A 35-year-old Border Security Force (BSF) soldier, Bipin Kumar of the 97th Battalion, was shot and injured while on duty along the Maheshpur border in North Tripura. The incident occurred during a nighttime patrol when gunfire was suddenly heard, prompting immediate rescue and hospitalization. After surgery at Agartala’s GB Pant Hospital, his condition is reported stable.

Initial media reports claimed that shots were fired from across the Bangladesh border, sparking tension amid the region’s existing diplomatic strain. However, preliminary investigations now indicate that the bullets came from Kumar’s own service rifle. Authorities have not yet confirmed whether it was an accident or a possible suicide attempt. No official statement has been issued by the BSF or the central government.

Following the incident, a high alert was declared along the Tripura frontier, a region already sensitive due to smuggling and infiltration risks. Analysts warn that misinformation could inflame cross-border tensions, emphasizing the need for verified communication between India and Bangladesh.

Iran has conducted another round of missile drills across multiple cities, including Tehran, Isfahan, and Mashhad, marking its second such exercise in a month. State media released footage of the launches, though the exact locations remain unverified. Conflicting reports emerged as Iranian state outlets later denied any missile testing, claiming the visuals showed high-altitude aircraft instead.

According to NBC News, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is preparing to brief U.S. President Donald Trump on what Israel views as an escalating threat from Iran’s ballistic missile program. Western powers consider Iran’s missile capabilities a major security risk for the Middle East, fearing they could eventually serve as delivery systems for nuclear weapons—an allegation Tehran continues to deny.

Israeli officials reportedly believe Iran has resumed rebuilding nuclear enrichment facilities damaged in a U.S. airstrike earlier this year. As a result, Tel Aviv is exploring military options and coordinating with Washington, fueling renewed concerns of a potential confrontation between the two long-time adversaries.

A video showing a local student leader in Feni, Bangladesh, allegedly blackmailing a young man and woman at gunpoint has gone viral on social media, prompting police investigation and public condemnation. The accused, Anwar Hossain Choton, a former assistant secretary of the Bogadana Union unit of the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD), is seen brandishing a foreign-made pistol while threatening the pair. Following the video’s circulation, Choton reportedly went into hiding, and the victims remain untraced.

Local residents claim Choton and his associates had long been extorting money from young people by trapping them in compromising situations and filming them under duress. Party officials confirmed that Choton currently holds no official position, limiting their ability to take disciplinary action. Feni district JCD leaders urged law enforcement to act swiftly, while police said they are working to identify the victims and locate the suspect.

Authorities believe internal disputes among Choton’s associates may have led to the video’s release. The incident has reignited debate over political impunity and the misuse of party affiliation for criminal activities in local communities.

Leaders and activists of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in Cumilla are preparing to travel to Dhaka to welcome the party’s acting chairperson, Tarique Rahman, who is set to return to the country after 17 years. Local BNP units across Cumilla district and city have held multiple preparatory meetings, with processions and gatherings taking place in anticipation of the event scheduled for December 25.

Cumilla South BNP President Zakaria Taher Suman said that party members have been instructed to reach Dhaka and join what he described as a ‘sea of people’. North district convener Md. Akhtaruzzaman noted that enthusiasm is at its peak, with activists ready to greet their leader near the 300 Feet area in Dhaka. City BNP General Secretary Yusuf Molla Tipu expressed emotional excitement, calling the return a historic moment for the party.

According to BNP’s divisional organizing secretary Mostak Mia, over 100,000 activists from 17 upazilas are expected to join the reception. The event is seen as a major political mobilization ahead of future national political developments.

The Bangladesh government has approved the purchase of 37.5 million liters of edible oil from international sources and 10 million liters locally to prevent an artificial shortage during the upcoming Ramadan. Additionally, 10,000 tons of lentils will be procured. The total cost for the oil purchase is estimated at Tk 642.45 crore, while lentil procurement will cost Tk 72.20 crore. The Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) will distribute these products nationwide.

The approval came during a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Government Purchase chaired by Economic Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed. The imports include 20 million liters of soybean oil from Nigeria’s Vidok Farms and Exports Ltd, 12.5 million liters from the U.S.-based Stewart Klobanu Gerhard, and 5 million liters from Malaysia’s C Millennium Trade Sdn Bhd. Locally, one crore liters of rice bran oil will be sourced through open tender from three domestic firms.

Officials stated that the oil will be sold through TCB at prices lower than the government-fixed retail rate but higher than the procurement cost, ensuring no subsidy burden. The move aims to stabilize market prices and ensure adequate supply during the fasting month.

