Bangladesh’s main opposition party BNP did not attend an all-party protest rally at Dhaka’s Shaheed Minar on Monday, organized by Inqilab Mancha to condemn the shooting of independent candidate Sharif Osman Hadi. Although BNP leaders expressed solidarity over the phone, their absence drew attention as representatives from Jamaat-e-Islami, NCP, and other anti-government groups were present.

Party insiders said BNP avoided the event to prevent being drawn into controversy or provocation, especially after senior leader Mirza Abbas faced hostility while visiting Hadi earlier. Analysts noted that the party’s leadership wanted to avoid any incident that could disrupt the pre-election environment or link BNP to inflammatory speeches.

The rally featured strong anti-India rhetoric from former adviser Mahfuz Alam and NCP leader Hasnat Abdullah, which observers said validated BNP’s caution. Political analysts believe the party’s restraint signals a strategic effort to maintain stability and distance itself from radical narratives ahead of the upcoming national election.

Bangladesh’s Rapid Action Battalion (RAB-1) has arrested alleged top criminal Altaf, also known as 'Thotkata Altaf', along with two associates in Tongi, Gazipur. The arrests were made early Monday during a raid at the Tongi BSCIC industrial area in connection with an attempted murder case filed by Yusuf Ali Redwan, a member of the group 'July Rebels'. Altaf, 46, is the son of Nayeb Ali from Dhaka’s Dakshinkhan area and faces 16 prior criminal cases across multiple police stations.

According to RAB, the arrests followed a violent attack on December 13 in Uttara, where Altaf and his group allegedly assaulted Redwan with local weapons after a protest event, leaving him critically injured. The attack also involved vandalism and intimidation near the July Rebels’ office. RAB confirmed the arrests through a press release issued by Senior Assistant Director Md Rakib Hasan.

Authorities have handed the detainees over to local police for further legal action. The incident underscores ongoing concerns about organized crime and political violence in Dhaka’s suburban areas.

Several members of the pro-Palestinian group Palestine Action have been hospitalized in the United Kingdom after more than 40 days of hunger strike. According to legal documents reviewed by Sky News, five of the eight detainees have been admitted to hospital, marking the country’s largest hunger strike since 1981. The protesters are facing charges related to break-ins at an Israel-linked defense firm and a Royal Air Force base attack that damaged two military jets.

The deteriorating health of detainees, including Kamran Ahmed and Qaiser Zuhrah, has drawn urgent appeals from lawmakers. Labour MP John McDonnell called the situation an emergency, urging Justice Secretary David Lammy to intervene, while MP Zarah Sultana warned the government could face moral responsibility if deaths occur. In contrast, Conservative MP Rupert Lowe dismissed the strikers, saying he had “no sympathy” for them.

The escalating crisis has intensified political divisions over protest rights and the UK’s handling of pro-Palestinian activism, with growing public scrutiny of the government’s response.

U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed sorrow over the sentencing of Hong Kong media entrepreneur and pro-democracy figure Jimmy Lai, urging Chinese President Xi Jinping to consider his release. Speaking to reporters, Trump said he had discussed the matter with Xi, citing humanitarian grounds due to Lai’s age and health condition. Lai, the 78-year-old founder of the now-defunct Apple Daily newspaper, was convicted under Hong Kong’s national security law and faces a potential life sentence.

Following Trump’s remarks, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio condemned the verdict, calling it evidence of China’s suppression of free speech and democratic rights. Rubio reminded that China had pledged to maintain Hong Kong’s separate judicial system after the 1997 handover. Rights groups and Christian activists, many of whom support Trump, have also demanded Lai’s immediate release, citing his deteriorating health after more than 1,800 days in detention.

Analysts view Lai’s conviction as part of Beijing’s broader crackdown on dissent following the 2019 pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong, deepening concerns over the erosion of the city’s autonomy and press freedom.

Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus declared that the defeated fascist forces will never return to the country, during a televised address to the nation on Victory Day, December 16, 2025. His speech, broadcast simultaneously on BTV, Bangladesh Betar, and private channels, urged citizens to remain united and vigilant ahead of the upcoming national elections.

Yunus warned that certain groups were attempting to destabilize the country before the polls, but assured that the government had identified those involved in recent conspiracies. Referring to the critical condition of Sharif Osman Hadi, who is receiving treatment in Singapore, he said all necessary measures had been taken for his safety and care. The Chief Adviser emphasized that no one involved in violent plots would be spared.

