The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC), chaired by Chief Adviser Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus, has approved a Tk 576.90 crore project to upgrade and modernize Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University (HSTU) in Dinajpur. The project, sanctioned for the 2025–26 fiscal year, aims to strengthen academic, administrative, and research infrastructure while promoting a technology-driven learning environment.

According to Professor Dr. Moniruzzaman Bahadur, Director of Planning, Development, and Works at HSTU, the initiative includes the construction of a 12-story academic building, new dormitories, residential facilities for faculty and staff, and expansions of the administrative and medical centers. It also covers internal roads, drainage, substations, water supply systems, and boundary walls.

Officials expect the project to alleviate accommodation shortages, enhance research capacity, and elevate the university’s academic environment to international standards. Implementation is anticipated to begin in the upcoming fiscal cycle, with long-term benefits for higher education infrastructure in northern Bangladesh.

The United States has approved a $686 million Foreign Military Sales (FMS) package to modernize Pakistan’s F-16 fighter jet fleet. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) formally notified Congress after the proposal cleared the 30-day review period without objections. Lockheed Martin will serve as the primary contractor, providing hardware and software upgrades, maintenance, and technical support.

According to DSCA, the package includes 92 Link-16 data-link systems, avionics modernization, secure communication tools, and training equipment. Of the total cost, $37 million will cover major defense items, while $649 million will go toward maintenance and modernization services. The upgrades aim to extend the operational life of Pakistan’s Block-52 and Mid-Life Upgrade F-16 aircraft to 2040 and maintain interoperability with U.S. and allied forces.

Washington emphasized that the sale aligns with U.S. foreign policy and national security interests, supporting counterterrorism cooperation without altering the regional military balance. Pakistan first requested the upgrade in 2021–22, but the process only advanced under the Trump administration in late 2025 after previous delays.

Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh has issued a strong statement cautioning authorities not to arrest or harass innocent critics in connection with recent attacks on the offices of Prothom Alo and The Daily Star. The group’s leaders, Allama Muhibullah Babunagari and Allama Sajedur Rahman, said they oppose violence but demanded the immediate release of those detained without cause.

In their media statement, the leaders accused the two newspapers of long-standing bias and alleged collaboration with foreign interests. They criticized the government’s handling of the arrests and condemned the mention of a detainee’s madrasa background in an official press release as discriminatory. Hefazat also recalled earlier crackdowns on media outlets and claimed that civil society’s silence during those times had weakened moral accountability.

The statement reflects growing tension between religious groups and sections of the media in Bangladesh. Analysts suggest the remarks could further polarize public discourse and complicate ongoing investigations into the alleged attacks.

Two senior BNP leaders, Gazi Muhammad Shahjahan Jewel, a former MP, and Saifuddin Salam Mithu, joint convener of Chattogram South BNP, have collected nomination forms for the Chattogram-12 (Patiya) constituency. Their move comes despite the party’s preliminary nomination of district BNP member Enamul Haque Enam. Representatives of both leaders collected the forms from the Patiya Upazila Executive Officer’s office on Tuesday.

Party insiders confirmed that four BNP aspirants, including Jewel and Mithu, have lodged complaints with the acting chairman against the initial nominee. Mithu told reporters that the final candidate has not yet been announced and pledged to support whoever receives the party’s official endorsement. As of December 23, eight candidates from various parties, including Jamaat-e-Islami, Jatiya Party, Islami Front, and independents, have collected nomination forms.

The internal contest underscores growing tension within BNP’s local ranks ahead of the upcoming national election. Party leaders expect a final decision from the acting chairman soon, which may determine whether the dispute escalates or resolves within party discipline.

Police in Dhaka recovered the body of a newborn boy from a narrow alley in the Chandni Ghat area of Chawkbazar on Tuesday afternoon. The infant, estimated to be about one day old, was found wrapped in a black plastic bag after locals alerted authorities. Officers from Chawkbazar Police Station took the body into custody and began an investigation.

Sub-Inspector Ashraful Alam confirmed the recovery and stated that the identity of those who abandoned the newborn remains unknown. After completing initial legal procedures, police sent the body to Dhaka Medical College Hospital morgue for autopsy. Officials said the post-mortem report will determine the exact cause of death.

The incident has sparked concern among residents and child rights advocates, who called for stronger social awareness and support systems to prevent such tragedies. Investigators are reviewing nearby CCTV footage and seeking witnesses to trace those responsible.

