Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry has summoned Afghanistan’s deputy ambassador following a deadly militant attack on a Pakistani military base in North Waziristan that killed four soldiers. The ministry said the assault was carried out by the Khariji Gul Bahadur group, which Islamabad claims operates from Afghan territory. The summoning was intended to deliver a strong protest and demand that Kabul prevent its soil from being used against Pakistan.

The incident has further strained relations between the two neighbors, already tense over cross-border militancy. Afghan officials have repeatedly assured that their territory will not be used for attacks against any country, particularly Pakistan, but have not yet issued a formal response to the summoning. Political analyst Moeen Gul Samkani suggested that Afghanistan might reciprocate by summoning Pakistan’s envoy in Kabul.

The episode underscores the fragile security dynamics along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. Analysts warn that continued militant activity could derail regional counterterrorism cooperation and complicate diplomatic engagement between Islamabad and Kabul.

A Border Security Force (BSF) member from India was detained by the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) on Sunday, December 21, 2025, for allegedly crossing into Bangladeshi territory at the Dahagram-Angarpota border in Lalmonirhat’s Patgram upazila. The detained soldier, identified as Bed Prakash from the 174 Arjun Camp, reportedly entered about 200 yards inside Bangladesh while chasing cattle across the zero line. BGB patrol members apprehended him near border pillar DAMP 1/7 S and seized a shotgun, two rounds of ammunition, a wireless set, and an Android phone.

Local sources and the Dahagram Struggle Committee confirmed the incident, though BGB has not yet issued an official statement. Committee secretary Rejanur Rahman Reza criticized what he described as repeated provocative actions by BSF personnel in the enclave area and called for restraint. Subedar Ayub Ali of the Dahagram-Angarpota BGB camp confirmed the detention. The incident highlights ongoing sensitivities along the India-Bangladesh border, particularly in the geographically complex Dahagram enclave, where coordination between the two border forces remains crucial.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder and former Prime Minister Imran Khan has called on his party’s workers and supporters to prepare for nationwide protests, claiming that all avenues for justice have been closed. The appeal was conveyed by PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja during a press conference at Khyber Pakhtunkhwa House, following a special court’s verdict sentencing Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, to 17 years in prison in the Toshakhana case.

Raja alleged that Khan is being held in solitary confinement and that his family members are being denied access to court proceedings. He said prison authorities have ignored court orders allowing scheduled visits on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Quoting Khan, Raja stated that the former premier remains steadfast in his stance and is ready to sacrifice his life for the people’s freedom.

The call for mobilization marks a potential escalation in Pakistan’s political tensions, as PTI supporters prepare for possible demonstrations amid ongoing disputes over judicial independence and political repression.

Two young workers from the Ruppur Nuclear Power Plant died following a head-on collision between a truck and a motorcycle in Ishwardi, Pabna. The accident occurred late Saturday night near Alhaj Mor when the victims, Rabbi Hossain (27) and Nishan Munshi (22), were returning home from Ishwardi town. Both sustained critical injuries and were first taken to Ishwardi Upazila Health Complex before being transferred to Rajshahi Medical College Hospital, where they died during treatment.

Police confirmed that the truck involved in the accident has been seized, and a case has been filed at Ishwardi Police Station. The bodies are being returned to their families without autopsy upon request. The incident has cast deep mourning over the villages of Joynagar and Maniknagar in Salimpur Union, where the victims lived. Authorities have urged drivers to maintain caution on the busy Ishwardi roads, which have seen several recent accidents.

Local residents have called for stricter traffic enforcement and better lighting in accident-prone areas to prevent further tragedies.

The Bangladesh Election Commission (EC) has instructed all government and armed forces employees involved in the upcoming 13th National Parliament election and referendum to complete their registration for postal voting by December 25. The directive, signed by Additional Secretary K.M. Ali Newaz, was sent to the Finance Ministry for distribution via SMS to all eligible officers and employees listed in the iBAS++ payroll system. Registration must be completed through the ‘Postal Vote BD’ app, which enables IT-supported postal ballot participation.

According to the EC, registered voters will receive postal ballots by mail and must return them to their respective returning officers after casting their votes. The initiative aims to ensure that officials engaged in election duties can still exercise their voting rights. The EC has also published a detailed election schedule, with candidate nomination closing on December 29 and polling set for February 12, 2026.

Officials say the move reflects the commission’s broader effort to modernize election logistics and enhance voter inclusion among public servants.

