The Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) has suspended all passenger vessel operations between Barishal and the rest of the country due to dense fog. The decision, announced around 7 p.m. on Sunday, affects both the Barishal–Dhaka route and all internal waterways in the region. Thousands of passengers were forced to leave terminals after the sudden suspension, which authorities said was necessary to prevent accidents and ensure safety.

According to BIWTA officials in Barishal, the abrupt increase in fog has heightened the risk of river accidents, prompting the emergency measure. Launch owners confirmed that several scheduled departures, including MV Aman Khan-7, MV Parabat-10, MV Parabat-12, Suravi-7, and Bhaira, were canceled, and cabin passengers received ticket refunds. Many travelers expressed frustration over the disruption, noting that alternative bus tickets were unavailable at the start of the workweek.

BIWTA stated that the suspension will remain in effect until further notice, emphasizing that passenger safety remains the top priority.

The Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has returned 14 Indian nationals who were pushed into Bangladesh through the Darshana border in Chuadanga by India’s Border Security Force (BSF). The repatriation took place early Sunday through the Madonenghat border point in Ramkrishnapur Union of Daulatpur upazila, Kushtia. According to BGB and local sources, the individuals were handed back to India and later detained by the BSF.

A BGB-47 battalion statement said the BSF attempted to push the 14 Indian citizens into Bangladesh twice, first around 2 a.m. on Wednesday and again at 10 a.m. on Thursday. BGB increased vigilance along the zero line after detecting the attempts. Following a flag meeting between company commanders of BGB and BSF at India’s Chaidoba, the BSF agreed to take back the individuals after BGB’s protest.

BGB officials said the group claimed to be residents of Odisha, India, and spoke Hindi. Local police stated they had been evicted from government land in India, jailed for a short period, and later pushed toward Bangladesh by BSF.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan sent a written message to the annual Muslim American Society conference held in Chicago on December 26–27. In his message, he emphasized the importance of global Muslim unity and praised the role of the Muslim American community. Erdogan expressed hope that the conference would yield positive outcomes for the Islamic world and thanked the organizers for their invitation.

The conference’s theme, “Faith Under Trial: Standing Firm in Turbulent Times,” reflected the challenges facing the Muslim world, particularly Palestinians. Organizers said the event aimed to raise voices against international silence and support for Israel amid ongoing violence in Gaza since 2023. Erdogan highlighted that unity and mutual trust were essential to overcoming crises and conflicts affecting Muslim regions.

From Turkey, Tugba Isik Ercan, head of the ruling Justice and Development Party’s women’s branch, attended the conference. She outlined Turkey’s humanitarian diplomacy, including calls for ceasefire, enforcement of international law, and the opening of aid corridors. She also noted Turkey’s suspension of trade with Israel as part of Erdogan’s “justice-based foreign policy.”

Former interim government adviser Mahfuz Alam announced on Sunday that he will not contest the 13th National Parliamentary Election under the Jamaat-e-Islami alliance or the National Citizens Party (NCP). In a verified Facebook post, he clarified his political stance, stating that although he had advised and supported the NCP and Citizens Committee over the past year and a half, he would not be part of the alliance.

Alam explained that he had tried to establish the NCP as an independent platform under a broader 'Big July' umbrella but was unable to do so for various reasons. He emphasized that his respect and friendship with his July colleagues remain intact, but maintaining his long-standing political position is more important than contesting a seat in Dhaka under the Jamaat-NCP alliance.

He further wrote that Bangladesh is currently in a “cold war” phase and that it is better to remain steadfast in one’s principles without taking sides. Alam reaffirmed his commitment to pursuing political, cultural, and intellectual efforts toward a new political-economic framework and the rise of alternative youth forces.

Representatives from 21 Arab, Islamic, and African countries have condemned Israel’s decision to recognize Somaliland, a breakaway region of Somalia, as an independent state. In a joint statement released through Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the foreign ministers of these countries rejected the move, warning that it violates international law and poses a serious threat to regional stability.

The statement described Israel’s action as setting a dangerous precedent that could endanger international peace and security. It further asserted that the decision contradicts the principles of the United Nations Charter, which emphasizes respect for state sovereignty and territorial integrity. The countries reaffirmed their full support for Somalia’s sovereignty and unity, rejecting any actions that undermine its territorial integrity.

