A Dhaka court has issued a travel ban against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and 16 others, including senior Awami League leaders and ex-ministers, in connection with a corruption case involving alleged embezzlement of 3.09 billion taka. The order was delivered by Acting Judge Md Abdullah Al Mamun of the Dhaka Metropolitan Senior Special Judge’s Court following a petition from the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).

According to the ACC, the accused conspired to misappropriate government funds through inflated billing by Computer Network System Limited, which reportedly caused significant financial losses to the state. The court was informed that the accused might attempt to leave the country, potentially obstructing the investigation and destroying evidence.

The travel restriction marks a significant legal development following the fall of Hasina’s government. Legal analysts suggest the case could set a precedent for future anti-graft proceedings involving high-profile political figures. The ACC is expected to continue its investigation in the coming weeks before filing formal charges.

Dhaka University has announced a new date for its postponed Science Unit admission test for the 2025–2026 academic year. According to an official notice signed by Acting Director of Public Relations Mohammad Rafiqul Islam, the first-year undergraduate entrance exam will now be held on Saturday, December 27, 2025, from 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The university also stated that candidates who had applied to sit for the exam at centers outside Dhaka and have overlapping admission tests at other universities on December 26 or 27 will be allowed to change their exam centers to Dhaka. Applicants can submit their requests online between 5:00 p.m. on December 21 and midnight on December 23 through the admission website admission.eis.du.ac.bd.

Students must upload copies of their HSC registration card and the admit card of the conflicting university exam when applying for a center change. The new schedule aims to minimize conflicts and ensure fair access for all applicants ahead of the competitive admission season.

Traffic on the Dhaka–Mymensingh highway was halted for about an hour on Sunday after garment workers from the P.A. Knit factory in Valuka blocked the road. The protest erupted following a collision between a worker transport bus and a passenger bus operated by Shoukhin Paribahan near Jamirdia area. Workers alleged that after the minor accident, Shoukhin Paribahan staff forcibly took away the helper of the factory bus, identified as Aminul.

Police from the Bharadoba Highway Station arrived at the scene and persuaded the workers to end the blockade, restoring traffic flow. Officer-in-Charge A.B.M. Mehedi Masud confirmed that the protest was triggered by the alleged abduction and that the situation was resolved peacefully. The blockade caused severe disruption for commuters and office-goers during the morning rush hour.

Authorities are investigating the incident, and local officials have urged both transport operators and factory management to strengthen coordination to prevent future clashes between transport workers and industrial employees.

The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Dhaka has expressed profound grief and condolences over the death of Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of the Inquilab Mancha and a figure associated with the July revolutionary movement. In an official condolence message released on Sunday, the embassy extended sympathy to the government and people of Bangladesh, as well as to Hadi’s family and colleagues.

The statement conveyed Iran’s solidarity with Bangladesh during this period of mourning, emphasizing shared values of peace, stability, and prosperity. The embassy noted that it remembers Hadi’s contributions with respect and stands beside the Bangladeshi people in their loss. The message reflects Iran’s continued diplomatic outreach and cultural engagement with Bangladesh, particularly in moments of national grief.

Observers view the embassy’s message as a reaffirmation of Iran’s commitment to maintaining warm bilateral ties and mutual respect between the two nations, underscoring the importance of people-to-people and cultural solidarity.

Bangladesh marked World Meditation Day on December 21 with a large public meditation session organized by the Quantum Foundation at the National Press Club in Dhaka. Hundreds of participants from various walks of life joined the early morning event, which emphasized mental peace and emotional well-being under the theme of ‘keeping the mind well.’ The gathering filled the Press Club courtyard, reflecting growing public interest in mindfulness practices.

The observance follows the United Nations’ 2024 declaration of December 21 as World Meditation Day, recognizing meditation’s role in promoting global mental health. In an audio message, Quantum Method founder Shahid Al Bokhari Mahajata highlighted the foundation’s long-standing motto, “If the mind is well, all is well,” and announced 2025 as the ‘Year of Meditation.’ Organizers said the initiative aims to expand meditation practice across all levels of society.

The event underscores Bangladesh’s increasing engagement with holistic wellness movements. Advocates hope the annual observance will inspire broader adoption of meditation for stress reduction and community harmony.

