The Bangladesh First Division Cricket League began in Mirpur with a grand opening ceremony featuring Bangladesh Police Cricket Club and Old DOHS. However, the festive start was overshadowed by boycotts, as three of the five scheduled matches failed to take place. Several clubs, protesting alleged irregularities in league elections, refused to take the field, resulting in automatic walkovers for their opponents under league bylaws. According to the Cricket Committee of Dhaka Metropolis (CCDM), four clubs—Partex Sporting Club, Gazi Tyres Cricket Academy, Amber Sporting Club, and Kalabagan Krira Chakra—were relegated to the Second Division for boycotting their opening matches. While Baridhara Dazzlers and Dhaka United received full points from walkovers, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has yet to officially confirm the relegations. The CCDM will now revise the fixture list for the second round without the demoted teams. The boycott movement, involving up to 44 clubs, may continue into upcoming rounds, potentially causing further disruptions and forcing the BCB to manage a shortened league season.

Bangladeshi journalist Anis Alomgir has been taken into custody by the Detective Branch (DB) for questioning, according to police sources. The move followed mounting criticism from the political platform July Oikya, which accused Alomgir of inciting hostility against its spokesperson Sharif Osman Bin Hadi and defaming the July movement. The group has issued an ultimatum, threatening to besiege the Home Ministry if Alomgir is released without formal arrest. July Oikya organizers alleged that Alomgir, known for his pro-Awami League stance, engaged in what they called 'information terrorism' and made derogatory remarks about July revolution activists. They further claimed that both government and foreign lobbyists were pressuring authorities to release him. A DB official, speaking anonymously, confirmed that Alomgir was brought in for interrogation on specific issues but did not clarify whether charges would follow. The incident underscores growing political polarization and tensions between pro- and anti-government factions in post-Hasina Bangladesh. Observers warn that such confrontations between activist groups and state institutions could further strain the fragile political environment.

In Sitakunda, Chattogram, local sources and political observers have accused the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) of deliberately spreading misinformation on social media regarding a picnic organized by former Jamaat-e-Islami leader Tawhidul Haque Chowdhury. The event, held at the foothills of Chandranath Hill, reportedly included participants from Hindu and Buddhist communities. However, posts circulated online falsely claimed that the picnic involved cow slaughter at a Hindu pilgrimage site, sparking communal tension. Community leaders, including Puja Committee officials, dismissed the allegations as fabricated and politically motivated. They stated that the meat was prepared offsite and that the picnic area was far from any temple or cremation ground. Local residents confirmed the location is a common picnic spot used by various social groups. Jamaat representatives alleged that the rumors were part of a broader attempt to divert attention from ongoing political controversies and disrupt communal harmony. Authorities and civic leaders have urged restraint and fact-based reporting to prevent further unrest in the region.

A Sydney resident, Ahmed Al-Ahmed, has been hailed as a hero after confronting and disarming a gunman during a deadly attack at a Hanukkah celebration near Bondi Beach. Video footage circulating online shows Al-Ahmed, dressed in a white shirt, rushing toward an armed man in a parking area, tackling him from behind, and seizing his rifle. The footage also shows Al-Ahmed placing the weapon on the ground as the assailant retreats toward a nearby bridge. The attack left 11 people dead, according to local reports. Australian media identified Al-Ahmed, 43, as a local fruit shop owner and father of two. Relatives said he was shot twice during the confrontation. Social media users and community members have widely praised his bravery, crediting his intervention with preventing further casualties. Authorities are continuing to investigate the incident, while community leaders have called for unity and resilience in the wake of the tragedy. Al-Ahmed’s actions have sparked national discussions about civilian courage in crisis situations.

A passenger bus was set on fire by unidentified miscreants in Dhaka’s Badda area on Sunday night, according to fire service officials. The incident occurred around 8:35 p.m. near AMZ Hospital in North Badda, when an Ashim Paribahan bus heading toward Mirpur was attacked. Two fire service units were dispatched to the scene and managed to bring the blaze under control. Badda Police Station Officer-in-Charge Nasirul Islam stated that the perpetrators have not yet been identified and police are investigating the scene. Witnesses reported panic among nearby pedestrians and passengers but no casualties were immediately confirmed. The attack follows a similar arson incident on Friday night in Badda’s Gudara Ghat area, where another bus was set ablaze. Authorities are investigating possible links between the two incidents amid heightened concerns over public transport safety in the capital. Law enforcement agencies have been instructed to increase patrols and surveillance in key city areas to prevent further attacks.

