An arson attack occurred early Saturday at the Lakshmipur District Election Office in Bangladesh, where an unidentified individual poured petrol and set fire to the ground-floor storage area. The blaze damaged several old voter registration documents and a discarded computer before being extinguished by staff members. Firefighters arrived after the fire was already under control, and no major casualties or structural damage were reported.

District officials, including the deputy commissioner, police, and election officers, visited the site shortly after the incident. Returning Officer S.M. Mehedi Hasan and District Election Officer Md. Abdur Rashid confirmed the event, noting that the quick response prevented larger losses. Witnesses reported that the attacker entered the premises by climbing over the security gate around 3:55 a.m.

Police have launched an operation to identify and arrest those responsible. Authorities said a formal investigation is underway to determine the motive behind the attack and to strengthen security measures at election offices across the district.

A mild cold wave has been sweeping across Panchagarh district in northern Bangladesh for three consecutive days, marking the season’s first significant temperature drop. On Saturday morning, the Tetulia Weather Office recorded a minimum temperature of 9.3°C, accompanied by occasional winds of 10–12 km/h. Despite sunshine during the day, the chill remains intense, particularly in the early morning and at night.

Local residents, especially low-income workers such as sand laborers and easy-bike drivers, are struggling to cope with the cold. Many report delays in starting work due to the biting morning chill. According to Jitendranath Roy, acting officer at the Tetulia weather station, temperatures fell to around 8°C the previous day, confirming a mild cold wave in the region. He added that while sunshine offers some relief, colder conditions are expected to persist through the rest of December.

Meteorologists warn that northern districts may face further temperature drops as winter deepens, potentially affecting daily livelihoods and agricultural activities.

Gono Odhikar Parishad General Secretary Rashed Khan stated that efforts to gain political advantage by shifting blame over the shooting of Inquilab Mancha spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi have failed. In a Facebook post on Friday, Khan said recent incidents show a growing trend of blaming political rivals for violent events to extract political benefits.

He cited two recent incidents at Dhaka Medical College Hospital, where a journalist was wrongly accused of being Hadi’s assailant and attacked by a mob, and BNP candidate Mirza Abbas faced harassment from a group chanting hostile slogans. Khan expressed concern that without the presence of Chhatra Dal activists, Abbas might have faced a similar fate as the journalist.

Khan warned that internal divisions among anti-fascist forces are giving the ruling Awami League more room for disruptive activities. He urged all political groups to resist fascism and work collectively to ensure that the upcoming national election is free from authoritarian influence.

A planned bilateral meeting between Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Russian President Vladimir Putin took an unexpected turn during an international forum in Turkmenistan marking the 30th anniversary of the country’s permanent neutrality. After reportedly waiting 40 minutes for his scheduled meeting, Sharif entered a closed-door discussion between Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, according to a video published by RT India.

The footage, which quickly spread on social media, showed Sharif entering the room in apparent frustration, prompting online criticism and ridicule over what users described as a diplomatic breach. RT India later deleted the video, stating that it might have misrepresented the situation and caused misunderstanding. The incident occurred on the sidelines of a high-level gathering attended by leaders from Russia, Turkey, Iran, and Pakistan.

While the exact circumstances remain unclear, the episode underscores the sensitivity of protocol in international diplomacy. Analysts note that such moments, even if unintended, can affect perceptions of state conduct and highlight the challenges of managing optics in multilateral settings.

Japan’s Meteorological Agency has issued a rare warning for a potential mega-earthquake, forecasting the possibility of a magnitude 8 or higher quake within the coming week. The alert follows a series of powerful tremors that recently struck northeastern Japan, including a 7.5-magnitude quake off the northern coast on Monday. Local authorities have strengthened emergency preparedness in coastal areas and urged residents to stay alert and follow safety instructions.

Experts warn that the ongoing seismic activity could significantly impact millions in northern Japan. The country, located along the Pacific ‘Ring of Fire,’ experiences frequent earthquakes, but this is the first time such a high-level alert has been issued. Disaster management agencies are advising people to maintain safe distances from coastal zones and prepare emergency supplies.

While no travel bans have been issued, several foreign governments have advised caution for travelers to Japan. The government remains on high alert, recalling the devastating 2011 quake and tsunami that killed over 18,000 people. Authorities emphasize that Japan’s early warning systems remain among the most advanced globally.

