The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) of Bangladesh has approved a chargesheet against former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, his wife, and two children for allegedly amassing illegal wealth worth over Tk 225.8 million. The announcement was made at a press briefing in Dhaka, where ACC Director General (Prevention) Md Akhter Hossain confirmed the move. Kamal, who reportedly fled to India after being sentenced to death in a separate case, faces allegations of abuse of power, bribery, money laundering, and corruption.

According to the ACC, the investigation revealed suspicious transactions totaling Tk 874.6 million across nine bank accounts linked to Kamal. The chargesheet also accuses his family members of aiding in concealing illicit funds through property and business ventures. The case was originally filed in October 2024 by ACC Deputy Director Md Jahangir Alam.

Legal analysts suggest the case could become a key test of Bangladesh’s anti-corruption enforcement, especially involving high-profile political figures. The court is expected to set a hearing date soon, while the ACC continues to trace additional assets allegedly tied to the former minister.

Bangladeshi coalition July Oikya has issued a 72-hour ultimatum to the Indian government, demanding an explanation for a statement by India’s Ministry of External Affairs that described its recent ‘March to Indian High Commission’ protest as an extremist movement. The ultimatum was announced at an emergency press conference held at Dhaka University’s Madhur Canteen, where organizers condemned the Indian characterization as a violation of diplomatic norms and an affront to democratic rights.

July Oikya, a coalition of over 100 social, cultural, and political groups, accused India of undermining Bangladesh’s sovereignty and shielding individuals allegedly involved in past human rights abuses. Group leader A.B. Zubair called for Indian High Commissioner Pranay Kumar Verma to be declared persona non grata under the Vienna Convention, citing loss of diplomatic trust. The coalition also announced nationwide protests in Chattogram, Barishal, and Sylhet on December 19.

If the Bangladesh Foreign Ministry fails to seek clarification from New Delhi within the deadline, July Oikya warned it will march to the ministry on December 23 to submit a memorandum. The standoff adds new strain to Bangladesh–India relations amid ongoing regional political sensitivities.

National Citizen Party (NCP) leader Hasnat Abdullah declared that opposition activists from BNP and Jamaat, along with anti-fascist supporters, would stand as a shield to protect him. He made the remarks during an election march and courtyard meeting at Barur village in Jafarganj Union, Debidwar upazila of Cumilla on Thursday night.

Hasnat Abdullah praised those who have long opposed what he called fascist politics, noting that many endured imprisonment and harassment for their beliefs. He emphasized that local women and supporters would be enough to defend him against threats, followed by BNP-Jamaat activists. Rejecting intimidation politics, he said that fear cannot win people’s love or sustain leadership.

The event was attended by local NCP, Jubo Shakti, and Chhatra Shakti members, along with residents from various professions. Hasnat’s comments come amid heightened political tensions in the region ahead of upcoming elections, reflecting growing alliances between smaller parties and opposition groups.

Mahmudur Rahman, editor of the Bangladeshi newspaper *Amar Desh*, has called on citizens to remain calm following the death of activist Sharif Osman Hadi in a Singapore hospital on Thursday night. Hadi, described as a young leader in the anti-Indian hegemony movement, passed away while undergoing treatment. Rahman expressed deep sorrow and urged the government to grant Hadi a state funeral and declare a national day of mourning in recognition of his contributions.

In his statement, Rahman emphasized that Hadi’s revolutionary ideals should inspire future generations and asked supporters to attend the funeral peacefully and in an orderly manner. He warned that “enemies of the nation” might exploit any unrest arising from public emotion over Hadi’s death. Rahman also prayed for patience and strength for Hadi’s family and colleagues.

The call for restraint comes amid heightened political sensitivities, as authorities reportedly denied permission for funeral prayers in Singapore. Observers note that Rahman’s appeal seeks to prevent potential clashes while maintaining Hadi’s symbolic legacy within nationalist circles.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has collected nomination papers to contest from the Thakurgaon-1 constituency in the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. The papers were collected on his behalf on Thursday, December 18, by former district BNP vice-president Nur-e-Shahadat Swajan, confirmed District Election Officer Md. Waliullah.

Following the announcement, local BNP leaders and supporters expressed enthusiasm, with discussions spreading across tea stalls and community gatherings in Thakurgaon. Swajan stated that he collected the forms as instructed by Mirza Fakhrul, who had earlier declared his intention to run from the same seat during a press conference in Dhaka on November 3.

The move marks the beginning of BNP’s formal participation in the upcoming election process. Political observers note that Mirza Fakhrul’s candidacy could energize the party’s grassroots in northern Bangladesh, though challenges remain amid the broader political climate and electoral uncertainties.

Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) has reported that 98.9% of households in the country now use mobile phones, reflecting the deep penetration of mobile technology across both rural and urban areas. The data comes from the first-quarter report of the 2025–26 ICT Use and Application Survey, conducted between July and September 2025, covering over 61,000 households nationwide.

According to the survey, 72.4% of households use smartphones, a slight decline from 72.8% in the previous fiscal year. Individual mobile phone usage, however, rose to 80.6% from 78.9% last year. Internet usage also increased modestly, reaching 48.9% of the population. Gender disparities persist: 80.9% of men and 78.8% of women use mobile phones, but ownership rates remain lower among women (52.8%) than men (63.2%).

Urban households show higher smartphone adoption (80.8%) compared to rural ones (68.8%). BBS noted that such data will help policymakers assess progress toward Sustainable Development Goals and design targeted ICT development programs.

A 12-second video filmed in Netrakona’s Purbadhala upazila has triggered widespread outrage after going viral on social media. The footage, showing a young man appearing to harass a girl near a madrasa, was later revealed to be a staged act recorded by twin brothers Roman and Rakib, both 18, with a 13-year-old boy playing the female role. The video was reportedly made to gain online views under their page ‘Rakib is Skating Blog.’

Local authorities confirmed the video was pre-planned and condemned the act as socially harmful. Purbadhala Union Council Chairman Siddiqur Rahman Bulbul warned that such content spreads fear among schoolgirls and urged legal action. Police said the accused have gone into hiding and their social media page has been removed. The Upazila Nirbahi Officer has directed police to take immediate legal measures.

The incident highlights growing concerns over the misuse of social media for sensational content and its psychological impact on communities. Law enforcement continues efforts to locate and arrest the suspects.

A 5.1-magnitude earthquake struck about 18 kilometers from Hualien in eastern Taiwan on Thursday, according to the island’s Central Weather Administration. The quake occurred at a depth of approximately 31.6 kilometers. Initial reports from Reuters indicated no immediate casualties or significant property damage. Buildings in Taipei and nearby areas briefly swayed as the tremor was felt across the region.

Authorities are monitoring the situation closely, though no emergency alerts have been issued. Taiwan, located at the junction of two tectonic plates, experiences frequent seismic activity. The island has a history of powerful earthquakes, including a 2016 quake in southern Taiwan that killed more than 100 people and a devastating 7.3-magnitude quake in 1999 that claimed over 2,000 lives.

Experts note that while Thursday’s quake was moderate, it serves as a reminder of Taiwan’s ongoing vulnerability to seismic hazards and the importance of continued preparedness and infrastructure resilience.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar has accused law enforcement and intelligence agencies of repeated failures in maintaining national stability. Speaking at a courtyard meeting in Kharnia Union, Dumuria, Khulna, on Thursday, he said that while citizens are preparing for elections, a group is attempting to destabilize the situation through violence, referring to the shooting of Inquilab Mancha convener Sharif Osman Hadi.

Parwar urged government institutions to strengthen monitoring and called on political parties to cooperate in ensuring a peaceful election under the government’s declared timeline. He emphasized the need for tolerance, patience, and sincerity among political actors, and urged the media to act responsibly in coordination with both parties and the public.

Addressing another event in Bamundia, he called for national unity across gender, religion, and ethnicity to build a new Bangladesh after recent upheavals, and encouraged citizens to support a referendum providing legal basis for the July Charter reforms.

The FIFA World Cup 2026 Trophy is scheduled to arrive in Bangladesh on January 14, 2026, as part of the official global trophy tour organized by Coca-Cola. The Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) confirmed the visit earlier, and Coca-Cola issued an official statement detailing the event. Football fans in Bangladesh will have the opportunity to view the iconic trophy up close and take photographs during its stay.

According to Coca-Cola Vice President Mikael Vinet, the tour aims to bring fans closer to the heart of the game and celebrate the passion and excitement that define football. The 150-day global tour will cover 30 FIFA member countries and showcase the trophy in 75 locations. FIFA Chief Business Officer Romy Gai highlighted that this year’s tour marks the 20th anniversary of the FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour by Coca-Cola, which has visited 182 of FIFA’s 211 member nations since its inception.

In Bangladesh, Coca-Cola has also launched an interactive “Under the Cap” campaign, offering fans a chance to win tickets to see the trophy and take photos with it.

