Bangladesh Betar, the state-owned radio broadcaster, celebrates its 85th anniversary on December 16, 2025, coinciding with Victory Day. Established in 1939 on Nazimuddin Road, Dhaka, the institution has played a defining role in the nation’s history—from broadcasting the 1971 Liberation War’s message of resistance to serving as a stabilizing voice during the 2024 mass uprising. Throughout decades of political upheaval, Betar has remained a trusted medium for verified information and national dialogue.

During the Liberation War, the ‘Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra’ became a symbol of defiance and unity, inspiring freedom fighters and civilians alike through news, songs, and cultural programs. In 2024, amid widespread misinformation on social media, Betar again emerged as a reliable source, emphasizing truth and constitutional continuity. Analysts note that its balanced reporting helped reduce public anxiety and foster civic trust.

As Bangladesh navigates post-uprising reforms, Betar’s continued relevance underscores the enduring importance of public broadcasting in promoting democratic inclusion, national identity, and responsible communication.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has filed a $50 billion defamation lawsuit against the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), alleging that a documentary segment falsely implied he directly incited the January 6, 2021, Capitol Hill attack. The suit, filed on December 15, 2025, accuses the BBC of editing footage in a way that damaged his reputation and caused substantial financial harm.

The disputed report aired as part of the BBC’s ‘Panorama’ series and suggested Trump had instructed supporters to storm the Capitol following his 2020 election loss to Joe Biden. Although the segment was not broadcast in the United States, it drew international attention. The BBC later issued an apology, acknowledging that the editing could have created a misleading impression. Several senior BBC officials reportedly resigned after the controversy.

Legal analysts say the case could test the boundaries of international defamation law and media accountability. The lawsuit adds to Trump’s ongoing legal battles as he continues to challenge portrayals of his role in the Capitol unrest.

On the night of December 16, 2025, citizens in Rangpur gathered at the Central Shaheed Minar to honor the martyrs of Bangladesh’s Liberation War. Among them was six-year-old Malaicha Rahman, holding a placard reading “Bangladesh Awaits Osman Hadi,” symbolizing the nation’s concern for Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of Inquilab Mancha, who remains critically injured after a recent shooting.

Political leaders from the BNP, Jatiya Party, and National Citizens Party (NCP), along with cultural organizations, laid floral wreaths at the monument. District BNP convener Saiful Islam and several local leaders attended the midnight ceremony, calling for unity and prayers for Hadi’s recovery.

Hadi was shot in the head on December 12 by two assailants on a motorcycle in Dhaka’s Purana Paltan area. The attack has sparked widespread condemnation and renewed concerns over political violence. Authorities have yet to announce any arrests, while supporters continue to demand justice and improved security for activists.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has lifted the suspension of five local leaders from Nawabganj upazila in Dinajpur district. The decision was announced in a statement signed by Senior Joint Secretary General Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Monday. The leaders—former upazila president Md Yunus Ali, Md Azad Rahman, Md Kamruzzaman Babu, joint secretary Md Shahjahan, and treasurer Md Moharram Ali—had previously been suspended for alleged anti-organizational activities.

According to the BNP statement, the suspensions were revoked on December 15 following appeals and a subsequent review by the party’s central leadership. The move signals an effort by the BNP to consolidate internal unity ahead of potential political mobilizations.

Party insiders view the decision as part of a broader reconciliation process within the BNP’s grassroots network. Observers suggest that restoring these leaders may strengthen local organizational structures as the party prepares for upcoming political challenges and national-level engagements.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met Sudan’s army chief, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, at Riyadh’s Al-Yamamah Palace to discuss the ongoing conflict in Sudan and efforts to restore security and stability. The Saudi Press Agency reported that senior Saudi officials, including the defense and foreign ministers, attended the meeting, reflecting Riyadh’s continued diplomatic engagement in the region.

Separately, U.S. Special Envoy for Africa, Massad Boulos, met Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman to review bilateral relations and regional peace initiatives. Both sides described the talks as productive and forward-looking, emphasizing cooperation on shared priorities. Some reports suggested Boulos also met al-Burhan, though this has not been independently confirmed.

The meeting underscores Saudi Arabia’s active role in mediating the Sudanese crisis, which has persisted since April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces. Riyadh’s involvement aims to facilitate peace talks and humanitarian aid, positioning the kingdom as a key regional mediator in African stability efforts.

