Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) has postponed the launch of the National Equipment Identity Register (NEIR) system to January 1, shifting from the earlier date of December 16. The decision, announced in a BTRC press release on Monday, aims to give mobile phone traders additional time to register unsold or stocked imported handsets in the system. According to BTRC sources, many retailers have yet to submit International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) data for their devices, prompting the extension. The commission has requested all mobile phone traders to send the required information in a specified Microsoft Excel format to neir@btrc.gov.bd by December 31. The NEIR system is designed to curb mobile phone theft and illegal handset use by tracking IMEI numbers nationwide. Once operational, it will help authorities block unauthorized or cloned devices from accessing mobile networks, enhancing consumer protection and national security.

Bangladesh’s Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) intelligence unit has arrested Kabir, a close associate of prime suspect Faisal, in connection with the attempted murder of Osman Hadi. Acting on a tip-off, RAB detained Kabir from a hideout late Monday night, according to a message from RAB headquarters. Investigators said Kabir is linked not only to the Hadi case but also to other criminal activities led by Faisal’s network. During preliminary questioning, Kabir reportedly provided information about his role and the group’s operations. Authorities believe his arrest could significantly advance the investigation by helping identify other suspects and related branches of the criminal network. Kabir will soon be handed over to the Detective Branch (DB) police, which is leading the case. Meanwhile, Hadi remains in critical condition after being shot in the head last Friday in Dhaka’s Bijoynagar area. He was transferred to Singapore for advanced treatment on Monday.

Dhaka Metro Rail services will be temporarily suspended for 40 minutes today, December 16, to ensure safety during a parachute jump demonstration at the old Tejgaon Airport area as part of Victory Day celebrations. The Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL) announced that operations will halt from 11:50 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Ahsan Ullah, Deputy Project Director (Public Relations) of DMTCL, confirmed the schedule, citing safety measures for paratroopers as the reason behind the short suspension. The authority expressed regret for any inconvenience caused to passengers and assured that services will resume immediately after the event. The temporary halt reflects coordination between metro authorities and national event organizers to maintain public safety during the Victory Day festivities, which include military demonstrations and aerial displays. Normal metro operations are expected to continue smoothly following the brief interruption.

The Bangladesh government has introduced a new policy governing firearm licenses and armed retainer appointments for politically significant individuals and parliamentary candidates ahead of the 13th national election. Announced by the Ministry of Home Affairs, the ‘Firearm License and Retainer Appointment Policy 2025’ outlines eligibility criteria, including being a government-recognized political figure, submitting nomination papers, verified security threats, and maintaining physical and mental fitness. Under the policy, licenses granted will remain valid until 15 days after election results are declared, after which they will automatically expire. The Home Ministry may convert temporary licenses into regular ones if all standard conditions are met. Misuse, violation of election conduct rules, or other legal breaches will result in immediate license cancellation without prior notice, though appeals can be made to the ministry. The policy emphasizes strict adherence to election commission codes of conduct and prohibits using licensed firearms for intimidation or non-security purposes. Authorities say the move aims to balance candidate security with electoral integrity.

Former Syrian president Bashar al-Assad and his family have been living in seclusion and luxury in Moscow for over a year, according to a Guardian report. After leaving Syria on December 8, 2024, with Russian military assistance, Assad has resumed his earlier profession as an ophthalmologist. He is reportedly studying medicine again, learning Russian, and refining his medical skills while avoiding political activity. The Assad family resides in Rublyovka, an elite gated community west of Moscow, home to Russia’s political and business elite. Russian authorities are said to be closely monitoring the family, restricting their external communications. Assad’s sudden departure has angered close relatives and loyalists, including his brother Maher al-Assad, who reportedly failed to reach him. Diplomatic sources confirm that Assad is safe but barred from political or media engagement. His children are adapting to life in Moscow, with daughter Zein graduating from MGIMO University and son Hafez maintaining a low profile online. Observers say the family is adjusting to life away from power and public visibility.

