United News of Bangladesh

The country’s stock markets closed lower on the first working day of the week on Sunday, with key indices declining on both bourses, trading fell on the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) but increased on the Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE). On the DSE, the benchmark DSEX index shed 4 points, while the Shariah-based DSES fell 1 point and the blue-chip DS30 index dropped 6 points. Despite the index decline, most listed companies ended higher, with prices rising for 161 firms against declines for 157, while shares of 70 companies remained unchanged. In the block market, shares worth nearly Tk 19 crore were traded across 20 companies, with BRAC Bank PLC topping the list at Tk 7.6 crore. The turnover on the DSE stood at Tk 293 crore, down from Tk 303 crore in the previous session. Rahim Textile Mills PLC topped the DSE gainers’ chart with a 10 percent rise, while Familytex (BD) Limited lost more than 8 percent to become the day’s worst performer. Meanwhile, the CSE’s broad-based CASPI index dropped 63 points. Prices declined for most companies, with 94 issues losing value against gains for 45, while 14 issues remained unchanged. The trading volume on the CSE jumped to Tk 12 crore, compared to Tk 4.5 crore in the previous trading session. Reliance One Mutual Fund topped the CSE gainers with a rise of over 9.5 percent, while Investment Corporation of Bangladesh (ICB) ended at the bottom of the losers’ list.

Kylian Mbappé scored his 59th goal for Real Madrid in 2025, matching Cristiano Ronaldo’s club record for most goals in a single year. The milestone came in the 86th minute via a penalty in a 2-0 victory over 10-man Sevilla in Madrid’s final match of the year. The France striker, celebrating his 27th birthday, marked the achievement with a subdued version of Ronaldo’s iconic celebration, before blowing a kiss to the cameras. Since joining Real Madrid in summer 2024, Mbappé has scored 29 goals this season, including 18 in La Liga. “It’s incredible, in my first full year to do what Cristiano did. He’s my idol and the best player in Real Madrid’s history,” Mbappé said. Sevilla struggled after defender Marcao was sent off for a second yellow, and coach Matías Almeyda was expelled during halftime for protesting. Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois denied multiple scoring chances, keeping the clean sheet intact until Mbappé converted the penalty awarded after Juanlu Sánchez fouled Rodrygo. Madrid coach Xabi Alonso, under pressure following a string of poor results, avoided further criticism with the win. Club president Florentino Pérez now has two weeks to assess the team’s performance before facing Real Betis on Jan. 4. Alonso acknowledged that while the team could have played better, the victory was crucial. Elsewhere in La Liga, Levante and Real Sociedad drew 1-1 before announcing new coaches — Luís Castro for Levante and American Pellegrino Matarazzo for Sociedad. Osasuna beat Alaves 3-0, with Ante Budimir scoring twice, while Real Oviedo and Celta Vigo played a 0-0 draw, featuring a flock of pigeons on the pitch. With the win, Madrid remains second in the league, just one point behind leaders Barcelona.

Severe foreign aid cuts imposed this year by U.S. President Donald Trump, along with reductions from other countries, have devastated child protection, education, and youth programs in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh home to 1.2 million Rohingya refugees from Myanmar. Thousands of schools and training centers were forced to close, leaving children vulnerable to exploitation, trafficking, child marriage, and forced labor. Hasina, 17, recalls the school that had once shielded her from forced marriage and abuse. When funding for her school was cut in June, her education ended abruptly, and she was married off. Her husband began beating and sexually abusing her, extinguishing her childhood and dreams of becoming a teacher. “If the school hadn’t closed, I wouldn’t be trapped in this life,” she said. UNICEF reports a sharp rise in child abuse and exploitation this year: abductions and kidnappings quadrupled to 560 cases, and 817 children were recruited or used by armed groups operating in the camps. Verified child marriages rose 21% and child labor 17% compared to the previous year, though the real numbers are likely higher. The closures have left children with no safe spaces to learn or play, making them easy targets for traffickers who exploit their desperation. Ten-year-old Mohammed Arfan now spends his days selling snacks instead of attending school, while 13-year-old Rahamot Ullah collects plastic from sewage canals to pay for private lessons he cannot afford. Both boys dream of education and a better life but are trapped by circumstances caused by the aid cuts. Aid agencies warn that the situation will worsen next year. Save the Children has secured only a third of its funding target for 2026, putting 20,000 children at risk of losing access to education. UNICEF has reopened some learning centers using remaining funds, but many schools remain closed. The cuts also exacerbated starvation, health risks, and unsafe conditions in the camps. Families desperate to survive have sent children on perilous journeys abroad, often with traffickers. In one case, Mohammed Ullah’s 13-year-old son was taken by traffickers to Malaysia; his father scrambled to raise a ransom for the boy’s release. Experts and aid workers say the aid reductions have destroyed lives and futures. Children once shielded by schools now face child labor, trafficking, and forced marriage, with little hope of returning to the education and protection they lost.

At least 16 files, including a photograph showing former President Donald Trump, have disappeared from the U.S. Justice Department’s public webpage for documents related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, less than a day after they were posted. The Justice Department offered no explanation for the removals and gave no prior notice to the public. The missing files, previously available on Friday but inaccessible by Saturday, included images of paintings depicting nude women and a photograph showing Trump alongside Epstein, Melania Trump, and Epstein associate Ghislaine Maxwell. In a statement on X, the department said materials “will continue being reviewed and redacted consistent with the law in an abundance of caution as we receive additional information.” The unexplained disappearance has fueled speculation about possible cover-ups and intensified concerns over transparency, particularly given Epstein’s ties to powerful figures. House Oversight Committee Democrats questioned why the photo featuring Trump was removed, calling for full public disclosure. The Justice Department’s initial release, spanning tens of thousands of pages, has so far offered little new insight into Epstein’s criminal activities or prosecutorial decisions, with critical records — including FBI interviews with survivors and internal memos on charging decisions — still missing. Many documents were heavily redacted, lacked context, or consisted solely of images of Epstein’s homes and associates. Some of the released records include grand jury transcripts detailing sexual abuse of minors, including girls as young as 14, and interviews with U.S. Attorney Alexander Acosta regarding his 2008 decision not to pursue federal charges against Epstein. Survivors’ attorneys described the release as both “a triumph and a tragedy,” criticizing the government’s inaction despite ample warning signs. The Justice Department has indicated it will continue releasing records on a rolling basis, citing the need to obscure victims’ identities, but no timeline has been provided for when the public can expect a complete set of documents.

The Election Commission has extended the deadline until December 31 for local election observer organisations to apply for deploying their observers in the upcoming 13th parliamentary election and referendum. According to the Election Observation Policy 2025, observer organisations were earlier asked to submit written applications within 10 days of the announcement of the election schedule by December 21, said an EC press release. Following requests from observer organisations, the Commission has now decided to extend the deadline for submitting applications. The Election Commission said that once permission is granted identity cards and vehicle stickers for central observers will be issued by the Election Commission Secretariat. For local observers, identity cards and vehicle stickers will be provided by the offices of the respective returning or assistant returning officers.

Bangladesh on Sunday rejected remarks by India’s Ministry of External Affairs over demonstrations outside the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi, saying the protests left the High Commissioner and his family feeling threatened. Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain came up with Bangladesh’s position responding to questions at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. "We completely reject the press note. Why can they come this far? They have said many things. We have heard that he (HC) has been threatened to kill, but we don't have evidence," he said. The Adviser said they are still relying on the host country, hoping that the host country will take necessary steps on the security front but if necessary, Dhaka will shrink its diplomatic presence in India. Official spokesperson at the Indian Ministry of External Affairs Randhir Jaiswal on Sunday said there was no attempt to breach the fence or create a security situation at any time. India is committed to ensuring the safety of foreign missions/posts in its territory in accordance with the Vienna Convention, Jaiswal said in response to media queries in New Delhi regarding the demonstration. He said the police stationed at the spot dispersed the group after a few minutes. Jaiswal said visual evidence of these events is available for all to see. No breach attempt at Bangladesh High Commission during protest: India "India continues to keep a close watch on the evolving situation in Bangladesh," he said, adding that their officials remain in touch with Bangladesh authorities and have conveyed to them their strong concerns over the attacks on the minorities. Jaiswal said they have noted misleading propaganda in sections of Bangladesh media on the incident. "The fact is that about 20-25 youth gathered in front of the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi on December 20 and raised slogans in protest against the horrendous killing of Dipu Chandra Das in Mymensingh, while also calling for the protection of all minorities in Bangladesh," he said. Jaiswal said they have also urged that the perpetrators of the barbaric killing of Das be brought to justice.  

Religious Affairs Adviser Dr AFM Khalid Hossain on Sunday said taking the law into one's own hands is a major obstacle to good governance. “This is an extremely condemnable and heinous act. We will not allow anyone to take the law into their own hands. Mob justice is a major obstacle to good governance,” he said while talking to reporters at the Secretariat. The adviser said he had sent a message and had requested the Home Affairs Adviser to take action against those involved in the killing of a man in Mymensingh and in setting the body on fire. Dipu Chandra Das, a local garment worker, was beaten to death by a mob over alleged blasphemy in Bhaluka Upazila of Mymensingh district on Thursday night.  His body was later set on fire. Replying to another question, the adviser claimed that the law and order is now fully under control. He said violent incidents were still occurring, but considering the current situation, they remained hopeful that elections would be held on time in a free, fair, inclusive and festive manner and that such an environment still existed. Asked about recent arson attacks on two newspapers—The Daily Prothom Alo and The Daily Star—the adviser said “Efforts are on to prevent such incidents.To ensure police control at all establishments in advance is very difficult. Often, we do not know in which direction an attack may occur. That is why we always discourage such acts.” Based on intelligence reports, several individuals involved in setting fire to Prothom Alo and The Daily Star have been identified, he said, adding, “We have already taken measures to arrest them and bring them under book.” Regarding the attack on Chhayanaut, the adviser said that who said what was not within their jurisdiction, but as a government they could never accept arson attacks on government-approved institutions or the killing of people by burning them, adding that they considered such acts heinous crimes and were determined to bring the perpetrators to justice. When asked whether there was any intelligence failure as attacks took place on Prothom Alo, The Daily Star, Chhayanaut and other locations across the country on the same night, Khalid Hossain said it would not be appropriate for him to label it directly as an intelligence failure. Drawing attention to allegations of incitement from abroad, the adviser said comments made from outside the country are beyond the direct control of the Bangladesh government. He pointed out that those were open platforms such as Meta and YouTube, which they could not directly control, and that even from within Bangladesh many people posted abusive comments every day.

The European Union (EU) has said it is supporting seven Bangladeshi citizen election observer organisations as part of its efforts to promote free, fair and participatory elections and strengthen public trust in the electoral process ahead of the country’s upcoming polls and referendum on February 12. With the support of the European Union, the European Partnership for Democracy is helping these organisations develop observation checklists and templates, monitor online gender-based violence, and much more, said the Embassy on Sunday. The EU said an independent and strong Election Commission is the key to any successful election in all democratic countries. The Bangladesh Election Commission (BEC) has built its human capacity and is acting now to ensure transparency and efficiency before, during and after the elections. With support from the European Union, the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) is providing technical assistance to the BEC to run smooth, fair, and credible elections.  

Three people were killed and one remained missing after a truck and four other vehicles fell into the Dhaleshwari River from a ferry in Baktaboli area of Narayanganj early Sunday. The deceased were identified as Masud Rana, 30, a Bangladeshi expatriate in Singapore, van puller Shadhin, 25, and Rafique, 35. Md Rakibuzzaman, in-charge of Baktaboli River Police, said the ferry left Narsinghpur in Fatullah for Baktaboli around 9 pm on Saturday. When the ferry reached the middle of the river, a truck suddenly started rolling and plunged into the water dragging along a motorcycle, two auto-rickshaws and a van. Eight to ten people managed to swim to safety while four others went missing, police said. On information, a firefighting unit rushed to the spot and recovered the bodies of three victims around 3 am. Md Hasanuzzaman, additional superintendent of police in Narayanganj, said police are investigating the incident.  