Somaliland has operated with its own administrative, political, and security structures since declaring independence from Somalia in 1991, but it has not received international recognition. Somalia’s central government continues to regard Somaliland as an integral part of its territory and opposes any direct engagement with the region as a violation of national sovereignty.

Sylhet Divisional Commissioner Khan Md. Reza-un-Nabi has directed that the Haor protection embankment must be completed within the scheduled timeframe. He warned that any irregularities, negligence, or obstruction in the construction process would prompt immediate strict action by the upazila administration. He made these remarks on Sunday while visiting the Hali Haor embankment, Beheli Union Parishad, and attending a public awareness meeting on the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election and referendum in Jamalganj, Sunamganj.

During the visit, the commissioner also distributed winter clothes among the poor, inaugurated the renovated upazila public library and children’s park, and inspected the Bhimkhali Union Parishad village court records and the upazila land office. He emphasized that the construction and maintenance of the Haor embankment require collective efforts from local representatives, implementing agencies, and residents to ensure crop protection and sustainable development.

He further stated that the government and election administration are fully prepared to hold the upcoming election and referendum in a free, fair, and impartial manner, ensuring that voters can cast their ballots without fear or pressure.

The National Citizens Party (NCP) has decided to join an alliance with Jamaat-e-Islami and other like-minded parties to strengthen broader political unity. NCP Convener Nahid Islam announced the decision at an emergency press conference held on Sunday night, December 28, 2025, at the party’s temporary office in Banglamotor, Dhaka. He stated that the decision was made with the majority consent of party members.

Nahid Islam explained that the NCP had been preparing to contest all 300 constituencies in the upcoming national parliamentary election and referendum. However, the political context changed following the killing of Sharif Osman Bin Hadi, spokesperson of Inqilab Mancha. Earlier, the NCP had reached an understanding with two other parties to form a reform alliance, but the evolving situation prompted a new strategic decision.

He also alleged that defeated hegemonic forces in Bangladesh were conspiring to disrupt the election process and undermine the new generation. The NCP’s latest move reflects its effort to consolidate opposition unity ahead of the national polls.

A United Nations peacekeeper was lightly injured during a patrol in southern Lebanon when gunfire and an explosion occurred near the team, according to the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). The incident took place near the village of Bastara, where heavy machine-gun fire from an Israeli military position south of the Blue Line struck close to a UNIFIL patrol inspecting a roadblock. Shortly afterward, a grenade explosion was reported nearby. UNIFIL said the peacekeeper sustained a mild ear concussion but no infrastructure damage was reported.

UNIFIL stated that, in accordance with standard procedures, the Israeli army had been informed in advance about the patrol activities in the sensitive area along the Blue Line. The mission’s statement was released on Friday, as reported by Anadolu Agency.

The report noted that a ceasefire has been in effect in Lebanon since November 2024, following over a year of conflict linked to the war in Gaza, which left more than 4,000 people dead and about 17,000 injured.

Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar announced that Islamabad intends to enhance engagement with Dhaka from February following Bangladesh’s 13th national election. Speaking at a year-end press conference in Islamabad on December 27, Dar referred to his August visit to Bangladesh, the first by a Pakistani foreign minister in 13 years, as a key step toward revitalizing bilateral relations.

Dar described his meetings with leaders of the National Citizen Party, BNP, and Jamaat-e-Islami as positive and productive. He noted that past governments, including those led by the Awami League, had not maintained strong bilateral ties, but expressed optimism about future cooperation. The visit focused on expanding trade, investment, cultural and educational collaboration, and regional cooperation under SAARC.

Dar emphasized that post-election political realities could open new opportunities for diplomatic and cooperative progress between the two South Asian nations.

The National Citizens Party (NCP) has announced its decision to join an eight-party alliance that includes Jamaat-e-Islami to participate in the upcoming national election. NCP Convener Nahid Islam made the announcement on Sunday night, December 28, 2025, during an emergency press conference at the party’s temporary office in Banglamotor, Dhaka. He said the alliance was formed to ensure a fair election and promote broader political unity. The final list of candidates is expected to be announced on Monday.

Nahid Islam explained that the NCP had initially planned to contest all 300 constituencies independently and had sought nominations nationwide. Later, the party reached an understanding with two other groups to form a reform-oriented coalition. However, the political situation changed following the killing of Sharif Osman Bin Hadi, spokesperson of Inqilab Mancha, prompting the NCP to expand its alliance to include more like-minded parties.