Former information adviser Mahfuz Alam has declared that those safeguarding Indian interests in Bangladesh will not be allowed to remain secure. Speaking at an all-party resistance rally organized by Inqilab Mancha on Monday, Alam accused sections of the country’s cultural, intellectual, and legal sectors of being co-opted to maintain Indian dominance. He claimed that some individuals have sold their conscience and are consciously engaging in anti-national activities. Alam described these individuals as foreign 'assets' and cited the case of Osman Hadi, whom he said was attacked for standing against such forces. He criticized the silence of intellectuals and cultural figures during the attack, calling it part of a broader conspiracy. Referring to past political violence, Alam warned that patience has limits and that future retaliation would not be restrained. His remarks come amid heightened nationalist rhetoric and growing sensitivity over Bangladesh’s relations with India. Analysts suggest the speech reflects deepening divisions within political and civil society circles over foreign influence and national sovereignty.

Russia’s central bank has filed a lawsuit against Belgium-based financial clearing house Euroclear, seeking $230 billion in compensation for frozen sovereign assets. The case, accepted by a Moscow commercial court on December 12, follows the European Union’s plan to use part of the seized Russian reserves to fund loans for Ukraine’s military and civilian needs in 2026 and 2027. The Kremlin described the move as the beginning of a “legal nightmare” for Europe. After Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, EU states froze roughly €210 billion of Russian central bank assets. EU leaders recently agreed to keep these assets frozen indefinitely, arguing that supporting Ukraine is essential to deter future Russian aggression. Moscow, however, calls the EU’s plan “theft” and warns it will erode global trust in the euro and European financial institutions. Legal experts suggest Russian courts may rule quickly in Moscow’s favor. If successful, Russia could seek to seize Euroclear’s assets in friendly jurisdictions such as China, the UAE, and Kazakhstan. The dispute underscores deep divisions within Europe and raises concerns about the precedent of confiscating sovereign assets during wartime.

The Government of Bangladesh has approved the purchase of 50,000 metric tons of non-basmati parboiled rice from India for the 2025–26 fiscal year. The procurement, valued at BDT 2.147 billion (USD 17.55 million), was sanctioned at a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Government Purchase chaired by Economic Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed. The rice will be sourced from India’s M/S Bagadia Brothers Pvt Ltd at USD 351.11 per ton, equivalent to BDT 42.98 per kilogram. According to officials, the decision follows a proposal from the Ministry of Food aimed at strengthening national food reserves and ensuring stability in government distribution channels. The Economic Affairs Committee also approved the import of up to 900,000 tons of rice from international sources to meet emergency and public demand. Analysts note that the move reflects the government’s precautionary approach amid concerns over domestic production and price volatility. The imports are expected to bolster food security and maintain supply continuity ahead of the next fiscal year.

At a multi-party rally in Dhaka organized by the Inqilab Mancha, Amar Desh editor Mahmudur Rahman delivered a strong statement accusing India of providing refuge to former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and undermining Bangladesh’s sovereignty. Swearing by the blood of political activist Sharif Osman Hadi, Rahman warned that if India fails to return Hasina and others accused of attacks on Bangladeshi leaders, a nationwide resistance movement against Indian institutions in Bangladesh would be launched. Rahman called on the government to revoke work permits of Indian nationals and to raise the issue at the United Nations, describing India’s actions as an “undeclared war” against Bangladesh. He also announced plans to form local “public security committees” to monitor suspected collaborators and ensure accountability within administrative and judicial systems. His remarks have drawn attention for their sharp anti-India tone and for urging direct civic mobilization. The speech signals rising nationalist rhetoric amid ongoing political instability. Analysts warn that such statements could strain Dhaka–New Delhi relations and complicate regional diplomacy if not addressed through formal diplomatic channels.

BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman has assured that the upcoming national election in Bangladesh will be held on schedule, dismissing fears of delay or disruption. Speaking at a Victory Day discussion organized by the BNP at the Institution of Engineers in Dhaka, he said he would personally join the electoral process to uphold people’s rights. Rahman emphasized that the next decade would be one of transformation, with the BNP planning to implement a ‘nation-building program’ aimed at creating a self-reliant and prosperous Bangladesh by engaging women, youth, and workers. He described the forthcoming election as more complex and significant than any in the past, linking it to the nation’s sovereignty and the aspirations of future generations. Rahman warned of domestic and foreign forces attempting to distort the history of independence and democracy. He reiterated BNP’s commitment to free and fair elections, accusing vested groups of trying to sabotage the process. Calling for unity and courage, he said that no one could suppress the will of the people when they stand together, citing Bangladesh’s historic democratic struggles as proof.