Dhaka University has announced that the postponed admission test of the Science Unit (Ka unit) for the 2025–26 academic year will be held on December 27. The information was disclosed in a press release issued by the university’s Public Relations Office on Sunday. The release said Science Unit applicants from outside Dhaka who have admission tests at other universities in the capital on December 26 and 27 and therefore require a change of exam centre may apply online for a centre change within Dhaka. Applications can be submitted through the website admission.eis.du.ac.bd from 5:00pm on December 21 until 12:00 midnight on December 23. Applicants must upload copies of their HSC registration card and the admit card of the concerned university’s admission test while submitting the online application. The admission test was originally scheduled for December 20 but was postponed as state mourning was observed that day over the death of Inquilab Moncho spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi after an assassination attempt.

Two siblings died of suspected food poisoning at Wireless Mor in  the capital’s Hatirjheel area on Sunday. The deceased were identified as Afrida Chowdhury, 10, a class III student of Viqarunnisa Noon School and College and her one-year-old brother Ilham Chowdhury, children of Mosleh Uddin Chowdhury. Golam Mortuza, Officer-in-Charge of Hatirjheel police station, said the bodies were handed over to the family on Sunday following post-mortem examinations. Police said children’s father Mosleh Uddin Chowdhury, mother Saida Jakawat Ara, and their two children had dinner together on Friday night before going to sleep. On Saturday morning, Afrida fell sick and was taken to a local hospital where doctors declared her dead around 7am. Her body was later brought home. Shortly afterwards, Ilham began vomiting and became critically ill. He was rushed to another hospital where he died in the afternoon while undergoing treatment. Both parents also became sick but recovered after receiving medical treatment. “Initially, it appears the children may have died from food poisoning, but the exact cause of death will be confirmed after receiving the post-mortem reports,” the OC said.

A suspected thief was killed in a lynch-mob attack at Konaur village in Nabinagar upazila of Brahmanbaria district early Sunday. The deceased was identified as Shahed Ali, 60, son of Millat Ali of Semantaghar village in the upazila. Local people said as the house inmates raised a hue and cry for help sensing presence of a thief neighbours rushed in. They caught Shahed and beat him up mercilessly, leaving him dead on the spot. On information, police recovered the body and sent it to Sadar Hospital morgue for autopsy, said Rafiqul Islam, officer-in-charge of Nabinagar Police Station. Police arrested four people in connection with their suspected involvement in the killing.

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin has sat with top representatives of law enforcement and intelligence agencies to review the overall law and order situation ahead of the upcoming national election and referendum scheduled to be held on February 12, 2026. The meeting began around 2:50 pm at Nirbachan Bhaban in Dhaka on Sunday. Home Affairs Secretary, the Principal Staff Officer of the Armed Forces Division, the Inspector General of Police, Directors general of Border Guard Bangladesh, the Coast Guard, Ansar and VDP, Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI), National Security Intelligence (NSI), National Telecommunication Monitoring Centre (NTMC) and Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), along with additional IGPs of Special Branch (SB) and Criminal Investigation Department (CID), and the Inspector General of Prisons have joined the meeting. Election Commissioners Abdur Rahmanel Masud, Tahmida Ahmed, Md Anwarul Islam Sarkar  Abul Fazal Md Sanaullah and EC Secretary Akhtar Ahmed have also joined .

South African authorities have launched a manhunt following a deadly shooting at a licensed tavern in a township near Johannesburg that claimed nine lives and wounded at least 10 others. Police said around a dozen unidentified assailants arrived at the scene in two vehicles in Bekkersdal and opened fire on people inside the tavern. The attackers continued firing indiscriminately while escaping, leaving multiple casualties behind. The incident occurred at approximately 1:00am local time on Sunday, equivalent to 11:00pm GMT on Saturday, according to police officials. South Africa remains among the countries with the highest homicide rates globally. United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime data for 2023–24 show the country records about 45 murders per 100,000 people. Source: BBC

The National Committee to Protect Shipping, Roads and Railways on Sunday protested the recent increase in fares of  trains and demanded the immediate withdrawal of the revised fares. The demand was made in a joint statement by Mohammad Shahid Mia, president of the organisation and its general secretary Ashish Kumar Dey. According to the statement, the railway authority has increased train fares on six routes under the Eastern Railway, including the Dhaka–Cox’s Bazar route. The revised fares came into effect on Saturday. Referring to the decision to raise passenger fares by increasing tolls on various railway bridges, the civic body said train fares on these six routes have been increased five times over the last 13 years. The leaders of the National Committee said the lives of ordinary people have already become difficult due to rising prices daily necessities. In such a situation, the sudden hike in train fares will further aggravate the hardship of passengers.

A case has been filed against 300-350 people in connection with the vandalism and arson attack on the building of cultural organisation Chhayanaut in Dhanmondi area of the capital. Dulal Ghosh, manager of Chhayanaut,  filed the case with Dhanmondi police station on Saturday, said Md Saiful Islam, Officer-in-Charge of the police station. A group of unruly people set fire to the building of Chhayanaut in the early hours of Friday after the death of Inquilab Moncho spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi at a Singapore hospital . The assailants wearing helmets and face coverings entered the building, carried out vandalism and set fire to valuables.  

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed on Sunday described the recent arsn attacks on two leading newspapers as a shame for the nation, questioning the government’s role over the incidents. “The unfortunate incidents that occurred a few days ago, where several leading newspapers in Bangladesh — including The Daily Star and Prothom Alo — were burned and set on fire, have been witnessed by the whole world,” he said. Speaking at a views–exchange meeting with editors and senior journalists at a city hotel ahead of BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman’s homecoming, Salahuddin said, “As a nation, this is a matter of shame for us. We cannot simply end it with an apology and an expression of regret." The BNP leader said newspapers and the media reflect the conscience and opinion of a nation, shaping public thought and holding power to account. “That mirror has now been shattered,” he said, adding that journalists must not be allowed to lose that vital pride of being that mirror. Some parties trying to fish in troubled waters for political gains: Abbas Salahuddin, a BNP Standing Committee member, alleged that the government failed to act despite intelligence warnings following Hadi’s death that such attacks might take place. “There should have been predictions, intelligence reports and preparations to prevent it. We also came to know about those reports. But why was that report not taken into account?” he asked. The BNP leader said they heard that after informing the law-enforcement agencies, the response came one to two hours later. “The role of those who are responsible for running the state and for holding a neutral election — their role in this matter is now questionable.” He also said targeted attacks on the media were not new, and several outlets had faced similar pressure in recent months. “It should have been predicted and assumed. The way mobocracy has been allowed at certain establishments shows that though we wanted democracy, somehow it has turned into mobocracy,” Salahuddin said. Salahuddin warns against exploiting Hadi killing to spread chaos He questioned why such a culture was allowed to grow. “I am pointing to the weakness of the government. Such mobocracy must be suppressed more strictly.”

Indian Assistant High Commission in Chattogram has suspended its visa services for an indefinite period, citing security concerns. A notice was posted on the Indian Visa Application Centre (IVAC) website on Saturday in this regard. The Indian visa services at Chattogram centre will remain suspended from Sunday until further notice, the notice reads. It also said that the decision to reopen the visa centre would be taken considering the situation. The move followed chaos on December 18 when a group of people staged a demonstration near the Assistant High Commission at Khulshi in the city after news of the death of Inquilab Monhco leader Sharif Osman Bin Hadi. During the protests, the protesters pelted bricks at the office, prompting police intervention. Indian visa centre in Dhaka now operational A chase and counter-chase took place between the protestors and police while 12 people were detained from the spot. Since then, additional police and Army members have been deployed to secure the office. Earlier, on December 17, the Indian visa centre at Jamuna Future Park of Dhaka was briefly closed for security reasons but resumed normal operations the following day.

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin held an hour long meeting with the chiefs of Bangladesh Army, Navy and Air Force at Nirbachan Bhaban in Dhaka on Sunday. The meeting began around 12pm and ended at 1pm. However, the outcomes of the meeting are yet to be made public. The CEC is scheduled to sit with top representatives of law enforcement and intelligence agencies on Sunday afternoon to review the overall law and order situation ahead of the upcoming national election and referendum scheduled to be held on February 12, 2026. Top representatives of the armed forces, Home Affairs Secretary, the Principal Staff Officer of the Armed Forces Division, the Inspector General of Police, Directors general of Border Guard Bangladesh, the Coast Guard, Ansar and VDP, Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI), National Security Intelligence (NSI), National Telecommunication Monitoring Centre (NTMC) and Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), along with additional IGPs of Special Branch (SB) and Criminal Investigation Department (CID), and the Inspector General of Prisons are supposed to attend the meeting.

Tesla Chief Executive Officer Elon Musk has become the first person ever to surpass a net worth of $700 billion, following a Delaware Supreme Court decision that restored a huge stock options award previously scrapped by a lower court. According to Forbes’ billionaires index, Musk’s fortune stood at an estimated $749 billion on Friday after the court reinstated Tesla stock options now valued at $139 billion. The latest surge came just four days after Musk broke through the $600 billion threshold. The stock options originate from Musk’s 2018 compensation plan, which at one point was valued at $56 billion. In 2024, the Delaware Court of Chancery invalidated the package, describing the approval process as “unfathomable” and pointing to Musk’s dominance over Tesla’s board. On Friday, the Delaware Supreme Court reversed that ruling, stating that cancelling the pay package had been improper and unfair. In response, Forbes lifted the 50 percent haircut it had imposed on the options since January 2024, boosting Musk’s estimated wealth by almost $70 billion. With the options restored, Tesla has once again become the cornerstone of Musk’s wealth. He holds roughly 12 percent of the electric vehicle maker’s common shares, worth about $199 billion. Together with the reinstated options, Musk’s total Tesla-related holdings are estimated at $338 billion. This calculation excludes a separate performance-based compensation plan approved by Tesla shareholders in November, which has been described as the largest corporate pay package ever. If long-term growth and valuation targets are achieved, that plan could eventually award Musk Tesla stock valued at up to $1 trillion. Musk’s second-largest holding is his estimated 42 percent stake in SpaceX, valued at around $336 billion following a recent private tender offer that pegged the company’s worth at about $800 billion. Media reports have indicated that SpaceX may consider an initial public offering as early as 2026. Forbes data show Musk’s wealth now exceeds that of Google co-founder Larry Page, currently the world’s second-richest individual, by nearly $500 billion, highlighting the unprecedented scale of Musk’s lead atop the global rich list. Source: With inputs from Indian media  

Trading at both the Dhaka and Chattogram stock exchanges began on a negative note on Sunday, with key indices falling in the first hour amid widespread price declines. At the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE), the benchmark DSEX index shed 21 points in early trading. The Shariah-based DSES index fell by 4 points, while the blue-chip DS30 index dropped 8 points. Most listed companies witnessed price erosion. Of the issues traded, prices declined for 206 companies, while 65 advanced and 76 remained unchanged. Share and unit turnover at the DSE crossed Tk 60 crore in the first hour of trading. The downward trend also continued at the Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE), where the overall index slipped by 5 points. Prices rose for 11 companies, declined for 13, and remained unchanged for 3. During the first half of the session, shares and units worth Tk 1.20 crore were traded at the CSE.