Saudi Arabia has executed 340 people so far in 2025, setting a new record for the second consecutive year, according to data compiled by AFP. The Saudi authorities announced three additional executions on Monday, pushing the total beyond last year’s figure of 338. The country continues to apply capital punishment for a range of offenses, including murder, drug trafficking, and terrorism-related crimes.

Human rights organizations have expressed alarm over the rising use of the death penalty, calling it the highest annual total since records began in the 1990s. Groups such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have repeatedly urged Riyadh to impose a moratorium, citing concerns over due process and fairness in trials.

Observers note that the increase in executions comes despite Saudi Arabia’s pledges to reform its justice system under Vision 2030. The trend may heighten international scrutiny and could affect the kingdom’s human rights image as it seeks greater global investment and diplomatic engagement.

A newly submitted report by Bangladesh’s National Independent Inquiry Commission has alleged that India had a close and multifaceted involvement in the 2009 BDR (Bangladesh Rifles) mutiny that killed dozens of army officers in Dhaka’s Pilkhana headquarters. The commission, which handed its findings to the Chief Adviser on November 30, claims India sought five strategic advantages from the event, including weakening Bangladesh’s military leadership, undermining its peacekeeping reputation, and increasing dependence on Indian security structures.

The report cites testimonies from military officers, intelligence sources, and foreign research, suggesting coordination between Indian intelligence agency R&AW and certain Bangladeshi political figures before the mutiny. It references alleged meetings in India’s Barasat and statements by Indian diplomat Neeraj Srivastava as indicators of prior intent. The findings also recall the 2001 Padua border clash, implying a motive for retribution.

While the report’s claims remain unverified independently, they could reignite debate over foreign interference in Bangladesh’s security affairs. Officials have not yet commented on whether the government will initiate diplomatic discussions with India regarding the allegations.

The Bangladesh Election Commission (EC) has temporarily restricted the organization of religious sermons, known as waz mahfils, without prior approval until the completion of the 13th parliamentary elections on February 12, 2025. The EC has sent letters to the Home and Religious Affairs secretaries instructing them to oversee compliance, citing the need to maintain a neutral electoral environment. Returning officers may grant exceptions with written consent, and executive magistrates are to be present at approved events.

EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed clarified that the directive is not a blanket ban but a measure to ensure that religious gatherings are not used for political campaigning. Religious leaders and Islamic scholars have strongly criticized the decision, calling it disruptive to long-standing cultural traditions and unnecessary given the peaceful nature of such events. They urged the government to reconsider the restrictions.

The EC also issued a separate letter to the Information Ministry, emphasizing equal media access for all candidates and prohibiting personal attacks during televised election discussions, aiming to ensure a fair and balanced campaign environment.

Two crude bomb explosions occurred within ten minutes in separate areas of Manikganj town on Monday evening, causing widespread panic though no casualties were reported. The first blast took place near the District Council area around 7 p.m., followed shortly by another in front of the Deputy Commissioner’s office. Witnesses described loud explosions that sent residents fleeing and prompted shop closures across the city.

Police quickly arrived at both sites, collected evidence, and launched an investigation into the incidents. According to the Officer-in-Charge (Investigation) of Manikganj Sadar Police Station, preliminary findings suggest the blasts were caused by homemade explosive devices known locally as “cocktails.” No arrests have been made so far, but additional forces have been deployed and CCTV footage is under review.

Authorities have heightened security in key areas of the town as residents demand swift identification and arrest of those responsible. The motives behind the explosions remain unclear, and investigators are exploring whether the attacks were politically or criminally motivated.

Australia and England are set to face off in the third Ashes Test in Adelaide, a match that could decide the five-Test series. With Australia leading 2–0 after dominant wins in Perth and Brisbane, the hosts need only one more victory to seal the series with two games to spare. England, led by Ben Stokes, must win to keep their hopes alive and prevent another early series defeat.

Australia’s pace attack, spearheaded by Mitchell Starck, has been the defining factor so far. Starck took 10 wickets in Perth and seven in Brisbane, dismantling England’s batting order. England have made one change for the Adelaide Test, bringing back fast bowler Josh Tongue in place of Gus Atkinson. Tongue, who impressed in the 2023 Ashes at Lord’s, is expected to add variety and aggression to the attack. Spinner Will Jacks retains his place as the sole spin option.

