West Bengal Police have denied social media claims that their Special Task Force arrested five people accused of aiding the killers of Inquilab Manch spokesperson Shahid Sharif Osman Hadi. In a post on their official X handle on Monday, the police stated that such reports were entirely baseless. The post did not mention Osman Hadi or Bangladesh by name but clarified that no arrests of foreign nationals had been made in connection with any recent incident.

The denial follows widespread social media posts alleging that five Bangladeshi nationals were detained by the Special Task Force. Earlier, Dhaka Metropolitan Police had claimed that Osman Hadi’s killers fled to India and that Meghalaya Police had arrested two people for assisting them. However, both Meghalaya Police and India’s Border Security Force (BSF) rejected those claims, saying there was no evidence of any such arrests or cross-border movement.

Dhaka police later said their statements were based on information from arrested suspects and sources near the border, but Indian authorities have maintained that the reports lack factual basis.

Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan, a recently resigned adviser and a leading figure in the July uprising, is reportedly set to join the National Citizen Party (NCP). Multiple sources on Monday, December 29, 2025, indicated that he may be appointed as the party’s spokesperson, although he has not yet publicly confirmed his position. Following his resignation, speculation has grown about his political direction, while he has also announced plans to contest independently from Dhaka-10 and nomination papers have been collected on his behalf for Cumilla-3 (Muradnagar).

In contrast, another former adviser and July uprising leader, Mahfuz Alam, has declared that he will not join the NCP. In a Facebook post titled “My Political Position,” he explained that although he had long collaborated with NCP and the Citizen Committee, he chose to maintain his independent stance. Mahfuz emphasized his commitment to cultural and political resistance against fascism and to fostering a new political-economic framework.

The developments highlight internal realignments among July uprising leaders and suggest possible shifts in Bangladesh’s emerging political landscape.

Election Commission (EC) Secretary Akhtar Ahmed announced that the deadline for submitting nomination papers for the 13th National Parliamentary Election will not be extended. He made the statement during a briefing held on Monday afternoon, confirming that the existing schedule for candidate submissions remains unchanged.

The announcement comes as part of the Election Commission’s ongoing preparations for the upcoming national polls. The EC has been conducting briefings and coordination activities to ensure the election process proceeds according to the established timeline. The secretary’s statement indicates that the commission intends to maintain procedural discipline and avoid any delays in the electoral schedule.

Further details about the nomination process and subsequent election stages are expected to be released later, as the commission continues its preparations for the national election.

Administrators, faculty representatives, and trustees from Bangladesh’s private universities have voiced deep concern over the future of the country’s private higher education sector. Their alarm follows the University Grants Commission’s (UGC) proposed amendment to the Private University Act 2010, discussed at an emergency joint meeting in Dhaka attended by over a hundred representatives from 85 institutions. The Bangladesh Association of Private Universities (APUB) issued a statement on Monday warning that without changes to discriminatory and restrictive policies, the sector could face serious instability and conflict.

Speakers at the meeting said private university students bear full tuition fees along with VAT and other taxes but receive no government scholarships, student loans, or research support. They criticized delays in UGC approval for modern programs and PhD initiatives, which they said hinder global competitiveness. Participants argued that excessive regulatory control has left more than 400,000 students and thousands of teachers, researchers, and trustees in uncertainty.

The meeting proposed six key reforms, including forming an independent higher education commission, adopting education-friendly global policies, introducing student loans and research support, strengthening industry-academia collaboration, reviewing VAT and taxes, and ensuring transparent approval processes.

Former state minister for home affairs Lutfozzaman Babar has submitted his nomination papers to contest the upcoming election from the Netrokona-4 constituency, which includes Madan, Mohanganj, and Khaliajuri. The submission took place on Monday afternoon at the office of the district returning officer and deputy commissioner Md. Saifur Rahman.

Babar, representing the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), stated that his candidacy is driven by a commitment to restoring democracy, ensuring people's rights, and advancing the overall development of the Netrokona-4 area. He expressed confidence that with the love and support of local residents, his campaign team will move forward unitedly toward victory.

The report highlights Babar’s emphasis on unity and local support as central to his electoral strategy in the constituency.

