Iran’s coast guard has seized a tanker carrying around six million liters of smuggled diesel in the Gulf of Oman, detaining all 18 crew members on board. The vessel was intercepted near the southern Hormozgan province after its navigation system reportedly malfunctioned, leaving it adrift. Among those detained are citizens of Bangladesh, India, and Sri Lanka, according to Iranian state media.

Authorities have not disclosed the nationality of the seized tanker. The operation marks the latest in a series of maritime enforcement actions by Iran against alleged fuel smuggling in regional waters. Last month, Iranian forces detained another vessel in the Persian Gulf under similar circumstances.

The seizure comes just days after the U.S. Navy captured a tanker off Venezuela’s coast, which Washington claimed was used for oil transport between Iran and Venezuela. Analysts suggest the timing underscores escalating maritime tensions and reciprocal enforcement moves between Tehran and Washington in contested shipping lanes.

A promotional event featuring Lionel Messi at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium turned violent on Sunday as crowd control failed amid massive attendance. Over 100,000 spectators gathered to see the Argentine football star, but poor organization and political interference near the stage led to frustration among fans. As visibility of Messi was blocked by local leaders, sections of the audience began throwing bottles and tearing banners, triggering widespread disorder.

Witnesses reported that parts of the crowd broke through fencing, with around 2,500 people storming the field. Some attempted to set fire to tents near the pitch and damaged goal nets and tunnel structures. Police resorted to defensive measures, using broken chairs as shields, while Rapid Action Force units were deployed to regain control. Clashes between police and spectators continued intermittently, leaving the stadium area under mob control for hours.

Authorities have launched an investigation into the security lapses, while event organizers face criticism for inadequate planning. The incident raises concerns over safety protocols for high-profile international events in India.

Former BNP lawmaker and decorated freedom fighter Major (Retd.) Akhtaruzzaman has formally joined Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami after meeting the party’s Ameer, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, at the central office on Saturday, December 13. During the meeting, Akhtaruzzaman expressed his confidence in Jamaat’s ideology, patriotism, and its stance on protecting the country’s independence and sovereignty.

Jamaat’s Assistant Secretary General and head of media, Ehsanul Mahbub Zubair, confirmed the development. Akhtaruzzaman completed the party’s primary membership form and pledged to uphold Jamaat’s principles, discipline, and loyalty. He also vowed to dedicate the rest of his life to promoting Islamic values and national interests.

Akhtaruzzaman, a former president of Kishoreganj district BNP, was expelled from the BNP for alleged breach of party discipline. He previously served as a Member of Parliament for Kishoreganj-2 in 1991 and 1996, and contested again in 2018 but lost to Awami League candidate and former IGP Nur Mohammad.

Bangladesh’s Ambassador to Mexico, Mushfiqul Fazal Ansarey, has called for a transparent and impartial investigation into the brutal attack on Sharif Osman Hadi, an independent candidate for Dhaka-8 and spokesperson of the Inquilab Mancha. In a Facebook post on Friday night (Bangladesh time), the envoy condemned the assault as cowardly and barbaric, urging all sides to work together rather than engage in blame games.

Ansarey, a former journalist now serving as a senior secretary-level diplomat, emphasized that Hadi represents a promising generation of courage and struggle. He said ensuring Hadi’s safety is a moral duty and urged citizens to support his family during this critical time. The ambassador also called for collective efforts to identify and punish the real perpetrators, stressing that cooperation with the government is essential to uphold democracy, elections, and the rule of law.

The incident has sparked widespread concern among civic groups and political observers, who see it as a test of Bangladesh’s commitment to political tolerance and justice.

Sharif Osman Bin Hadi, spokesperson of Inquilab Moncho and independent candidate for Dhaka-8 constituency, remains in critical condition after being shot by unidentified assailants on Friday. He was first taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital and later transferred to Evercare Hospital, where he is currently on life support. Inquilab Moncho officials confirmed that Hadi is under 48-hour observation and has shown internal response but is still not out of danger.

Abdullah Al Jaber, the group’s member secretary, told reporters that doctors are carefully monitoring his condition. Fahim Faruqi, convener of Moncho 24, said Hadi is breathing and receiving blood transfusions, describing these as positive signs. The attack occurred in the Bijoynagar Kalvert Road area shortly after Friday prayers while Hadi was campaigning.