Calling for restraint and rejecting misinformation, Yunus urged the public not to fall for provocations. He reaffirmed that Bangladesh’s democratic journey would continue despite threats, and that fascist and terrorist elements would be decisively defeated.

A fatal road accident occurred on Tuesday morning in Raiganj upazila of Sirajganj district, where a truck struck a motorcycle from behind, killing the rider and injuring his wife. The deceased was identified as Akbar Hossain, son of the late Zainal Abedin from Mirpur, Dhaka. His wife was taken to Raiganj Upazila Health Complex for treatment.

According to Hatikumrul Highway Police Station Officer-in-Charge Ismail Hossain, the couple was traveling toward Bogura when the accident took place around 9:30 a.m. near Bhuyagati Palli Bidyut intersection on the Dhaka–Bogura highway. Police have initiated an investigation into the incident, and the truck involved reportedly fled the scene.

The accident highlights ongoing road safety concerns on major highways in Bangladesh, where collisions involving heavy vehicles remain frequent. Authorities continue to urge stricter enforcement of traffic laws and improved driver awareness to reduce such fatalities.

Police in Ranisankail, Thakurgaon, arrested former mayor and local Jubo League president Alamgir Sarkar on Monday evening under the Explosives Act. The arrest took place at his residence in Bhandara as part of the nationwide 'Devil Hunt-2' operation, which aims to detain individuals accused in various criminal cases.

Sarkar, a controversial figure, previously drew public attention for his aggressive behavior toward journalists. In 2018, he allegedly threatened a local reporter who exposed irregularities in municipal road construction and made a provocative remark about creating '21,000 journalists in one day' to counter criticism. Police confirmed that Sarkar has been sent to the Thakurgaon court following his arrest.

The case highlights ongoing tensions between political figures and the press in regional Bangladesh. Authorities have not disclosed further details about the specific charges, but the arrest underscores the government's broader crackdown on politically linked criminal activities under the current operation.

The United States has suspended its technology cooperation agreement with the United Kingdom, known as the Tech Prosperity Deal, which was designed to strengthen collaboration in artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and civilian nuclear energy. The Financial Times reported that the suspension occurred last week, with British officials confirming the move.

According to the report, the Trump administration is pressuring the UK to make broader trade concessions beyond the technology partnership. US officials have grown frustrated with London’s reluctance to ease non-tariff barriers, including regulations on food and industrial products. A UK government spokesperson emphasized that the “special relationship” remains strong and reaffirmed Britain’s commitment to ensuring the deal benefits workers in both nations.

The suspension marks a setback for transatlantic tech cooperation at a time when both countries are seeking to expand their roles in emerging technologies. Analysts suggest the pause could delay joint research initiatives and investment flows, though negotiations may resume if trade disputes are resolved.

A joint security force in Boalmari, Faridpur, arrested Shamim Bin Ismail, a 22-year-old leader of the BNP’s student wing, Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, early Tuesday. The operation, conducted late Monday night at his home in the Sotashi Momin Market area, led to the recovery of 49 Yaba tablets and various bomb-making materials. Authorities filed separate cases under the Narcotics Control Act and the Explosives Act.

Boalmari Police Officer-in-Charge Anwar Hossain confirmed the arrest, stating that it followed a tip-off about illegal activities. The suspect was presented before a Faridpur court on Tuesday morning. Law enforcement officials said they are investigating whether others were involved in the alleged activities.

The arrest has stirred local attention, with residents expressing concern over the presence of explosives in the area. Police have intensified surveillance and indicated that further arrests could follow based on ongoing investigations.

On Tuesday, marking Bangladesh’s Victory Day, the Jatiyatabadi Jubo Dal, youth wing of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), paid tribute at the mausoleum of late President Ziaur Rahman in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka. The delegation, led by Jubo Dal President Abdul Monayem Munna and General Secretary Nurul Islam Noyon, laid floral wreaths and prayed for the martyrs of the Liberation War.

During the ceremony, Jubo Dal leaders reaffirmed their commitment to uphold democracy and national sovereignty, emphasizing Ziaur Rahman’s ideals of independence and multi-party democracy. They urged the youth to play a more active role in restoring democratic rights and protecting the spirit of the Liberation War.

