The Government of Bangladesh has cancelled the certificates of 71 individuals identified as fake freedom fighters. The Ministry of Liberation War Affairs issued a gazette on December 24, 2025, formalizing the cancellation. The decision was made under the authority of the National Freedom Fighters Council Act, 2022, and the Rules of Business, 1996, following the 101st meeting of the National Freedom Fighters Council (JAMUKA).

According to JAMUKA sources, these individuals had obtained certificates despite not being actual freedom fighters. The verification process confirmed the falsity of their claims. The cancelled certificates include those from civilian, Indian list, Lal Muktibarta, Ansar, army, and martyred police categories.

The verification and scrutiny of freedom fighter certificates remain ongoing, as authorities continue efforts to ensure the authenticity of recognized participants in the Liberation War.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir stated that the party has always stood by the Quran and Sunnah and continues to do so. He made the remarks on Sunday afternoon during a meeting with Islamic scholars in Thakurgaon. Fakhrul emphasized that no law outside the Quran and Sunnah would be allowed, rejecting claims that the BNP does not adhere to Islamic principles.

He said the country is going through a critical period, with some groups allegedly working behind the scenes to destabilize the nation and disrupt the upcoming election. Fakhrul urged everyone to remain alert and united, warning that disunity would harm the country. He also accused the Awami League of passing laws to perpetuate its power and deprive people of their rights, while religious scholars were once labeled extremists and harassed.

Fakhrul concluded that the difficult period had passed and called for collective efforts to rebuild the nation anew.

Pakistan has condemned Israel’s decision to recognize Somaliland as an independent state, calling the move “provocative and illegal.” The statement was issued by Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Saturday, following Israel’s announcement on Thursday that it had become the first country to formally recognize Somaliland’s independence. The ministry said such actions undermine Somalia’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity.

Islamabad’s statement rejected Israel’s efforts to recognize Somaliland and described the move as a clear violation of international law. It warned that such actions threaten not only the peace and stability of Somalia but also that of the wider region. Pakistan reaffirmed its full support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia.

The ministry also called on the international community to reject any such steps and to prevent Israel from undermining ongoing efforts to maintain peace and stability in the region.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and seven other like-minded political parties have called an urgent press conference. The event is scheduled for Sunday at 4:30 p.m. at the Abdus Salam Hall on the third floor of the National Press Club in Dhaka. Jamaat-e-Islami’s Assistant Secretary General Hamidur Rahman Azad informed the media about the conference, though the specific agenda has not been disclosed.

According to available information, the press conference may include announcements regarding a possible alliance with the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and other political groups. Reports also suggest that seat-sharing arrangements could be discussed or declared during the event. However, no official confirmation has been provided about these potential announcements.

The meeting comes amid ongoing political discussions among several parties exploring coalition options. The outcome of the press conference may indicate new alignments or strategies ahead of future political developments.

A total of 114 leaders of the National Citizens Party (NCP) have signed in favor of joining an eight-party alliance that includes Jamaat-e-Islami, according to a report published on December 28, 2025. The signatures were submitted to NCP convener Nahid Islam, and party sources indicated the number could rise to 120. Meanwhile, 30 members have signed against the move, while others remain undecided. No senior NCP official has publicly commented on the matter.

A letter accompanying the signatures stated that the signatories, described as central-level NCP leaders, support strategic political decisions aimed at rebuilding democratic institutions and establishing a responsible state system ahead of the upcoming national election. They expressed full confidence in the convener and member secretary to make appropriate decisions regarding any electoral alliance or understanding.

The letter emphasized that a timely and unified decision under the leadership of Nahid Islam would strengthen the party organizationally and enhance public trust, reflecting a push within NCP for a broader political alignment before the election.

BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman visited the party’s chairperson’s political office in Gulshan, Dhaka, on Sunday afternoon. According to the party’s media cell, a room has been prepared for him on the second floor of the office, where he will conduct political activities.

Party sources said Rahman plans to contest the upcoming national election from two constituencies—Dhaka-17 and Bogura-6. On the same day, he collected nomination papers for the Dhaka-17 seat from the Divisional Commissioner’s Office in Segunbagicha, Dhaka.