Abdul Hannan Masud, Senior Joint Chief Coordinator of the National Citizens’ Committee (NCP) and candidate for Noakhali-6 (Hatiya), stated that students have historically led Bangladesh’s liberation movements. Speaking at a discussion organized by the National Student Power in Hatiya, he said students freed the country from British rule in 1947, Pakistani occupation in 1971, autocracy in 1990, and most recently, from what he termed 'Indian domination' in 2024. Masud emphasized that the National Student Power evolved from earlier democratic student movements and now represents a mass uprising for a new Bangladesh. He urged students to unite beyond personality-based politics, reach out to farmers, workers, and citizens, and bring transformative change to Hatiya and the nation. Other NCP leaders, including Hafizur Rahman and Niamat Ullah Nirab, also addressed the event. The remarks reflect the NCP’s attempt to position student activism as central to its political narrative ahead of upcoming national political developments.

European Union Defense and Space Commissioner Andrius Kubilius has warned that Russia could create a real conflict scenario in Europe within the next three to four years. Speaking after a meeting with Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto, Kubilius described the situation as a potential 'conflict test' for Europe and urged rapid strengthening of the continent’s defense capabilities. Kubilius emphasized that Russia’s economy has effectively become a wartime economy, posing a long-term security threat to Europe. He identified two major challenges: the potential for Russian aggression and the United States’ call for Europe to assume greater responsibility for its own security as Washington shifts focus toward the Indo-Pacific. He noted that while progress is being made through new financial tools and strategic planning, Europe still heavily depends on U.S. intelligence and satellite systems. Kubilius also proposed initiating discussions on a European Defense Union that could include the UK, Norway, and Ukraine, stressing that Europe must prepare for greater responsibility within NATO and consider the long-term goal of a unified European army.

Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus reaffirmed the interim government’s commitment to securing membership in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). During a meeting with newly appointed Thai Ambassador Thitiporn Chirasawadi in Dhaka, Yunus expressed optimism that Thailand would support Bangladesh’s membership bid. The government has already applied for ASEAN’s Sectoral Dialogue Partner status as part of the accession process. The discussion covered expanding bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, maritime connectivity, cybersecurity, and people-to-people exchanges. The Thai envoy indicated Bangkok’s interest in initiating talks on a bilateral Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which could enhance Thai investment and trade with Bangladesh. Plans were also revealed to launch a direct shipping route between Ranong Port in Thailand and Chattogram Port in Bangladesh by March, following formal consultations in February. Yunus emphasized the importance of issuing more visas for Bangladeshi nationals traveling to Thailand for medical, business, and educational purposes. The initiative is viewed as a strategic step toward linking South and Southeast Asia through stronger economic and diplomatic ties.

Following the November 10 car explosion near Delhi’s Red Fort that killed at least 12 people, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) launched a series of searches across Kashmir’s hospitals. Investigators reportedly raided doctors’ lockers and offices, detaining eight medical professionals, including a female doctor, as part of the probe into the suicide attack allegedly carried out by a Kashmiri doctor from Faridabad’s Al Falah Medical University. The raids have triggered widespread fear and mental stress among Kashmiri doctors. Several physicians told BBC that the searches, while understood as security measures, have stigmatized the entire medical community. Health Minister Sakina Ito urged investigators to follow due protocols, while former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti warned that collective suspicion against Kashmiri doctors could harm national unity. Authorities maintain the operations are standard security procedures across all district hospitals. However, concerns persist that the aggressive approach may deepen mistrust and disrupt healthcare services in the region.

Bangladeshi journalist Anis Alamgir has been taken into custody by the Detective Branch (DB) police in Dhaka on Sunday night. According to reports, he was detained from the Dhanmondi area around 8:50 p.m. The DB has not immediately disclosed the reason for his detention, though Alamgir himself confirmed the incident to the media. A DB deputy commissioner, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Alamgir was brought in for questioning regarding an unspecified matter and that further details would be shared later. Several organizations have reportedly been demanding his arrest for alleged derogatory remarks about the 'July fighters' and posts perceived as supportive of the July revolution’s mass killings. The incident has drawn attention from media circles and rights groups, who are monitoring the situation closely. Authorities have yet to clarify whether formal charges will follow or if Alamgir will be released after questioning.