Bangladeshi shuttlers Al Amin Zumar–Moeazzem Hossain Ohidul and Masud Ahmed–Sadakat Robin advanced to the quarterfinals of the Yonex-Sunrise Bangladesh International Challenge 2025 after impressive performances in the pre-quarterfinals. Zumar and Ohidul defeated India’s Devart Mann and Saurav Nain 21–19, 17–21, 21–14, while Masud and Robin staged a comeback to beat Malaysia’s Liu Wen Ji and Jia Li Tan 14–21, 21–14, 21–17. The quarterfinal matches are scheduled for Friday, December 19, at the Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmed Indoor Stadium in Dhaka.

Other Bangladeshi pairs faced early exits. Mostafizur Rahman Lipton–Rafiul Raid lost to Vietnam’s Bui Dan–Nguyen Duc, and Rahatun Naim–Mizanur Rahman fell to India’s Swastik Matharasan–Gokul. In women’s doubles, Dalia–Mathina and Reshma–Brishti were eliminated by British and Indian pairs respectively. Mixed doubles duo Sifat Ullah–Brishti Khatun also lost to an Indian team. Despite these setbacks, the home side’s doubles success offered hope for Bangladesh’s badminton prospects.

The tournament continues with quarterfinal action tomorrow, as local fans anticipate further breakthroughs from the advancing Bangladeshi pairs.

Australia strengthened their hold on the Ashes series after dominating the second day of the third Test in Adelaide. The hosts posted a total of 371 runs, led by Alex Carey’s century and solid contributions from Usman Khawaja and Mitchell Starc. England’s reply faltered badly, reaching only 213 for eight at stumps, still trailing by 158 runs with just two wickets in hand.

England’s batting woes continued as early wickets fell cheaply, leaving them struggling at 59 for three before lunch. Only Ben Stokes and Harry Brook offered resistance, while captain Pat Cummins returned to form with three wickets for 54 runs. Mitchell Starc, who earlier scored a half-century, went wicketless but maintained pressure with the ball.

With Australia already leading the five-Test series 2–0, another victory in Adelaide would secure the Ashes. England’s hopes now rest on Stokes and Jofra Archer, who remain unbeaten, but the deficit and lack of batting depth make a comeback highly unlikely.

National Citizen Party (NCP) central organizing secretary for the southern region, Hasnat Abdullah, emphasized peaceful political competition during a series of campaign rallies across Cumilla-4’s Debidwar constituency. Speaking in Elahabad and Jafarganj unions, he declared that love and public trust cannot be won through fear or violence, asserting that his campaign would focus on constructive work rather than confrontation.

Abdullah accused rival political groups of using phone threats and intimidation to influence voters, claiming such actions stem from their own insecurity. He also vowed to end extortion and tender manipulation if elected, suggesting that opposition to his campaign arises from vested interests. Addressing threats to his life, Abdullah expressed confidence in local women and residents to protect him, adding that even opposition activists would stand against fascism.

The NCP candidate’s remarks come amid heightened political activity ahead of the upcoming national elections, as parties intensify grassroots campaigns across Bangladesh’s constituencies.

Bangladesh received $2 billion in remittances during the first 17 days of December 2025, marking a 14% increase compared to the same period last year, according to Bangladesh Bank spokesperson Arif Hossain Khan. The central bank’s data shows that expatriate income continues to rise steadily, reflecting stronger inflows through formal banking channels.

In November 2025, remittances totaled $2.889 billion, up 31.37% from $2.199 billion in November 2024, making it the highest monthly inflow in six months. From July to December 17 of the current fiscal year, Bangladesh received $15.04 billion in remittances, compared with $12.89 billion during the same period last year—a 16.7% year-on-year growth.

Economists attribute the surge to improved exchange rate management and incentives for remittance senders. The continued rise in remittance inflows is expected to support Bangladesh’s foreign exchange reserves and help stabilize the local currency amid global economic uncertainty.

Bangladesh police have arrested 67 individuals across eight districts of Rangpur Division during a 24-hour operation named ‘Devil Hunt Phase-2’. The detainees are reportedly members and affiliates of the banned Awami League and its associated organizations. The arrests took place between Wednesday and Thursday morning, confirmed Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Aminul Islam of the Rangpur Range.

According to police sources, the operation covered Rangpur, Kurigram, Lalmonirhat, Nilphamari, Gaibandha, Dinajpur, Thakurgaon, and Panchagarh districts. Those arrested face charges related to murder, attempted murder, and terrorism under the Anti-Terrorism Act, many linked to the anti-discrimination student movement. DIG Islam described the operation as part of a broader effort to curb political violence and enforce the ban on the party’s activities.

Authorities have not disclosed whether further arrests are expected, but security operations are likely to continue across northern Bangladesh as part of the ongoing crackdown on banned political networks.