The match is seen as a do-or-die contest for England, whose batting inconsistencies have drawn criticism. A win could revive their campaign, while another loss would hand Australia an unassailable lead and early series triumph.

Thousands of people from across Bangladesh gathered at the National Memorial in Savar on Tuesday morning to pay their respects to the martyrs of the 1971 Liberation War. President Md. Shahabuddin and interim government Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus led the tributes by placing floral wreaths at dawn, followed by a moment of silence in memory of the fallen heroes.

After the official ceremony, the memorial was opened to the public, allowing citizens, students, political leaders, freedom fighters, and their families to offer flowers and pay homage. The memorial premises were filled with floral tributes, banners, and national symbols. Senior civil and military officials, diplomats, and members of the judiciary were also present during the state ceremony.

Victory Day is being celebrated nationwide with various programs organized by the government, political parties, and social and cultural organizations. The day serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made for Bangladesh’s independence and the enduring unity of its people.

Investigators from Dhaka Metropolitan Detective Branch (DB) are facing difficulties in solving the attempted murder of Inqilab Manch spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi. Despite multiple interrogations and field operations, police have yet to identify a clear motive or mastermind behind the December 12 shooting in Purana Paltan. The main suspect, Faisal Karim Masud, who was seen in Hadi’s election campaign, remains at large, prompting heightened border surveillance amid rumors he fled to India.

Authorities have arrested Faisal’s wife, brother-in-law, and a female friend, each placed on five-day remand for questioning. Police sources say key leads are being verified, while RAB has conducted a parallel shadow investigation. Hadi, critically injured in the attack, has been transferred to Singapore for advanced treatment. Officials admit there has been no significant progress, though they believe Faisal’s arrest could unlock the case.

The incident has sparked nationwide attention, with law enforcement under pressure to explain how a campaign associate became an alleged shooter.

Farmers in Shibganj, Chapainawabganj, are celebrating a bumper yield of off-season Katimon mangoes, which have already reached markets across Bangladesh. Favorable weather conditions contributed to strong production, while high demand from Dhaka traders has driven prices upward. Wholesale buyers are crowding the Kansat mango market, purchasing the premium fruit at record prices.

According to local traders, top-grade Katimon mangoes are selling for Tk 15,000–16,000 per maund, up from Tk 13,000–14,000 just a week earlier. Agricultural officials report that around 2,150 hectares in the upazila are now dedicated to Katimon cultivation, reflecting its growing popularity. Farmers say advance bookings from urban buyers have further boosted local prices.

While growers and wholesalers benefit from the strong market, retail consumers complain that the fruit has become unaffordable. The Department of Agricultural Extension expects production to expand next year with proper management, as more farmers shift toward cultivating this profitable off-season variety.

Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus paid homage to the martyrs of Bangladesh’s 1971 Liberation War at the National Martyrs’ Memorial in Savar on Tuesday morning, marking the 54th Victory Day. He placed floral wreaths in honor of those who sacrificed their lives for the country’s independence and stood in solemn silence to show respect.

A smartly turned-out contingent comprising members of the Bangladesh Army, Navy, and Air Force presented a state salute, accompanied by the mournful sound of the bugle. Following the tribute, Professor Yunus exchanged greetings with members of the Advisory Council, senior military officials, freedom fighters, and relatives of the martyrs. Earlier in the morning, President Mohammed Shahabuddin also paid his respects by laying wreaths at the memorial.

The Victory Day ceremonies highlight national unity and remembrance, reaffirming Bangladesh’s commitment to the ideals of independence and freedom. The day was observed across the country with patriotic fervor and tributes to the nation’s heroes.

A late-night incident at Jagannath University in Dhaka sparked unrest after students painted Pakistan’s national flag on the campus main gate without prior authorization. The act, which occurred around 1 a.m. on December 15, led to heated exchanges between students and the university’s proctorial team, who attempted to stop the activity. Despite the intervention, the students completed the painting, prompting immediate backlash.

In response, the university unit of the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) organized a protest march around 2:30 a.m., chanting anti-Pakistan slogans and rallying across the campus before gathering in front of the administrative building. Proctor Professor Dr. Tajammul Haque stated that drawing any foreign flag within the campus requires prior administrative approval, which was not obtained in this case.

The incident has raised concerns about campus discipline and political tensions ahead of Victory Day commemorations. University authorities are expected to review the situation and consider disciplinary measures against those involved.