Independent Dhaka-8 parliamentary candidate and Inquilab Moncho spokesperson Sharif Osman Bin Hadi was critically injured in a gun attack on Friday. He is currently receiving treatment at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka. Reports reveal that authorities were previously warned about possible assassination attempts on several July Movement leaders, including Hadi, National Citizen Party organizer Hasnat Abdullah, and Amar Bangladesh Party secretary general Barrister Asaduzzaman Fuad. Despite credible intelligence shared by a UK-based lawyer, no preventive measures were taken.

The lawyer, who claimed to have links with international security agencies, said he provided the government with detailed evidence of the threats in September. Fuad confirmed that they had repeatedly urged the authorities to launch a major anti-terror operation before the election, warning that isolated arrests would not ensure safety. Police sources suspect the involvement of an overseas-based hitman known as Philip, alias Garo Philip, and have launched a manhunt.

Government officials have yet to comment publicly, though the Inspector General of Police stated that no such prior warning had been received. The incident has raised serious concerns about political security ahead of the national elections.

Twenty US state attorneys general have jointly filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, challenging its decision to raise the H-1B visa fee from $1,500 to $100,000. The suit, led by California Attorney General Rob Bonta and Massachusetts Attorney General Joy Campbell, argues that the drastic increase is unlawful, unnecessary, and harmful to both applicants and the US labor market.

The H-1B visa program allows American companies to hire skilled foreign professionals, particularly in science, technology, engineering, and business. Major tech firms such as Amazon, Microsoft, Meta, Apple, and Google rely heavily on this program. Critics say the fee hike has discouraged applications and worsened labor shortages in education and healthcare sectors, where foreign expertise is vital. A recent survey found that 74% of US schools face shortages in specialized teaching fields.

Legal experts expect the case to test the limits of federal authority over immigration-related fees. The outcome could influence future visa policies and the availability of skilled international talent in the US economy.

A powerful storm named Byron has struck the Gaza Strip, killing at least 14 people and worsening the already dire humanitarian situation in the war-ravaged enclave. The storm caused widespread destruction, collapsing homes, walls, and makeshift tents that serve as shelters for thousands of displaced residents. Many families are struggling without adequate clothing, fuel, or protection from the cold.

According to Gaza’s Ministry of Interior, several deaths occurred when shelters and structures collapsed under strong winds and heavy rain. Al Jazeera reported that the storm has turned overcrowded shelters into death traps, with nearly 850,000 people at risk across 761 centers. The United Nations estimates that around 800,000 residents are now in extreme danger due to the lack of infrastructure and ongoing Israeli blockade.

The combination of war damage, blockade, and severe weather has pushed Gaza’s humanitarian crisis to new extremes. Aid agencies warn that without immediate international assistance, the situation could deteriorate further as flooding and cold weather persist.

Iranian security forces have detained Nobel Peace Prize laureate and women’s rights activist Narges Mohammadi in the eastern city of Mashhad, according to her foundation. The 53-year-old was arrested alongside several colleagues while attending a memorial for lawyer Khosro Alikordi, who was recently found dead under suspicious circumstances. The BBC confirmed the arrest on Saturday, December 13.

The Norwegian Nobel Committee expressed deep concern over what it called Mohammadi’s “brutal arrest,” urging Iranian authorities to disclose her whereabouts, ensure her safety, and release her unconditionally. Mohammadi, who received the 2023 Nobel Peace Prize for her activism against gender-based oppression, had been temporarily released from Tehran’s Evin Prison for medical treatment earlier this month. Her husband, Taghi Rahmani, said she was violently detained, calling the act a violation of human rights law.

Mohammadi has long criticized Iran’s tightening control over public and private life, denouncing surveillance, censorship, and arbitrary arrests. Her repeated detentions—13 in total—have drawn international condemnation and renewed calls for accountability from human rights organizations.

A fire broke out early Saturday morning on the ground floor of Jamela Tower, a 12-storey building in Keraniganj, near Dhaka. According to the Fire Service and Civil Defence, the blaze was reported at 5:37 a.m., and the first unit arrived at the scene within minutes to begin containment efforts. Initially, 12 units were deployed, later joined by two additional teams, bringing the total to 14 units working to control the fire.

Officials said the fire caused heavy smoke that spread quickly through the building, creating panic among residents. No casualties have been reported so far, and the extent of the damage remains unknown. Law enforcement personnel were also present to assist with crowd control and safety measures.

Authorities stated that the cause of the fire will be determined after a full investigation once the situation is completely under control. The Fire Service emphasized that all available resources were mobilized to prevent the fire from spreading further.

Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus convened an emergency meeting on Friday at the state guesthouse Jamuna following a violent attack on Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of Inquilab Mancha and potential independent candidate for Dhaka-8. Senior advisers, law enforcement, and intelligence officials attended the meeting, where Yunus described the incident as a deliberate assault on the country’s democratic journey and national integrity.

Yunus vowed that the interim government would thwart any attempt to derail the upcoming national election and referendum, calling the attack a conspiracy by defeated forces. He directed security agencies to arrest the attackers swiftly and prevent their escape across borders. Police confirmed that CCTV footage and evidence from the crime scene had been collected. Hadi, in critical condition, was transferred to Evercare Hospital at his family’s request.

The meeting also decided to launch a special hotline to report election-related threats and intensify operations to recover illegal weapons. Yunus is expected to consult major political figures soon to maintain stability ahead of the polls.

The National Revolutionary Council has claimed that the recent shooting of Sharif Osman Hadi, a political activist and Dhaka-8 parliamentary candidate, was part of a systematic effort to make July fighters 'killable.' In a statement issued from Tokyo, the council’s convener, Khomeni Ihsan, condemned the attack and expressed solidarity with Hadi’s family, urging the government to take immediate action.

Ihsan alleged that Hadi had been receiving death threats from individuals allegedly linked to pro-Awami League groups based in India. He criticized the interim government, police, and military for failing to provide security despite repeated warnings. The council further accused the authorities of negligence and possible complicity, demanding the identification and arrest of the attackers through CCTV footage analysis.

The statement also called for stronger countermeasures, including armed resistance against what it termed ‘fascist forces,’ suspension of diplomatic ties with India, and the arrest of individuals spreading incitement online. The government has yet to issue a detailed response beyond pledging an investigation.

More than one hundred residents and local leaders from wards 4 and 5 of Bhawalgarh Union in Gazipur Sadar joined the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) on Friday, December 12. The joining ceremony took place at the Bhabanipur Irfan Enterprise Three Brothers Tiles Market, where the new members were welcomed by Professor Dr. S. M. Rafiqul Islam Bacchu, central BNP Assistant Secretary for Health Affairs and nominated parliamentary candidate for Gazipur-3.

The event was chaired by Abu Taher Musalli, convener of Gazipur Sadar BNP, and conducted by Abu Bakar Siddique, the union chairman. Senior BNP leaders including Zainal Abedin Rizvi and several local representatives attended the gathering, emphasizing unity and organizational expansion. Attendees described the move as a sign of growing grassroots support for the opposition party.

Political observers note that such mass affiliations could strengthen BNP’s local networks ahead of the next national election. The party aims to consolidate its presence in key constituencies like Gazipur-3, where competition with the ruling Awami League remains intense.

Bangladesh witnessed widespread protests following the shooting of Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of Inqilab Moncho and a potential independent candidate for Dhaka-8. The attack occurred in the capital’s Bijoynagar area on Friday afternoon, sparking immediate outrage and calls for justice across the country. Demonstrators blocked roads, held prayer gatherings, and demanded the arrest of those responsible.

Political and student organizations including Jamaat-e-Islami, Chhatra Dal, and Gono Odhikar Parishad led rallies in Dhaka and other major cities. Jamaat leaders alleged the attack was part of a conspiracy to derail democratic progress, while university students across Chittagong, Rajshahi, and Barishal staged marches and vigils for Hadi’s recovery. Teachers’ associations and civil society groups also issued statements condemning the violence.

Authorities have yet to announce any arrests. Protesters warned of intensified action if the attackers are not detained within 24 hours. The incident has heightened political tension ahead of upcoming electoral activities, raising concerns over security and the state’s ability to curb political violence.

Dr. Zubaida Rahman, wife of BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman, visited the family of Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of Inqilab Mancha, who was shot and injured in Dhaka. The visit took place on Friday night at Evercare Hospital, where Hadi was transferred for advanced treatment after initial care at Dhaka Medical College Hospital. Zubaida spoke with Hadi’s younger brother Omar and sister, accompanied by BNP media cell member Atikur Rahman Ruman and Dr. Aman.

Earlier that day, Hadi was attacked by unidentified gunmen in the Bijoynagar culvert area, sustaining a bullet wound near his left ear. He was first taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital before being moved to Evercare for specialized care. Police have yet to confirm the motive or identify the assailants.

The incident has drawn concern among BNP supporters and rights activists, who called for a transparent investigation. Party leaders emphasized the need for improved security for political activists amid rising pre-election tensions in the capital.