Rashed Pradhan, vice-president and spokesperson of the National Democratic Party (JAGPA), was stopped by police on Sunday while attempting a solo protest march to the Indian Embassy in Dhaka. He began his walk from Paltan Box Culvert Road, carrying a symbolic black rose meant to protest what he described as Indian dominance and aggression. Police intercepted him near Badda Link Road after he had walked more than six kilometers.

Pradhan said he intended to deliver the black rose as a message of resistance against Indian influence and criticized the Bangladeshi interim government for preventing his peaceful demonstration. He also condemned an alleged attack on the Bangladeshi embassy in New Delhi, accusing Indian police of inaction. His remarks included strong criticism of India’s foreign policy and demands for justice in cross-border issues such as killings, water sharing, and alleged territorial encroachments.

The incident underscores rising nationalist rhetoric among smaller political groups in Bangladesh and could add strain to the already sensitive Dhaka-New Delhi diplomatic relationship.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has dismissed as fabricated a photo circulating on social media that allegedly shows the grave of Inqilab Mancha spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi. In a statement on Sunday, DMP Deputy Commissioner (Media) Muhammad Talebur Rahman said the image was intentionally misleading and urged the public not to be deceived. He confirmed that Hadi’s burial site, located beside the tomb of national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam near Dhaka University’s central mosque, remains under strict security.

Hadi was shot on December 12 in the capital’s Bijoynagar area while riding a motorcycle. After being treated in Dhaka and later transferred to Singapore General Hospital, he died on December 18. His body returned to Dhaka on December 19, and a large public funeral was held the following day at the South Plaza of the National Parliament.

Authorities have not commented on the motive behind the fake image, but the DMP’s warning highlights growing concerns over misinformation spreading online following Hadi’s death.

Hundreds of demonstrators gathered in Stockholm’s Odenplan Square on Saturday to protest Israel’s actions in the occupied Palestinian territories. The protesters condemned Tel Aviv’s alleged failure to uphold a ceasefire agreement and its reported plans to annex parts of the West Bank. Marching toward the Swedish Parliament, participants carried banners calling for an end to violence and the protection of Palestinian rights.

Protesters chanted slogans demanding freedom for Palestine and denouncing Israeli government policies. Activist Malin Åkerström highlighted the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza, exacerbated by winter conditions, and urged the international community to intervene. The demonstration coincided with a statement from over 100 Swedish lawmakers calling for stronger measures to halt Israeli violence in the West Bank.

The protest reflects growing European concern over the ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis. Observers note that Sweden’s political establishment faces increasing pressure to take a firmer stance on Middle East peace efforts and human rights accountability.

The funeral prayer of Air Vice Marshal (Retd.) A.K. Khandaker, Deputy Chief of Staff during Bangladesh’s Liberation War and former Chief of Air Staff, was held at the Bangladesh Air Force Base Bashar in Dhaka on Sunday, December 21, 2025. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) confirmed that Khandaker passed away on Saturday morning at 10:35 a.m.

A.K. Khandaker had a distinguished military career beginning with his commission in the Pakistan Air Force in 1952. He served as a fighter pilot, flying instructor, and later as a senior officer in various command positions until 1969. During the 1971 Liberation War, he played a crucial role in coordinating the air operations of the Mukti Bahini and allied forces.

His passing marks the end of an era for Bangladesh’s military leadership. Senior officials, former comrades, and citizens paid tribute to his lifelong service to the nation. The government is expected to organize further commemorations recognizing his contributions to the country’s independence and defense establishment.

A ferry accident in Narayanganj’s Fatullah area left five vehicles, including a truck, submerged in the Dhaleshwari River late Saturday night. Fifteen hours after the incident, no rescue operations had begun, sparking anger among locals who rely on the ferry for daily trade and transport. The Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) and the Roads and Highways Department (RHD) have been accused of poor coordination, delaying the response.

Officials from BIWTA arrived at the site Sunday morning but lacked necessary recovery equipment. Assistant Director Kamruzzaman stated that the ferry belongs to the RHD, which has yet to send representatives or identify the exact recovery point. Meanwhile, the Coast Guard recovered three bodies—identified as a motorcyclist, a van driver, and an expatriate.

Witnesses reported that a truck lost control mid-river, hitting nearby vehicles before plunging into the water. The delay in rescue efforts has disrupted local commerce in Baktabali, where ferry operations remain suspended. Authorities are assessing river depth before launching recovery operations.