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed stated that while politicians drive the state, journalists serve as its navigators. Speaking at a discussion with media editors and journalists in Banani, Dhaka, he condemned recent arson attacks on media outlets, calling them a national disgrace and questioning the government’s role in preventing such incidents.

Ahmed alleged that certain media organizations were deliberately targeted and criticized the government’s failure to act preemptively. He warned against the rise of mobocracy and urged firm measures to restore order. Emphasizing the BNP’s commitment to strengthening democracy, he said the party seeks cooperation from all citizens, not for partisan gain but for national progress.

Referring to Tarique Rahman’s anticipated return after 18 years in exile, Ahmed expressed hope that his comeback would reinforce Bangladesh’s democratic foundation. He called for unity in overcoming past divisions while remembering the lessons of authoritarian periods.

A Dalit migrant laborer from Chhattisgarh was beaten to death in Kerala’s Palakkad district after being suspected of being a Bangladeshi national. The victim, 31-year-old Ramnarayan Baghel, had arrived in Palakkad on December 13 seeking daily wage work. Local reports indicate that following a theft incident in the area, a mob accused him of stealing and assaulted him with sticks, leading to his death.

Police have arrested five individuals in connection with the killing and have strengthened security in the area to prevent further unrest. The incident has sparked fear among migrant workers, many of whom expressed concern over being targeted due to their appearance or language. Authorities confirmed that an investigation is underway to determine the motive behind the attack.

The case highlights ongoing tensions surrounding migrant laborers in southern India and the dangers of mob justice. Officials said the body will be sent to Baghel’s home village after autopsy procedures are completed, while human rights groups have called for stronger protections for internal migrants.

Bangladesh’s Election Commission (EC) announced that 557,695 expatriate citizens have registered to vote through postal ballots in the upcoming national election and referendum. The data, published on the EC’s website as of Sunday noon, shows that 523,086 men and 34,607 women have completed registration via the ‘Postal Vote BD’ app. Registrants come from a wide range of countries including South Korea, Japan, South Africa, China, the United States, and Saudi Arabia.

According to the EC, voters assigned to election duties, government employees stationed outside their constituencies, and those in legal custody can register for postal voting until December 25. The initiative is part of the Out of Country Voting System and Implementation (OCV-SDI) project, led by Salim Ahmad Khan. The EC has urged expatriates to provide accurate addresses during registration to ensure ballot delivery.

This marks a significant step toward expanding electoral participation among Bangladeshis abroad, reflecting the government’s broader goal of integrating overseas citizens into the democratic process. The registration deadline and subsequent voting logistics will test the EC’s capacity to manage remote participation efficiently.

A case has been filed at Dhanmondi Police Station following a violent attack, arson, and looting at the Chhayanaut cultural center in Dhaka. The incident occurred on the night of December 20, when unidentified assailants vandalized and set fire to parts of the building. Chhayanaut’s chief manager, Dulal Ghosh, lodged the case against 300 to 350 unidentified individuals, police confirmed on Sunday.

According to Chhayanaut officials, the attackers destroyed CCTV cameras, furniture, and musical instruments including tablas, harmoniums, and violins. The total extent of the damage has not yet been determined. The attack took place following the death of Inquilab Mancha spokesperson Shahid Sharif Osman Hadi, after which several media offices and Chhayanaut were targeted.

Interim government cultural affairs adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki visited the site and reviewed CCTV footage, promising that those responsible would be brought to justice. Authorities are continuing investigations to identify the perpetrators and assess the full scale of losses.

The Bangladesh Election Commission (EC) has identified three categories of potential risks ahead of the upcoming national elections, while the armed forces have requested judicial authority under the Mobile Court Act and permission to enter polling centers on election day. The proposal was raised during a recent meeting between the EC and law enforcement agencies chaired by Chief Election Commissioner Nasir Uddin. The commission has yet to make a decision on the army’s request.

Election Commissioner Brigadier General (Retd.) Abul Fazl Mohammad Sanaullah outlined the risks as heightened public excitement after a long gap between elections, possible acts of sabotage by certain groups, and the influence of black money, counterfeit currency, and cross-border networks. These factors, he warned, could threaten the integrity and order of the polls if not effectively managed.

The EC is expected to deliberate further on the army’s proposal and risk mitigation strategies in the coming weeks as preparations intensify for the national vote.