China has voiced firm opposition to any attempt to divide Somalia’s territorial integrity. At a regular press briefing on Monday, the Chinese Foreign Ministry reiterated Beijing’s unwavering support for Somalia’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity. Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian stated that no country should encourage or support separatist forces within another nation for its own interests. He also urged Somaliland authorities to halt separatist activities and cease collaboration with foreign powers.

The statement came shortly after Israel became the first country to officially recognize the self-declared Republic of Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state last Friday. Tel Aviv also expressed interest in immediate cooperation with Somaliland in agriculture, health, technology, and economic sectors.

China’s position underscored its stance against interference in Somalia’s internal affairs and its commitment to upholding Somalia’s full sovereignty in accordance with international law.

A platform named Manch-24 held a press conference at Dhaka University’s Madhur Canteen on Monday, demanding justice within 25 days for the killing of Sharif Osman Bin Hadi, spokesperson of Inquilab Manch. The group also announced four demands, including the immediate arrest of the main killer and accomplices, reform of intelligence agencies before the election, action against anti-national elements in the media, and review of work permits for Indian citizens in Bangladesh.

At the event, Manch-24 convener Fahim Faruqi criticized the interim government for what he described as lenient decisions regarding the murder case, accusing it of leaning toward dominance and aggression. He said Hadi had embodied the 2024 student-people revolution both culturally and politically through his Inquilab Cultural Center and anti-hegemony activities.

Faruqi warned that failure to arrest the alleged killer Faisal would embolden criminal groups and endanger other movement leaders. Inquilab Manch continues its protest at Shahbagh demanding justice for Hadi’s killing.

Khalistan supporters disrupted a protest organized by Hindutva activists outside the Bangladesh High Commission in London on Saturday. The protest had been arranged in response to reports of violence against Hindus in Bangladesh. During the demonstration, the Khalistani group chanted anti-India slogans and displayed their flags, effectively halting the event. A brief scuffle occurred between Paramjit Singh Pamma, coordinator of the Khalistan Referendum campaign, and an Indian Hindu protester.

Metropolitan Police officers quickly intervened, separating the individuals involved and dispersing both groups from the area surrounding the mission building. No injuries were reported in the incident.

Manu Khajuria of the UK Insight Group described the actions of the Khalistani extremists as surprising, saying they attempted to silence voices advocating for minority rights and harmony.

At the International Crimes Tribunal–2 in Dhaka on Monday, investigating officer Ruhul Amin testified that a doctor was pressured to prepare a false autopsy report following the police shooting of Begum Rokeya University student Abu Sayeed, described as the first martyr of the July uprising. The statement came during the third day of his deposition in the ongoing trial before a three-member bench led by Justice Nazrul Islam Chowdhury.

Ruhul Amin said Sarowat Hossain Chandan, president of the Rangpur unit of the Swadhinata Chikitsak Parishad, opposed the protesters during the uprising and pressured the doctor to falsify the report. He testified as the 25th witness in the crimes against humanity case against 30 accused, including former vice-chancellor Hasibur Rashid. Six accused, including a former proctor and several police and student leaders, were produced in court, while others remain absconding.

As the testimony was not completed, the tribunal scheduled the next hearing for January 6.

Jamaat-e-Islami–nominated candidate and Nagarkanda Upazila Jamaat Amir Maulana Sohrab Hossain has withdrawn his candidacy for the upcoming national election in Faridpur-02 constituency, which covers Nagarkanda and Saltha. His decision came after an eight-party alliance declared Allama Shah Akram Ali, known as Dhola Huzur, as its official candidate. On Monday at 10 a.m., Sohrab Hossain announced his withdrawal through a Facebook post, expressing full support for the alliance’s nominee in the interest of Islamic unity.

The announcement has sparked discussion in local political circles, with party activists describing the move as a significant step toward strengthening unity among Islamic parties. Leaders of the eight-party alliance stated that all members would work together in support of Shah Akram Ali and expressed optimism about achieving favorable results through this cooperation.

Local observers noted that the Jamaat candidate’s withdrawal is expected to bolster the alliance’s position in Faridpur-02 and reshape the electoral dynamics in the constituency.