U.S. forces on Saturday intercepted an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela for the second time in less than two weeks, as President Donald Trump intensifies pressure on Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. The operation, conducted in the early hours, follows Trump’s recent announcement of a “blockade” on all sanctioned Venezuelan oil tankers and comes after the December 10 seizure of another tanker, the Skipper. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed that the U.S. Coast Guard, assisted by the Defense Department, stopped the Panama-flagged vessel Centuries, which had recently been docked in Venezuela. An unclassified video showed U.S. personnel boarding the tanker via helicopter. Officials described the boarding as “consented,” with the vessel stopping voluntarily. White House Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly said Centuries was part of Venezuela’s shadow fleet, transporting stolen, sanctioned oil. However, maritime expert Dr. Salvatore Mercogliano noted that shipping databases suggest the tanker is properly registered, though it likely carried sanctioned oil. Venezuela condemned the action, calling it “criminal” and vowing legal action, including complaints to the UN Security Council. Trump has linked the blockade to U.S. oil investments seized by Venezuela in past decades and accused Maduro of drug trafficking, while U.S. forces have also targeted vessels alleged to smuggle fentanyl into the Americas. At least 104 people have been killed in 28 such strikes since September. The Trump administration has deployed a significant naval presence to the Caribbean and eastern Pacific, warning of potential further actions to pressure Maduro, who has dismissed U.S. operations as an attempt to force him from power. Source: AP 

The namaz-e-Janaza of six Bangladeshi peacekeepers, who were killed in a drone attack on a UN peacekeeping base in Sudan’s Abyei region, were held on Sunday morning at the central mosque of Dhaka Cantonment. Representatives from the Chief Adviser, Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Md Nazmul Hassan, and Chief of Air Staff Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan, among others, attended the Janaza held at 9:15am. After the janaza, tributes were paid to the slain soldiers on behalf of the President and the Chief Adviser. Representatives from the three forces also paid their respects at the coffins. Later, the bodies were flown by helicopter to their respective home districts. Before the janaza, brief biographies of the soldiers were read aloud and prayers were offered for the departed souls. The slain peacekeepers are Corporal Md. Masud Rana from Natore, Soldier Md. Mominul Islam and Soldier Shanto Mondal from Kurigram, Soldier Shamim Reza from Rajbari, Mess Waiter Md. Jahangir Alam from Kishoreganj, and Laundry Worker Md. Shobuj Mia from Gaibandha. Bodies of 6 Bangladeshi peacekeepers arrive in Dhaka Their bodies were brought back to Dhaka on a special Emirates Airlines flight at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on Saturday morning. On December 13, a drone attack by a rebel armed group at Kadugli Logistics Base in Abei of South Sudan under the UN peacekeeping mission killed the peacekeepers and injured nine others. The injured are Lt.Col Khondakar Khalekuzzaman, Sergeant Md. Mostakim Hossain, Corporal Afroza Parvin Iti, Lance Corporal Mohibul Islam, Soldier Md. Mezboul Kabir, Soldier Md. Umme Hani Akhtar, Soldier Chumki Akhtar, and Soldier Md. Manazir Ahsan.

Radhika Apte, currently celebrating the success of her recently released OTT film Saali Mohabbat, recently shared a memorable encounter with Shah Rukh Khan. She recalled missing a call from the superstar, initially thinking it was a prank, before realizing it was genuine and returning the call. The actress revealed to Mashable India that Shah Rukh had called her to appreciate her performance in the 2018 film Andhadhun. “We were having a meal when I noticed a missed call. I thought, let’s check it. Then a message came from the same number: ‘Radhika, this is Shah Rukh Khan. Please call me back,’” she said. “Truly Honoured”: Janhvi Kapoor after winning Female Actor of the Year After confirming with her agent that the number was indeed SRK’s, she called him back. “He said, ‘I just wanted to tell you that I saw Andhadhun. I really loved your performance. I called only to say that,’” Radhika added. She also recalled meeting Shah Rukh at a party, describing the interaction as warm and genuine. “He came up to me because I usually don’t go and express, ‘I like you.’ He put his arm around me, and we talked for half an hour. He was so sweet—it was really lovely,” she said. About Saali MohabbatSaali Mohabbat is a drama-thriller set in a small-town backdrop, exploring how the life of a seemingly ordinary housewife turns chaotic as betrayal, secrets, and tension emerge following two unsettling deaths. The film features Radhika Apte alongside Sauraseni Maitra, Divyendu Sharma, Anshumaan Pushkar, and Anurag Kashyap, and is produced by Jyoti Deshpande, Dinesh Malhotra, Vipin Agnihotri, and Manish Malhotra. Source: NDTV

A trader was stabbed to death allegedly by muggers in the capital’s Jatrabari area early Saturday. The deceased was identified as Ashish Joaddar, 32, a cloth trader and son of Amal Joyaddar of Paturia village in Magura Sadar. Al Amin, a witness, said when Ashish was walking past a warehouse under the Jatrabari flyover two to three muggers blocked his way and stabbed him with a knife. Hearing his screams, locals rushed to the spot, prompting the attackers to flee without managing to snatch anything, he said. He was taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital in critical condition around 1:30am where doctors on duty at the emergency department declared him dead. Inspector Md Faruk, in-charge of the police camp at Dhaka Medical College Hospital, the body has been kept at the hospital morgue and the matter has been reported to Jatrabari Police Station.

The Southern Ocean, one of Earth’s most remote regions, is far from tranquil. Towering waves that can engulf ships produce a constant roar along the Antarctic Peninsula, where expansive blue waters meet brilliant white ice. Tourists in bright red jackets navigate the Lemaire Channel, nicknamed the “Kodak Gap” for its striking cliffs and ice formations. Armed with binoculars, they watch for orcas, seals, and penguins, witnessing firsthand a fragile ecosystem increasingly affected by climate change. The Antarctic Peninsula is among the fastest-warming areas on the planet. Its surrounding waters act as a major carbon sink, absorbing about 40% of human-generated CO₂, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Rising temperatures, driven by fossil fuel emissions, threaten to reshape the region’s wildlife and landscapes. Gentoo penguins, recognized by their slender orange beaks and white eye patches, appear to be thriving. They are shifting farther south, nesting on exposed rocks and hunting in open water, allowing populations to grow. Adelie penguins, by contrast, face mounting challenges. These ice-dependent birds could lose 60% of their colonies by 2100 as warming waters reduce their food supply and safe resting areas, studies show. Between 2002 and 2020, Antarctica lost an estimated 149 billion metric tons of ice annually, according to NASA. Loon population rebounds in Maine, bringing more haunting calls to lakes For visitors, Antarctica remains a vast glacial wilderness. In the Drake Passage, a treacherous stretch of ocean, tourists marvel at orcas swimming in narrow channels and Pintado petrels gliding overhead. Yet the scene may change dramatically in coming decades. Expanding Gentoo colonies, shrinking ice sheets, and increasing patches of exposed rock highlight the profound impact of climate change on this remote and fragile ecosystem. Source: AP 

Visiting a doctor can be stressful at any age, with patients often forgetting symptoms, medications, or questions until after leaving the office. Preparing ahead is key to making the most of the time with a healthcare provider. Dr. Sarah Nosal, president of the American Academy of Family Physicians, said even doctors struggle to remember everything they want to discuss with their own physicians. She advises patients to bring a written list of symptoms and questions, prioritizing the most urgent concerns at the top. “Once you leave the office, you can lose that time,” Nosal said. Primary care doctors play a central role in overall health. They not only provide preventive care such as vaccinations and screenings, but also monitor chronic conditions, detect emerging health problems, and coordinate referrals to specialists. “Knowing a patient over time helps me recognize what’s normal and what’s changed,” Nosal explained. Preparation should start at home. Young adults may need help recalling medical history, including past surgeries, hospitalizations, and vaccinations. Updating family health history — such as incidences of diabetes, stroke, or early-onset cancer — can guide preventive care. Indonesia’s first giant panda cub squeals and squirms in new park footage Patients should also document all medications, including prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and supplements, as these can interact. Checking whether recent lab results or records from other providers have been sent to the doctor is also important. Nosal recommends keeping a running list of questions before the appointment. Specific details about symptoms or health concerns, including mental and sexual health, should be included and presented early during the visit. Patients can share these lists via patient portals or check-in forms. Asking questions repeatedly is encouraged. Patients should understand the rationale behind a diagnosis and next steps, and it is often helpful to bring a friend or relative to take notes. “Whether you are 20 or 85, you will not remember everything from your medical visit,” Nosal said. Source: AP 

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva said Saturday he is optimistic that the long-delayed free trade agreement between Mercosur and the European Union could be signed in January, despite mounting opposition from some European countries and protests by farmers across the continent. European Union leaders had initially planned to finalize the agreement during a visit to Brazil this weekend. However, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Friday that the signing would be postponed by several weeks following a tense EU summit, citing the need to resolve outstanding concerns raised by member states. Speaking to fellow South American leaders at a Mercosur summit in Foz do Iguacu — near Brazil’s border with Argentina and Paraguay — Lula said European negotiators had previously indicated the deal would be signed, prompting the meeting. He said the delay came after Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni requested additional time. Von der Leyen must secure the support of at least two-thirds of EU member states to move forward. Italy’s opposition could give France enough backing to block the agreement. Lula said he spoke with Meloni by phone on Friday and received a letter from EU leaders expressing their intention to conclude the deal in January. He stressed that political determination is essential to complete negotiations that have stretched on for more than 26 years. “Without leadership and courage, it’s impossible to finalize a negotiation that has lasted so long,” Lula told the summit, adding that Mercosur would continue pursuing partnerships elsewhere if delays persist. If completed, the agreement would create a free trade zone covering about 780 million people and roughly one-quarter of global GDP, gradually eliminating tariffs on most goods exchanged between the two blocs. Canada, U.S. to Begin Formal Review of Free Trade Agreement in Mid-January France has been at the forefront of resistance to the deal involving Mercosur members Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay and Bolivia. French President Emmanuel Macron said this week he could not yet commit to supporting the agreement and noted ongoing talks with leaders from Italy, Poland, Belgium, Austria and Ireland to address farmers’ concerns. Lula countered that no single leader can derail the pact and expressed hope that the deal would move forward in the interest of Mercosur, multilateral cooperation and economic development. Source: AP 

For decades, the towering Boudhanath stupa in Kathmandu symbolized refuge for Tibetans escaping repression in China. Today, that sanctuary is increasingly overshadowed by an expanding web of Chinese surveillance cameras that monitor streets, temples and neighborhoods — quietly reshaping life for Tibetan refugees in Nepal. Thousands of Chinese-made CCTV cameras now blanket Kathmandu, part of a broader global export of surveillance systems by Beijing-backed firms. These tools, deployed in more than 150 countries, are marketed as affordable crime-fighting solutions but are increasingly used to suppress dissent. In Nepal, they have coincided with the near disappearance of the once-visible Free Tibet movement. An Associated Press investigation found that much of the technology powering China’s surveillance empire is rooted in innovations developed in the United States. For years, American firms shared technology in exchange for access to China’s vast market — a tradeoff that helped Chinese companies master, replicate and eventually export advanced monitoring systems worldwide. Despite rising geopolitical tensions, ties persist. Amazon Web Services continues to provide cloud services to Chinese surveillance giants Hikvision and Dahua, both sanctioned by the U.S. over security and human rights concerns. While AWS and the Chinese firms say they follow legal and ethical standards, critics argue the support enables authoritarian practices abroad. In Nepal, surveillance has contributed to a dramatic decline in Tibetan refugees. Once numbering in the tens of thousands, their population has dropped by half or more. Officials from the Tibetan government-in-exile cite sealed borders, closer China-Nepal relations and unprecedented monitoring as key factors. Leaked Nepali government documents reviewed by AP show Chinese-built surveillance systems operating even in sensitive border buffer zones. China denies coercion or wrongdoing, calling such claims politically motivated. Former Tibetan activists describe a climate of fear, with predictive policing used to detain suspected protesters ahead of sensitive anniversaries. Cameras equipped with facial recognition and AI tracking allow authorities to follow individuals in real time, discouraging public expressions of Tibetan identity. Hyundai, Kia to fix millions of vehicles in anti-theft settlement Chinese firms such as Hikvision, Dahua, Uniview and Hytera dominate Nepal’s surveillance infrastructure, often through donations or low-cost packages that include hardware, software and police training. Much of this expansion traces back to technology transfers involving U.S. companies like HP, Motorola, Intel, Nvidia and IBM. Along Nepal’s northern frontier, China has also constructed an extensive border monitoring network of sensors, observation domes and AI-powered systems, effectively sealing off escape routes once used by Tibetan refugees. For many Tibetans, the response has been silent retreat. Protests have faded, refugee centers stand empty, and families quietly seek ways out. “People know they are being watched,” said one Tibetan refugee. “Even outside China, it feels like living inside a prison.” Source: AP

Seven wild Asian elephants, including calves, were killed after a speeding passenger train struck a herd as it crossed railway tracks in north eastern India, officials said. The collision occurred early Saturday in Hojai district of Assam, where another calf was also injured in the incident. According to the Northeast Frontier Railway, the train driver noticed dozens of elephants on the tracks and applied emergency brakes, but several animals were still struck by the Delhi bound express. Five coaches derailed following the impact, though railway authorities said no passengers or crew members were hurt. The accident led to multiple train cancellations and diversions in the area throughout the day. Veterinary teams later examined the dead elephants, which were subsequently buried, officials said. Assam is home to one of India’s largest elephant populations, with nearly 6,000 animals recorded across the state. Elephant herds frequently cross railway lines in the region. However, the Northeast Frontier Railway said Saturday’s accident did not occur at a designated elephant corridor.  

