The Bangladesh Commission of Inquiry on Disappearances has alleged that certain groups are deliberately attempting to question its neutrality and credibility. In a press release issued on Sunday, the commission urged patriotic citizens to remain alert and not be misled by false or provocative claims circulating on social and mainstream media. Signed by Secretary Kudrat-e-Elahi, the statement clarified that recent reports linking an individual named Khandaker Rakib to the commission’s interrogation activities are entirely baseless. The commission emphasized that Rakib has never been employed by or participated in any of its proceedings. It described these claims as part of a broader effort to obstruct or influence its ongoing work. The commission reaffirmed its commitment to conducting investigations with impartiality and respect for the families of disappeared persons. It called for public cooperation and cautioned against spreading misinformation that could erode trust in the inquiry process.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has received official permission to organize a reception for its acting chairman, Tarique Rahman, who is scheduled to return from the United Kingdom on December 25. The approval was confirmed by BNP media cell member Shayrul Kabir Khan, who stated that the Dhaka Divisional Commissioner’s office issued a written authorization to BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on the evening of December 21. According to party sources, the permission letter was delivered to BNP’s central office in Naya Paltan by an official from the commissioner’s office. BNP leaders, including central committee member Sattar Patwari, formally received the document. The event is being described by party officials as a “historic homecoming” for Tarique Rahman, who has been living in exile in the UK for several years. The reception is expected to draw large crowds and tight security measures in Dhaka. Political observers note that Tarique’s return could significantly reshape Bangladesh’s opposition politics ahead of future elections.

A major political controversy has erupted in Kurigram after several former and current Awami League leaders, including an accused in the high-profile Rafiqul murder case, formally joined the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). The induction ceremony took place at the district BNP office last Saturday, sparking outrage among grassroots activists and civil society groups who labeled the move as a betrayal of political ethics. Political and student organizations have sharply criticized the BNP’s decision, calling it a ‘rehabilitation of fascists’ and a ‘betrayal of martyrs.’ Among those joining were municipal councilor Anisur Rahman, Al Harunuzzaman Harun, Mostafa Kamal, Jamshed Ali Tunku, Abdul Malek, and two former reserved female councilors. Critics argue that bringing in figures linked to violent political episodes undermines BNP’s moral standing. BNP leaders in Kurigram defended the move, claiming some of the returnees were former party activists who had joined the Awami League under pressure. Analysts say the controversy could deepen internal divisions within the BNP and complicate its efforts to rebuild credibility ahead of future elections.

A wedding ceremony in Shahjadpur, Sirajganj, ended abruptly after a playful tradition of hiding the groom’s shoes escalated into a violent altercation. The incident occurred on Friday at Guliakhali Char in Kaijuri Union, when members of the groom’s side reacted angrily to the prank, leading to vandalism of furniture and property at the bride’s home. Following the chaos, the groom’s family announced they would not proceed with the marriage. Local police confirmed they were alerted through the national emergency hotline 999 and dispatched officers to the scene. Shahjadpur Police Station Officer-in-Charge Saiful Islam said no formal complaint had been filed, as the bride’s family opted for a social resolution. Relatives of the bride expressed shock, noting that arrangements had been made for over 200 guests, including gifts and meals, all of which went to waste. The incident has stirred local discussion about the fragility of social customs and the need for restraint during celebratory events. Authorities are monitoring the situation for any further disputes.

A political rift has emerged in Panchhari upazila of Khagrachhari after a Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) joining event sparked allegations of covert rehabilitation of Awami League (AL) leaders. The December 2 program, attended by former MP and district BNP president Abdul Wadud Bhuiyan, reportedly saw over a hundred activists from various parties join the BNP. However, local BNP members claim that around 70 of the new entrants were active or former AL leaders, including union-level officeholders and youth front members. Veteran BNP activists, who endured years of repression, expressed anger, saying the inclusion of former rivals undermines their sacrifices. Allegations also surfaced that financial transactions influenced the recruitment process. Analysts warn that such cross-party realignments could destabilize local politics ahead of the 13th national election. The situation has been further complicated by claims that local Jamaat-e-Islami units are sheltering former AL activists. Residents have questioned the administration’s inaction amid the nationwide “Devil Hunt” anti-crime campaign, raising concerns about governance and political accountability in the region.

