Former information adviser Mahfuz Alam has declared that those safeguarding Indian interests in Bangladesh will not be allowed to remain secure. Speaking at an all-party resistance rally organized by Inqilab Mancha on Monday, Alam accused sections of the country’s cultural, intellectual, and legal sectors of being co-opted to maintain Indian dominance. He claimed that some individuals have sold their conscience and are consciously engaging in anti-national activities. Alam described these individuals as foreign 'assets' and cited the case of Osman Hadi, whom he said was attacked for standing against such forces. He criticized the silence of intellectuals and cultural figures during the attack, calling it part of a broader conspiracy. Referring to past political violence, Alam warned that patience has limits and that future retaliation would not be restrained. His remarks come amid heightened nationalist rhetoric and growing sensitivity over Bangladesh’s relations with India. Analysts suggest the speech reflects deepening divisions within political and civil society circles over foreign influence and national sovereignty.

Russia’s central bank has filed a lawsuit against Belgium-based financial clearing house Euroclear, seeking $230 billion in compensation for frozen sovereign assets. The case, accepted by a Moscow commercial court on December 12, follows the European Union’s plan to use part of the seized Russian reserves to fund loans for Ukraine’s military and civilian needs in 2026 and 2027. The Kremlin described the move as the beginning of a “legal nightmare” for Europe. After Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, EU states froze roughly €210 billion of Russian central bank assets. EU leaders recently agreed to keep these assets frozen indefinitely, arguing that supporting Ukraine is essential to deter future Russian aggression. Moscow, however, calls the EU’s plan “theft” and warns it will erode global trust in the euro and European financial institutions. Legal experts suggest Russian courts may rule quickly in Moscow’s favor. If successful, Russia could seek to seize Euroclear’s assets in friendly jurisdictions such as China, the UAE, and Kazakhstan. The dispute underscores deep divisions within Europe and raises concerns about the precedent of confiscating sovereign assets during wartime.

The Government of Bangladesh has approved the purchase of 50,000 metric tons of non-basmati parboiled rice from India for the 2025–26 fiscal year. The procurement, valued at BDT 2.147 billion (USD 17.55 million), was sanctioned at a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Government Purchase chaired by Economic Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed. The rice will be sourced from India’s M/S Bagadia Brothers Pvt Ltd at USD 351.11 per ton, equivalent to BDT 42.98 per kilogram. According to officials, the decision follows a proposal from the Ministry of Food aimed at strengthening national food reserves and ensuring stability in government distribution channels. The Economic Affairs Committee also approved the import of up to 900,000 tons of rice from international sources to meet emergency and public demand. Analysts note that the move reflects the government’s precautionary approach amid concerns over domestic production and price volatility. The imports are expected to bolster food security and maintain supply continuity ahead of the next fiscal year.

At a multi-party rally in Dhaka organized by the Inqilab Mancha, Amar Desh editor Mahmudur Rahman delivered a strong statement accusing India of providing refuge to former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and undermining Bangladesh’s sovereignty. Swearing by the blood of political activist Sharif Osman Hadi, Rahman warned that if India fails to return Hasina and others accused of attacks on Bangladeshi leaders, a nationwide resistance movement against Indian institutions in Bangladesh would be launched. Rahman called on the government to revoke work permits of Indian nationals and to raise the issue at the United Nations, describing India’s actions as an “undeclared war” against Bangladesh. He also announced plans to form local “public security committees” to monitor suspected collaborators and ensure accountability within administrative and judicial systems. His remarks have drawn attention for their sharp anti-India tone and for urging direct civic mobilization. The speech signals rising nationalist rhetoric amid ongoing political instability. Analysts warn that such statements could strain Dhaka–New Delhi relations and complicate regional diplomacy if not addressed through formal diplomatic channels.

BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman has assured that the upcoming national election in Bangladesh will be held on schedule, dismissing fears of delay or disruption. Speaking at a Victory Day discussion organized by the BNP at the Institution of Engineers in Dhaka, he said he would personally join the electoral process to uphold people’s rights. Rahman emphasized that the next decade would be one of transformation, with the BNP planning to implement a ‘nation-building program’ aimed at creating a self-reliant and prosperous Bangladesh by engaging women, youth, and workers. He described the forthcoming election as more complex and significant than any in the past, linking it to the nation’s sovereignty and the aspirations of future generations. Rahman warned of domestic and foreign forces attempting to distort the history of independence and democracy. He reiterated BNP’s commitment to free and fair elections, accusing vested groups of trying to sabotage the process. Calling for unity and courage, he said that no one could suppress the will of the people when they stand together, citing Bangladesh’s historic democratic struggles as proof.