Dhaka, the overcrowded capital city of Bangladesh, has ranked second on the list of cities with the worst air quality with an AQI score of 230 at 1:15 am this morning (December 21, 2025). Today Dhaka’s air was classified as ‘very unhealthy’ referring to an alarming healthy threat, according to the AQI index. When the AQI value for particle pollution is between 50 and 100, air quality is considered ‘moderate’, usually sensitive individuals should consider limiting prolonged outdoor exertion, between 101 and 150, air quality is considered ‘unhealthy for sensitive groups’, between 150 and 200 is ‘unhealthy’, between 201 and 300 is said to be 'very unhealthy', while a reading of 301+ is considered 'hazardous', posing serious health risks to residents. India’s Delhi, Egypt’s Cairo and Pakistan’s Karachi cities respectively occupied the first, second and third spots on the list, with AQI scores of 250, 218, and 215 respectively. The AQI, an index for reporting daily air quality, informs people how clean or polluted the air of a certain city is and what associated health effects might be a concern for them. Dhaka’s air quality still ‘unhealthy’ The AQI in Bangladesh is based on five pollutants: particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), NO2, CO, SO2, and ozone. Dhaka has long been grappling with air pollution issues. Its air quality usually turns unhealthy in winter and improves during the monsoon. As per World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution kills an estimated seven million people worldwide every year, mainly due to increased mortality from stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, and acute respiratory infections.

After burying beside the grave of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam, agitated students replaced ‘Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Hall’ with ‘Shaheed Osman Hadi Hall’ at Dhaka University (DU) on Saturday night. On Saturday night around 9pm, leaders of the hall union brought a crane to the site and removed the existing name and wrote ‘Shaheed Sharif Osman Hadi Hall’ in its place. At the same time, the portrait of Sheikh Mujib on the upper wall of the old building at the hall’s entrance was disfigured. Earlier on Thursday night, students of the dormitory pasted posters reading ‘Shaheed Sharif Osman Hadi Hall’ over the hall’s nameplate.  Earlier on Saturday, Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) announced a programme to besiege the Vice-Chancellor’s office at 2:30pm on Sunday, demanding the renaming of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Hall and Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib Hall. According to a media release signed by the DUCSU Literary and Cultural Affairs Secretary, the central student union announced to enforce the programme to press their three demands, renaming Mujib Hall as Shaheed Osman Hadi Hall, Fazilatunnesa Hall as Felani Hall, and taking administrative action against teachers, officers, and staff who took position against the July uprising. Speaking about the removal of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Hall’s name, the hall’s Vice President Muslimur Rahman said those responsible for Hadi’s killing are linked to the fallen fascist forces, and Sheikh Mujib is the ideological father of those fascists. “By removing Sheikh Mujib’s name and renaming the hall after Osman Hadi, we are showing respect for Hadi,” he said. Despite identifying the killers, the government has failed to arrest the killers, he alleged, saying that “From our position, this is what we can do renaming the hall after Hadi.” Muslimur claimed that they conducted an opinion poll where the majority of students supported the renaming of the hall. Earlier on 3 September, the university administration partially changed name of the hall by removing ‘Jatir Janak’ and ‘Bangabandhu’ and set Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Hall.  

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman visited the grave of martyred Sharif Osman Hadi at Dhaka University (DU) early Sunday. After offering Fajr prayers at the Central Mosque of the DU, the Jamaat chief, accompanied by party leaders and activists, paid homage at the grave and offered prayers seeking forgiveness for the departed soul and acceptance of his martyrdom. Hadi laid to rest beside National Poet’s grave at DU Jamaat Secretary General and former MP Mia Golam Parwar, Assistant Secretary General Maulana Abdul Halim, Islami Chhatra Shibir Central President Zahidul Islam, Jamaat Central Executive Council Member Md Mobarak Hossain, Central Working Committee Member and Dhaka Metropolitan South Nayeb-e-Ameer Dr Advocate Helal Uddin, Central Working Committee Member and Dhaka Metropolitan South Secretary Dr Shafiqul Islam Masud, Islami Chhatra Shibir Central Office Secretary Sibgatullah Sibga, Dhaka University Central Students’ Union Vice President Shadik Kayem, GS SM Farhad, among other central and metropolitan leaders of Jamaat-e-Islami and Islami Chhatra Shibir, were present at the prayer session. Hadi was laid to rest beside the grave of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam on the DU campus on Saturday following a Namaz-e-Janaza at Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban area with a huge turnout. 

The government has taken an ambitious project to transform Narayanganj into a modern, climate-resilient and liveable city addressing long-standing urban challenges while preparing the industrial hub for the pressures of rapid urbanisation and climate change. The Tk 1,694.75 crore project titled the Narayanganj Green and Resilient Urban Development Project (NGRUDP), aims to overhaul the city’s water supply and drainage systems, revitalise public spaces and strengthen the institutional capacity of the Narayanganj City Corporation (NCC). Initiated by the Local Government Division and to be implemented by the NCC, the project will run from April 2026 to March 2031 in the entire city corporation area. Of the total cost, Tk 269.16 crore will come from the government, Tk 1,419.10 crore from project assistance and Tk 6.48 crore from NCC’s own funds. Officials say the project has been designed as a comprehensive response to Narayanganj’s chronic problems—unsafe and inadequate water supply, severe waterlogging, environmental degradation and a lack of quality public spaces. At the heart of the project is the goal of ensuring a round-the-clock supply of safe drinking water to residents by maintaining adequate pressure throughout the transmission and distribution network. Equally significant is the plan to reduce Non-Revenue Water (NRW)—currently estimated at a staggering 65 percent—to just 15 percent through modern network management, infrastructure rehabilitation and improved monitoring. Urban waterlogging, a persistent menace caused by unplanned urbanisation and the encroachment of natural canals and wetlands, is another key focus. The project includes construction of new drains, rehabilitation of existing ones and restoration of canals to improve stormwater management and reduce water-borne diseases. Beyond infrastructure, the initiative seeks to enhance the city’s liveability. Parks, playgrounds and open spaces will be developed or renovated, while community centres and public places will be created to promote recreation, social interaction and youth engagement. Officials said these plans will significantly improve the quality of urban life and foster community cohesion. Chinese investors can help transform Bangladesh into manufacturing hub: Prof Yunus Strengthening the institutional capacity of the NCC is another major pillar of the project. Plans are in place to prepare master plans for urban development, sewerage and solid waste management to guide Narayanganj’s long-term growth in an environmentally responsible and socially inclusive manner. Under the water supply component, new transmission pipelines and distribution networks will be installed, alongside rehabilitation of the Godnail Water Treatment Plant and existing production tube wells. In specific zones, including DMZ-3 under DMA-5, 6 and 7, advanced infrastructure such as induced bank filtration wellfields, collector pipelines and transmission lines crossing the Shitalakkhya River will be developed. Drainage works will include the construction and renovation of drains, installation of siltation chambers and canal lining, as well as extensive cleaning and rehabilitation of waterways. To ensure regular maintenance, specialised equipment such as high-pressure jetting machines, dump trucks and power rodders will be procured. The project also proposes setting up water ATM sheds across the city to improve access to safe drinking water along with the installation of modern IT systems to enhance service delivery and urban governance. Formed as a city corporation in May 2011 through the merger of Narayanganj, Siddhirganj and Kadam Rasul municipalities, Narayanganj is one of the country’s most important industrial and commercial centres. Its water supply system was managed by Dhaka WASA from 1991 to 2019 after which the NCC assumed responsibility. Currently, water is sourced from both groundwater and surface water from the Shitalakkhya River, treated at the Godnail plant. The new project builds on earlier groundwork laid in 2020, when the NCC, with support from the Asian Development Bank and the government, conducted a feasibility study to develop a long-term water supply plan. Silt-borne fertility transforms northern Bangladesh Planning ministry officials say the NGRUDP integrates water supply, drainage, environmental management and public space development into a single, holistic urban transformation effort. Once implemented, they believe it will improve public health, environmental sustainability and social inclusion, while boosting economic vitality.

The Ashes balance remained delicately poised at lunch on the final day of the third Test, with Australia needing just three more wickets to retain the urn, while England required 126 runs to keep the five-match series alive. Australia began Day 5 requiring four wickets, with England resuming on 207-6 and still facing an imposing target of 435 — a total that would demand a record-breaking fourth-innings chase. By lunch, England had battled to 309-7, adding 102 runs during the session but losing Jamie Smith for 60. Two sessions remained. Will Jacks led England’s resistance through a disrupted morning marked by rain delays and an injury to Australian spinner Nathan Lyon. Despite rolling his ankle early in the day and visibly struggling to run, Jacks remained unbeaten on 38 from 120 balls, sharing the crease with Brydon Carse, who was on 13 not out. Tension grew inside the ground as England supporters sang and chanted while their team edged closer to an unlikely escape. Rain briefly halted play when England was 241-6 and still needed 194 runs, but the match resumed and the session was extended by 30 minutes to compensate for lost time. Jacks and Smith added 91 for the seventh wicket, cutting the target to 150 before Smith attempted an aggressive shot and was caught off Mitchell Starc. Smith had earlier struck boundaries off consecutive deliveries from Starc and Pat Cummins to register his seventh Test fifty, finishing with 60 off 83 balls. Carse joined Jacks with the score at 285-7. Starc claimed his first wicket of the innings — his 20th of the series — continuing a strong Ashes campaign following standout performances in Perth and Brisbane. Australia suffered a setback when Lyon injured his right hamstring while fielding and was ruled out for the remainder of the match. The veteran spinner pulled up while chasing a ball to the boundary and left the field with assistance. England, having lost the first two Tests, must win in Adelaide to stay in contention. Australia needs only a draw to retain the Ashes. England has not won a Test in Australia since January 2011 — a drought spanning 5,462 days. Since then, Australia has dominated home Ashes series, and now stands on the brink of another triumph. The highest successful fourth-innings chase in Test history remains West Indies’ 418 against Australia in 2003, though England has chased targets above 370 twice against India in recent years. Source: AP 