According to Nahid Islam, the decision to join the alliance with Jamaat was made based on majority consensus within the party.

The National Citizen Party (NCP) began an emergency press conference on Sunday night, December 28, at its temporary central office in Rupayan Tower, Banglamotor, Dhaka. The event focused on issues related to the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election.

Earlier the same day, at 5 p.m., Jamaat-e-Islami announced at a press conference at the National Press Club that two new parties had joined its eight-party alliance. The newly joined parties are the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), led by Colonel (Retd.) Oli Ahmed, and the National Citizen Party (NCP). The announcement was made by Jamaat-e-Islami’s Amir, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, though no NCP leaders were present at that event.

The NCP’s emergency briefing later in the evening came amid its formal inclusion in the alliance, signaling its alignment with the coalition ahead of the 13th parliamentary election.

A Palestinian woman was killed and several of her family members were injured when a building collapsed during a severe storm in Gaza City on Sunday, according to medical sources cited by Anadolu Agency. The wall of a damaged house in the Al-Rimal area fell onto the woman’s tent. The house had previously been damaged in an Israeli airstrike.

Heavy rain and strong winds overnight flooded or destroyed thousands of tents sheltering displaced people across Gaza, eyewitnesses and reporters said. In southern Gaza’s Khan Younis coastal area, hundreds of tents were inundated by high waves caused by a low-pressure system. The harsh weather has created serious danger for displaced Palestinians living in fragile tents or damaged buildings, many of which were hit repeatedly since October 2023.

International organizations have accused Israel of blocking aid and essential supplies from entering Gaza since the start of its military operations. The report said more than 71,200 people have been killed and over 171,200 injured in Gaza since October 2023, most of them women and children.

The National Citizen Party (NCP) has joined the Jamaat-e-Islami-led alliance ahead of Bangladesh’s upcoming 13th national parliamentary election. Jamaat Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman confirmed the development, prompting a Facebook reaction from Abdul Kader, former coordinator of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, on Sunday evening. In his post, Kader congratulated those who worked on the process but criticized Nahid Islam and others for allegedly deceiving people’s emotions.

The Jamaat-led coalition now includes eight parties, with the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) also joining alongside NCP. During a press conference, Dr. Rahman stated that while several other political parties had expressed interest in joining, it was not possible to include new members under the current circumstances. Senior leaders from the eight parties, including Colonel Oli Ahmed Bir Bikram, Ashraf Ali Akon, Ahmad Abdul Kader, and Rashed Pradhan, attended the event.

The announcement marks a significant expansion of the Jamaat-led alliance as political alignments intensify ahead of the national election.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has postponed its previously announced mass rally scheduled for January 3, 2025. The decision was announced through a statement by Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar on the party’s verified Facebook page at 7:28 p.m. Sunday. The statement said the rally was deferred considering the interests of students who will sit for undergraduate admission tests at nine agricultural and agriculture-focused universities on the same day.

Earlier, Jamaat-e-Islami had declared that the rally would be held in the capital to demand the arrest and trial of those responsible for the killing of Inqilab Moncho convener Sharif Osman Bin Hadi, as well as the recovery of illegal weapons and the arrest of terrorists.

The party has not yet announced a new date for the rally, and the statement did not specify when it might be rescheduled.

Monira Sharmin, joint convener of the National Citizens Party (NCP), announced her withdrawal from the upcoming national election despite not resigning from the party. In a verified Facebook post on Sunday evening, she stated that she had been nominated to contest from Naogaon-5 but was unaware that the party would later reach a 30-seat agreement with Jamaat. She said she had expected the NCP to contest independently in all 300 constituencies.

Sharmin explained that the party’s changed position prompted her to step back from the election, emphasizing her belief in the NCP’s independent political strength. She said her commitment to the people and the spirit of the mass uprising outweighed her commitment to the party at this moment. She also announced plans to return all donations collected through crowdfunding for her campaign, noting that supporters had contributed based on the NCP’s independent stance.

Sharmin clarified that she has not decided to resign from the NCP, asserting that the party does not belong to any single individual. She added that she would not compromise her ethics for political power and would continue to speak for the people and new politics.