Chittagong University authorities issued a press release on Monday evening to clarify confusion surrounding remarks made by its Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Professor Dr. Mohammad Shamim Uddin Khan, about the 1971 intellectual killings. The statement, signed by acting registrar Professor Dr. Saiful Islam, said partial media reports from a December 14 discussion on Martyred Intellectuals Day had created public misunderstanding. According to the release, Dr. Khan’s comments were made in an academic context during a seminar titled “Free Thought, Liberation War, and the Killing of Intellectuals in 1971.” He had suggested that the killings might have involved international conspiracies and called for an independent investigation commission. The university clarified that Dr. Khan unintentionally used certain words—such as “Pakistani warriors” instead of “Pakistani forces”—which led to misinterpretation. The administration reaffirmed its respect for press freedom but urged media outlets to avoid creating confusion. It emphasized that the deputy vice-chancellor’s intent was scholarly, not political, and aimed at encouraging historical research on the unresolved aspects of the 1971 tragedy.

A new joint survey by RTL Info, Ipsos, and Le Soir reveals that 67% of Belgians oppose the European Union’s proposal to use frozen Russian assets to finance loans for Ukraine. The poll, released Monday, shows strong public backing for Prime Minister Bart De Wever’s stance that Belgium should not consent to releasing the seized funds. Analysts attribute this opposition to concerns over potential financial and institutional risks for Belgium, as a significant portion of the frozen assets are held in Brussels-based Euroclear, a key financial clearinghouse. Only 22% of respondents supported the EU plan, while 11% expressed no opinion. Russia’s central bank has denounced the proposal as illegal and vowed to defend its interests through all available means. The EU recently decided to keep Russian assets frozen indefinitely. Leaders are expected to debate the allocation of these funds to Ukraine during a two-day Brussels summit starting Thursday, amid growing legal and political divisions among member states.

Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam stated that no democracy in the world permits organizations led by convicted war criminals to operate, let alone participate in elections. His remarks, shared on his verified Facebook account on Monday, appeared to refer to the recently ousted Sheikh Hasina and the Awami League following the mass uprising. Responding to a question about whether the Awami League could contest the upcoming general election, Alam said the party’s chief is a fugitive sentenced to death for crimes against humanity and accused of inciting terrorist attacks against Bangladesh. He argued that such a figure’s leadership disqualifies any organization from political participation in democratic nations. The statement adds to the uncertainty surrounding Bangladesh’s political transition and the future of major parties after the fall of the previous government. Observers note that the caretaker administration’s stance could shape the electoral landscape and international perceptions of Bangladesh’s democratic process.

The International Criminal Court’s (ICC) Appeals Chamber on Monday dismissed Israel’s appeal challenging the legality of investigating alleged war crimes in Gaza committed after October 7, 2023. Israel had argued that the investigation was invalid and that the prosecutor should have issued a new notice following recent referrals. The chamber ruled that the post-October 7 incidents fall under the original 2021 notification, confirming that no new notice was required. The decision preserves the arrest warrants issued in November 2023 against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. Legal experts, including Professor Kevin Jon Heller of the University of Copenhagen, welcomed the ruling, noting that Israel could have exercised its complementarity rights but chose not to. The United States has already imposed sanctions on ICC officials involved in the case, including the chief prosecutor and two deputy prosecutors. The ruling marks a significant step forward for the ICC’s ongoing investigation into alleged war crimes in Palestine, potentially intensifying diplomatic tensions between Israel, the ICC, and its Western allies.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has formally submitted a proposal to parliament seeking to extend Turkey’s military deployment in Libya for an additional two years. The proposal cites ongoing political instability in Libya, where elections have yet to be held, as a threat to the fragile peace achieved in recent years. Ankara argues that maintaining a presence is vital to safeguarding regional security and supporting Libya’s path toward lasting stability. The document emphasizes Turkey’s role under the existing security and military cooperation memorandum signed with Libya, through which Turkish forces provide training and advisory support to local counterparts. Turkey first received parliamentary approval to deploy troops to Libya in January 2020, positioning itself as a key player in the North African nation’s post-conflict reconstruction. Analysts view the extension as part of Ankara’s broader strategy to preserve influence in the Mediterranean and North Africa. The proposal is expected to be debated in parliament soon, with potential implications for Turkey’s regional diplomacy and relations with international actors involved in Libya.