Kylian Mbappé equaled a long-standing Real Madrid record on Saturday after scoring his 59th goal of 2025, matching Cristiano Ronaldo’s mark for the most goals in a single year for the club. The French forward sealed Madrid’s 2-0 victory over Sevilla with a late penalty, converting from the spot four minutes from time in the team’s final match of the year. The goal came just in time, as the milestone appeared to be slipping away. Celebrating his 27th birthday, Mbappé reached the same total Ronaldo set in 2013. He marked the achievement with a muted version of Ronaldo’s iconic celebration before sending a kiss toward the cameras. Mbappé has scored 29 goals for Madrid this season, including a league-high 18. Calling Ronaldo his “idol,” Mbappé said matching the Portuguese star’s record in his first full year at the club was special. He added that the celebration was a tribute to Ronaldo, crediting him for helping ease his transition to Madrid. Jude Bellingham opened the scoring with a header in the 38th minute, while Sevilla defender Marcao was sent off for a second booking with 20 minutes remaining. Sevilla coach Matías Almeyda was also dismissed at halftime for protesting a refereeing decision. Madrid coach Alonso had been under pressure following poor results, but the win offered some relief. Despite Sevilla playing with 10 men, the visitors created several chances, forcing goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois into multiple second-half saves. The match remained tense until Mbappé’s penalty after Juanlu fouled Rodrygo. Mbappé brace carries Real Madrid past Talavera in tight Copa del Rey tie Madrid sits second in the standings, one point behind Barcelona ahead of the league leader’s trip to Villarreal on Sunday. Elsewhere, Levante and Real Sociedad played out a 1-1 draw before both clubs confirmed new coaching appointments. Osasuna cruised to a 3-0 win over Alaves, with Ante Budimir scoring twice, while Real Oviedo remained near the bottom after a goalless draw with Celta Vigo. Source: AP 

At least eight people were killed and 27 others injured after Russian ballistic missiles struck port facilities in Odesa, southern Ukraine, late Friday, according to the country’s emergency services. The attack came as a Kremlin representative prepared to travel to the United States for discussions on a Washington-backed proposal aimed at ending the nearly four-year conflict. Ukrainian officials said some of the injured were passengers on a bus caught near the blast site. Several trucks were set ablaze and nearby vehicles were damaged. Odesa regional governor Oleh Kiper confirmed the port infrastructure was hit. The talks are part of the Trump administration’s sustained diplomatic effort to broker peace, following meetings earlier this week in Berlin with Ukrainian and European officials. Ukraine’s chief negotiator said Friday that Kyiv had also concluded separate consultations in the United States with American and European partners. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the outcome would largely depend on Washington’s response after engaging with Moscow. Speaking alongside Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro in Kyiv, Zelenskyy said it remained unclear how the U.S. would proceed following discussions with Russian officials. Ukraine and Portugal also signed an agreement to jointly produce maritime drones, which Zelenskyy described as a key area of defense cooperation. EU approves €90bn loan for Ukraine as Putin calls West 'enemy' Meanwhile, Ukraine’s military said its drones struck a Russian oil and gas platform at the Filanovsky field, a patrol ship in the Caspian Sea, and a radar system in Crimea. Russia has not confirmed the claims, while its Defense Ministry said it targeted Ukrainian military-linked transport, storage, and energy facilities. As diplomatic efforts continue, Russia has maintained firm conditions for peace, while the European Union has pledged €90 billion in financial and military assistance to Ukraine over the next two years. Talks between U.S. envoys and Kremlin representative Kirill Dmitriev were expected to take place in Miami on Saturday, according to U.S. officials. Source: AP 

The solution to the Rohingya crisis lies in Myanmar and among the three classical solutions, only the repatriation remains a sustainable solution. Repatriation of the Rohingya must take place today or tomorrow, although it appears difficult now. Abu Saleh Mohammed Obaidullah, Additional Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner (Joint Secretary), Office of the Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner (RRRC), Cox’s Bazar, made the comments at the inaugural session at the international conference titled “Sustainable Solutions to the Rohingya Crisis: Policies and Practices” was held at the SIMEC Institute of Technology, Uttara, Dhaka. SIMEC Research Centre, Singapore, and SIMEC Institute of Technology, Bangladesh, jointly organised the conference. The inaugural session was chaired by Dr Ratan Kumar Roy, Director, SIMEC Research Centre, Singapore. Dr Sariful Islam, Research Coordinator, SIMEC Institute of Technology, delivered the opening remarks of the conference. Obaidullah also notes that “Bangladesh is not in a position to integrate the Rohingya, locally, and the resettlement is not viable as a small number of Rohingya get repatriated. The resettlement number of the Rohingya stands now at just 5500. The change in the international political landscape, with the rise of anti-migrant and refugee sentiment, makes the resettlement option for the Rohingya bleak.” Rohingya representatives, joined virtually from the camps, expressed their strong sentiment to go back to their homeland, Arakan of Myanmar. The Rohingya speakers highlighted the importance of getting recognition for their identity and citizenship rights back in Myanmar. Astrid Castelein, Assistant Representative for Protection, UNHCR Bangladesh, said that digital intervention, i.e., digital data registration, is not only critical for providing humanitarian assistance to refugees but also for a sustainable solution to the refugee crisis. The UNHCR in Bangladesh began biometric registration for Rohingya refugees in 2018, following a joint Memorandum of Understanding. Castelein has made this comment in the plenary session on Digital Intervention for Sustainable Solutions: Biometrics, Data Protection and Legal Concerns for Rohingyas in Bangladesh. The conference was curated with an inaugural session, two plenary sessions, seven parallel thematic sessions, a special session on academic publishing, and a valedictory session. The conference concluded with a valedictory address by Dr Imtiaz Ahmed, who highlighted the importance of regional cooperation, international responsibility-sharing, and justice-oriented approaches to inspire confidence in collective efforts. Dr Imtiaz has stressed the need to view the Rohingya crisis comprehensively. Recognising the complex actors involved, including states, military forces of Myanmar, intergovernmental organisations, business communities, and civil society, is essential for fostering respect and a shared sense of responsibility. Engr. Sardar Md. Shaheen, Founder Chairman of the SIMEC Foundation, which sponsored the conference, was the chief guest at the closing session. He pointed out that Bangladeshi academicians, scholars and institutes should continuously produce scholarship as well as make policy deliberations to have a sustainable solution to the Rohingya crisis, which has put extreme stress in many ways on Bangladesh. The conference has brought together scholars, policymakers, humanitarian practitioners, Rohingya representatives, media professionals, and government officials from Bangladesh, United States, Singapore, Germany and India to critically examine long-term responses to the Rohingya crisis. Discussions throughout the conference underscored the limitations of short-term humanitarian approaches and emphasised the urgent need for sustainable, rights-based, and politically informed solutions.

Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Botchwey on Saturday expressed deep concern over the situation in Bangladesh following recent violence in Dhaka and other parts of the country. In a statement, she said she joined the people of Bangladesh in mourning the loss of Sharif Osman Hadi and conveyed her sincere condolences to his family and loved ones. “I am deeply concerned about the situation in Bangladesh following the recent violence in Dhaka and other areas of the country,” she said. The Commonwealth Secretary-General urged respect for the rule of law and called on the authorities to ensure the safety of all, including members of the media. She welcomed the interim government’s statement pledging to hold those responsible for the violence to account and calling for restraint, responsibility and a firm commitment to rejecting hatred. She also appealed for calm and urged all concerned to exercise the highest degree of prudence and forbearance at this critical time.

Christmas is a Christian holiday that observes the birth of Jesus. But did you know that the earliest followers of Jesus did not annually commemorate his birth? Or that Santa Claus is inspired by the acts of kindness of a fourth-century Christian saint? And have you heard about the modern-day Japanese tradition of eating Kentucky Fried Chicken on Christmas? Since the early 20th century, Christmas has evolved from a religious holiday to a hugely popular cultural holiday observed by Christian and secular people across the globe who gather with families, exchange gifts and cards and decorate Christmas trees. Here’s a look at the history, beliefs and the evolution of Christmas: Origins and early history of Christmas Early followers of Jesus did not annually commemorate his birth but instead focused on commemorating their belief in his resurrection at Easter. The story of the birth of Jesus appears only in two of the four Gospels of the New Testament: Matthew and Luke. They provide different details, though both say Jesus was born in Bethlehem. The exact day, month and even year of Jesus’s birth are unknown, said Christine Shepardson, a professor at the University of Tennessee who studies early Christianity. The tradition of celebrating Jesus’ birth on Dec. 25, she said, only emerged in the fourth century. “It’s hard to overemphasize how important the fourth century is for constructing Christianity as we experience it in our world today,” Shepardson said. It was then, under Emperor Constantine, that Christians began the practice of gathering at churches instead of meeting at homes. Some theories say the date coincides with existing pagan winter solstice festivals, including the Roman celebration of Sol Invictus, or the “Unconquered Sun,” on Dec 25. While most Christians celebrate Christmas on Dec. 25, some Eastern Orthodox traditions celebrate the holy day on Jan. 7. That’s because they follow the ancient Julian calendar, which runs 13 days behind the Gregorian calendar, used by Catholic and Protestant churches as well as by much of the secular world. Rowdy medieval celebrations For centuries, especially during the Middle Ages, Christmas was associated with rowdy street celebrations of feasting and drinking, and for many Christians, it “was not in good standing as a holiday,” said Thomas Ruys Smith, a professor of American literature and culture at the University of East Anglia in England. “Puritans,” he said, “were not fond of Christmas.” But in the 19th century, he said, Christmas became “respectable” with “the domestic celebration that we understand today — one centered around the home, the family, children, gift-giving.” The roots of modern-day Christmas can be traced back to Germany. In the late 19th century, there are accounts of Christmas trees and gift-giving that, according to Smith, later spread to Britain and America, helping to revitalize Christmas on both sides of the Atlantic. Christmas became further popularized with the publication of “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens in 1843, and the writings of Washington Irving, who was a fan of St. Nicholas and helped popularize the celebration of Christmas in America. The first Rockefeller Center Christmas tree was put up by workers in 1931 to raise spirits during the Great Depression. The tradition stuck as the first tree-lighting ceremony was held in 1933 and remains one of New York City’s most popular holiday attractions. America’s secular Santa is inspired by a Christian saint St. Nicholas was a fourth-century Christian bishop from the Mediterranean port city of Myra (in modern-day Turkey). His acts of generosity inspired the secular Santa Claus legend. The legends surrounding jolly old St. Nicholas — celebrated annually on Dec. 6 — go way beyond delivering candy and toys to children. He is believed to have interceded on behalf of wrongly condemned prisoners and miraculously saved sailors from storms. Devotion to St. Nicholas spread during the Middle Ages across Europe and he became a favorite subject for medieval artists and liturgical plays. He is the patron saint of sailors and children, as well as of Greece, Russia and New York. Devotion to St. Nicholas seems to have faded after the 16th century Protestant Reformation, except in the Netherlands, where his legend remained as Sinterklaas. In the 17th century, Dutch Protestants who settled in New York brought the Sinterklaas tradition with them. Eventually, St. Nicholas morphed into the secular Santa Claus. It’s not just Santa who delivers the gifts In the U.K., it’s Father Christmas; in Greece and Cyprus, St. Basil (who arrives on New Year’s Eve). In some parts of Italy, it’s St. Lucy (earlier in December) and in other Italian regions, Befana, a witch-like figure, who brings presents on the Epiphany on Jan. 6. Instead of a friendly Santa Claus, children in Iceland enjoy favors from 13 mischievous troll brothers, called the Yule Lads. They come down from their mountain cave 13 days before Christmas, according to folklore. Christian traditions of Christmas One of the oldest traditions around Christmas is bringing greenery — holly, ivy or evergreen trees — into homes. But determining whether it’s a Christian tradition is harder. “For many people, the evergreen can symbolize Christ’s promise of eternal life and his return from death,” Smith said. “So, you can interpret that evergreen tradition within the Christian concept.” The decorating of evergreen trees is a German custom that began in the 16th century, said Maria Kennedy, a professor at Rutgers University—New Brunswick’s Department of American Studies. It was later popularized in England and America. “Mistletoe, an evergreen shrub, was used in celebrations dating back to the ancient Druids — Celtic religious leaders — some 2,000 years ago,” Kennedy writes in The Surprising History of Christmas Traditions. “Mistletoe represented immortality because it continued to grow in the darkest time of the year and bore white berries when everything else had died.” Other traditions include Christmas services and Nativity scenes at homes and churches. More recently, Nativity scenes — when erected on public property in the U.S. — have triggered legal battles over the question of the separation of church and state. Christmas caroling, Kennedy writes, can also be traced back to European traditions, where people would go from home to home during the darkest time of the year to renew relationships within their communities and give wishes for good luck, health and wealth for the forthcoming year. “They would recite poetry, sing and sometimes perform a skit. The idea was that these acts would bring about good fortune to influence a future harvest,” Kennedy writes. Kentucky Fried Chicken for Christmas in Japan Among the many Christmas traditions that have been adopted and localized globally, there’s one that involves KFC. In 1974, KFC launched a Christmas campaign where they began to sell fried chicken with a bottle of wine so it could be used for a Christmas party. KFC says the idea for the campaign came from an employee who overheard a foreign customer at one of its Tokyo restaurants saying that since he couldn’t get turkey in Japan, he’d have to celebrate Christmas with Kentucky Fried Chicken. “That really stuck,” Smith said. “And still today, you have to order your KFC months in advance to make sure that you’re going to get it at Christmas Day.”  

