The National Imams and Khatibs Association of Bangladesh has submitted a 10-point demand to the government, calling for improved financial, social, and legal support for religious leaders. The demands were announced on Saturday, December 13, during a national seminar at the National Press Club in Dhaka, led by the association’s president, Mufti Abu Taher Al Madani.

Key proposals include a unified national pay scale for imams, khatibs, and muezzins, interest-free housing loans, reduced utility bills for mosques, and free healthcare cards for religious leaders and their families. The association also urged the creation of a national imam database, a law to protect imams’ dignity and safety, and the establishment of a central Shura Board for Islamic research and social mediation.

The group further called for free Hajj opportunities for poor and elderly imams and legal safeguards against false cases or harassment. Religious and social observers noted that these demands highlight long-standing concerns over the welfare and recognition of mosque leaders in Bangladesh’s community structure.

Fahim Al Trust has announced its willingness to take full responsibility for the medical treatment of Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of the Inqilab Mancha. Trust Chairman Fahim Al Chowdhury stated that under the direct guidance of BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman, preparations are being made to ensure Hadi’s advanced treatment, including the option of transferring him abroad via air ambulance if necessary.

Chowdhury added that the Trust has already attempted to contact Hadi’s family and is in discussions with the relevant medical board to obtain their opinions and necessary approvals. The family reportedly said they would consider the air transfer if Hadi’s condition required it.

He further emphasized that once all permissions and consents are secured, Fahim Al Trust will bear all financial responsibilities for Hadi’s treatment on humanitarian grounds. The Trust also requested prayers for Hadi’s swift recovery and for guidance in making the right decisions.

Bangladesh’s Attorney General Mohammad Asaduzzaman has condemned the recent attack on Sharif Osman Hadi, an independent candidate for Dhaka-8 and convener of the Inquilab Mancha. Speaking to reporters in Jhenaidah’s Shailkupa upazila on Saturday, he described the incident as isolated and assured that those responsible would be brought to justice regardless of their influence or power.

Asaduzzaman emphasized that such sporadic incidents should not be interpreted as signs of government failure. He reiterated that both the government and the Election Commission are determined to ensure a peaceful and credible national election. The Attorney General added that the rule of law will prevail and legal processes will proceed independently against the perpetrators.

The remarks come amid heightened political tensions and sporadic violence ahead of the upcoming national polls, with authorities pledging to maintain order and public confidence in the electoral process.

India has granted citizenship to 36 Bangladeshi nationals under the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), marking one of the largest such approvals since the law’s implementation in March 2024. According to officials, 35 individuals in Odisha and one in Assam received citizenship certificates during a state-organized ceremony. Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi described the CAA as a symbol of protection and refuge for persecuted minorities.

The Hindu reported that the newly naturalized citizens are all Hindus who migrated from Bangladesh before December 31, 2014. With this, the total number of CAA beneficiaries in Odisha has risen to 51, while around 1,100 applications remain under review. In Assam, a 40-year-old Bangladeshi woman became the first to gain citizenship under the Act after marrying an Indian citizen and residing in India for over seven years.

The move underscores India’s gradual rollout of the CAA amid ongoing political debate and regional sensitivities, particularly in border states. Authorities expect further approvals as pending applications are processed in the coming months.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has issued an apology for comments he made during a meeting in Dhaka’s Naya Paltan area. In a statement released to the media on Saturday night, Rizvi acknowledged that his earlier remarks were based on misinformation circulating on social media.

He clarified that two viral posts — one showing a fabricated news clip with the RTV logo and another depicting a Dhaka University student leader having tea with a suspect in an attack — were both AI-generated and baseless. Rizvi admitted that he had not fact-checked the content before referencing it in his speech earlier in the day.

The incident highlights growing concerns about AI-generated misinformation influencing political discourse in Bangladesh. Analysts note that this case underscores the urgent need for political figures and the public to verify digital content before sharing or commenting on it.

BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman has cautioned that the upcoming national election in Bangladesh will not be easy, alleging that conspiracies are still active. Speaking virtually at a BNP event titled “Plan to Build the Nation” in Dhaka, he referred to recent shootings targeting party figures in Chattogram and Dhaka as evidence of political unrest. Rahman called on party members and citizens to remain united and vigilant, warning that division could endanger the country’s stability.