Bangladesh’s Economic Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed stated that while economic ties with India remain stable, the government is actively working to normalize political relations. He made the remarks following a meeting of the Advisory Committee on Government Procurement at the Secretariat on Tuesday.

Dr. Ahmed clarified that political relations between Dhaka and New Delhi have not deteriorated significantly, but the government is taking steps to prevent any abnormality. He emphasized that the Chief Adviser himself is engaged in efforts to improve bilateral understanding and maintain a cooperative atmosphere.

The adviser reiterated that Bangladesh seeks cordial relations with all neighboring countries and does not wish for any tension in the region. His comments come amid ongoing discussions about regional cooperation and the importance of maintaining balanced diplomacy with India, Bangladesh’s largest trading partner and strategic neighbor.

Helal Uddin Munshi, a long-time Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leader and member of the Bauphal upazila convening committee, has joined Jamaat-e-Islami ahead of the 13th national parliamentary election. The switch was announced at a local rally in Bauphal’s Suryamani Union, where Munshi formally joined hands with Jamaat candidate Dr. Shafiqul Islam Masud. Following the announcement, the BNP expelled Munshi through an official statement signed by Bauphal BNP’s member secretary, Apel Mahmud Firoz.

Munshi, who had been active in BNP politics for 25 years, said he now intends to dedicate his life to serving Islam under Jamaat’s banner. Local political observers believe his defection could strengthen Jamaat’s “balance scale” symbol in the Patuakhali-2 constituency, where BNP’s internal divisions have deepened. Jamaat leaders welcomed Munshi’s move, calling for unity to consolidate support ahead of the polls.

The development underscores shifting alliances in southern Bangladesh as parties recalibrate strategies before the upcoming election, potentially altering voter alignments in key constituencies.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs summoned Bangladesh’s High Commissioner to New Delhi, Riaz Hamidullah, on Tuesday, just hours after Dhaka called in Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma. The move followed Bangladesh’s formal protest over recent security incidents targeting its diplomatic premises in India.

Earlier in the day, Bangladesh’s Foreign Ministry had expressed concern about violent demonstrations near its High Commission and the envoy’s residence in New Delhi, as well as vandalism at its visa center in Siliguri. Dhaka condemned what it described as “planned acts of intimidation” and urged India to ensure the safety of its diplomatic staff. Indian officials, however, downplayed the incidents, saying the protests were limited and did not breach security barriers.

The reciprocal summons highlight rising diplomatic tension between the two neighbors. Analysts note that both sides are seeking to contain the dispute through official channels, but the episode underscores the fragility of bilateral sensitivities amid domestic political pressures in both countries.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi announced that the board will lodge a formal complaint with the International Cricket Council (ICC) regarding the behavior of Indian players during the Under-19 Asia Cup final. Pakistan defeated India by a massive 191-run margin, but the victory was overshadowed by allegations of excessive sledging and unsportsmanlike conduct by the Indian team.

Naqvi stated that Indian players repeatedly provoked Pakistani cricketers throughout the match, calling the incidents contrary to the spirit of the game. Pakistan’s U-19 coach Sarfaraz Ahmed echoed the sentiment, describing India’s actions as “against cricketing ethics,” while emphasizing that his team maintained professionalism after the win. The PCB leadership stressed that politics and sports should remain separate.

The India-Pakistan cricket rivalry has long been marked by heightened tension. Similar disciplinary concerns arose during the senior Asia Cup final earlier, when players from both sides faced ICC reprimands. The latest episode may prompt the ICC to review conduct guidelines for youth tournaments.

Inquilab Mancha has announced a nationwide wall-writing and graffiti campaign on December 24 and 25 to promote the struggle and ideals of Shaheed Sharif Osman Hadi. The announcement came after a 'Martyr’s Oath' event held at Shahbagh in Dhaka, where the group’s member secretary, Abdullah Al Jaber, urged supporters to share photos and videos of the campaign on social media.

Jaber reiterated that the movement for justice over Osman Hadi’s killing would continue until accountability is ensured. He warned that those responsible would face no leniency and hinted at further programs on December 26 if their three-point demands remain unmet. Jaber also expressed hope that BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman would return to Bangladesh and join the movement.

Osman Hadi’s brother issued a stern warning to the government, saying that failure to deliver justice could force officials to flee the country. The group’s latest call reflects growing frustration among supporters and signals potential escalation of political activism in the coming days.