A Pakistani court convicted and sentenced imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi on Saturday to 17 years in prison after finding them guilty of retaining and selling state gifts, officials and his party said. The couple pleaded not guilty when they were indicted last year. They were accused of selling the gifts, including jewelry from Saudi Arabia’s government, at prices far below their market value while he was in office. Prosecutors said Khan and his wife declared the value of the gifts at a little over $10,000, far below their actual market value of $285,521, allowing them to purchase the items at a reduced price. Khan's lawyer, Salman Safdar, said he would appeal the ruling on behalf of the former premier and his wife. Under Pakistani law, for government officials and politicians to keep gifts received from foreign dignitaries, they must buy them at the assessed market value and declare any proceeds earned from selling them. Khan’s spokesperson, Zulfiquar Bukhari, said Saturday's sentencing ignored basic principles of justice. In a statement, he said that the “criminal liability was imposed without proof of intent, gain, or loss, relying instead on a retrospective reinterpretation of rules. Bukhari said the court ruling “raised serious questions about the fairness and impartiality of the process, turning justice into a tool for selective prosecution.” Khan’s opposition Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party, or PTI, denounced the ruling in a statement, calling it “a black chapter in history,” and said Khan was present in the court when the judge announced the verdict in the Adiala prison in the city of Rawalpindi. On its official X account, the party wrote Khan's family was not allowed access to the court when the verdict was announced. “A closed-door jail trial is neither free nor fair. It is, in fact, a military Trial.” Omar Ayub, a PTI senior leader, said on X that there was “no rule of law in Pakistan.” Meanwhile, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said Khan and his wife were convicted and sentenced after the court examined solid evidence. He said the couple indulged in corruption, and “the court delivered a fair decision”. Khan, 73, was ousted in a no-confidence vote in April 2022 and his party is in opposition in the parliament. However, he remains popular in Pakistan. His party made a strong showing in the Feb. 8, 2024, parliamentary election but did not win a majority of the seats in the National Assembly, or lower house of the parliament. The party claimed the vote was rigged. The government denies such claims. Khan's main political rival, Shehbaz Sharif, is the country's current prime minister. Since his ouster, Khan has repeatedly alleged that his removal was the result of a U.S.-backed conspiracy carried out with the support of Pakistan’s powerful military — claims denied by Washington, the military and his opponents. The former prime minister has been serving multiple prison terms since 2023 on corruption convictions and other charges that the former cricket star and his supporters have alleged are aimed at blocking his political career.

Gono Odhikar Parishad President Nurul Haque Nur on Saturday alleged that a section within the interim government had patronised an attack on him earlier in the year and said the failure to ensure justice at that time emboldened criminals to kill Sharif Osman Hadi. “If there had been justice for what happened to us, Sharif Osman Hadi would not have been killed. Because this government failed, the killers dared to murder Hadi,”  Nur said, while addressing a pre-rally gathering at Bijoynagar in the capital. The party organised the programme demanding the arrest of the accused and justice for Hadi’s killing. Party Secretary General Rashed Khan and other leaders and activists were present. Nur said the nation has been left stunned by Hadi’s death. “Leftists once said they did not want to take the country from a boiling pan to a burning one. That is exactly what has happened now,” he said, accusing the government of fostering political hooliganism and patronising fascism. “It has pushed revolutionaries towards death.” The former DUCSU vice-president also blamed the government’s failure for mob attacks on media houses, including The Daily Star and Prothom Alo, and for the harassment of New Age Editor Nurul Kabir. Nur further warned of a “deep conspiracy” behind mob violence aimed at destabilising Bangladesh and spreading negative narratives globally.  “The conspirators want to eliminate those who are revolutionary today, just as intellectuals were killed before independence,” he said. Speaking at the programme, Rashed Khan questioned how Hadi’s killers managed to flee. “What are the country’s intelligence agencies doing?” he asked, adding that a culture of impunity had prevailed in the past and continues now because the government is “completely failed.”

The deadline for applying for admission to Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST) for the 2025-26 academic year has been extended till December 25. The matter was confirmed in a notification signed by the Admission Committee President, Professor Md Ahmed Kabir Chowdhury, on Saturday. The notification said that in view of the current situation in the country and the requests of students and guardians, the application period for the 2025-26 academic year has been extended until 11:59 pm on December 25. The admission test for the 2025-26 academic year will be held on January 13 and 14 next year.

Law enforcement agencies have arrested ten people in connection with the killing of a Hindu youth who was beaten to death in Bhaluka Upazila of Mymensingh district. Of them, seven were arrested by the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and three by the police, the Chief Adviser’s Press Wing said on Saturday. Those arrested by RAB are Md Limon Sarkar, 19; Md Tarek Hossain, 19; Md Manik Mia, 20; Ershad Ali, 39; Nizum Uddin, 20; Alamgir Hossain, 38; and Md Miraj Hossain Akon, 46. The police arrested Md Ajmal Hasan Sagir, 26; Md Shahin Mia, 19; and Md Nazmul. RAB-14 and the police conducted operations at different locations to detain the suspects, the press wing added. The victim, Dipu Chandra Das, a local garment worker, was beaten to death by a mob over alleged blasphemy in Bhaluka Upazila. His body was later set on fire.

Attorney General Md Asaduzzaman has announced that he will resign from his post and contest the parliamentary election from Jhenaidah-1 (Shailkupa) constituency on the paddy sheaf symbol. “I will submit my nomination papers for the parliamentary elections along with everyone. I want to become an MP for the development of the area and for building a terror-free Shailkupa,” he said. He made the remarks at a prayer meeting on Saturday organised by Shailkupa Upazila BNP to pray for the forgiveness of the soul of Inqilab Moncho spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi and for the recovery of former Prime Minister and BNP’s chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia. Md Asaduzzaman said, “We will contest the election on the paddy sheaf. Alhamdulillah, we have been informed about this by the top leadership of BNP. From December 28, I will work with you in the polling field for 24 hours.” Addressing the leaders and activists, he said, “Women activists of a party are going door to door selling tickets to heaven. But we believe that Allah is one and unique. On the Day of Judgment, it will be decided who goes to heaven and who goes to hell. Yet a particular party is selling tickets to heaven in the hope of votes, which is blasphemy. All of you go door to door and dispel this idea among the people.” Upazila BNP General Secretary Humayun Babar Firoz, Organizing Secretary Mustafizur Rahman Turki, Co-General Secretary Bablu Mollah and other leaders and activists attended the prayer meeting.

Police have arrested 16 more people in Naogaon in the last 24 hours as part of the ongoing ‘Devil Hunt Phase-2’ operation, police said on Saturday. All the arrestees are leaders and activists of different organs and affiliated bodies of the Awami League, whose activities have been banned, Naogaon Superintendent of Police Mohammad Tariqul Islam said in a press release. The arrestees are Arman Khan Palin, 34, of Bangabaria area in Naogaon Sadar upazila; Mostafizur Rahman Firoz, 55, of Chakdev Masterpara; Rezaul Haque, 72, of Krittipur; Mehedi Hasan Nirob, 28, of Bacharigram; Md Hasan, 45; Abdul Kader, 60, of Kachua (Gahelapur) area of Raninagar upazila; Rafi Hasan, 25, of Meerut area in Jalalabad; Jahangir Alam, 63, of Gana (Dighi Purbapara) area; Ayet Ali, 56, of Sonaidanga area of Atrai upazila; Motibul Islam, 54, of Harirampur area of Patnitala upazila; Mizanur Rahman, 40, of Battali area; Momtaz Uddin, 55, of Sherpur area of Mahadevpur upazila; Rafiqul Islam, 42, of Haripur area; Moslem Prodhan, 41, of Kusmail area of Niamatpur upazila; Chaiful Islam, 42, of Kharapa area of Porsha upazila; and Jotiranjan Adhikari, 46, of Mainam area of Manda upazila. SP Mohammad Tariqul Islam said the operation is being conducted as part of regular police activities to curb crime and maintain law and order in the district. “A total of 55 people have been arrested in recent days, including accused persons in various cases and those with outstanding warrants,” he added. The police official said the operation would continue to ensure overall law and order in the district.  

A doctor of Enam Medical College Hospital in Savar has been temporarily dismissed for allegedly making objectionable comments about Shaheed Sharif Osman Bin Hadi, spokesperson of Inqilab Moncho and a prospective candidate for Dhaka-8. Dr Tajin Afroz Shah, was relieved from her duties through a notice signed by the Principal of Enam Medical College, Professor Dr Md Motahar Hossain Bhuiyan, on Friday (December 19). According to the notice, Dr Tajin Afroz Shah has been temporarily dismissed from the Department of Medicine for making objectionable comments about Shaheed Sharif Osman bin Hadi on Facebook. The order came into effect from December 19, 2024. She has also been asked to show cause within seven working days as to why she should not be permanently dismissed from her position. In addition, Dr Tajin Afroz Shah has been removed from the post of secretary general of Bangladesh Doctors Foundation (BDF). Sharif Osman Bin Hadi, spokesperson of Inqilab Moncho, died on December 18 while undergoing treatment in Singapore. He was shot in Dhaka on December 12. Following his death, a screenshot of an alleged Facebook comment from Dr Tajin Afroz Shah’s account, criticising Shaheed Sharif Osman Hadi, went viral on social media, sparking widespread outrage. However, Dr Tajin Afroz Shah claimed that her Facebook account had been hacked. Later, she posted on the same account stating that unknown individuals had hacked her ID and demanded money. She described the circulated comments as “disgusting” and expressed her regret over the incident.

The chiefs of three services – Bangladesh Army, Bangladesh Navy and Air Force– will meet Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin on Sunday. “The meeting will be held at 12:00pm at Nirbachan Bhaban,” said EC Director (PR) Ruhul Amin Mollik on Saturday. Due to the meeting, the Election Commission shifted its pre-scheduled meeting over law and order from 10am to 2:30pm. In the afternoon, the EC will sit with top representatives of law enforcing agencies and intelligences to review the overall law and order situation ahead of the upcoming national election and referendum scheduled to be held on February 12, 2026. CEC Nasir will chair the meeting on law and order at the Conference Room of the Election Commission in the city. Top representatives of the armed forces, the Principal Secretary, the Home Affairs Secretary, the Principal Staff Officer of the Armed Forces Division, the Inspector General of Police, Directors general of Border Guard Bangladesh, the Coast Guard, Ansar and VDP, Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI), National Security Intelligence (NSI), National Telecommunication Monitoring Centre (NTMC) and Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), along with additional IGPs of Special Branch (SB) and Criminal Investigation Department (CID), and the Inspector General of Prisons are supposed to attend the meeting. The major agendas of the meeting are to review pre-election law and order situation, the activities of joint forces to recover illegal arms and prevent terror acts, and the compliance with electoral code by candidates and political parties as well as the issues related to maintaining an election-friendly environment.  Four election commissioners will be present in the law and order meeting. Meanwhile, the Election Commission on Saturday amended the election schedule gazette bringing change in the timeframe to file appeals challenging the decisions of the returning officers against the acceptance and rejection of nomination papers during the scrutiny. According to the amended gazette, the appeals against the decisions of the returning officers can be filed from January 5 to 9, while the appeals will be disposed of on January 10-18. In the original schedule, the time for submission of appeals was January 5-11 and the time for disposal of the appeals was January 12-18. CEC takes attack on Hadi seriously, orders immediate action: EC Earlier on December 11, the Chief Election Commissioner announced the schedule to arrange the 13th parliamentary election and the referendum on the July National Charter (Constitutional Reform) Implementation Order simultaneously on February 12 next. According to the election schedule, the deadline for the submission of nomination papers is December 29, while the last date for the withdrawal of candidature is January 20. The election campaign will start on January 22 and continue till 48 hours before the balloting period (7:30am on February 10).  

