Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has summoned Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma to express concern over recent security incidents targeting its diplomatic and consular premises in India. The ministry cited violent protests outside the Bangladesh High Commission and the High Commissioner’s residence in New Delhi, as well as vandalism at the Bangladesh Visa Centre in Siliguri by extremist groups. In a statement, Dhaka condemned what it described as “planned acts of violence and intimidation” against its diplomatic facilities, stressing that such incidents threaten the safety of mission staff and undermine the principles of mutual respect and tolerance. Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossain alleged that a group of Hindu extremists breached security barriers and issued threats, accusing Indian authorities of failing to ensure adequate protection. India’s Ministry of External Affairs responded that the protest was peaceful and limited to slogans over a domestic incident in Bangladesh. This marks the second time in December that Verma has been summoned, reflecting rising diplomatic sensitivity between the two neighbors over security and cross-border political issues.

Nearly 72,000 students have applied for admission to Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST) for the 2025–26 academic year, according to the university’s admission committee. As of December 23, 49,861 students applied to Unit A and 20,947 to Unit B, with an additional 1,185 applicants in sub-units. The application period, which began on December 8, will close on December 25 at 11:59 p.m., with no extension planned. Admission Committee Member Secretary Professor Dr. Mohammad Selim confirmed that the final number of applicants will be known after the deadline. The admission tests are scheduled for January 13 for Unit A and January 14 for Unit B, to be held in Sylhet and Dhaka centers. This year, SUST will admit 1,566 students, including 985 in Unit A and 581 in Unit B, with 77 additional seats reserved under five quota categories. The merit list will be based on a combined score of test marks and GPA from SSC and HSC results, following the updated admission guidelines.

Police in Kolkata used batons to disperse Hindu nationalist demonstrators who gathered outside the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission on Tuesday. The protest was organized by several Hindutva-affiliated groups demanding justice for the killing of Dipu Chandra Das in Bangladesh’s Mymensingh district, who was beaten to death and his body set on fire following allegations of blasphemy. According to local reports, the demonstration began around 11 a.m., with participants chanting slogans against alleged persecution of minorities in Bangladesh. Police had erected three layers of barricades about 200 meters from the mission. Tensions escalated when protesters broke through the first barrier and advanced toward the second, prompting police to use batons to push them back. The crowd was eventually contained roughly 100 meters from the diplomatic premises. Authorities have not reported any serious injuries. The incident underscores the sensitivity of cross-border religious issues and the potential for domestic political groups in India to mobilize around events in neighboring Bangladesh.

Google’s 2025 global search trends highlight how billions of users turned to the platform for answers spanning entertainment, technology, and politics. Among the most-searched topics were the assassination of U.S. political activist Charlie Kirk, Netflix’s animated hit *K-pop Demon Hunters*, and the viral collectible toy character Labubu from Pop Mart. These topics dominated global curiosity and reflected the year’s cultural pulse. Artificial intelligence also emerged as a major search driver, particularly around Google’s own AI model, Gemini. Queries such as “What is AI?” and “How does Gemini work?” surged, showing that public interest in AI extended far beyond experts. Meanwhile, geopolitical issues like the Iran-Israel conflict and the U.S. government shutdown pushed political searches to new highs. The data underscores how Google remains central to daily digital life, with users relying on it for both breaking news and everyday information such as weather, translations, and social media updates.

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has detained four individuals, including a suspected human trafficker, and seized 46 bottles of Indian liquor during separate operations along the Thakurgaon and Dinajpur border areas. The arrests took place late on December 22 and early the next morning, following intelligence-led raids by patrol teams from Fakirganj and Chapsha Border Outposts. The detainees were later handed over to local police for legal proceedings. According to the 42 BGB Battalion in Dinajpur, the liquor was recovered from an abandoned spot inside Bangladesh territory near pillar 342 in Pirganj upazila. In another operation near pillar 348 in Haripur upazila, three individuals, including a human trafficker named Saddam Hossain, were apprehended while attempting cross-border movement. BGB officials stated that intelligence teams are working to identify other suspects involved in smuggling and trafficking networks. The BGB reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening patrols and surveillance along the northern border to prevent smuggling, drug trade, and illegal crossings, emphasizing continued cooperation with local law enforcement agencies.

