Former Member of Parliament and BNP central committee member K.M. Anwarul Islam has collected nomination papers to contest as an independent candidate from the Pabna-3 constituency, which includes Chatmohar, Bhangura, and Faridpur upazilas. He obtained the nomination papers from the office of the Assistant Returning Officer and Chatmohar Upazila Nirbahi Officer Musa Naser Chowdhury on Sunday afternoon, accompanied by several local BNP leaders.

The move comes after the BNP officially nominated Krishak Dal president and agriculturist Hasan Jafir Tuhin for the same seat, triggering protests led by Anwarul Islam and other local BNP leaders. Demonstrations and torch processions were previously held in opposition to the party’s decision, reflecting internal divisions within the local BNP leadership.

Political analysts suggest that Anwarul Islam’s independent candidacy could split the BNP vote in Pabna-3, potentially benefiting rival parties. The development underscores the growing tension within BNP ranks ahead of the upcoming national elections, as several senior figures consider running independently after being denied party nominations.

The Election Commission of Bangladesh has authorized the Air Force to deploy drones for surveillance and security during the upcoming national elections. Chief Election Commissioner Abul Fazl Sanaullah announced the decision following a high-level meeting with the heads of the army, navy, and air force in Dhaka. The move comes amid heightened security concerns following the killing of political figure Sharif Osman Hadi, which officials say has affected law and order in several constituencies.

Sanaullah confirmed that joint forces have already launched coordinated operations to recover illegal weapons and detain suspects. Since December 13, security agencies have arrested around 2,000 individuals daily and seized dozens of weapons. The Election Commission emphasized that one-third of the planned 100,000-strong military deployment is already in place, with the remainder to follow soon. Authorities assured that all security forces are fully prepared to ensure a peaceful and credible election.

The Commission urged political parties to cooperate with law enforcement and maintain calm, stressing that those attempting to disrupt the electoral process will face legal consequences.

A 17-year-old college student was killed in a road accident in Shahjahanpur upazila of Bogura on Sunday when his motorcycle, driven at high speed in a so-called ‘dancing style,’ lost control and went under a truck. The crash occurred around 12:45 p.m. on the Oral Bridge in Rahimabad area, igniting both the motorcycle and the truck. Two others, including another rider and the truck driver, were injured in the incident.

Police identified the deceased as Md. Rohan, a first-year student at Sherpur Degree College. His companion, Maruf Hossain, 18, was hospitalized with injuries. Highway police seized the truck and confirmed that legal action would follow depending on the family’s complaint. Witnesses said the motorcycle was attempting to overtake the truck at high speed when it lost balance.

The accident highlights growing concerns over reckless motorcycle driving among youth in Bangladesh. Authorities have urged caution and pledged stricter enforcement of traffic laws to prevent similar tragedies.

The Bangladesh Jewellers Association (BAJUS) has announced another increase in gold prices, marking the third consecutive adjustment in recent weeks. Effective from Monday, December 22, 2025, the price of 22-carat gold will rise by BDT 1,050 per bhori (11.664 grams), reaching a record BDT 218,117 — the highest in the country’s history. The new rates were confirmed in a BAJUS statement released Sunday night.

Under the revised pricing, 21-carat gold will sell at BDT 208,202 per bhori, 18-carat at BDT 178,459, and traditional gold at BDT 148,599. The previous adjustment on December 15 had raised prices by BDT 1,470 per bhori. Despite the surge in gold, silver prices remain unchanged, with 22-carat silver priced at BDT 4,572 per bhori.

Analysts attribute the continued rise to global market volatility, higher import costs, and currency depreciation. Jewelers expect demand to remain steady during the wedding season, though consumers may face increased financial pressure if the upward trend persists.

Barcelona strengthened their grip on the La Liga title race with a comfortable 2–0 victory over ten-man Villarreal on Sunday night. Under coach Hansi Flick, the Catalan side regained a four-point lead over Real Madrid, with goals from Raphinha and teenage forward Lamine Yamal sealing the win at Estadio de la Cerámica.

The match turned in Barcelona’s favor early when Villarreal’s Renato Velga was sent off in the 39th minute for a reckless tackle on Yamal. Raphinha had earlier converted a penalty after being fouled in the box. The victory keeps Barcelona top of the table with 46 points from 18 matches, while Real Madrid remain second with 42.