Chittagong University authorities issued a press release on Monday evening to clarify confusion surrounding remarks made by its Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Professor Dr. Mohammad Shamim Uddin Khan, about the 1971 intellectual killings. The statement, signed by acting registrar Professor Dr. Saiful Islam, said partial media reports from a December 14 discussion on Martyred Intellectuals Day had created public misunderstanding. According to the release, Dr. Khan’s comments were made in an academic context during a seminar titled “Free Thought, Liberation War, and the Killing of Intellectuals in 1971.” He had suggested that the killings might have involved international conspiracies and called for an independent investigation commission. The university clarified that Dr. Khan unintentionally used certain words—such as “Pakistani warriors” instead of “Pakistani forces”—which led to misinterpretation. The administration reaffirmed its respect for press freedom but urged media outlets to avoid creating confusion. It emphasized that the deputy vice-chancellor’s intent was scholarly, not political, and aimed at encouraging historical research on the unresolved aspects of the 1971 tragedy.

A new joint survey by RTL Info, Ipsos, and Le Soir reveals that 67% of Belgians oppose the European Union’s proposal to use frozen Russian assets to finance loans for Ukraine. The poll, released Monday, shows strong public backing for Prime Minister Bart De Wever’s stance that Belgium should not consent to releasing the seized funds. Analysts attribute this opposition to concerns over potential financial and institutional risks for Belgium, as a significant portion of the frozen assets are held in Brussels-based Euroclear, a key financial clearinghouse. Only 22% of respondents supported the EU plan, while 11% expressed no opinion. Russia’s central bank has denounced the proposal as illegal and vowed to defend its interests through all available means. The EU recently decided to keep Russian assets frozen indefinitely. Leaders are expected to debate the allocation of these funds to Ukraine during a two-day Brussels summit starting Thursday, amid growing legal and political divisions among member states.

Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam stated that no democracy in the world permits organizations led by convicted war criminals to operate, let alone participate in elections. His remarks, shared on his verified Facebook account on Monday, appeared to refer to the recently ousted Sheikh Hasina and the Awami League following the mass uprising. Responding to a question about whether the Awami League could contest the upcoming general election, Alam said the party’s chief is a fugitive sentenced to death for crimes against humanity and accused of inciting terrorist attacks against Bangladesh. He argued that such a figure’s leadership disqualifies any organization from political participation in democratic nations. The statement adds to the uncertainty surrounding Bangladesh’s political transition and the future of major parties after the fall of the previous government. Observers note that the caretaker administration’s stance could shape the electoral landscape and international perceptions of Bangladesh’s democratic process.

The International Criminal Court’s (ICC) Appeals Chamber on Monday dismissed Israel’s appeal challenging the legality of investigating alleged war crimes in Gaza committed after October 7, 2023. Israel had argued that the investigation was invalid and that the prosecutor should have issued a new notice following recent referrals. The chamber ruled that the post-October 7 incidents fall under the original 2021 notification, confirming that no new notice was required. The decision preserves the arrest warrants issued in November 2023 against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. Legal experts, including Professor Kevin Jon Heller of the University of Copenhagen, welcomed the ruling, noting that Israel could have exercised its complementarity rights but chose not to. The United States has already imposed sanctions on ICC officials involved in the case, including the chief prosecutor and two deputy prosecutors. The ruling marks a significant step forward for the ICC’s ongoing investigation into alleged war crimes in Palestine, potentially intensifying diplomatic tensions between Israel, the ICC, and its Western allies.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has formally submitted a proposal to parliament seeking to extend Turkey’s military deployment in Libya for an additional two years. The proposal cites ongoing political instability in Libya, where elections have yet to be held, as a threat to the fragile peace achieved in recent years. Ankara argues that maintaining a presence is vital to safeguarding regional security and supporting Libya’s path toward lasting stability. The document emphasizes Turkey’s role under the existing security and military cooperation memorandum signed with Libya, through which Turkish forces provide training and advisory support to local counterparts. Turkey first received parliamentary approval to deploy troops to Libya in January 2020, positioning itself as a key player in the North African nation’s post-conflict reconstruction. Analysts view the extension as part of Ankara’s broader strategy to preserve influence in the Mediterranean and North Africa. The proposal is expected to be debated in parliament soon, with potential implications for Turkey’s regional diplomacy and relations with international actors involved in Libya.