At least five people were killed and several others injured on Tuesday in a gunfight between two rival groups over control of Jaglar Char, a disputed island area in Hatiya upazila of Noakhali district. The confrontation reportedly began in the morning between factions led by Shamsuddin and Alauddin, both claiming authority over the land.

Local sources said hundreds of landless families currently live on the island, which is partly government-owned and partly privately held. Shamsuddin had allegedly been selling plots to settlers for years but recently withheld payments owed to local enforcers, sparking the attack. Police confirmed that five bodies were recovered, including those of Shamsuddin, his son Mobarak Hossain, and Alauddin.

Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident, while security has been tightened across the area to prevent further violence. Officials said the conflict underscores long-standing disputes over land rights and illegal occupation in coastal regions of Bangladesh.

A viral video from India’s Himachal Pradesh has sparked widespread outrage after showing a doctor allegedly assaulting a patient at Shimla’s Indira Gandhi Medical College and Hospital (IGMC). The incident reportedly occurred during a dispute over medical treatment when the patient, Arjun Panwar, who was suffering from breathing difficulties, was physically attacked by the attending physician.

According to reports, Panwar had undergone a bronchoscopy and sought oxygen support when the doctor questioned his right to occupy a hospital bed. The confrontation escalated, leading to the alleged assault, which was captured on video and circulated widely on social media. The footage, showing the doctor repeatedly striking the patient, has prompted strong criticism of hospital authorities and renewed debate over patient safety and medical ethics.

Hospital officials have announced an internal investigation, though no formal disciplinary action has been confirmed. The incident has intensified calls for stricter enforcement of professional conduct standards and better oversight of public healthcare institutions in India.

The Ministry of Cultural Affairs, in collaboration with the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, will organize a special cultural evening on December 24 to celebrate Christmas. The event, scheduled for 6 p.m. at the Nandan Mancha of the Shilpakala Academy premises, will be open to all and aims to promote peace, harmony, and human values through music, carol performances, and devotional songs.

This initiative continues the ministry’s year-long effort to foster inclusivity by celebrating major religious and cultural festivals such as Eid, Buddha Purnima, Durga Puja, and Eid-ul-Azha. Previous events included nationwide festivals and performances highlighting Bangladesh’s diverse cultural identity. Officials described the Christmas celebration as another step toward strengthening interfaith understanding and unity.

The program underscores the government’s broader cultural policy of promoting mutual respect and coexistence among communities. Organizers expect strong public participation and view the event as a symbolic gesture of Bangladesh’s commitment to cultural pluralism.

A memorial meeting in Chauddagram, Comilla, on Monday honored Shaheed Sharif Osman Hadi, describing him as a fearless defender of democracy and national sovereignty. Organized by the local group ‘Chauddagram Bondhon Kafela,’ the event was chaired by Abul Kalam Farayezi and attended by leaders from various Jamaat-e-Islami units. Speakers emphasized Hadi’s opposition to Indian dominance and his lifelong commitment to justice and fairness in politics.

Participants, including youth and expatriate members, recalled Osman Hadi as a symbol of patriotism and moral integrity. They urged citizens to uphold his ideals by supporting honest and corruption-free candidates in upcoming elections. The gathering reflected both local reverence for Hadi’s legacy and broader political sentiment within the region.

Observers note that such tributes underscore continuing nationalist narratives in rural Bangladesh, where historical figures are invoked to inspire civic engagement and political reform.

Bangladesh’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAAB) has imposed a temporary ban on drone operations in and around all airports, including Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka, effective until February 15, 2026. The decision was announced on December 23 following reports that several media outlets flew drones without authorization during a high-profile event at the airport on December 19.

According to CAAB, such unauthorized drone use violates the Drone Registration and Flight Policy 2020 and poses serious risks to both national security and safe air navigation. The authority has requested all relevant agencies to ensure strict compliance with the directive and to raise awareness among drone operators and media organizations.

The temporary restriction underscores growing concerns about drone misuse near sensitive installations. Officials indicated that further regulatory measures may follow, including stricter licensing and enforcement mechanisms to prevent similar incidents in the future.

A delegation from Islami Andolan Bangladesh (IAB) met with Dr. Liu Yuan, the Chargé d’Affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Dhaka, on Tuesday morning at the embassy premises. The meeting, led by IAB Secretary General Principal Hafiz Mawlana Yunus Ahmad, was held at the invitation of Dr. Liu. On behalf of party chief and Charmonai Pir Mufti Syed Muhammad Rezaul Karim, the delegation extended greetings to the Chinese government and people on the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh-China diplomatic relations.