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed has strongly condemned recent attacks on newspaper offices, including The Daily Star and Prothom Alo, describing the incidents as a national disgrace. Speaking at a media dialogue in Dhaka’s Radisson Blu Hotel, organized to mark acting chairman Tarique Rahman’s return to Bangladesh, he accused the government of negligence despite prior intelligence warnings about possible violence.

Ahmed questioned the delayed response of law enforcement and said the attacks reflect a growing intolerance toward the press. He urged stronger institutional safeguards for democracy and called for accountability from those responsible for ensuring free and fair elections. Other BNP leaders, including Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, echoed concerns about press freedom and political repression, citing past mistreatment of senior journalists.

Editors attending the event, such as Matiur Rahman Chowdhury of Manabzamin, emphasized the need for a clear media policy and collective unity to face future challenges. The discussion underscored the fragile state of media safety and democratic institutions ahead of Tarique Rahman’s anticipated political re-engagement.

Two Palestinians, including a 16-year-old boy, were killed and two others injured in Israeli military operations across the occupied West Bank, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry. The incidents occurred near Jenin, in the towns of Qabatiya and Silat al-Harithiya, where witnesses reported extensive Israeli raids. The body of the teenage victim remains in Israeli custody.

The Palestinian news agency WAFA reported additional injuries in separate shootings near the Nur Shams refugee camp and Al-Ram, north of Jerusalem. Since October 2023, Israeli forces and settlers have killed over 1,100 Palestinians, injured around 11,000, and detained more than 21,000 in the West Bank. The International Court of Justice ruled in July that Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories is illegal and called for the evacuation of all settlements.

The latest violence underscores the ongoing volatility in the West Bank despite international legal pressure. Human rights groups warn that continued military operations risk further destabilization and humanitarian deterioration in the region.

Two journalists were injured in Shariatpur’s Sakhipur on Saturday night after being attacked by local BNP leader Mazharul Islam Sardar and his associates outside a police station. The incident occurred when the BNP leader allegedly tried to pressure police to release a detained former Youth League leader during the ongoing ‘Operation Devil Hunt’. When journalists began taking photographs, the situation escalated, leading to physical assault and attempts to seize their phones.

Police later intervened to control the situation and took the injured journalists to Vedarganj Upazila Health Complex. Local journalist associations strongly condemned the attack, calling it a blow to press freedom. The district BNP president, Shafiqul Rahman Kiran, said disciplinary action would be taken if party members were found involved and expressed regret over the incident. The Sakhipur police chief described the attack as “unfortunate” and confirmed that legal measures would follow if formal complaints were filed.

The assault has raised concerns about journalist safety and political interference in law enforcement, prompting calls for accountability and protection of media workers.

Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal has postponed its order on charge framing against 17 accused, including former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, in a case related to alleged abductions and torture at the Taskforce for Interrogation (TFI) Cell. The tribunal, led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Majumder, rescheduled the order for December 23 after defense lawyers sought additional time during Sunday’s hearing.

Ten detained army officers were produced before the tribunal from Dhaka Cantonment’s special prison. Defense counsel Mansurul Haque Chowdhury requested the delay on behalf of several officers, while Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam objected, accusing the defense of intentionally delaying proceedings. The tribunal previously ordered public notices for six absconding defendants, including former security adviser Tariq Ahmed Siddiq and ex–Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal.

The case, involving allegations of enforced disappearances and torture, marks one of the most politically sensitive proceedings since the change of government. Observers say the tribunal’s next session on December 23 will be crucial in determining whether formal charges move forward against the high-profile accused.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has collected nomination papers to contest the upcoming national election from the Bogura-6 (Sadar) constituency. The papers were received on his behalf by district BNP President Rezaul Karim Badsha from the Bogura Deputy Commissioner and Returning Officer Taufiqur Rahman on Sunday afternoon.

Following the submission, Rezaul Karim Badsha stated that Tarique Rahman’s candidacy from Bogura-6 marks a moment of pride for the party. Senior BNP leaders including Mahbubur Rahman, GM Siraj, VP Saiful Islam, Zainal Abedin Chan, and district acting general secretary Mosharraf Hossain were present during the collection.

Tarique Rahman, currently residing in the United Kingdom, has long been a central figure in BNP politics. His potential participation in the election could significantly influence the party’s campaign strategy and voter sentiment in northern Bangladesh, where Bogura remains a BNP stronghold.