He emphasized that Bangladesh has faced crises before but recovered under the leadership of Ziaur Rahman and Khaleda Zia. Urging supporters to prioritize national interest over personal gain, he said unity and courage are essential to counter threats and ensure a fair election. Senior BNP leaders, including Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, described Tarique as the “torchbearer of democracy” and announced his possible return to Bangladesh on December 25.

The remarks come amid heightened political tension and violence, with BNP leaders framing the election as a decisive moment for democratic restoration.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has strongly condemned comments made by Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, Senior Joint Secretary General of the BNP, regarding Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Sheikh Sajjat Ali. In a statement issued on Saturday, Jamaat’s Assistant Secretary General and head of its media department, Advocate Ehsanul Mahbub Zubair, described Rizvi’s remarks as 'false and baseless.'

Zubair noted that the DMP Commissioner himself had clarified to the media that the statements attributed to him by Rizvi were completely fabricated. He criticized Rizvi’s comments as politically irresponsible and contrary to democratic norms, arguing that such actions risk misleading the public and undermining trust in key state institutions.

Jamaat urged Rizvi to withdraw his remarks immediately and called on all political actors to maintain responsibility and truthfulness in their public statements. The incident underscores ongoing tensions between opposition parties and state authorities ahead of Bangladesh’s politically sensitive period.

National Citizens Party (NCP) convener Nahid Islam has accused the banned Awami League and India of involvement in the recent shooting and attempted murder of Sharif Osman Hadi, a potential independent candidate for Dhaka-8. Speaking after a meeting with the chief adviser on December 13, Nahid claimed that the Awami League executes its political strategies with support from New Delhi and alleged that Indian authorities are aiding efforts to destabilize Bangladesh.

He urged the government to hold the Indian High Commission accountable and to take firm action against Awami League operatives allegedly embedded in the administration, police, and media. Nahid also called for unity among anti-fascist groups across political, academic, and cultural sectors to resist what he described as a coordinated attempt to rehabilitate the Awami League in national politics.

The NCP leader emphasized that ensuring the safety of political leaders and maintaining public confidence in the Election Commission are essential for a fair election. He demanded swift arrests of those involved in the attack and accountability for anyone linked to the broader conspiracy.

A newly mutated form of the H3N2 seasonal flu virus is spreading across continents, raising global health concerns. Experts report that this strain, which has undergone seven significant mutations, is contributing to a surge in flu cases in countries such as Japan and the United Kingdom. The virus’s rapid transmission is linked to reduced population immunity following years of limited exposure during the pandemic.

Professor Derek Smith, director of the Pathogen Evolution Centre at the University of Cambridge, stated that this variant is almost certain to spread globally. Scientists note that while flu viruses often undergo minor changes, the current mutations appear to have significantly altered the virus’s behavior, making it more transmissible. Public health agencies are urging vaccination, hygiene measures, and early medical consultation to curb the spread.

Health authorities are monitoring the situation closely, warning that the global rise in cases could strain healthcare systems. Updated vaccines and surveillance are being prioritized to mitigate potential outbreaks in the coming months.

The Bangladesh Election Commission (EC) has issued letters to secretaries of various ministries and departments, including the Cabinet Secretary and the Chief Adviser’s Principal Secretary, urging them to encourage eligible individuals to register for postal voting ahead of the 13th National Parliamentary Election and referendum scheduled for February 12. The initiative aims to facilitate voting for expatriates, government employees residing outside their constituencies, election officials on duty, and individuals in legal custody.

According to the EC’s letter, signed by Additional Secretary K.M. Ali Newaz, eligible voters must register through the Postal Vote BD app by December 25, providing accurate mailing addresses to receive their ballots. Once registered, the EC will send ballots directly to the voters’ addresses. The commission has also requested ministries and departments to motivate their staff to complete registration and exercise their voting rights.

As of now, 344,233 expatriates have successfully registered through the Postal Vote BD app. The EC expects this number to rise as awareness efforts continue through official channels and digital platforms.