Discussions covered the political situation, the upcoming national election, and overall security concerns. Both sides expressed optimism about a free, fair, and peaceful election. Dr. Liu emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety of IAB’s senior leadership and urged necessary measures for their protection. Senior IAB officials, including Engineer Ashraful Alam and Professor Imtiaz Ahmed Sajal, also attended the meeting.

The meeting reflects China’s continued engagement with diverse political actors in Bangladesh as the country approaches a crucial election year, signaling Beijing’s interest in maintaining stability and balanced relations across the political spectrum.

After 17 years in exile, BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman is set to return to Bangladesh on December 25. To mark his homecoming, around 30,000 leaders and activists from Pirojpur district will travel to Dhaka to attend a grand reception organized by the party. A preparation committee, led by former district convener and central executive member Principal Alomgir Hossain, has been formed to coordinate the journey.

According to Hossain, activists from all seven upazilas of Pirojpur will participate, with over 200 buses and six large launches arranged for transport. District BNP member-secretary Saeedul Islam Kismat confirmed that supporters will depart from Hularhat river port on December 24 evening and from other areas early on December 25. Local BNP members described the atmosphere as highly enthusiastic, viewing Rahman’s return as a symbol of renewed political momentum.

The large-scale mobilization underscores BNP’s effort to demonstrate unity and strength ahead of potential political realignments following Rahman’s return.

Bangladesh Border Guard (BGB) personnel have recovered two foreign-made pistols, four magazines, and five rounds of ammunition near the Shibganj border in Chapainawabganj. The operation, conducted early Tuesday in the Raghabbati area under Monaksha Border Outpost, followed intelligence reports of illegal arms entering the country. A suspect fled the scene, leaving behind a bag containing the weapons.

Lieutenant Colonel Kazi Mustafizur Rahman, commanding officer of BGB Battalion 53, told reporters that the arms were likely smuggled in with the intent to incite violence ahead of the upcoming national parliamentary elections. He said additional patrols, checkpoints, and intelligence surveillance have been intensified along the border to prevent further infiltration. Earlier this month, the same battalion seized four pistols and 24 rounds of ammunition in a separate operation.

Authorities are investigating the source of the weapons and possible links to political groups. Security agencies have been instructed to remain on high alert as election-related tensions rise nationwide.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Bangladesh Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam have reached an electoral understanding ahead of the upcoming national polls. Under the agreement, BNP will not field candidates in four constituencies where Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam will contest, while Jamiat will reciprocate in BNP-held seats. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir announced the deal at a joint press conference at the party chairperson’s Gulshan office, urging voters to support the 'date tree' symbol in those constituencies.

The four constituencies allocated to Jamiat are Nilphamari-1, Narayanganj-4, Sylhet-5, and Brahmanbaria-2. The candidates include Maulana Manjurul Islam Afendi, Mufti Monir Hossain Kasemi, Maulana Ubaidullah Faruq, and Maulana Junaid Al-Habib. The announcement follows earlier amendments to the Representation of the People Order (RPO), requiring coalition partners to contest under their own party symbols.

Political analysts view the arrangement as a strategic move by BNP to consolidate opposition votes and strengthen its alliance base before the election. The cooperation may influence local dynamics in key constituencies, potentially reshaping opposition coordination in the coming months.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has officially endorsed Maulana Manjurul Islam Afendi, Secretary General of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam, as its supported candidate for the Nilphamari-1 (Domar-Dimla) constituency in the upcoming 13th national election. The announcement was made by BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir during a press conference at the party chairperson’s office in Gulshan on Tuesday.

The decision marks a shift from earlier expectations, as Shahreen Islam Chowdhury Tuhin, nephew of Khaleda Zia and cousin of Tarique Rahman, had been actively campaigning in the area anticipating BNP’s nomination. His exclusion has reportedly caused mixed reactions within party ranks. Afendi expressed gratitude for the nomination, stating his confidence in victory and pledging to work toward a corruption-free administration and society.

Political observers view this move as part of BNP’s broader strategy to strengthen alliances with Islamist parties ahead of the election. The Nilphamari-1 seat is expected to be closely contested, with local dynamics and coalition politics playing a decisive role in the outcome.