Police in Matlab North, Chandpur, rescued a local carpenter who was allegedly abducted and brutally tortured for four days inside a cowshed. The victim, Lokman Hossain Bhuiya, was reportedly taken from his home on December 18 by a man named Md. Masud, a resident of Gazaria in Munshiganj, after being accused of poisoning fish in Masud’s illegal fish enclosure. According to police and local sources, Masud had long been living in the area and was known for unruly behavior. During the captivity, Lokman was chained, beaten, and pressured to confess to damaging Masud’s fish enclosure. When Lokman’s mother sought his release, Masud allegedly demanded a ransom of BDT 500,000. After she filed a complaint, police launched a rescue operation, freeing Lokman and arresting Masud. Sub-Inspector Suman Chandra Das confirmed the arrest and said a case has been filed. The incident has sparked local outrage and renewed calls for stricter action against illegal detentions and private torture practices in rural Bangladesh.

Bangladesh secured a total of 11 medals, including one gold, six bronze, and four technical awards, at the 27th International Robot Olympiad (IRO) held from December 17 to 20, 2025, in Gold Coast, Australia. The event brought together young innovators from across the globe to showcase their robotics and creative engineering skills. Mohammad Abdullah Al Titu from Anandamohan College won the gold medal in the senior creative category. According to the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications, and Information Technology, Bangladesh’s bronze medalists represented schools such as YWCA Higher Secondary Girls’ School, Mohammadpur Preparatory School and College, Ideal School and College, Dhaka Residential Model College, and Scholastica. Four additional students received technical awards for excellence in physical computing and creative movie categories. The Bangladesh Open Source Network organized the national selection process earlier in 2025, with top performers chosen through online and in-person rounds. Officials hailed the achievement as a milestone for the country’s growing robotics education movement and a sign of Bangladesh’s emerging talent in global technology competitions.

Six deans of Rajshahi University resigned late Sunday following a day-long student protest demanding their removal. The deans, reportedly aligned with the Awami League-backed Yellow Panel, declared their inability to continue duties during an evening meeting, confirmed Public Relations Administrator Professor Akhtar Hossain Majumder. The resignations came after students locked the deans’ offices and confined the registrar in protest. The six deans represented key faculties including Law, Science, Business Studies, Social Science, Engineering, and Geoscience. Their terms had officially expired earlier in the week, but the vice-chancellor had instructed them to remain in office until new elections were held. Student leaders, including those affiliated with Islami Chhatra Shibir, led the demonstrations, demanding immediate resignations. Attempts to reach Vice-Chancellor Professor Saleh Hasan Naqib for comment were unsuccessful. The resignations highlight growing tensions between politically aligned academic panels and student groups. The university administration is expected to announce further decisions regarding interim appointments and upcoming dean elections in the coming days.

Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a formal statement rejecting India’s claim that local media reports on a protest outside the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi were misleading. The ministry described the December 20 incident as deeply regrettable, noting that demonstrators were allowed to gather just outside the mission without prior notice, causing alarm among staff inside the compound. The statement came a day after India’s official response and emphasized that Bangladesh expects the Indian government to uphold its commitment to ensuring the safety of all Bangladeshi diplomatic posts. Dhaka also dismissed Indian authorities’ attempt to portray a recent isolated attack on a Hindu citizen in Bangladesh as a broader assault on minorities, stressing that suspects had already been arrested. Bangladesh reiterated that interfaith relations in the country remain comparatively stable within South Asia and underscored that protecting minority communities is a shared responsibility of all regional governments. The exchange highlights ongoing sensitivities in bilateral relations between the two neighbors.

Around 48,910 expatriate Bangladeshis from Sylhet Division have registered to vote in the upcoming 13th National Parliament election and referendum, according to the Election Commission’s website. The registration, conducted through the Postal BD app, began on November 18 and will close in four days. Despite an estimated 1–1.2 million Sylhetis living abroad, only a small fraction have completed registration. Officials note that this marks the first time expatriates will be able to vote since Bangladesh’s independence, following a landmark decision by the interim government. However, progress has been slow due to limited technical capacity at embassies, lack of awareness, and the busy schedules of migrant workers. Sylhet district recorded the highest number of registrants at 23,687, followed by Moulvibazar, Sunamganj, and Habiganj. Observers say the initiative could strengthen expatriate engagement in national governance, though low participation remains a concern. Expatriate leaders have urged all political parties to promote full registration before the deadline.

