Islamic Movement Bangladesh has accused the Election Commission (EC) of infringing on religious freedom by imposing restrictions on waz mahfils, traditional Islamic sermons held across the country during winter. In a statement released Thursday, the party’s joint secretary general and spokesperson, Maulana Gazi Ataur Rahman, said such events are deeply rooted in Bangladeshi culture and banning them during the election period would be seen as an attack on religious rights.

Rahman argued that most preachers are non-political and focus solely on religious teachings. He warned that limiting these gatherings could create public resentment toward the government and the EC. The statement also noted that religious speakers often address issues like corruption and injustice, which should not be misinterpreted as political speech.

The party urged the EC to withdraw the restrictions, emphasizing that freedom of religious expression must be preserved even during election periods to maintain public trust and social harmony.

Chattogram Metropolitan Police Commissioner Hasib Aziz has pledged to guarantee voter safety during Bangladesh’s upcoming national election, even if extreme measures are required. Speaking at a press briefing at the Chattogram Press Club, Aziz said the city will be placed under a comprehensive security plan to encourage voter turnout and prevent intimidation. He warned that police will not hesitate to act decisively against armed groups operating in the city.

Aziz identified several local gangs, including the Sajjad, Laltu, and Poltu groups, as threats to public security, asserting that no force other than the police will be allowed to operate. He noted that 80% of previously looted police weapons have been recovered, while the rest are believed to be in the hands of separatist groups in hill areas. Additional security will be deployed in minority and high-crime polling centers.

The commissioner also criticized past administrations for aligning state institutions, calling it a cause of authoritarian governance. He urged officers to remain firm yet polite, emphasizing that public confidence and safety are the true measures of police success.

Bangladesh’s Ministry of Education has issued an urgent directive instructing all private schools and colleges to collect tuition fees strictly in accordance with the revised student admission policy. The notice, signed by Deputy Secretary Syed A.Z. Morshed Ali from the Secondary and Higher Education Division, emphasizes adherence to the updated 2026 academic year guidelines.

According to the circular, institutions must follow the 2024 Tuition Fee Policy schedules A, B, and C when determining and collecting fees. The revised admission policy for private schools and colleges, covering secondary, lower secondary, and attached primary levels, was officially published on November 19, 2025. The ministry’s directive aims to ensure transparency and uniformity in fee collection practices across private educational institutions.

Education officials said the move seeks to prevent arbitrary fee hikes and protect guardians from financial exploitation. Schools have been asked to implement the policy immediately and report compliance to the ministry. Monitoring mechanisms are expected to be strengthened ahead of the 2026 academic session.

Bangladesh’s Rapid Action Battalion (RAB-6) has arrested Md. Ijazul Hossain, a listed top criminal and active member of the 'Grenade Babu' gang, for his alleged direct involvement in the daylight double murder at the Khulna District and Sessions Judge Court premises. He was detained on December 17 from the Aichgati area across the Rupsha River. According to RAB, Ijazul confessed to participating in the killing of Fazle Rabbi Rajon and Hasib Howlader on November 30.

RAB officials stated that seven attackers took part in the assault, which stemmed from a long-standing feud between the 'Grenade Babu' and 'Palash' gangs over territorial control, drug trade profits, and extortion money. CCTV and mobile footage captured Ijazul at the scene, leading to his arrest. The victims’ families did not initially file a case, prompting police to register two cases under murder and arms laws on December 3.

Authorities continue to investigate the broader network behind the attack as law enforcement intensifies operations against organized crime groups in Khulna.

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 220 million and conducting suspicious transactions totaling Tk 870 million. The charges were confirmed by ACC Director General Md. Akhter Hossain on Thursday.

According to the chargesheet, Kamal, while serving as a public official, abused his authority to acquire assets inconsistent with his known sources of income. Investigators also found evidence of money laundering through nine bank accounts, allegedly used to conceal or transfer illicit funds. The charges were filed under the Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2004, the Prevention of Corruption Act 1947, and the Money Laundering Prevention Act 2012.

Kamal was previously sentenced to death by the International Crimes Tribunal in November for crimes against humanity during the July uprising. The new corruption case adds to his legal troubles, signaling intensified scrutiny of former high-ranking officials accused of financial and wartime offenses.