More than fifty workers at Concept Knitting Limited in Tongi, Gazipur, suddenly fell ill on Tuesday afternoon after their lunch break. The incident occurred around noon when mostly female workers began experiencing vomiting, abdominal pain, and fainting. They were immediately taken to Gutia International Medical College Hospital for treatment, according to factory officials. Workers reported that they had consumed filtered water and home-cooked meals during their break. Factory management confirmed that all affected workers are receiving medical care, though the cause of the illness remains undetermined. Police and health authorities have visited the site to assess the situation, but doctors have not yet commented publicly. Officials are considering whether the illness could be linked to contaminated water or a mass panic reaction. The incident has raised concerns about workplace health standards and emergency response in Bangladesh’s garment sector. Further medical tests are expected to determine the source of the outbreak.

Authorities at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka have announced a 24-hour restriction on visitors, citing security and operational reasons related to the return of BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman. From 6 p.m. on December 24 to 6 p.m. on December 25, only passengers with valid tickets and passports will be allowed entry into the airport premises. The Civil Aviation Authority stated that the measure aims to maintain passenger service, safety, and operational discipline during the high-profile arrival. Airlines have advised passengers traveling on those dates to arrive early due to anticipated congestion. BNP sources confirmed that Tarique Rahman and his entourage are scheduled to land in Dhaka around noon on December 25 via a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight. BNP leaders said Rahman will travel directly from the airport to Evercare Hospital, where his mother and party chairperson Khaleda Zia has been receiving treatment. The temporary restriction underscores heightened security preparations as the political figure returns after a long absence.

At an international conference titled “Decolonization and Maulana Bhashani” held at Dhaka University, eminent scholar Professor Serajul Islam Choudhury emphasized that Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhashani never pursued politics for power or personal gain. Speaking at the closing session, he described Bhashani as a genuine anti-imperialist leader who dedicated his life to the liberation of working people rather than seeking ministerial or diplomatic positions. The two-day event, organized by the Centre for Advanced Research in Arts and Social Sciences (CARASS), featured academics including Professor Chowdhury Rafiqul Abrar, Professor Ahmed Kamal, and Dr. Iftikhar Iqbal. Speakers highlighted Bhashani’s socialist ideals, his rejection of capitalist dominance within the Congress, and his vision for a democratic Pakistan ensuring equal rights for all ethnic groups. Professor Abrar described Bhashani as a moral voice who valued justice, equality, and human dignity over political power. Participants urged renewed research on Bhashani’s political philosophy and proposed establishing a dedicated research center to preserve his intellectual legacy and relevance for Bangladesh’s democratic future.

A Chattogram Metropolitan Magistrate Court has ordered the transfer of the murder case of lawyer Saiful Islam Alif to the Chattogram District Sessions Judge Court for trial commencement. Magistrate Abu Bakkar Siddique issued the order on Tuesday morning, marking the completion of lower court procedures. Alif’s father and case plaintiff, Jamal Uddin, was present during the hearing and subsequently petitioned the Home Minister through the District Commissioner to move the case to a special tribunal for expedited trial. The investigation concluded on June 1, 2025, with a charge sheet naming 39 accused, including 17 fugitives. Arrest warrants, property seizures, and public notices have been issued for the absconding suspects. Government prosecutor Raihan Wazed Chowdhury confirmed that the case is now legally ready for trial. The murder, committed by alleged extremists linked to ISKCON after a mass uprising, sparked nationwide outrage. Legal professionals and civic groups continue to urge the government to transfer the case to a speedy trial tribunal to ensure justice. Observers note that the government’s delay in forming a special tribunal has raised public concern over judicial efficiency and victim justice.

A special tribunal in Dhaka has formally ordered the start of trial proceedings against deposed former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and 12 army officers, among 17 accused, in a case involving alleged abductions and torture at the Taskforce for Interrogation (TFI) cell. The three-member judicial panel, led by Chairman Golam Mortuza Majumdar, read out the charges and set January 21 for opening statements. Ten of the accused are currently in custody, while seven, including Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, remain fugitives. Defense lawyers for the present and absconding defendants pleaded for dismissal of charges, asserting their clients’ innocence. Prosecutor Gazi M.H. Tamim urged the tribunal to proceed, citing sufficient grounds for trial. The accused, including several senior military officers, denied all allegations when asked by the court. The case marks a significant legal development following the political upheaval that removed Hasina from power. Observers say the trial could have far-reaching implications for Bangladesh’s civil-military relations and accountability in state security operations.