Former president of Islami Chhatra Shibir, Md. Abdul Jabbar, has withdrawn his candidacy from the Narayanganj-4 constituency ahead of the upcoming national parliamentary election. He announced the decision on Monday through a verified Facebook post, stating that he stepped down in accordance with his organization’s decision and emphasized that the nation’s interest remains the top priority.

In his post, Abdul Jabbar expressed gratitude to his supporters, including members, well-wishers, students, and youth who worked tirelessly during the campaign. He extended his best wishes to Advocate Abdullah Al Amin, the central leader of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), who received the coalition’s nomination for the same seat on Sunday.

The withdrawal marks a shift in the electoral dynamics of Narayanganj-4, as the 10-party alliance consolidates its support behind the NCP candidate following Jabbar’s decision.

BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman visited the party’s central office in Naya Paltan, Dhaka, on Monday afternoon, marking his first appearance there in 17 years. He left his residence on Gulshan Avenue at 3 p.m. and arrived at the office around 4 p.m., where senior party leaders including Ruhul Kabir Rizvi and M Rashiduzzaman Millat welcomed him with flowers. Several central leaders, advisers, and staff members were also present during the visit.

Addressing party members, Tarique Rahman said there was no formal event scheduled and requested that roads be reopened quickly to avoid public inconvenience. He asked everyone to pray for each other’s well-being and called on supporters to contribute from their respective positions to rebuild the country anew. He added that he would deliver a speech when future programs are announced.

The visit was seen as a symbolic return to the party’s central hub after a long absence, with Tarique emphasizing unity and collective effort for national reconstruction.

India has granted final approval for the Dulhasti Stage-2 hydropower project on the Chenab River, located in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir, according to The News. The project, costing about 327.7 billion Indian rupees, will be implemented by the state-owned NHPC Limited and aims to generate up to 260 megawatts of electricity. Construction is expected to begin early next year.

Analysts link the approval to India’s earlier decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) following the Pahalgam incident, which heightened border tensions and led to reciprocal military actions between India and Pakistan. Despite India’s move, Pakistan reaffirmed its commitment to the IWT and pledged to continue participating in the neutral expert process. In August, the Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled that western rivers must flow freely for Pakistan’s unrestricted use.

Experts warn that the project could harm Pakistan strategically and environmentally, as the Chenab flows into its territory. Environmental authorities have cautioned that altering water flow may disrupt the Marusudar River’s natural structure and ecosystem over a 25-kilometer stretch downstream of the Pakal Dul project.

Law enforcement agencies have been unable to arrest Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader and six other top leaders of the party’s affiliated organizations in a war crimes case related to killings during the July Revolution. The prosecution informed International Crimes Tribunal-2 on Monday that officers visited both permanent and temporary addresses but could not locate the accused. The tribunal, led by retired district judge Md Manjurul Basid with member judge Nur Mohammad Shahriar Kabir, said further orders would follow after receiving all reports.

The accused include Awami League Joint General Secretary A.F.M. Bahauddin Nasim, former State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Mohammad Ali Arafat, Jubo League President Sheikh Fazle Shams Parash, General Secretary Mainul Hossain Khan Nikhil, Chhatra League President Saddam Hossain, and General Secretary Wali Asif Enan. Arrest warrants were issued on December 18 after the prosecution filed formal charges and presented specific allegations against each accused, including three counts against Quader for instruction, provocation, and incitement.

The tribunal will issue its next order once the remaining address report for Sheikh Fazle Shams Parash is submitted.

Nine people, including five children, were killed in a mass stabbing in Paramaribo, the capital of Suriname, police confirmed on Sunday. The attack occurred overnight when a man used a sharp weapon to kill multiple people in his home and nearby area. Among the dead were four of the suspect’s own children. Another child and one adult were seriously injured and are receiving hospital treatment. The suspect, who was wounded and detained, reportedly attempted to attack police officers before being shot in the leg.

Local media reported that the suspect had argued with his wife over the phone before the attack, and neighbors suggested he might have been suffering from mental health issues. Police have not released his identity but said he remains under hospital supervision. Suriname’s President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, calling it an unimaginably difficult time and offering strength and comfort to the bereaved families.

Authorities stated that further details about the circumstances of the incident will be released later as investigations continue.