A mobile court in Chattogram fined BNP candidate Nazmul Mostafa Amin BDT 50,000 for violating the electoral code of conduct. The incident occurred on Saturday, December 13, when Amin was traveling with supporters to attend a prayer gathering for BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s recovery. The convoy reportedly caused traffic congestion on a major highway, prompting intervention by the authorities.

Executive Magistrate and Assistant Commissioner (Land) Mong Eshan led the operation, confirming that the candidate’s motorcycle showdown and public gathering breached election regulations announced after the official schedule was declared. The fine was imposed and collected on the spot.

The Election Commission has repeatedly warned candidates against processions and showdowns that disrupt public order. This enforcement action underscores the administration’s effort to ensure compliance with campaign rules ahead of the upcoming national polls.

Bangladesh police have confirmed that Faisal Karim Masud, also known as Rahul, is the prime suspect in the shooting of Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of Inquilab Moncho and parliamentary candidate for Dhaka-8. The attack occurred in Bijoynagar, Dhaka, leaving Hadi critically injured. Authorities have increased surveillance around Faisal’s ancestral home in Keshabpur Union, Bauphal upazila, Patuakhali.

According to police reports, Faisal’s family no longer resides in the area, having sold their property years ago. His current address is in Dhaka’s Adabor area, where he also faces a separate legal case. The suspect’s personal details and photo circulated widely on social media, sparking public concern and debate across the country.

Superintendent of Police Md. Abu Yusuf stated that law enforcement is closely monitoring the situation to prevent unrest. Investigators are verifying all leads before taking further action. The incident has heightened security awareness in both Dhaka and Patuakhali as authorities pursue the shooter’s whereabouts.

Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir Secretary General Nurul Islam Saddam has alleged that Sharif Osman Hadi, a key figure in the so-called July Revolution, was attacked by a 'secret and banned force.' Speaking at a memorial discussion in Noakhali’s Companiganj on Saturday, Saddam said Hadi had long been a fearless voice against domination and oppression.

Saddam recalled that just days before Hadi was shot, he had expressed fears of a conspiracy to kill him. Despite repeated warnings to remain cautious, Hadi reportedly said that death was destined by divine will and that he preferred to die on the streets rather than inside his home. The Shibir leader prayed for Hadi’s recovery and vowed that the organization’s commitment to sacrifice and resistance would not weaken.

The event commemorated seven Shibir activists killed in a 2013 clash with police and ruling party members in Companiganj. Local Jamaat-e-Islami leaders and Shibir officials attended, reiterating their pledge to continue their movement despite past losses.

Bangladesh has strongly condemned a recent airstrike on a hospital in Myanmar’s Rakhine State that killed at least 34 people and injured more than 80. The attack, reportedly carried out on a facility controlled by the Arakan Army in Mrauk-U town, drew sharp concern from Dhaka over escalating violence and violations of international humanitarian law. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed condolences to the victims’ families and sympathy for the injured in a statement issued on Saturday.

The Myanmar military has not commented on the incident, which comes amid renewed clashes between the junta and ethnic armed groups across the country. Bangladesh emphasized the need to protect all civilians and civilian infrastructure, urging restraint and adherence to humanitarian norms. Dhaka also called for safeguarding all communities in Rakhine, including Rohingya and Rakhine ethnic groups.

Observers note that the attack may further strain regional stability and complicate repatriation efforts for Rohingya refugees currently sheltering in Bangladesh.

The High Court has granted bail to listed top Chattogram crime suspect Sajjad Hossain, known as 'Chhoto Sajjad', and his wife Sharmin Akter Tamanna in four sensational murder cases. Although the bail orders were issued in mid-September 2024, the documents only reached Chattogram Central Jail on December 13, revealing the matter publicly after nearly two and a half months.

Court and prison officials confirmed that the delay occurred because the bail papers were not promptly forwarded to the relevant courts or prisons. Sajjad faces 19 cases, including 10 for murder, while his wife is accused in at least eight cases. Both remain detained—Sajjad in Rajshahi Jail and Tamanna in Feni Jail—pending verification of the bail documents. The High Court bench of Justices Mostafa Zaman Islam and Yusuf Abdullah Suman granted the bail until final rule disposal.

The delayed transmission of bail orders has raised questions about procedural transparency and coordination between court offices and prisons. Legal observers expect internal reviews to ensure timely communication in future high-profile cases.