Osman Hadi, a prominent activist associated with the July Revolution movement, passed away on Thursday night in Dhaka. His brother, Omar Hadi, confirmed the news to the newspaper *Amar Desh* around 9:40 p.m. The cause of death was not immediately disclosed, and further details are expected to follow as family members and associates prepare for funeral arrangements.

Hadi was known for his involvement in the July Revolution, a political movement that sought reform and accountability in Bangladesh’s governance. His passing has prompted tributes from fellow activists and political observers who recall his dedication to democratic ideals. Reports indicate that one of his brothers is traveling to Singapore, possibly for medical or family reasons, while others are coordinating memorial events.

A symbolic funeral prayer is scheduled for Friday, and student groups at Dhaka University have announced demonstrations and tributes in his honor. Authorities are monitoring gatherings as political tensions remain heightened following recent protests.

The National Press Club of Bangladesh has temporarily suspended its Management Committee Election for the 2026–2027 term, originally scheduled for December 31. The Election Conducting Committee, chaired by S.A.M. Shawkat Hossain, announced the decision in a notice signed by all committee members on Thursday.

According to the notice, nearly all candidates for the president position and all but one for the general secretary position submitted written requests to postpone the election, citing unavoidable circumstances. Following discussions with the club’s management committee, the election body unanimously decided to suspend the vote until further notice.

The committee stated that the next steps and a new schedule will be announced in due course. The temporary suspension reflects internal consensus among candidates and organizers to ensure a fair and participatory process once conditions permit.

Global gold prices surged again this week, nearing record highs as investors turned to the precious metal amid a weakening U.S. dollar and falling Treasury yields. In Dubai, 24-carat gold rose to 524.50 dirhams per gram on Thursday, just below the year’s peak of 525.25 dirhams recorded in October. Prices for other purities also climbed, with 22-carat gold at 485.75 dirhams and 18-carat at 399.25 dirhams.

Analysts attribute the rise to concerns over the U.S. Federal Reserve’s independence and fears of political interference, which have heightened uncertainty in financial markets. Hani Abuagla, senior market analyst at XTB MENA, noted that geopolitical tensions across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia are further driving demand for gold as a safe-haven asset.

Experts describe 2025 as a pivotal year for gold, with inflation trends, economic slowdowns, and potential restrictive policies likely to sustain upward pressure on prices. Investors are expected to closely monitor central bank actions and global risk developments in the coming months.

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has recovered 150,000 yaba tablets valued at approximately Tk 45 million during a special operation in Ukhiya, Cox’s Bazar. The seizure took place early Thursday morning when a patrol team from BGB’s 64th Battalion spotted a suspect crossing from Myanmar. Upon being challenged, the individual abandoned a black plastic bag and fled across the Naf River back into Myanmar.

According to Lieutenant Colonel Mohammad Jasim Uddin, commander of the Ukhiya Battalion, the confiscated drugs were found inside airtight blue packets within the bag. Intelligence surveillance has been intensified to identify and arrest the fleeing trafficker. The recovered yaba consignment is being handed over to Ukhiya Police Station for further legal procedures.

BGB officials reaffirmed their commitment to combating cross-border drug trafficking and smuggling, emphasizing that such operations will continue. The seizure underscores the persistent challenge of narcotics entering Bangladesh through the Myanmar border, a hotspot for yaba trafficking in recent years.

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) of Bangladesh has introduced a new sub-module called 'Truck Movement' under the ASYCUDA World System to digitally monitor the movement of goods-laden trucks entering from India. The system electronically records each truck’s entry, duration of stay, and return of empty vehicles, replacing the previous manual process that was time-consuming and prone to errors. A pilot program began on December 15 at the Benapole Customs House in Jashore.

According to the NBR, the automated system will ensure real-time tracking and reporting of cross-border truck movements, improving efficiency in data management and minimizing revenue leakage. Officials believe the initiative will strengthen transparency and accountability in customs operations while enhancing border security. The NBR emphasized that accurate data will also help improve customs supervision and tax collection.

The revenue authority plans to expand the 'Truck Movement' module to all land ports across the country soon. Experts expect the system to modernize import operations, streamline border trade, and support Bangladesh’s broader digital governance goals.

Nine Bangladeshi fishermen were reportedly detained by members of the Arakan Army while fishing near Shah Porir Island in Teknaf, Cox’s Bazar, on Thursday morning. According to Teknaf Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md. Inamul Hafiz Nadim, the fishermen were taken away by armed men in speedboats from the sea area bordering Myanmar.