The event comes amid renewed political mobilization by opposition groups ahead of upcoming national political activities, highlighting the BNP’s continued efforts to engage younger supporters through symbolic acts of remembrance and unity.

Interim Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus delivered a televised address to the nation on Bangladesh’s Victory Day 2025, where he expressed deep concern over the health of BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia. He noted that the government has been monitoring her condition closely since the beginning of her illness and reaffirmed that she remains an integral figure in the country’s political and democratic history.

Yunus emphasized that the interim government has officially recognized Khaleda Zia as a ‘state figure of special importance,’ acknowledging her contributions to Bangladesh’s independence, sovereignty, and democratic development. He assured that all necessary medical support is being provided in accordance with her family’s wishes, including the possibility of advanced treatment abroad if required.

The statement comes amid heightened public attention to Khaleda Zia’s health and signals the interim administration’s intent to maintain a respectful and inclusive political environment during the transition period.

Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has declared that those involved in the recent attack on activist Sharif Osman Hadi will face justice, assuring the nation that no conspirator will be spared. In a televised address marking Victory Day on December 16, Yunus described the assault as an attack on the country’s democratic journey and national integrity.

Hadi, spokesperson for the Inquilab Mancha and a key figure in the July uprising, remains in critical condition and has been transferred to Singapore for advanced treatment. The government has reportedly identified several suspects and tightened security around key political figures. Yunus condemned what he called attempts by “defeated fascist forces” to destabilize the country through violence and urged citizens to remain calm and avoid misinformation.

The statement signals the interim government’s determination to maintain stability amid political tension. Authorities are expected to announce further investigative measures in the coming days as public concern over political violence continues to rise.

Bangladesh’s Interim Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus delivered a televised address on Victory Day 2025, calling for national unity, peaceful elections, and public endorsement of the July National Charter through the upcoming February 12 general election and referendum. He condemned the recent attack on activist Sharif Osman Hadi, describing it as an assault on democracy, and assured that those responsible would face justice. Yunus also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring medical care for former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia.

The Chief Adviser highlighted major institutional reforms, including judicial independence, a new Police Commission Ordinance, and a restructured Human Rights Commission. He emphasized that the July Charter represents a historic opportunity for citizens to shape a corruption-free, accountable democracy. For the first time, expatriate Bangladeshis will be able to vote by postal ballot. Yunus urged all political parties to ensure a festive, violence-free election environment.

Analysts view the speech as a defining moment in Bangladesh’s democratic transition, setting the tone for a potentially transformative election that could determine the country’s political and constitutional trajectory for decades.

In the run-up to Bangladesh’s upcoming national election, political parties are facing a surge of misinformation and propaganda on social media. False and distorted information, often spread using AI-generated content and fake media photo cards, has become a major concern for parties such as Jamaat-e-Islami, BNP, and Islami Andolon Bangladesh. The rapid spread of fabricated statements and doctored visuals has extended from online platforms to mainstream television talk shows, creating confusion among voters and embarrassment for political leaders.

Party officials and digital experts warn that the misuse of AI tools and fake news tactics is undermining public trust and destabilizing the pre-election environment. Jamaat leaders have urged the Election Commission and government to ensure a level playing field by curbing disinformation, while fact-checkers report that much of the content originates both domestically and from abroad, particularly India. Analysts caution that without strict enforcement and public awareness, the disinformation wave could intensify, posing risks to electoral integrity and political stability in the coming months.

Two police officers were killed in a road accident on Tuesday afternoon near the toll plaza on the western side of the Lalon Shah Bridge in Bheramara, Pabna. The victims were Inspector Mozaharul Islam, newly appointed Officer-in-Charge of the Detective Branch (DB) at Ishwardi Police Station, and Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Kayes Uddin. The accident occurred when a covered van struck their motorcycle, killing both officers on the spot.

Additional Superintendent of Police Pranab Kumar Sarkar confirmed the incident, noting that Inspector Mozaharul had joined his new post only a day earlier. Following the crash, highway police recovered the bodies and transferred them to the Bheramara Upazila Health Complex. Legal procedures are underway before handing the bodies over to their families.

The tragic deaths have cast a pall of grief over the local police force, with colleagues expressing condolences and emphasizing the risks officers face while performing their duties on the road.