Farmers in Khansama upazila of Dinajpur are facing severe financial uncertainty despite a good early potato harvest this season. While yields have been strong across several unions, market prices have dropped to just 8–12 taka per kilogram, far below production costs of 20,000–30,000 taka per bigha. Many small farmers say they are unable to recover their investment and are sinking deeper into debt. Local farmers blame middlemen and wholesalers for manipulating prices, claiming that consumer prices remain high despite low farm-gate rates. The lack of affordable cold storage facilities has forced many to sell directly from the fields at a loss. According to the upazila agriculture office, early potato cultivation has already declined from 1,150 hectares last year to 890 hectares this season. Officials acknowledge that oversupply has depressed prices and say they are advising farmers on storage and marketing. Farmers, however, demand stronger government intervention, including direct procurement and better market management, warning that continued losses could further reduce cultivation and harm the local economy.

New Zealand openers Tom Latham and Devon Conway made cricket history in Mount Maunganui by each scoring centuries in both innings of the ongoing Test against the West Indies. Latham struck 137 and 101, while Conway compiled 227 and 100, marking the first time in Test or first-class cricket that two openers have achieved twin centuries in the same match. Their partnership propelled New Zealand to declare their second innings at 306 for 2, setting a commanding 462-run target. The West Indies, led by Kavem Hodge’s earlier century of 123 not out, reached 43 without loss by the end of the fourth day. Despite their strong first-innings total of 420, the visitors now face a daunting chase on the final day. Cricket analysts have hailed Latham and Conway’s feat as a rare display of consistency and mental strength, underscoring New Zealand’s batting depth. The record-setting performance strengthens New Zealand’s position in the series and adds a new chapter to Test cricket’s statistical history, with attention now turning to whether the West Indies can resist defeat on the final day.

Inquilab Mancha has called a press conference for Monday, December 22, at noon in Dhaka University’s Madhur Canteen to announce its next course of action. The group made the announcement through a Facebook post on Sunday night, citing dissatisfaction with the government’s inaction on its two-point demand. According to the statement, despite mass participation and public endorsement, none of the demands have been met. The group criticized the absence of the Home Adviser and Deputy Home Adviser at previous briefings and accused authorities of downplaying the killing of activist Shahid Osman Hadi. It also alleged that the chief adviser failed to assert full control over civil and military intelligence agencies. The upcoming press conference is expected to outline new protest programs and demands. Political observers suggest the event could signal a renewed phase of mobilization by the group amid growing tensions between civil movements and the interim administration.

In Lakshmipur’s Kamalnagar upazila, Union Parishad administrator Md. Shakil Ahmed faces allegations of misusing a government ‘Swapnajatra’ ambulance for personal purposes. Reports claim he used the vehicle to transport family members to his in-laws’ residence in Faridpur. The ambulance driver confirmed the trip, stating he acted under the administrator’s and secretary’s instructions. Beyond the ambulance misuse, Shakil Ahmed is also accused of irregularities in distributing fishermen’s relief rice, withholding tax collection records, and monopolizing administrative control of the council. Secretary Saiful Islam acknowledged the administrator’s unilateral decision-making, while Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md. Rahat Uz Zaman said he had not granted permission for any personal use of the ambulance. Shakil Ahmed defended his actions, claiming his daughter was ill and required transport. The allegations have raised questions about accountability and oversight in local government operations, with potential administrative inquiry expected in the coming days.

Two brothers from Mirzapur, Tangail, have each collected nomination papers to contest the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election from the same constituency, Tangail-7. According to local election officials, Firoz Haidar Khan collected his nomination papers on Thursday, followed by his younger brother, Dipu Haidar Khan, on Sunday. The Mirzapur Upazila Election Officer, Shahanaj Akter, confirmed the submissions on December 21. Firoz Haidar Khan is the president of the Bangladesh Brick Manufacturers Association and a former member of the Tangail District BNP. His younger brother, Dipu Haidar Khan, serves as the organizing secretary of the BNP-affiliated Jatiyatabadi Krishak Dal’s central committee and is also the convener of the Tangail District Krishak Dal. Although Dipu was not initially nominated by the BNP, he proceeded to collect nomination papers independently. The unusual development of two brothers seeking candidacy from the same party and constituency has drawn local attention, highlighting internal competition within the BNP’s Tangail unit. Party insiders suggest the nomination process may intensify as the election approaches, with the final candidate list expected after party scrutiny.