possible links with fugitive political figures. Security analysts view the arrest as a potential breakthrough in dismantling a modern, tech-driven criminal network operating across borders. Law enforcement agencies are now focusing on uncovering her arms caches, financial backers, and trained hitmen, with more arrests expected in the coming weeks.

Digital investigative outlet The Descent has identified a third suspect linked to the attempted murder of Inqilab Mancha spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi. The suspect, Zakir Hossain alias 'Jin Zakir', was reportedly active in Hadi’s election campaign and maintained contact with two previously known suspects, Faisal Karim Masud and his motorcycle driver, Alamgir Hossain. According to The Descent, Zakir had a prior criminal record, including robbery cases filed in Mohammadpur and Gabtoli in October 2024. Police had arrested him and two others, recovering cash, gold, and mobile phones. He was later released on bail in July following a High Court order. Daksu Liberation War Affairs Secretary Fatima Tasnim Juma publicly urged citizens to help capture the three suspects, posting a campaign photo marking them. The identification raises questions about security lapses in political campaigns and the infiltration of criminal elements. Law enforcement agencies have yet to issue an official statement, while citizens and activists continue to demand swift action and transparency in the ongoing investigation.

A senior leader of the Jubo Dal in Hathazari, GM Saiful Islam, has been accused of leading a violent slogan against Islami Chhatra Shibir on the Chittagong University campus. Witnesses said the incident occurred Monday evening near the Zero Point area, and video footage of the event has circulated on social media. The slogan reportedly targeted Shibir activists amid escalating campus tensions. The confrontation followed demands for the resignation of a university pro-vice-chancellor, which triggered rival gatherings among Chhatra Dal, leftist student groups, and Shibir activists. Mohammad Parvez, secretary of the university’s Shibir unit, alleged that former Chhatra League members now aligned with Chhatra Dal and Jubo Dal were reviving violent slogans once used by ruling party student wings. Attempts to reach Saiful Islam for comment were unsuccessful, and university authorities have yet to issue a statement. Observers fear the incident could reignite factional violence on campus, undermining recent efforts to restore stability after earlier political clashes.

Leaders of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Bangladesh have expressed deep concern over incidents of unrest and disorder reported across the country following the announcement of the 13th parliamentary election schedule. Speaking at a special committee meeting held at Jamia Hossainia Arzabad in Mirpur on Monday, senior party figures said such anarchic situations are unacceptable and called for immediate and firm action to restore order. The meeting, chaired by party president Maulana Ubaidullah Faruq, was attended by several top leaders including Maulana Abdul Quddus Talukdar, Maulana Junaid Al-Habib, and Maulana Manjurul Islam Afendi. They urged law enforcement agencies to act more decisively and cautioned government officials against making irresponsible statements that could further inflame tensions. The leaders emphasized that maintaining peace and discipline is essential during the election period. Observers note that the party’s statement reflects growing anxiety among political and religious groups about potential instability as the election approaches. Authorities are expected to tighten security measures in sensitive areas in the coming days.

Bangladesh is set to mark its 54th Victory Day with a record-breaking skydiving display involving the highest number of national flags. As part of a special government program, 54 paratroopers from the Army, Navy, and Air Force will perform a coordinated parachute jump at 11:40 a.m. from Tejgaon Old Airport, each carrying the national flag. The event aims to secure a new Guinness World Record for the largest flag-bearing parachute display. Before the skydiving demonstration, the three branches of the armed forces will conduct separate fly-past exhibitions starting at 11:00 a.m. The celebrations will also feature a Victory Day band show at the same venue. Similar fly-past and musical events will be held in other cities across the country, organized by the armed forces, police, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), and Ansar. All events are open to the public. Officials describe the initiative as a symbol of national pride and unity, reflecting Bangladesh’s enduring spirit of independence and progress.

Bangladesh’s Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has approved charge sheets against seven individuals, including three former customs officials, for allegedly embezzling approximately Tk176 crore in government revenue through misuse of duty benefits and forged import documents. The ACC’s public relations officer, Md Akhtarul Islam, confirmed the approval on Monday. The first charge sheet accuses four people—including importers, a C&F agent, and a former customs officer—of misappropriating Tk80.92 crore by using falsified documents and low-duty goods. The second case involves three others accused of evading Tk94.61 crore in revenue through fake import declarations from China, misuse of HS codes, and forged shipping papers. The accused face charges under multiple sections of the Penal Code and the 1947 Prevention of Corruption Act. Investigators allege the defendants colluded to defraud the state by fabricating shipping documents and falsifying customs declarations. The cases highlight persistent challenges in customs oversight and corruption prevention within Bangladesh’s import sector.

Students from the As-Sunnah Foundation’s ‘Medhabi Project’ blockaded the main gate of Jagannath University’s administrative building for nearly ten hours on Monday, demanding inclusion in the university’s special housing stipend policy. The protest, which began around 11 a.m., left the vice-chancellor, treasurer, and several officials confined inside the building until about 8:30 p.m. The demonstrators presented three key demands: inclusion of Medhabi Project residents under the general housing stipend policy, replacement of merit-based criteria with need-based eligibility, and cancellation of the re-admission condition. During the prolonged protest, one student reportedly fell ill due to exhaustion and was taken to the university medical center. Protesters argued that they pay high accommodation fees but are unfairly excluded from the stipend. University authorities have yet to issue an official response. The students vowed to continue their movement until their demands are met, warning of intensified action if ignored. The standoff highlights growing tension over housing affordability and equity in university welfare policies.