General Secretary of the July Shaheed Smriti Foundation Sarjis Alam, who played a central role in the July-August movement that toppled the previous government, has said that Thursday's Secretariat fire was a planned, premeditated conspiracy. “The nature and location of the fire indicate it was neither accidental nor natural. It was a deliberate act of sabotage," he said while speaking at an event in Panchagarh. He called for a thorough investigation into the incident and urged the interim government to take a more revolutionary stance. He claimed the fire targeted the student representatives in the interim government, including Nahid Islam and Asif Mahmud, whose offices were reportedly destroyed. "These students have been at the forefront of the uprising, safeguarding files related to corruption and irregularities committed during the tenure of Sheikh Hasina. The timing of the fire raises serious questions," he added. Secretariat Fire: 2 committees to assess damages to Labour Ministry documents, assets He said that the interim government must ensure such incidents are not repeated and those responsible face accountability. He also warned of future conspiracies, urging unity to prevent a return of oppressive forces. "If this uprising had not succeeded, many of us would have been jailed. We must remain vigilant and hold the spirit of this revolution," he said.

Md. Mizanur Rahman, proprietor of Star Sign, and Abul Khair Md. Ahmad Ullah Matin, Managing Director of Sign Valley, have been re-elected unopposed as the president and general secretary of the Bangladesh Commercial Artists Association (BCA). Their re-election underscores the trust and confidence placed in their leadership by the association’s members. The election for the organising secretary position was held through direct voting at the Vanguard office in the capital’s Segunbagicha on Wednesday. Abdul Kuddus emerged victorious in a competitive race, securing 87 votes with the "Brass" symbol, defeating his rival Md. Monirul Islam Monir, who obtained 57 votes with the "Brush" symbol. All other positions in the 21-member executive committee were filled unopposed. Kamal Hossain Khan was elected as the senior vice president, while Md. Tosaddek Hossain Moinul assumed the role of vice president. Md. Miraj Hossain and Md. Rezaul Karim (Reza) were elected as joint general secretaries, and Md. Delwar Hossain was elected as assistant organising secretary. Shamsul Alam was selected as the treasurer, and Md. Yusuf took on the role of office secretary. Other key posts include Md. Shahjada as publicity secretary, Md. Sujan as assistant publicity secretary, and Kazi Md. Zahirul Islam Ripon as information and publication secretary. Zahirul Islam was entrusted with the role of sports secretary, Mohammad Jahangir Fakir as literature and cultural secretary, and AHM Raihan Rubel as social welfare secretary. Md. Atikuzzaman Kajol was chosen as labour and public relations secretary, while Md. Abdus Sabur Jinnah assumed the position of religious affairs secretary. Besides, Md. Shafiqul Islam Swapan, Md. Ashraful Islam (Arif), and Md. Mobarak Hossain were elected as executive members. The election process was conducted by Chief Election Commissioner Rafiqul Islam Azad, a former president of Dhaka Reporters Unity, alongside election commissioners Md. Shah Alam and Md. Selim, both senior members of the BCA. Their impartial supervision ensured a smooth and transparent election.

No one involved in the arson attack on the homes of the Tripura community in Lama upazila of Bandarban district will be spared, Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) Affairs Adviser Supradip Chakma has said. Those responsible for setting the houses of the Christian community there on fire will not go unpunished, the adviser promised in a statement on Thursday. CHT Affairs adviser to visit Lama arson attack victims; 4 arrested Strongly condemning the attack, the adviser also stressed that the perpetrators would face severe consequences. According to intelligence sources in Bandarban, the attack was allegedly carried out by suspected goons linked to fugitive former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed, with the aim of forcibly occupying the land of the Tripura community, the adviser added. In response to the incident, Adviser Supradip Chakma has directed the Bandarban District Administration and Police to conduct a thorough investigation, apprehend the real culprits, and enhance the security of the affected families. The adviser also instructed the authorities concerned to provide immediate assistance to the victims. Govt condemns arson attack on Tripura community's homes in Bandarban The Bandarban District Authority has already extended support to help rebuild the burnt homes. The adviser assured that additional aid would be provided from the Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs Ministry to assist in the recovery efforts. Meanwhile, the adviser is on his way to Bandarban and is expected to visit the affected families on Friday morning.