In England, Aston Villa delivered a surprise 2–1 win over Manchester United, adding further pressure on Erik ten Hag’s side. The result highlights contrasting fortunes for two European giants as Barcelona continue their dominance while United struggle for consistency.

Eleven Bangladeshi workers have left for Serbia after completing professional training in welding and shipping under the supervision of Asia Continental Group BD (RL-523). The group, trained at the JI Islamic Science and Technology Institute in Uttara, Dhaka, will receive monthly salaries between 600 and 700 euros, including accommodation and meals provided by their Serbian employer. Their departure ceremony was held on Sunday before their scheduled evening flight.

According to participants, the workers underwent several months of technical training and interviews with foreign delegates before securing visas. Each worker reportedly spent around 1.4 million taka to complete the process. Company officials stated that the initiative is part of a long-term program to send skilled Bangladeshi laborers to European countries through legal channels.

Asia Continental Group BD representatives expressed optimism about resuming overseas recruitment after recent political changes in Bangladesh. They emphasized their commitment to ethical recruitment and expanding opportunities for skilled workers in European labor markets.

A group of teachers from the University of Chittagong held a human chain in front of the Chittagong Press Club demanding justice for the killing of Shahid Sharif Osman Bin Hadi, spokesperson of the July Revolutionary and Inquilab Mancha. The event, organized under the banner of 'Chittagong University Anti-Hegemony Teachers’ Unity,' was chaired by Professor Dr. Fuad Hasan and moderated by Professor Dr. Tanvir Mohammad Haidar Arif.

Speakers, including Professor Dr. Jamal Uddin of the Electrical and Electronic Engineering Department, urged national unity against hegemonic forces and called for a thorough investigation into the murder. They demanded not only the arrest of direct perpetrators but also exposure of political masterminds behind the crime. The teachers announced a four-point demand, emphasizing improved law and order and an end to the culture of impunity.

The demonstration reflects growing frustration within academic circles over unresolved political killings and calls for the interim government to ensure justice and accountability in Bangladesh’s governance system.

A mobile court in Kaunia upazila of Rangpur has fined a local farmer Tk 50,000 for illegally cutting and selling soil from arable farmland. The operation, led by Assistant Land Commissioner (AC Land) Ankon Pal, took place in Gedd Balapara village under Balapara Union following complaints that the farmer, Ahmed Ali, was removing topsoil and selling it to brick kilns using tractors, damaging both farmland and a nearby paved road.

Officials stated that such actions are strictly prohibited under environmental and agricultural protection laws, as they degrade soil fertility, disrupt crop production, and threaten infrastructure stability. AC Land Pal emphasized that the administration will continue similar drives to curb illegal soil extraction.

Local residents welcomed the enforcement action, urging authorities to ensure a permanent halt to the illegal trade in fertile land soil. The incident highlights ongoing challenges in rural land management and the need for stronger monitoring of agricultural land use in northern Bangladesh.

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) of Bangladesh will integrate taxpayers’ banking information into the electronic return (e-return) system starting next year, NBR Chairman Md Abdur Rahman Khan announced on Sunday. Speaking at the inauguration of an ‘Income Tax Return Submission Support Booth’ at the Dhaka Reporters Unity, he said the move aims to reduce data manipulation and improve transparency in income tax collection.

Khan noted that around 4.2 million taxpayers have registered for online return submission, with 2.6 million already filing their returns for the 2025–26 fiscal year. He added that about 50,000 taxpayers are submitting returns daily, and the government will consider extending the filing deadline beyond December 31 if necessary. The NBR also plans to launch a mobile app next year to make return submission more convenient.

The integration of banking data is expected to strengthen compliance, expand the tax base, and boost government revenue, aligning with Bangladesh’s broader digital governance goals.

Masud Alam, a Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) official once thrust into the public spotlight after a remark by former minister Obaidul Quader went viral, was recently seen in Cox’s Bazar. Alam, who previously served as a deputy director, has since been promoted to director (engineering) for the Chattogram division. He attended a government event distributing financial aid to families of road accident victims.

The phrase “Masud, be good” — uttered by Quader during the previous Awami League government — became a long-standing social media meme, often resurfacing in online discussions. Many attendees reportedly recognized Alam at the Cox’s Bazar event, while others viewed him simply as a senior official. A photo from the event circulating on Facebook reignited humorous commentary, with users jokingly asking if he had indeed “become good.”

Although Alam did not speak to the media, his reappearance has revived a piece of Bangladesh’s recent political and internet folklore, highlighting how viral moments can linger in public memory far beyond their original context.

Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh has strongly condemned the recent killings of Dipu Chandra Das in Mymensingh and a child named Ayesha in Lakshmipur, both reportedly burned to death in separate incidents. In a statement issued on Sunday, the group’s joint secretary general, Maulana Azizul Haque Islamabadi, demanded immediate arrests and exemplary punishment for those responsible.

The statement alleged that Dipu Chandra’s murder was a premeditated act disguised under religious motives but rooted in labor disputes. Hefazat also criticized the culture of impunity in Bangladesh, citing previous incidents of mob violence that went unpunished. The organization warned that political mistrust and sabotage were deepening divisions within society.

Addressing recent attacks on institutions following the death of activist Osman Hadi, Hefazat urged supporters to avoid violence and maintain peace. The group called on the government to strengthen intelligence and law enforcement to prevent further unrest, especially ahead of the upcoming national elections.

A construction site manager was shot and injured by a group of masked attackers near the under-construction Nursing Institute beside Mohakhali TB Gate in Dhaka on Sunday afternoon. The victim, identified as 42-year-old Md. Nazimuddin, was taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital, where he is receiving treatment. Police confirmed that the incident occurred around 3:30 p.m. and that the local police station has been notified for further investigation.

According to Nazimuddin’s younger brother, Azimuddin, a group of eight to ten masked men arrived at the site, asked for the engineer, physically assaulted him, and fired a shot before fleeing. The bullet reportedly entered and exited through Nazimuddin’s left knee. He is originally from Khanpur in Begumganj, Noakhali, and currently resides in Nakhalpara, Dhaka.

Authorities are investigating the motive behind the attack, which has raised concerns about security at major construction sites in the capital. No arrests had been reported as of late Sunday night.

A Dhaka court has issued a travel ban on Faisal Karim Masud, the prime suspect in the murder of Inquilab Moncho spokesperson Shahid Sharif Osman Hadi. The order was given by Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Awlad Hossain Mohammad Junayed following a petition from the Detective Branch (DB) of police. Investigators argued that intelligence reports indicated Masud might attempt to flee the country, prompting the need for immediate legal restrictions on his departure.

The petition, filed by DB Inspector Faisal Ahmed, requested that immigration authorities at land, sea, and air ports be alerted to prevent Masud’s escape. The court accepted the request and directed relevant agencies to enforce the ban. The murder case, initially filed as an attempted murder on December 14 by Inquilab Moncho’s secretary Abdullah Al Jaber, was later updated to include murder charges under Section 302. So far, nine individuals have been arrested in connection with the case.

Legal analysts note that the travel ban underscores the court’s intent to ensure accountability and prevent obstruction of justice as the investigation continues.

French prosecutors have announced that three individuals will stand trial next year over the theft of valuable silverware from the Élysée Palace, the official residence of the French president. The case centers on a palace caretaker accused of stealing silver tableware and service items valued between €15,000 and €40,000. The missing pieces were first noticed by the palace’s chief steward and later traced through online auction listings.

Investigators discovered that several stolen items, including pieces marked with the French Air Force and Sèvres Manufactory insignia, were being sold online. Searches of the suspect’s home, car, and locker led to the recovery of around 100 objects, such as copper pots, Sèvres porcelain, a René Lalique sculpture, and Baccarat champagne glasses. All items have since been returned to the palace.

The three accused face charges of jointly stealing movable property classified as part of France’s national heritage. If convicted, they could face up to ten years in prison and fines of up to €150,000. The trial is scheduled to begin on February 26, 2026.

Bangladesh’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has uncovered more than Tk127 crore in suspicious financial transactions connected to Faisal Karim Masud, the prime suspect in the murder of Shahid Sharif Osman Hadi, a key figure of the July Revolution and spokesperson of Inquilab Mancha. The CID revealed the findings in a press release on Sunday, noting that the transactions may be linked to money laundering and organized crime financing.

Following Hadi’s fatal shooting on December 12 in Dhaka’s Purana Paltan area, CID launched a shadow investigation, collecting CCTV footage and forensic evidence. Several associates and family members of Masud have been arrested for allegedly concealing evidence and aiding his escape. Investigators also found unexecuted cheque records worth about Tk218 crore.

Authorities have initiated a separate money laundering probe and are taking steps to confiscate Tk65 lakh from related bank accounts. CID teams are also examining whether a broader criminal network was involved in financing or planning the killing, while efforts to arrest the main suspect continue.