BNP senior leader Mirza Abbas on Saturday alleged that a few political parties are trying to fish in troubled waters by holding people hostage to serve their narrow political interests. “The people of this country earned independence in ’71 and secured their right to speak freely in ’24 through immense blood and sacrifice,” he said. Speaking at a workers’ meeting in the capital, the BNP leader also said attempts are now being made to snatch away those rights achieved in 1971 and 2024. “A few political parties are trying to hold the people of Bangladesh hostage to gain political advantage. They want to muddy the waters and fish in them,” he said. Abbas, a BNP Standing Committee member, called upon party leaders, activists and the general public to remain alert to tackle the plots against the country. He warned that any attempt to create unrest in Dhaka city will not be allowed, saying the BNP will resist all such efforts. “Our leader Tarique Rahman announced that he would be coming to Bangladesh… After that announcement, a murder took place, followed by a series of incidents one after another. This means it is a planned design,” Abbas observed. He said such activities were aimed at “snatching away the democratic rights of the people” that were achieved in 1971. “We will not allow those rights to be taken away. We will restore our right to vote at any cost.” The BNP leader also warned against any attempts to disrupt the next election. “Those who try to foil the polls will receive their answer through the election process itself. The election will be held in this country, and it must take place.” The meeting was organised at the Sadeque Hossain Khoka Community Centre in Gopibagh by the Dhaka South City unit of the BNP as part of preparations to welcome Tarique Rahman on his return home on Thursday, ending his nearly 18 years in exile in London. Abbas told the meeting that the return of the BNP Acting Chairman symbolises the return of democracy to Bangladesh. “He is coming to restore democracy. Do not be misled by what others say.” Mirza Abbas calls attack on Hadi part of wider conspiracy In an oblique reference to Jamaat-e-Islami, he said the party does not want Bangladesh to remain peaceful as it had opposed the country’s birth. “Those who do not wish well for the country and do not love it may look like human beings, but they are devils in human form. They opposed Pakistan in 1947 and opposed Bangladesh in 1971. They do not want peace in the country. Even if they remain silent for some time, their claws and poisonous fangs grow again. Their activities are systematic and continuous,” the BNP leader said. He said undemocratic forces will not be able to survive in the face of democracy and warned those engaged in conspiracy to be cautious as the people of the country knew them well. “Several newspaper offices and a number of institutions were torched and burned down. Who are these people? Do they love the country? They are enemies of the nation and enemies of the country. They must be stopped,” Abbas said. He also criticised the government and law enforcement agencies for failing to prevent arson attacks and mob violence. “When we went to meet the head of this government, we repeatedly said that we had extended a hand of cooperation to you. But you did not accept that hand of cooperation,” the BNP leader said. He also alleged that the interim government was siding with anti-Bangladesh forces working to destroy the country. “So many incidents are happening—where are the arrests? Where are the law enforcement agencies? They are nowhere to be seen on the ground.” The meeting was chaired by Dhaka South BNP Member Secretary Tanvir Ahmed Robin. Candidates and leaders from several Dhaka constituencies, including Nabi Ullah Nabi, Ishraque Hossain, Hamidur Rahman Hamid, Habibur Rashid Habib and Sheikh Robiul Alam, also addressed the programme.    

The undergraduate (Honours) first-year admission test of Jahangirnagar University (JU) for the 2025–26 academic session will begin on Sunday with the examination of ‘C’ unit. The university authorities have issued nine important instructions for candidates appearing in the admission test, Syed Mohammad Ali Reza, member secretary of the university’s Admission Management Committee and deputy registrar (education), said on Saturday evening. 1.      Candidates must fill in the OMR answer sheet properly using a black ballpoint pen. Any incorrectly filled OMR sheet will be considered invalid. The form must not be folded, torn, stained, stapled or pinned. 2.      Candidates are required to write their roll number, shift and question set code in English. Both the OMR sheet and question paper must be submitted to the invigilator at the end of the examination. 3.      Information regarding exam centre and seat can be found on the downloaded admit card. 4.      Candidates must reach the centre at least 10 minutes before the examination begins. 5.      No bags, books, mobile phones, watches, calculators or any electronic devices will be allowed inside the examination hall. A wall clock will be available in the hall for time management. 6.      Only candidates and concerned officials will be permitted to enter the examination centre. 7.      The results of the admission test will be published within seven days after the completion of the examination on the website: ju-admission.org. Jahangirnagar University suspends 16 students over ragging of freshmen 8.      Candidates must bring the original Secondary School Certificate (SSC) registration card along with the admission test admit card. 9.      As the JU campus is located about 30 kilometres away from Dhaka city, candidates have been advised to arrive at the centre well in advance, considering possible traffic congestion. According to university sources, a total of 219,399 applications have been submitted this year against 1,844 seats in seven units, meaning an average of 119 applicants are competing for each seat.    

The two-day Hason Raja Folk Festival–2025 will begin in Sylhet on Sunday, marking the birth anniversary of renowned Sufi poet Hason Raja. Organised by the Hason Raja Folk Literature and Culture Council, the festival will be held at the Central Shaheed Minar premises in Chowhatta area of the city. Programmes will run daily from 3:30pm to 10:00pm. The festival will showcase various aspects of Hason Raja’s life, philosophy and folk heritage through discussions, cultural performances, recitations and renditions of his songs. Dr Jahirul Islam Achinpuri, president of the central committee of the Hasan Raja Folk Literature and Culture Council, said Hasan Raja’s birthday falls on December 21. He said the council has been working to revive Bengal’s traditional Sufi culture with the aim of promoting a non-violent, intellectual, creator-centred and afterlife-centred society. Researchers, artists, litterateurs and cultural activists from different parts of the country are expected to participate in the festival, he added, noting that enthusiasm has already been created in Sylhet’s cultural arena surrounding the event. 56 migratory birds freed from poachers and released in Sylhet Dr Achinpuri also said the festival was originally scheduled to begin on Saturday, December 20, but was deferred by a day in observance of the National Mourning Day announced by the government for the demise of Shaheed Sharif Osman Bin Hadi. The organisers urged people from all walks of life to attend the festival with their families.  

Hollywood actor and former professional wrestler Dwayne Johnson has dedicated his latest film, The Smashing Machine, to the memory of 15 friends he lost to addiction and suicide over the past two decades. In an interview with Variety, the 53-year-old actor said the biopic, which portrays the life of legendary UFC fighter Mark Kerr, reflects not only Kerr’s journey but also the struggles of countless people battling mental health issues. “In a way, The Smashing Machine is a love letter to the men and women who struggle, who have made it on the other side, and who didn’t,” Johnson said. Johnson, who has been open about his own battles with depression, revealed that losing friends over the years deeply influenced the project. “Over the past two decades, I lost exactly 15 friends to addiction and suicide, who just couldn’t handle the pressure,” he added. The actor also recalled his personal experiences with mental health challenges, including suffering from depression at the age of 23 after failing to qualify for professional football, and witnessing his mother attempt suicide when he was 15. He stressed the importance of support, encouraging people to talk openly about their struggles and reminding them that they are not alone. Johnson has previously spoken about helping those facing depression. In 2018, he advised on social media to support loved ones by listening and guiding them through difficult times. “Everybody is fighting demons, and a lot of people keep it in. A lot of people don’t talk about it,” he said, reflecting on lessons learned over the years. The Smashing Machine is set to reach audiences worldwide while Johnson continues to work on upcoming projects, including the live-action Moana, an untitled Jumanji sequel, and Fast X: Part 2.   With inputs from NDTV

Russian President Vladimir Putin has said there would be no further wars after Ukraine if Western countries treat Russia with respect and acknowledge its security interests, dismissing claims that Moscow plans to attack Europe as “nonsense”. Speaking during his annual televised “Direct Line” question-and-answer marathon on Friday, Putin told the BBC that Russia would not launch any new military operations if the West respected Russian interests and stopped what he described as deception over Nato’s eastward expansion. He again accused Western leaders of breaking promises made to the former Soviet Union in the early 1990s, a claim previously denied by the late Mikhail Gorbachev. Putin said Russia was ready to work with Europe, the United States and the United Kingdom as equals and expressed willingness to end the war in Ukraine, provided Russia’s long-term security was guaranteed. However, he reiterated demands previously outlined in June, including Ukraine withdrawing forces from four partially occupied regions and abandoning its bid to join Nato. The nearly four-and-a-half-hour event, broadcast live from Moscow, combined questions from the public and journalists, with organisers claiming more than three million submissions. While the programme was largely choreographed, some critical comments about rising prices, internet outages and public services were shown on screen. Putin also addressed economic challenges, including inflation and a VAT increase set to take effect in January, as Russia’s central bank announced a cut in interest rates to 16%. Hours after the broadcast, Ukrainian officials reported that a Russian missile strike in the southern Odesa region killed seven people and injured 15 others. Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Putin maintained that Russian forces were advancing on the battlefield and rejected Western intelligence warnings that Moscow could attack Nato countries in the coming years. He insisted that responsibility for prolonging the conflict lay with Kyiv and its Western backers, while praising US President Donald Trump’s efforts to broker peace.   With inputs from BBC