The visit marks Rahman’s active engagement in the party’s election preparations, with arrangements being made at the Gulshan office to facilitate his political operations.

Hamas has called on Israel to allow an impartial international investigation into the October 7, 2023 attacks in southern Israel. The Palestinian group released a 42-page document rejecting accusations of killing or committing atrocities against Israeli civilians. The document provides detailed accounts of the events of that day, Hamas’s perspective on Israel’s actions in Gaza, and its view of the ongoing conflict.

According to the document, Hamas claims Western media and pro-Israel lobby groups spread misleading narratives about the attack, including false reports of child killings and sexual violence. It states that such claims were used to justify what Hamas describes as a genocidal campaign in Gaza. The group says it had offered to release civilian hostages shortly after the attack, but Israel initially refused. During a brief truce in November 2023, about 100 hostages were exchanged for Palestinian prisoners.

Hamas attributes the October 7 assault to decades of Israeli occupation, Gaza’s blockade, repeated violations of the Oslo Accords, and international inaction. The document concludes that Hamas is an inseparable part of the Palestinian national structure.

Ahsan Habib Lincoln, secretary general of the Jatiya Party (Kazi Zafar) faction, has resigned from his post. He confirmed his resignation on Sunday morning and announced through his Facebook profile on Saturday night that he will contest the upcoming national parliamentary election as an independent candidate from Kushtia-2 (Mirpur-Veramara). Lincoln stated that he would collect his nomination papers on Monday, December 29.

In his Facebook post, Lincoln expressed frustration over not receiving a nomination and said his long political dedication had not been properly valued. He claimed to have been betrayed by both the BNP and his own party. He wrote that he was leaving the party to seek judgment from the people of his constituency and criticized the BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman for failing to uphold promises made during the 12-party alliance meeting.

Lincoln’s resignation and independent candidacy mark a significant shift within the Jatiya Party (Kazi Zafar) faction ahead of the national election, reflecting internal dissatisfaction and strained alliances.

Two associates of Faisal, the prime suspect in the murder of Inkilab Mancha spokesperson Shahid Sharif Osman Bin Hadi, have been arrested in India, according to Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Additional Commissioner (Crime and Operations) S N Md Nazrul Islam. He disclosed the information at a press briefing on Sunday at the DMP Media Centre, where he discussed progress in the investigation.

Nazrul Islam said Faisal fled to Meghalaya, India, where local police detained his two aides. So far, eleven people, including Faisal’s parents, wife, brother-in-law, and girlfriend, have been arrested in connection with the case. Investigators recovered two foreign pistols, 52 rounds of ammunition, a motorcycle with a fake number plate, and cheques worth Tk 218 crore linked to 53 accounts. The official described the killing as premeditated and confirmed that six suspects have given confessional statements.

The DMP expects to submit the charge sheet within 7–10 days, by January 7. Hadi was attacked on December 12 in Dhaka’s Paltan area and later died on December 18 while under treatment in Singapore.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has expressed concern over the rising Muslim population in the state, predicting that by the time the next census report is released in 2027, the proportion of Muslims of Bangladeshi origin could reach around 40 percent. He noted that in the 2011 census, Muslims made up 34 percent of Assam’s population, of which 3 percent were classified as indigenous Assamese Muslims and the remaining 31 percent were of Bangladeshi descent. Sarma also pointed out that no census was conducted in 2021.

His remarks have reignited political and social debates in Assam over migration, identity, and citizenship, particularly in the context of longstanding disputes about alleged illegal immigration from Bangladesh. Discussions about demographic shifts and their social and political implications have been ongoing in the state for years.

The Chief Minister’s forecast has drawn mixed reactions in political circles. Some have welcomed his emphasis on demographic issues, while others warned that such comments could inflame communal tensions.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has stated that two individuals involved in the murder of Inquilab Moncho convener Sharif Osman Hadi have fled to India. The information was disclosed by DMP Additional Commissioner (Crime and Operation) S N Nazrul Islam during a press briefing at the DMP Media Center on Minto Road in Dhaka on Sunday morning. He said the investigation is being conducted with high priority and that a charge sheet will be submitted within eight to ten days.