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change on Thursday issued a notification regarding the soaring levels of air pollution across Dhaka City as well as the entire country. The alarming rise in air pollution is contributing to severe health issues, premature deaths and negative impacts on productivity and the economy, the notification said. Dhaka’s air still ‘unhealthy’ this morning The Department of Environment (DoE) continuously monitors air quality through its Air Quality Monitoring Centers and publishes daily updates on the Air Quality Index (AQI) on its official website. During the dry season, the air quality in Dhaka and its surrounding districts frequently deteriorates from “unhealthy” to “hazardous” levels. To address this, the DoE has urged citizens to check the real-time AQI on its website (http://doe.portal.gov.bd)) or directly access it via 180.211.164.219:85. In addition, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has issued a public health advisory to be followed when the AQI exceeds 250: When the AQI is 250 or above, people are advised to wear masks outdoors and sensitive individuals—such as those who are ill, elderly or children—should avoid going outside unless absolutely necessary. If possible, the use of air purifiers indoors is recommended. The release also said that air pollution levels across Dhaka and the entire country surge significantly during the dry season from November to March. During this period, activities such as brick kiln operations, uncontrolled construction and development, vehicular emissions, burning of solid fuels like firewood for cooking, open burning of municipal waste, industrial emissions and the open transportation of sand, soil and construction materials exacerbate air pollution. Additionally, trans boundary air pollution originating from the northwest of the country accounts for approximately one-third of Dhaka’s air pollution, further intensifying the overall situation, it added.

Two committees have been formed to assess the damages to the Labour and Employment Ministry’s documents in the Secretariat fire incident. A committee will assess the damages to the ministry's documents and important records, while another will determine the extent of damage to the ministry's assets. Labor and Employment Adviser Brigadier General (rtd) Dr M Sakhawat Hussain on Thursday directed the formation of the two committees while visiting building 7 of the Secretariat, said a PID handout. Following his directive, the ministry formed the two five-member committees, making its two joint secretaries as the conveners of the two bodies. The committee headed by joint secretary Morsheda Aktar will assess the document and record-related damages, while the committee headed by joint secretary Abdus Samad Al Azad will estimate the asset-related damages. Committee formed to probe Secretariat fire The Labor and Employment Adviser asked the two bodies to submit their reporters within the next seven working days. A fire broke out at the 7th building of the Bangladesh Secretariat at approximately 1:50 am on Thursday.

Police recovered the body of a 22-year-old woman from a flat in Wahab Colony of Sabujbagh, Dhaka. An official of Sabujbagh Police Station said, "Preliminary evidence suggests she was strangled to death two or three days ago. The husband locked the apartment from outside and fled." The woman, Sima Akter, hailed from Brahmanpara in Cumilla. The couple had been renting a flat on the fifth floor of a building in Wahab Colony. 4 of a family killed in Mymensingh road crash On Thursday, neighbors reported a foul smell coming from the flat, prompting police intervention. Around 3 pm, police broke the lock and recovered Sima’s body. It was sent to Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) morgue for autopsy following legal formalities.  Police have notified the victim’s family and further details will be revealed after discussions with them and the ongoing investigation. 

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) on Thursday filed three cases against former state minister for power, energy and mineral resources Nasrul Hamid, his wife Seema Hamid and son Zareef Hamid on charge of acquiring wealth beyond known sources of income. 60 kathas plot: ACC to probe allegations against Hasina, family members ACC Director General Akhtar Hossain disclosed the decision in front of its headquarters in the city. Deputy director Mostafizur Rahman filed the cases with district coordinated office, Dhaka-2. Earlier on August 20, the bank accounts of Nasrul Hamid and his wife were frozen by the Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU). Burning bodies of protesters: ICT issues arrest warrants against ex-MP, 4 cops Day after the freezing notice, law enforcement agencies conducted a drive at a building owned by Nasrul Hamid in Banani and seized TK one crore, a weapon and 50 rounds of ammunition.  

The Advisory Council Committee on Economic Affairs (ACCEA) has approved the extension of the LNG supply contracts for seven companies. These companies will continue to supply LNG (liquefied natural gas) from the international spot market. Petrobangla, the state-owned company, has been importing LNG from these companies under the Master Sale and Purchase Agreement (MSPA). As part of the proposal, the ACCEA also approved the use of LSP software for LNG imports until March, 2025. Finance Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed presided over the meeting. Decision to award SPM’s O&M contract to CPPEC set to be revoked   According to meeting sources, Petrobangla has been importing LNG from 23 listed companies that have signed MSPAs and operate in the international spot market. The LNG is imported through international tenders under Rule-85 of the ‘Public Procurement Rule (PPR)-2008’. Out of these companies, the contract period with eight companies ended on December 17, 2024, while the contract period of six companies will end on February 2, 2025. Meanwhile, MSPA agreements with 27 new companies are in process and will take approximately 45 more days to be finalised. In light of this, the ACCEA approved in principle the extension of contract periods and the use of LSP software with 16 of the existing 23 companies that have signed MSPAs. This measure is aimed at meeting the urgent gas needs of the country’s power, industry, and fertilizer sectors until March 2025. Besides, the Advisory Council Committee on Government Purchase (ACCGP) approved a proposal from Petrobangla to import one LNG cargo from the international spot market. The South Korean firm, Posco International Corporation, will supply the LNG cargo at a cost of Tk 692.99 crore, with a price of $14.69 per MMBtu.