Bangladesh’s Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) has approved 22 new development projects totaling Tk 46,419 crore (approximately USD 4.2 billion). The approval came during the committee’s 18th meeting under the interim government, chaired by Chief Adviser and ECNEC Chairperson Dr. Muhammad Yunus at the NEC Conference Room in Dhaka. The Planning Ministry confirmed the decision in an official statement following the meeting. Of the total allocation, Tk 30,482 crore will come from government funds, Tk 1,689 crore from project loans, and Tk 14,247 crore from implementing agencies’ own resources. This marks the seventh ECNEC meeting of the 2025–26 fiscal year, reflecting the government’s continued focus on infrastructure and socio-economic development despite the political transition. Officials noted that the newly approved projects span key sectors including transport, energy, and rural development. Economists expect the investments to stimulate employment and regional connectivity, though they cautioned about ensuring transparency and timely implementation to maximize impact.

A video showing chaos during a wreath-laying ceremony at the grave of former president and BNP founder Ziaur Rahman went viral on social media Monday, drawing widespread discussion and criticism. The incident occurred when members of the newly formed 'Bangladesh Nationalist Generation of the Liberation War' paid tribute under the leadership of Ishraq Hossain, BNP’s candidate for Dhaka-6. Later that night, Ishraq issued a public apology through his verified Facebook page, expressing regret for the disorder. He explained that the large turnout and enthusiasm among party activists led to difficulties in maintaining protocol. Ishraq clarified that his role required ensuring the safety and comfort of senior leaders, including Ruhul Kabir Rizvi and Ishtiaq Aziz Ulfat, who attended as chief and special guests. The apology was seen as an attempt to contain internal criticism and maintain discipline within BNP’s youth ranks. Political observers note that the incident underscores the challenges of managing large-scale party events ahead of the upcoming national elections.

Police in Bogura recovered the body of businessman Pintu Akanda, 35, seven hours after he was abducted at gunpoint from his Lotto showroom in Dupchanchia upazila on Monday night. Witnesses reported that four masked men forced him into a white microbus around 9:08 p.m. and drove toward Adamdighi. His body was later found in the Kumarpara area of Adamdighi upazila. Law enforcement officials have detained three suspects, including the microbus driver, Sanowar Hossain, and two others named Sakil and Sagor, for questioning. Bogura Additional Superintendent of Police Atowar Hossain confirmed that the vehicle used in the crime has been seized, and efforts are underway to identify and arrest the remaining perpetrators. The motive behind the killing remains unclear. The incident has sparked fear among local business owners in the area, prompting calls for stronger security measures. Police are reviewing CCTV footage that captured the abduction and continuing their investigation to uncover the full circumstances surrounding the murder.

Amazon has revealed that it blocked more than 1,800 job applications linked to North Korean workers attempting to secure IT positions within the company. Chief Security Officer Stephen Schmidt stated on LinkedIn that these applicants often operate remotely through U.S.-based 'laptop farms'—computers controlled from abroad to bypass sanctions and conceal their true identities. He warned that the issue extends beyond Amazon and is likely widespread across the technology industry. According to Schmidt, the number of North Korean job seekers has increased by nearly one-third over the past year. Indicators of such applicants include irregular phone number formats and falsified academic credentials. The revelation follows a U.S. case in July where an Arizona woman was sentenced to eight years in prison for helping North Koreans secure jobs at about 300 American firms, generating $17 million in illegal revenue. Security experts note that North Korea’s cyber operations increasingly target Western companies to funnel foreign currency into state programs. Analysts expect tighter corporate screening and government coordination to counter these covert employment schemes.

Vince Zampella, the co-creator of the globally acclaimed video game series ‘Call of Duty,’ has died in a car accident near Los Angeles. Electronic Arts (EA) confirmed his death on Monday, stating that the 55-year-old gaming pioneer was driving his Ferrari on a mountainous road north of the city when the crash occurred on Sunday. According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the vehicle veered off the road for unknown reasons, struck a concrete barrier, and caught fire. Both Zampella and a passenger sustained critical injuries and later died. Eyewitnesses shared footage on social media showing the burning red Ferrari at the crash site. Authorities are still investigating the cause of the accident. Zampella was widely regarded as a trailblazer in first-person shooter gaming, having co-founded studios responsible for several of the best-selling titles in history. His death marks a major loss for the global gaming community, with tributes pouring in from fans and industry peers worldwide.