According to the DMP official, the suspects currently in custody revealed during police interrogation that two others had escaped to India. The police are continuing their investigation to identify the motive behind the killing and to locate the fugitives. The case remains under active investigation, with authorities emphasizing their commitment to completing the process promptly.

The DMP’s statement indicates that cross-border coordination may become necessary as the suspects are believed to have crossed into India, potentially complicating the next phase of the investigation.

Amar Desh editor Mahmudur Rahman filed a case in Dhaka’s Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (CMM) Court on Sunday, accusing two individuals of spreading false propaganda that linked his newspaper to recent attacks and arson at the offices of Prothom Alo and The Daily Star. The accused are Prothom Alo columnist A.F.M. Rashedul Haque Mallik, also known as Maruf Mallik, and BNP’s Information and Technology Affairs Secretary A.K.M. Wahiduzzaman Apollo. The case was filed under Penal Code sections 500 and 505.

According to the complaint, the two accused allegedly posted fabricated and defamatory statements on Facebook on December 19, inciting hatred against Amar Desh. Mahmudur Rahman personally appeared before Magistrate Md. Jewel Rana, who recorded his statement and kept the case pending for an order, noting that action under section 505 requires government approval. Rahman requested arrest warrants and exemplary punishment for the accused.

The case follows violent attacks on December 18 at the offices of Prothom Alo’s associate publication Prothoma and The Daily Star, after news of martyr Osman Hadi’s death in Singapore. Police have arrested 18 people in connection with those incidents.

The United Kingdom has imposed visa restrictions on the Democratic Republic of Congo, citing the country's refusal to take back illegal migrants and criminal offenders. The British Home Office announced the decision in a statement issued on Saturday night, noting that the move follows Congo’s failure to meet cooperation requirements. Under the new restrictions, fast-track visa services for Congolese citizens will be suspended, and VIPs and politicians from Congo will no longer receive priority services.

The Home Office said the measure marks the first major change under Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood’s recently launched immigration reform program, which aims to make refugee status temporary and accelerate the deportation of undocumented migrants. The statement also mentioned that Angola and Namibia have agreed to strengthen efforts to repatriate their citizens, though none of the three countries immediately commented on the issue.

Mahmood warned that if Congo does not improve cooperation, the UK could impose a complete visa ban. She thanked Angola and Namibia for their collaboration and urged Congo to act responsibly by repatriating its nationals.

Hasan Al Mamun has been appointed as the new General Secretary of Gana Odhikar Parishad. He confirmed the appointment himself on Sunday, according to a report by Amar Desh published on December 28, 2025. The position became vacant after former General Secretary Rashid Khan recently joined the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).

Rashid Khan’s move to the BNP reportedly stemmed from the belief that contesting the national election under the party’s ‘paddy sheaf’ symbol would increase his chances of winning. His departure created speculation within Gana Odhikar Parishad about who would succeed him. Hasan Al Mamun, who previously served as the party’s Senior Joint General Secretary, has now taken over the role.

Before joining Gana Odhikar Parishad’s leadership, Hasan Al Mamun was known for his role as a convener of the 2018 quota reform movement. His appointment marks a leadership transition within the party following Rashid Khan’s defection.

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) of Bangladesh has extended the deadline for submitting online income tax returns by one month. According to an order signed by NBR Secretary Md. Ekramul Haque, the new deadline has been moved from December 31 to January 31. This marks the second extension of the filing period for the current fiscal year 2025–26.

Previously, the NBR had already extended the submission deadline once from the original legal deadline of November 30 to December 31. The extension applies to all taxpayers who are now required to file their returns online, following a directive issued in August making e-filing mandatory for all. So far, more than 2.6 million taxpayers have submitted their e-returns for the fiscal year.

The decision aims to provide additional time for taxpayers to complete their online submissions and ensure compliance with the mandatory e-filing system introduced earlier in the year.