Local fisherman Md. Belal said the group was fishing in two engine-powered boats when the Arakan Army chased and captured them. The detainees, all residents of Dangarpara village on Shah Porir Island, have been identified by local authorities. The Upazila administration has informed the Coast Guard and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), who are maintaining communication with relevant agencies to verify the incident and secure their release.

Officials said the situation is being closely monitored amid growing security concerns along the maritime border with Myanmar. The incident underscores ongoing cross-border tensions and the risks faced by Bangladeshi fishermen operating near disputed waters.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has formally requested the Ministry of Railways to arrange special trains or reserve additional carriages on seven major routes ahead of Acting Chairman Tareque Rahman’s scheduled return from the United Kingdom on December 25, 2025. The application, submitted by Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, aims to facilitate travel for supporters expected to gather in Dhaka to welcome Rahman.

According to the BNP’s letter, the party anticipates a large influx of people from across the country and has pledged to pay the government-approved fares for the reserved trains. The proposed routes include Cox’s Bazar–Dhaka, Sylhet–Dhaka, Jamalpur–Mymensingh–Dhaka, Tangail–Dhaka, Chapainawabganj–Rajshahi–Dhaka, Panchagarh–Nilphamari–Parbatipur–Dhaka, and Kurigram–Rangpur–Dhaka.

The Ministry of Railways has yet to respond to the request. Observers note that the move underscores the BNP’s efforts to mobilize nationwide participation in Rahman’s homecoming, which could have significant political and logistical implications for Dhaka’s transport and security management.

A Dhaka court on Thursday granted a three-day remand for Sibion Diu and Sanjoy Chisim, who were arrested for allegedly helping Faisal Karim Masud flee to India following the attempted murder of Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of the political-cultural platform Inquilab Moncho. The order was issued by Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Jashita Islam after police sought seven days of remand for interrogation.

According to investigators, the two suspects were detained from Mymensingh’s Haluaghat and Dubaura areas. The prosecution argued that their interrogation was necessary to trace Masud’s escape route and identify other accomplices. No defense lawyer was present during the hearing. The case was filed on December 14 by Inquilab Moncho’s member secretary Abdullah Al Jaber.

Hadi was shot on December 12 in Dhaka’s Paltan area by unidentified assailants on a motorcycle and remains in critical condition in a Singapore hospital. Several other suspects, including Masud’s family members and associates, have already been placed on remand as the investigation expands.

Police in Dhaka have recovered the body of Jannatara Rumi, a leader of the National Citizen Party (NCP), from a privately owned women’s hostel in Jigatola. Authorities are investigating whether her death was a suicide or a homicide. Rumi had filed a general diary (GD) at Dhanmondi Police Station a month earlier, citing death and assault threats from social media accounts linked to activists of the banned Awami League. She reported being targeted for her political activities and expressed fears for her safety.

According to party colleagues, Rumi had been subjected to sustained cyberbullying and threats for nearly two months, which left her psychologically distressed. Despite her GD, police reportedly provided no effective protection. Family members stated that Rumi had been battling depression following two failed marriages and was under psychiatric care. Police confirmed that an unnatural death case has been filed, with the family attributing her death to mental health struggles.

The case has sparked debate over online harassment, political intimidation, and the adequacy of law enforcement response to threats against opposition figures.

More than 200 leaders and activists from the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) have joined Jamaat-e-Islami in Patgram upazila of Lalmonirhat. The group, led by Burimari Union BNP adviser Rezwan Hossain and expelled Krishak Dal ward secretary Abdul Mannan, formally joined Jamaat at a gathering held at Hossain’s residence on Thursday afternoon. The event was attended by Jamaat’s Lalmonirhat-1 candidate Anwarul Islam Raju and several local Jamaat leaders.

Rezwan Hossain stated that he left the BNP after losing confidence in its activities, adding that his decision had prompted the local BNP unit to expel him the previous night. The Patgram BNP leadership confirmed his expulsion in a press release, citing violations of party discipline and damage to its image.

The mass defection highlights ongoing political realignments at the grassroots level ahead of national elections. Analysts suggest such shifts could influence local campaign dynamics, particularly in northern constituencies where both parties have strong organizational bases.