Authorities have yet to identify the attackers or determine the motive behind the shooting. Political observers warn the incident could heighten tensions ahead of the upcoming election and raise concerns about candidate safety in Dhaka’s competitive constituencies.

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus met with the family of Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of Inquilab Mancha and potential independent candidate for Dhaka-8, at the state guesthouse Jamuna on Saturday, December 13. Yunus assured the family that the government is taking all necessary steps to ensure Hadi receives the best possible medical treatment, including the option of treatment abroad if required.

During the meeting, Hadi’s sister described him as a lifelong patriot and revolutionary, emphasizing his importance to their family and the movement. Inquilab Mancha representatives urged the government to arrest the perpetrators swiftly and ensure the safety of July Revolution activists. They questioned how the suspected shooter had been released on bail earlier.

Yunus confirmed that law enforcement agencies are actively pursuing those responsible and that a full investigation has been ordered. Senior advisers on law, environment, industry, and national security were present at the meeting, signaling the government’s commitment to transparency and justice in the case.

Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) Vice President Sadiq Kayem has called on the interim government to immediately arrest those responsible for the shooting of political activist Sharif Osman Hadi. Speaking at an international Qur’an recitation conference in Pirojpur on Friday, Kayem described Hadi as a key ally in the July Revolution and a consistent voice against aggression and domination. He linked the attack to broader conspiracies emerging after the announcement of the national election schedule.

Kayem urged authorities to ensure citizens’ safety, calling it a core duty of the interim administration. He warned that continued insecurity would mark a major failure of the government. He also demanded that the state cover Hadi’s medical expenses. The event was attended by several Islamist leaders, including Jamaat-e-Islami figures, and invoked the legacy of Allama Delwar Hossain Sayeedi, portraying him as an inspiration for anti-oppression movements.

The remarks reflect growing political tension in Bangladesh’s southern districts ahead of the upcoming elections, with opposition-aligned groups alleging targeted violence and state negligence.

U.S. President Donald Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, is set to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and several European leaders in Berlin on Monday, December 15. The White House confirmed the meeting on Friday, noting that it forms part of Washington’s intensified efforts to promote a peace plan aimed at ending the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine.

According to a senior White House official, Witkoff will discuss progress on peace negotiations and explore ways to advance a settlement framework. The Wall Street Journal first reported the planned talks, which were later verified by the administration. German authorities also confirmed the Berlin meeting, underscoring Europe’s role in facilitating dialogue.

The meeting comes shortly after Ukrainian officials submitted an updated version of Trump’s original 28-point peace proposal to Washington. Analysts say the talks could signal renewed U.S. engagement in the conflict’s diplomatic track, though skepticism remains over Russia’s willingness to participate in any Western-led peace process.

Intense gunfire was reported early Saturday along the Myanmar border near Konapara in Hnila Union’s Ward 2 of Teknaf, Cox’s Bazar. The exchange, lasting nearly an hour, occurred inside Myanmar territory, though the parties involved remain unidentified. Several bullets reportedly landed on Bangladeshi soil, striking tin roofs of two houses in Balukhali Para and Telipara villages. No casualties have been reported so far.

Local residents described widespread panic as gunshots echoed across the border. Ward member Sirajul Islam Lalu said worshippers heard the firing after morning prayers and took shelter away from their homes. Hnila Union Parishad Chairman Nur Ahmad Anowari stated he was gathering information from locals. Teknaf Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md. Imamul Hafiz Nadim confirmed that law enforcement agencies were alerted and awareness campaigns were underway to prevent panic.

Authorities are closely monitoring the situation amid ongoing instability in Myanmar’s border regions. Residents have been advised to remain cautious but calm as security forces assess potential cross-border risks.

A new report by the Runnymede Trust and human rights group Reprieve warns that nearly nine million British Muslims—mostly of Bangladeshi, Indian, and Pakistani heritage—could lose their citizenship under the UK Home Office’s broad and secretive powers. The study claims that these powers, which allow the government to revoke citizenship if an individual is deemed eligible for another nationality, disproportionately endanger people linked to South Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.

The report argues that the policy has created a racial hierarchy in citizenship, where non-white Britons face conditional nationality. Reprieve’s Maya Foa criticized successive governments for expanding these powers for political gain, while Runnymede’s Shabna Begum described the trend as a “chilling current” within the Home Office. Data show that three in five non-white Britons are at risk, compared with one in twenty white citizens.