Bangladesh Jatri Kalyan Samity’s Accident Monitoring Cell reported that in November 2024, a total of 577 transport-related accidents across the country claimed 553 lives and injured around 900 people. Among these, 526 incidents occurred on roads, resulting in 507 deaths and 899 injuries, while 44 railway accidents caused 40 deaths and one injury. Seven waterway accidents left six people dead and four missing. The report, based on national and regional media monitoring, identified motorcycles as the most accident-prone vehicles, accounting for 38.7% of total road crashes and 41% of fatalities. Dhaka Division recorded the highest number of road accidents, with 155 incidents leading to 132 deaths and 257 injuries, while Sylhet Division saw the fewest. Victims included drivers, pedestrians, students, women, children, and members of law enforcement. Analysts noted that nearly half of the accidents were caused by vehicles running over victims, followed by head-on collisions and loss of control. The findings highlight persistent road safety challenges despite ongoing awareness campaigns, prompting renewed calls for stricter enforcement and improved transport management.

Bangladesh’s Finance Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed announced that the Finance Ministry will bear all expenses for the overseas medical treatment of Inquilab Mancha spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi. Speaking to reporters after a government procurement advisory committee meeting on Monday, he confirmed that the ministry is prepared to fund the air ambulance and all related costs immediately. Dr. Ahmed emphasized that the decision to send Hadi abroad was made by the relevant board, and the government promptly sought the ministry’s opinion, to which it responded with full readiness. He added that the country’s political environment remains satisfactory and is expected to become more stable as the Election Commission completes its preparations for the upcoming national polls. The adviser further stated that the Finance Ministry will allocate funds to the Election Commission as per its forthcoming demand, noting that the election and referendum being held on the same day will increase the budgetary requirement. He also remarked that while the macroeconomic situation is stable, some micro-level weaknesses persist.

Police in Chattogram have filed a petition to show the arrest of alleged militant Sajjad Hossain, known as ‘Chhoto Sajjad,’ and his wife Sharmin Tamanna in two additional criminal cases. The application was submitted on Sunday to the Chattogram Metropolitan Magistrate Court by Chandgaon Police Station, according to government prosecutor Raihanul Wazed Chowdhury. Authorities said the cases relate to the killing of Fazle Rabbi during the July uprising in Bahaddarhat, allegedly involving banned Chhatra League and Jubo League members, and to a separate clash near the residence of city BNP convener Ershad Ullah. The court has not yet set a hearing date for the petition, and investigations into the incidents remain ongoing. Legal observers note that the move reflects an intensifying crackdown on politically linked violence in Chattogram following recent unrest. Police sources indicated that further charges could be added as inquiries progress, signaling a broader probe into the July disturbances.

Hamas deputy chief Khalil al-Hayya stated that the group has a 'legitimate right' to retain its weapons, emphasizing that any post-ceasefire proposal for Gaza must preserve this right. Speaking on Hamas-run Al-Aqsa TV, al-Hayya linked the group’s armament to the broader goal of establishing a Palestinian state. His remarks come amid ongoing Israeli strikes despite a ceasefire that took effect on October 10. Al-Hayya’s comments directly challenge international and Israeli demands for Hamas’s disarmament under a proposed U.S.-backed peace plan. The plan outlines three stages: prisoner exchanges, Israeli troop withdrawals replaced by an international stabilization force, and Gaza’s reconstruction. Israel insists Hamas must surrender its weapons before progress can be made. Al-Hayya also confirmed the death of the head of Hamas’s weapons production unit in recent Israeli attacks. The statement underscores deep divisions over Gaza’s future governance and security arrangements. Analysts warn that Hamas’s insistence on keeping its arms could complicate ceasefire negotiations and delay reconstruction efforts in the war-torn enclave.

Sharif Osman Hadi, a key figure in Bangladesh’s July Revolution, has been flown to Singapore for advanced medical care. The air ambulance operated by Osprey Aviation departed Dhaka at 1:51 p.m. Monday, carrying Hadi to Singapore General Hospital’s Accident and Emergency Department, where arrangements for his treatment have been completed. The government will bear all medical expenses, following directives from Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus. The decision came after an emergency conference involving cultural adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki, health adviser Dr. Sayedur Rahman, and Hadi’s family. Medical reports indicate Hadi’s condition remains critical, with severe brain swelling and oxygen deprivation despite stable kidney and lung functions. Doctors warned of high mortality risk due to brainstem injury and hormonal imbalance affecting vital functions. Authorities continue to monitor his condition closely, with the Chief Adviser requesting regular updates and urging citizens to pray for Hadi’s recovery. The case underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring specialized care for national figures facing life-threatening injuries.