Bangladesh Army are working along with the law enforcement agencies to prevent attacks and sabotage at important installations or Key Point Installations (KPIs) across the country and ensure their security. The issues are regularly reviewed with other law enforcement agencies, said Colonel-Staff of Military Operation Directorate under the Army Headquarters Colonel Intekhab Haider Khan while briefing reporters at the Banani Army Officers Mess-A of Dhaka Cantonment on Thursday noon regarding the activities of the army deployed under the campaign, In Aid to Civil Power. When his attention was drawn to Thursday's fire at the important installation like Bangladesh Secretariat , Colonel Intekhab said the incident just occurred, and they have not yet received detailed information in this regard. However, the army is working on the security of important establishments, he added. In response to another question, he said how long the army will serve in the field is a matter of the government's decision. The army is working to maintain law and order according to the government's decision. Therefore, the army’s withdrawal depends on the government's decision. He also said that the army has taken training to take pressure while maintaining law and order. However, the army is working in coordination with other law enforcement agencies to keep law and order, he added In response to another question regarding security risk in the Cox's Bazar area, Col Intekhab said, there is no threat to the sovereignty of the country of security at the moment. The army in the area has always on alert. If there ever is a security threat, the army is ready to take action accordingly. Moreover, the BGB and Coast Guard and the law enforcement agencies are working on the Rohingya infiltration. Army, BGB deployed outside Bangladesh Secretariat after fire, gates closed When asked about the arson attack on Tripura community in Bandarban district, he said the incident occurred due to a land dispute and no other reason. Though incidents related to law and order has occurred there has been no deterioration. In this regard, the army is continuing to work in coordination with the police and others to keep the law and order situation tolerable. Earlier in a written statement, Col Intekhab said that members of Bangladesh Army have recovered  28 illegal fire arms and 424 rounds of ammunition conducting drives across the country in the past one month since November 28. During the period, the army played an active role in controlling 67 unstable situations and 13 main road blockades arising from such situations in various industrial areas of the country (mainly in Gazipur, Ashulia and Savar areas). In addition, they (army members) have been working to keep the factories running in coordination with all concerned, including the police, BGMEA, the owners, workers and the concerned ministries. As a result, all but one of the country's 2,093 garment factories are currently operational, he added. Apart from the industrial area, the army members have also controlled 45 different types of disorderly situations in the last one month. Of which five were related to educational institutions, three to government organisations/offices, seven were political conflicts and 30 were other types of incidents. In addition, on December 19, the army members provided direct assistance to the police in the attempted robbery at Rupali Bank in Keraniganj, which made it possible to quickly bring the incident under control without any incident. Besides, 200 suspected drug dealers or people associated with drugs have been arrested in joint operations along with recovery of a good amount of illegal drugs, such as Yaba, Phensedyl, illegal liquor, etc. Around 1,405 people involved in various types of crimes were also arrested from different parts of the country during the joint drives. 26 arrested in Army's special anti-crime operation in Dhaka city The army personnel worked with law enforcement agencies and religious leaders to ensure that the recently concluded Christmas celebrations of Christians across the country wre celebrated safely. A total of 4,241 churches across the country celebrated Christmas without any incidents, he said. In addition to these tasks, the army is also continuously performing its duties of maintaining communal harmony in the country, ensuring the security of foreign diplomats and embassies, maintaining peace and order in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, and providing security to the FDMN camp area in Cox's Bazar district.

Four more deaths were reported from dengue in 24 hours till Thursday morning, raising the number of fatalities from the mosquito-borne disease in Bangladesh to 569 this year. According to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), recent fatalities have been reported in various divisions of the country. Diarrhea cases surge in Manikganj, children most affected One death each occurred in the Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC), Barishal, Chattogram and Khulna Divisions (outside the city corporations). During the same period, 153 additional patients were hospitalised with viral fever, the DGHS added. Of them, 20 dengue patients were admitted in hospital under Dhaka North City Corporation while 21 were hospitalised in Dhaka South City Corporation. BSMMU calls for reducing dependence on foreign medical services Currently, 804 patients are receiving treatment in hospitals across the country. Since January 1, 2024, a total of 100,711 dengue cases have been reported. Last year, dengue claimed the lives of 1,705 people, making it the deadliest year on record. Dengue prevention neglected in underprivileged areas: Speakers According to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), there were 321,179 dengue cases and 318,749 recoveries in 2023.