Analysts warn that the policy undermines equality before the law and could deepen mistrust among minority communities. The Home Office has not yet commented on the findings.

Bangladesh’s Election Commission has outlined who can and cannot participate as candidates or voters in the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election, scheduled for February 12. The announcement follows the political transition after the fall of the Awami League government and aims to ensure transparency and inclusivity in the electoral process. The Commission has invited all political parties and interested individuals to take part under the revised legal framework.

According to the Constitution and the Representation of the People Order (RPO) 1972, candidates must be Bangladeshi citizens aged at least 25. However, recent amendments have expanded disqualification criteria, including restrictions on dual citizens and individuals convicted of serious crimes. The updated voter list counts approximately 127.7 million eligible voters, including provisions for prisoners to vote under specific procedures.

For the first time, expatriate Bangladeshis will be allowed to vote via postal ballots if they retain citizenship and voter registration. Legal experts note that citizenship status, court rulings, and compliance with electoral laws will determine both voting rights and candidacy eligibility in this pivotal election.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) have released photos of two suspects allegedly involved in the shooting of Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of Inquilab Moncho and parliamentary candidate for Dhaka-8. Hadi was critically injured when two assailants on a motorcycle opened fire at him in the Bijoynagar Box Culvert area on Friday afternoon. He was rushed to Dhaka Medical College Hospital and later transferred to Evercare Hospital, where he remains under treatment.

Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Talebur Rahman of DMP’s Media and Public Relations Division confirmed that investigators identified the suspects through CCTV footage analysis. The police have urged the public to share any information about the suspects via hotline numbers or 999, assuring confidentiality and a financial reward for credible leads.

The attack has heightened security concerns ahead of the upcoming election. Law enforcement agencies have intensified operations across the capital to locate the perpetrators and ensure safety for political candidates and campaign activities.

Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of the Inquilab Manch and independent candidate for Dhaka-8 in Bangladesh’s upcoming 13th national election, had been conducting his campaign entirely through public donations rather than personal or party funds. Within just over a month, he reported receiving more than 2.1 million taka from supporters through various channels, pledging to publish full financial statements after the election.

However, a day after releasing his latest fundraising update on December 11, Hadi was shot in the head during a campaign event in Bijoynagar, Dhaka, and is now in critical condition at Evercare Hospital. His approach had drawn attention as a rare example of grassroots-funded politics in a system often dominated by big money and opaque spending.

Political observers note that Hadi’s campaign challenged entrenched norms of excessive election spending, which critics say favors wealthy or corrupt candidates. His case may spark renewed debate on electoral finance reform and the viability of citizen-funded politics in Bangladesh’s evolving political culture.

Israeli forces carried out fresh artillery and aerial attacks in southern Lebanon, violating a recently agreed ceasefire, according to reports from local and international media. The strikes targeted areas around Al-Wazzani and Al-Majidiyah, while Israeli naval units allegedly fired at Lebanese fishing boats near Ras al-Naqoura. Witnesses reported explosions and gunfire that disrupted civilian life in several border villages.

Al Jazeera and other outlets cited Lebanese sources calling the attacks a clear breach of the truce that had temporarily calmed tensions along the Israel–Lebanon frontier. The Lebanese military and UN peacekeeping forces are reportedly monitoring the situation closely. No immediate casualties were confirmed, but the incidents have raised fears of renewed escalation between Israel and Hezbollah-aligned groups operating in the region.

Analysts warn that continued violations could undermine fragile diplomatic efforts to stabilize the border. Regional actors, including the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), are expected to issue statements urging restraint in the coming days.

Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus held a special meeting on Saturday, December 13, with representatives from three political parties — the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Jamaat-e-Islami, and the National Citizens’ Party (NCP). The meeting took place at the state guesthouse Jamuna, with two representatives from each party attending. The discussions are believed to focus on the current political climate and recent incidents of violence.

The meeting follows a violent attack on Sharif Osman Hadi, an independent candidate hopeful from Dhaka-8, who was shot on Friday. In response, Dr. Yunus convened an emergency meeting with members of the advisory council and top law enforcement officials to assess the security situation. Saturday’s dialogue with political parties is seen as part of his broader effort to maintain political stability and ensure fair electoral processes.

Observers suggest that these consultations may pave the way for broader political consensus ahead of upcoming elections, though tensions remain high across party lines.