A new international study led by researchers at Leiden University in the Netherlands has found that increasing atmospheric carbon dioxide is diminishing the nutritional quality of major food crops. While higher CO₂ levels may boost crop yields, the research shows a decline in essential nutrients such as zinc, iron, and protein, alongside a rise in toxic elements like lead. The findings suggest that foods are becoming more calorie-dense but less nutritious.

The decade-long study examined 43 crops, including rice, wheat, potatoes, and tomatoes, analyzing 32 key nutrients. On average, nutrient levels were found to drop by 3.2%, with zinc in chickpeas projected to fall by as much as 37.5%. Lead researcher Sterre Ter Haar described the results as “alarming,” noting that the changes could have serious health implications.

Experts warn that this nutrient decline may worsen global malnutrition, even as food production increases. The study highlights the need for urgent climate action and agricultural adaptation to preserve food quality as atmospheric CO₂ levels have already reached 425.2 parts per million.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated that Israel’s repeated ceasefire violations are making it extremely difficult to advance the Gaza peace plan. His remarks followed a high-level meeting in Miami involving representatives from the United States, Turkey, Egypt, and Qatar, who discussed the fragile situation in Gaza and the next phase of the ceasefire process.

Fidan explained that the first stage of the ceasefire, based on agreements reached at the Sharm el-Sheikh Peace Conference, had been completed after the release of the last hostages. However, he warned that Israel’s continued breaches of the truce threaten to derail progress toward the second phase. The discussions also addressed obstacles encountered during the initial phase.

Reiterating Turkey’s position, Fidan emphasized that Gaza must be governed by Palestinians, remain territorially unified, and that all reconstruction efforts should prioritize the welfare of its residents. He added that significant investments are being planned for Gaza’s rebuilding, signaling Ankara’s intent to play a constructive role in the post-conflict recovery process.

Relatives of Bangladeshi army member Mohammad Jahangir Alam are waiting in Pakundia, Kishoreganj, for his body to arrive following his death in a terrorist drone attack in Sudan’s Abyei region. The body was expected to reach his home village, Tarakandi, on Sunday morning, but poor weather delayed the helicopter carrying it. Jahangir Alam was among six Bangladeshi peacekeepers killed in the December 13 attack on a UN peacekeeping base.

According to army officials, the bodies of all six soldiers reached Bangladesh on Saturday. Jahangir Alam, son of Mohammad Hazrat Ali, joined the Bangladesh Army in October 2014 as a mess waiter and was stationed at Rangpur Cantonment before being deployed to Sudan on November 7 this year. His funeral prayer is scheduled to be held at his home after the noon prayer.

The attack has drawn deep sorrow across Bangladesh, with the government reaffirming its commitment to global peacekeeping missions while calling for stronger international protection for peacekeepers in conflict zones.

Bangladesh’s Ministry of Home Affairs has announced an emergency press conference to brief the media on the country’s overall law and order situation and the progress of the ongoing Operation Devil Hunt Phase-2. The briefing is scheduled for Sunday at 5:30 p.m. at the Secretariat, where Home Affairs Adviser Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury will address journalists and respond to questions.

According to ministry spokesperson Faisal Hasan, the joint forces launched Operation Devil Hunt Phase-2 on December 13 to curb rising criminal activities across the country. Over the past week, 5,949 individuals have been arrested, and several firearms have been seized during the operation. The ministry is expected to present detailed updates on these developments and outline the next steps in maintaining internal security.

The press conference comes amid heightened public attention on law enforcement activities and government efforts to stabilize security conditions nationwide. Analysts suggest the ministry’s transparency could help build public confidence ahead of upcoming political and social events.

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A.M.M. Nasir Uddin held a high-level meeting with the chiefs of the Bangladesh Army, Navy, and Air Force on Sunday to assess the overall law and order situation ahead of the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election and national referendum. The meeting took place at the Election Commission Secretariat in Agargaon, Dhaka, around noon, followed by a formal session at 2:30 p.m. to discuss security coordination.

Officials said the discussion focused on ensuring a peaceful electoral environment and the possible deployment of armed forces to assist civil administration during the election period. The Election Commission is expected to finalize its security plan soon, with emphasis on maintaining neutrality and public confidence. Military representatives reaffirmed their readiness to support the commission’s directives.

The meeting signals heightened coordination between the Election Commission and the defense forces as Bangladesh prepares for a politically sensitive election. Further inter-agency meetings are anticipated in the coming weeks to refine operational strategies and ensure nationwide stability during the electoral process.