Biman Bangladesh Airlines has advised all passengers traveling through Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on December 25 to allow extra time for their journey due to expected severe traffic congestion around the airport area. The national carrier issued a statement on Tuesday warning that heavy public gatherings are anticipated near the airport, Gulshan link road, and the Purbachal Expressway (300 feet), which could lead to significant delays.

The advisory follows reports from multiple media outlets predicting large crowds in these areas on the day, possibly linked to public events and holiday travel. Biman requested both domestic and international passengers to plan their trips well in advance and arrive at the airport earlier than usual to avoid inconvenience. The airline expressed hope that passengers’ cooperation would ensure smooth and stress-free travel experiences.

Authorities have not announced any special traffic management plan yet, but travelers are being urged to monitor updates and plan accordingly to prevent missed flights or disruptions.

Saiful Haque, General Secretary of the Revolutionary Workers Party of Bangladesh, has alleged that political mafias and terrorists have effectively taken the government hostage. Speaking at a central committee meeting in Segunbagicha, Dhaka, he urged the authorities to take immediate and strict action against these groups, regardless of political affiliation. Haque warned that the country is being deliberately pushed toward fear and anarchy, replacing the rule of law with authoritarianism.

He cited the brutal killing of garment worker Dipu Chandra Das in Mymensingh as an example of growing lawlessness, calling it an unprecedented atrocity. Haque expressed concern that the failure to arrest and prosecute perpetrators has emboldened criminals nationwide. He also condemned recent attacks on media outlets such as Prothom Alo and The Daily Star, accusing state inaction of indirectly aiding violent groups.

The party demanded exemplary punishment for those involved in recent killings, arson, and looting, warning that continued impunity could deepen insecurity and social unrest across Bangladesh.

A Dhaka court has ordered nine individuals to be sent to jail in connection with the violent attack, arson, and looting at the office of The Daily Star in Karwan Bazar. The order was issued by Metropolitan Magistrate Md Jamshed Alam after the accused were produced before the court. The suspects, hailing from various districts including Dhaka, Rajshahi, and Sylhet, were denied bail following a hearing where both prosecution and defense presented arguments.

According to the case filed at Tejgaon Police Station, the attack occurred around 12:35 a.m. on December 19, when a group of armed assailants entered the newspaper’s premises, assaulted staff, and set multiple floors on fire. The attackers allegedly looted cash and equipment worth approximately BDT 40 crore, damaging CCTV systems and fire safety infrastructure. The incident led to the rescue of 30 employees.

The case was filed by The Daily Star’s Head of Operations, naming 350–400 unidentified suspects. Investigations are ongoing as authorities assess the extent of damages and possible motives behind the attack.

Jamaat-e-Islami’s nominated parliamentary candidate for Habiganj-4 (Madhabpur–Chunarughat), journalist Oliullah Noman, has intensified grassroots campaigning ahead of the upcoming national election. On December 23, he conducted extensive voter outreach across local markets in Chunarughat Sadar Union, urging support for the party’s election symbol, the scale.

During his campaign, Noman pledged improvements in education and infrastructure, including schools, colleges, madrasas, and roads. He also stated that if Jamaat-e-Islami forms the next government, it will establish a justice-based state system. Local Jamaat leaders and supporters accompanied him throughout the day’s activities, emphasizing the party’s renewed focus on community engagement.

The announcement underscores Jamaat’s attempt to reassert its political relevance after years of restrictions and controversies. Analysts note that the party’s emphasis on justice and development aims to appeal to rural voters seeking stability and reform. The campaign in Habiganj-4 reflects Jamaat’s broader strategy to rebuild its grassroots presence ahead of the national polls.

Dr. Md. Fakhruddin Manik, former central president of Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir, has officially collected his nomination papers to contest the upcoming national election from the Feni-3 (Daganbhuiyan–Sonagazi) constituency. The nomination was collected on Tuesday, December 23, from the district returning officer’s office. Dr. Manik is the nominated candidate of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami for this constituency.

Several senior Jamaat leaders, including Feni district Ameer Mufti Abdul Hannan, Mahmudul Hasan, and former upazila Ameer and freedom fighter A.S.M. Nur Nabi Dulal, were present during the submission. Dr. Manik currently serves as a member of Jamaat’s central Majlish-e-Shura and assistant secretary of the party’s Dhaka North unit. He has been active in social initiatives under the Daganbhuiyan–Sonagazi Development Forum.

His participation marks Jamaat-e-Islami’s continued effort to field candidates across constituencies despite political restrictions. Observers note that his candidacy could influence local voter dynamics and test Jamaat’s organizational strength in the Feni region.