Leaders and activists of the Shibganj Upazila and Municipal units of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) organized a protest march and rally condemning the recent attack on Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of Inqilab Mancha, in Dhaka. The demonstration paraded through the municipal area before concluding with a protest gathering at Shaheed Mir Mugdho Square. The rally, presided over by Municipal BNP President Bulbul Islam, featured speeches from Upazila BNP General Secretary Advocate Abdul Wahab and several local leaders, including former secretary S.M. Tajul Islam and youth and student wing representatives. Speakers strongly condemned the attack, urging authorities to conduct a thorough investigation and bring those responsible to justice. Local BNP leaders emphasized that such incidents reflect a deteriorating political environment and called for ensuring safety for opposition activists. They warned that continued attacks on political figures could further heighten tensions ahead of national political activities.

The Bangladesh Election Commission (EC) has established inquiry and judicial committees across all 300 parliamentary constituencies ahead of the upcoming 13th National Parliament election and a concurrent referendum. The announcement, issued on Sunday, December 14, by Deputy Secretary Mohammad Didar Hossain of the EC’s legal wing, outlines that the committees will investigate and adjudicate any irregularities during the electoral process. According to the EC’s official schedule, nomination papers must be submitted by December 29, with scrutiny taking place from December 30 to January 4. The withdrawal deadline is January 20, followed by the final candidate list and symbol allocation on January 21. Campaigning will run from January 22 until the morning of February 10, and voting is set for February 12. The EC stated that these committees were formed in consultation with the Supreme Court and the Ministry of Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs. Officials say the move aims to ensure transparency and accountability in the election process, as the country prepares for a competitive and closely watched national vote.

Israeli forces shot and killed a 16-year-old Palestinian boy during a late-night raid in the Silat al-Harithiya village of the Jenin governorate in the occupied West Bank, according to the Palestinian General Authority of Civil Affairs. The victim, identified as Muhammad Iyad Abahra, was reportedly struck by live fire, and Israeli authorities have not yet released his body to his family. The official Palestinian news agency Wafa reported that Israeli troops used live ammunition and stun grenades during the operation. Palestinian statistics indicate that since October 2023, at least 1,093 Palestinians have been killed, around 11,000 injured, and 21,000 detained across the West Bank and East Jerusalem amid escalating Israeli military and settler actions. The incident comes despite a declared ceasefire and follows a July ruling by the International Court of Justice declaring Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories illegal. The continued clashes underscore the fragility of the truce and the deepening humanitarian and political crisis in the region.

The Bangladesh government has announced it will bear all medical expenses for Inquilab Mancha convener and Dhaka-8 parliamentary candidate Sharif Osman Hadi, who remains in critical condition following brain surgery. Hadi is set to be transferred abroad for advanced treatment, with his family preparing to move him either to Singapore or Thailand, depending on medical approval. An air ambulance has already been arranged at a reported cost of 5.2 million taka. Medical sources at Dhaka Medical College and Evercare Hospital confirmed that Hadi’s condition remains unstable due to increased cerebral edema and brainstem injury. Interim government chief adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus assured that all necessary steps are being taken to ensure Hadi receives the best possible care overseas. The medical board continues to monitor his vital signs closely, maintaining blood pressure and respiratory stability. The final decision on whether Hadi will be taken to Bangkok or Singapore is expected soon, as doctors evaluate the most suitable facility for his neurological condition. His case has drawn national attention, highlighting the government’s commitment to supporting political figures in medical emergencies.

BIRDEM General Hospital, one of Bangladesh’s leading medical institutions, has inaugurated its first outpatient medicine pharmacy under its own management. The initiative, launched on December 14 by Director General Professor Dr. Mirza Mahbubul Hasan, aims to provide patients with reliable and affordable medicines directly within the hospital premises. The hospital views this as a major step toward patient-friendly healthcare delivery. According to hospital officials, more than 4,000 patients visit BIRDEM daily. Previously, the absence of an in-house pharmacy forced patients to purchase medicines from external vendors, often at higher prices and with uncertain quality. The new pharmacy is expected to reduce such difficulties by ensuring transparency, accountability, and strict quality control in medicine distribution. Hospital authorities believe this initiative will enhance trust in BIRDEM’s healthcare services and strengthen its leadership in the national health sector. The move is also seen as a model for other hospitals seeking to improve patient access to safe and affordable medication.