The US Department of Justice (DOJ) released the first batch of highly anticipated documents related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein on Friday, offering a glimpse into thousands of pages of investigative records, photographs, and videos. The release follows a law passed by Congress requiring the Justice Department to make the files public in their entirety, although officials said they could not meet the full deadline. The initial tranche of documents includes numerous high-profile figures, such as former US President Bill Clinton, Prince Andrew, and entertainers including Mick Jagger, Michael Jackson, Diana Ross, and Chris Tucker. However, legal experts and authorities emphasize that being mentioned or pictured in the files does not imply any wrongdoing. Many of those named in the documents have consistently denied any involvement in Epstein’s criminal activities. Bill Clinton appears in multiple images Several photographs released feature former US President Bill Clinton. Some images show him swimming in a pool, while others depict him reclining in a hot tub with his hands behind his head. Clinton had multiple documented interactions with Epstein during the 1990s and early 2000s, before Epstein’s first arrest. Survivors of Epstein’s abuse have not accused Clinton of wrongdoing, and he has consistently denied any knowledge of Epstein’s criminal acts. Clinton’s spokesperson, Angel Ureña, commented on the photos, describing them as decades old and reiterating that the former president was not involved in Epstein’s crimes. “They can release as many grainy 20-plus-year-old photos as they want, but this isn’t about Bill Clinton. Never has, never will be,” Ureña said on social media. Trump mentioned in files The documents also reference current US President Donald Trump, though the mention is limited. Court filings suggest that Epstein allegedly introduced a 14-year-old girl to Trump at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida during the 1990s. The documents claim Epstein “playfully asked” Trump, in reference to the girl, “this is a good one, right?” According to the filing, Trump smiled and nodded, and both men laughed, leaving the girl feeling uncomfortable. The alleged victim did not accuse Trump of any wrongdoing in the filing. Following the release, Trump’s political team highlighted the photographs of Clinton rather than addressing the allegations involving the president. Trump has previously stated that he was a friend of Epstein but said their relationship ended around 2004, years before Epstein’s arrest. He has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing in connection with Epstein. Prince Andrew and other high-profile figures One photograph in the files appears to show Prince Andrew lying across the laps of several people, with convicted Epstein associate Ghislaine Maxwell standing nearby. Andrew has faced years of scrutiny for his past association with Epstein, although he has consistently denied witnessing or participating in any criminal activity related to Epstein. The newly released documents also feature multiple celebrities. Epstein is shown posing with Michael Jackson, Diana Ross, and Mick Jagger. In some images, Clinton is pictured alongside Jackson and Ross. Other photos include Chris Tucker sitting next to Clinton at a dining table or standing near a private jet with Maxwell. The DOJ has not provided details regarding when or where these photographs were taken, or the nature of Epstein’s association with those pictured. Ghislaine Maxwell and Downing Street A photograph released shows Ghislaine Maxwell alone in front of 10 Downing Street. There is no accompanying context regarding the timing or reason for her visit. Maxwell, who was convicted in connection with Epstein’s crimes, has been a recurring figure in previous file releases. Accuser statements and historical reports The files include early reports from Epstein’s accusers. Artist Maria Farmer, who worked for Epstein, reported to the FBI in 1996 that Epstein had stolen photographs of her 12- and 16-year-old sisters and allegedly threatened to burn her house if she disclosed the theft. Farmer said Epstein asked her to photograph young girls at swimming pools. Her name is redacted in the released documents, though she has confirmed the account belongs to her. “I feel redeemed,” Farmer said, reflecting on nearly 30 years since the incident. Redacted pages and pending releases Many of the documents released on Friday are heavily redacted. Some files, including more than 100 pages from a grand jury investigation, are completely blacked out. The DOJ has said that redactions are necessary to protect the identities of victims or details of ongoing investigations. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche stated that the department is reviewing hundreds of thousands of pages, with many more expected to be released in the coming weeks. Blanche emphasized that each page is being vetted to ensure that all victim information is fully protected. The delay in releasing all documents has drawn criticism from lawmakers. Democrats, including Congressman Ro Khanna, have threatened action against DOJ officials, citing potential impeachment or prosecution. Khanna, together with Republican Congressman Thomas Massie, pushed for the Epstein Files Transparency Act to ensure full disclosure, despite opposition from former President Donald Trump. Legal and public context The Epstein files shed light on a vast network of social, political, and entertainment connections that the late financier maintained over decades. While many photos and documents raise questions, officials stress that inclusion in the files is not evidence of criminal behavior. The ongoing public and legal scrutiny surrounding Epstein and Maxwell continues to generate global attention, with hundreds of thousands of pages still under review.   With inputs from BBC

Bangladesh’s capital market extended its losing streak over the past week, with market capitalisation on the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) shrinking by more than Tk 10,500 crore amid a broad-based decline in share prices. The market opened the week on Sunday with a capitalisation of Tk 6,86,368 crore, which fell to Tk 6,75,866 crore by Thursday, marking a weekly erosion of Tk 10,501 crore. The sharp fall was driven by price declines in the majority of listed companies. Over the week, prices rose for only 32 companies, while 335 saw declines. Prices of 22 companies remained unchanged and 24 companies did not participate in trading. All indices on the DSE dropped by more than 2 percent during the week. The benchmark DSEX index, which started at 4,963 points, closed at 4,831 points. Due to the Victory Day holiday on December 16, trading took place for four sessions, during which the DSEX lost 132 points, or 2.67 percent. Year-on-year, the DSEX has fallen 7.38 percent. At the same time last year, the benchmark index stood at 5,216 points. Among other indices, the blue-chip DS30 lost 43 points; 2.28 percent in a week, while the Shariah-based DSES fell 33 points; 3.25 percent. The SME index, DSMEX, shed 24 points-- 2.77 percent. The average daily turnover also weakened alongside the decline in market capitalisation and indices. Weekly average turnover dropped by more than 7 percent, falling from Tk 417 crore at the beginning of the week to Tk 387 crore by the final session. Out of the DSE’s 21 sectors, only seven recorded price gains, while the rest witnessed declines. The banking sector posted a 6 percent fall, while prices of non-bank financial institutions plunged by nearly 32 percent. Among the two insurance sectors, general insurance gained more than 19 percent, but life insurance suffered a steep 38 percent decline. In addition to general insurance, prices also gained in the ceramic, corporate bond, food, mutual fund, real estate and textile sectors. Sector-wise turnover also deteriorated, with trading volume declining in almost all sectors except life insurance, corporate bonds, mutual funds and textiles. The non-bank financial institution sector saw its turnover fall by an average of about 52%. Top Gainers Of the top 10 gainers on the DSE, five were ‘A’ category companies that regularly pay dividends of 10 percent or more, two were ‘B’ category firms, and three were ‘Z’ category companies that do not pay dividends. Most of the top gainers belonged to the mutual fund sector. B-category Bangas Ltd topped the gainers’ list, posting a return of nearly 15 percent over four sessions. Its share price rose from Tk 113.50 to Tk 130.50. Reliance One: The First Scheme of Reliance Insurance Mutual Fund ranked second, gaining 14.71 percent, with unit prices rising from Tk 13.60 to Tk 15.60. CAPM IBBL Islamic Mutual Fund secured the third position, with a return of more than 13 percent, as its unit price climbed from Tk 6.80 to Tk 7.70. Z-category Bangladesh Welding Electrodes Ltd stood fourth, gaining over 8 percent, with its share price rising from Tk 12.20 to Tk 13.20. Union Insurance Company Limited ranked fifth, posting an 8 percent return as its share price increased from Tk 32.50 to Tk 35.10. Top Losers Most of the top losers were Z-category companies, except one A-category and one B-category firm. The top two decliners were both from the sugar industry. Shyampur Sugar Mills Ltd suffered the steepest fall, with its return plunging by nearly 21 percent. Its share prices fell by over Tk 40 within a week. Another Z-category sugar mill, Zeal Bangla Sugar Mills Ltd, ranked second, losing over 17 percent as its share price fell by nearly Tk 30 over four sessions. AFC Agro Biotech Ltd placed third with a decline of around 17 percent, followed by Khan Brothers PP Woven Bag Industries Limited, which fell 16.64 percent. FAS Finance & Investment Limited ranked fifth, shedding more than 16 percent. CSE’s Sharp Fall Like the DSE, the Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) also witnessed a significant downturn, with all indices falling by more than 1.5 percent over four trading sessions. The overall CASPI index dropped 247 points, or 1.78 percent, while the blue-chip CSE30 lost 217 points, or 1.76 percent. The CSCX index, comprising dividend-paying A and B category companies, fell 148 points, or 1.72 percent. Another blue-chip index, CSE50, declined 19 points, or 1.77 percent, while the Shariah-based CSI lost 17 points, or 2.02 percent. Out of 250 traded companies on the CSE, prices fell for 159, rose for 71 and remained unchanged for 20. Bangas Ltd also topped the gainers’ list on the CSE, followed by GQ Ball Pen Industries Limited. On the losing side, Apex Spinning & Knitting Mills recorded the sharpest fall, shedding more than 19 percent. Its share price dropped from Tk 220 at the start of the week to Tk 177 by the end. Emerald Oil Industries Limited ranked second among the losers, with its share price falling by more than 17 percent, or Tk 3 per share, over the week.      

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Saturday expressed deep shock over the death of AK Khandker Bir Uttam, a key hero of the Bangladesh Liberation War and former planning minister. In a condolence message, Fakhrul said, “I deeply sympathise with the bereaved family of AK Khandker over his demise.” He recalled that late AK Khandker, who served as Deputy Chief of Staff of the Liberation Forces, was the first Chief of the Bangladesh Air Force and played a brave and heroic role during the Liberation War of 1971. For his exceptional contribution to the war, Fakhrul said AK Khandker was awarded the ‘Bir Uttam’ title and the Independence Award in 2011. “He will always be remembered by the nation for his outstanding contribution to the Liberation War and the freedom of our motherland. His devoted role in protecting the country’s sovereignty and independence will remain an exemplary legacy,” the BNP leader said. Mirza Fakhrul falls ill “I am deeply saddened by his passing and pray to Almighty Allah to grant him a place in Jannah and give patience to his grieving family,” he added. The BNP Secretary General also prayed for the eternal peace of AK Khandker’s soul and expressed profound sympathy to his family, admirers and well-wishers.    

The bodies of six Bangladeshi peacekeepers who were killed in a drone attack by separatist forces in Sudan arrived at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka on Saturday (December 20, 2025). A flight of Emirates Airline, carrying the bodies of the Bangladeshi peacekeepers landed at the Airport on Saturday morning, according to a media release from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). The Chief of General Staff of the Bangladesh Army, Lieutenant General Mizanur Rahman Shamim, received the bodies. Read more: Bangladeshi peacekeepers killed in Sudan: Condolences keep pouring in from international community After a namaz-e-janaza at the Central Mosque of Dhaka Cantonment, the peacekeepers’ bodies will be sent to their respective villages by helicopter and they will be buried with full military honour. Six Bangladeshi peacekeepers were killed and nine others were injured in a drone attack on the Kadugli logistics base under the UN mission in the Abeï area of Sudan on December 13. The injured personnel are receiving treatment at Aga Khan University Hospital in Nairobi, Kenya. One of them has already been discharged, while the remaining peacekeepers are reported to be out of danger, the ISPR said. Read more: Another Bangladeshi peacekeeper injured in Sudan drone attack

Abu Bakar Siddique, the elder brother of Inquilab Moncho Sharif Osman Hadi, on Saturday (December 20, 2025) questioned the failure to arrest the killers even after seven to eight days of the shooting. “If criminals can open fire after Jum’a prayers in the heart of Dhaka and escape, there can be no greater disgrace for us as a nation,” he said while addressing thousands of mourners before the namaz-e-janaza of Hadi at Manik Mia Avenue in the capital. He also demanded a quick and public trial of those responsible for the killing. Read more: Hadi laid to rest beside National Poet’s grave at DU Siddique said his younger brother had devoted his life to protecting Bangladesh’s independence and sovereignty and left behind a message for the country’s people on how to safeguard the freedom. Hadi is survived by an eight-month-old child who will never know his father, he said, adding, “When the child was born, my brother asked me to choose a name reflecting revolutionary spirit and courage. I named him Firnas.” He said the family has been shattered by the loss, with their mother repeatedly losing consciousness and other siblings suffering severe trauma. He urged people to pray for Hadi’s wife and child, for his injured brother Omar Faruk who was with him during the attack and for his sister Masuma, who is undergoing treatment for severe trauma. Siddique led the janaza prayers around 2:30 pm. ‘Hadi, you’ll never be lost; no one will ever be able to forget you’: Prof Yunus Religious Affairs Adviser AFM Khalid Hossain described Hadi as a poet and cultural activist who co-founded the Inquilab Cultural Center to help shape a new cultural narrative for the country. Inquilab Moncho Member Secretary Abdullah Al-Jaber alleged that the killing was the result of a planned conspiracy involving multiple actors. He demanded that the killers, planners and facilitators be brought to justice and urged the Home Affairs Adviser and other officials to publicly explain within 24 hours what steps have been taken so far. He also called on supporters to refrain from violence and warned against acting on any propaganda outside Inquilab Mancha’s directives, saying future programmes would be announced by the platform. Read more: Bangladesh mourns death of Osman Hadi

BNP senior leader Salahuddin Ahmed on Saturday urged vigilance to prevent the killing of Inquilab Moncho spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi from being politically exploited to create chaos. “We have strongly condemned this brutal killing. But fallen fascist forces or anyone trying to disrupt the election must not be allowed to use this incident for political gain. Everyone must remain vigilant,” he said. Salahuddin, a BNP Standing Committee member, made the remarks while talking to reporters before attending Hadi’s namaz-e-janaza. He also called upon the people of the country to remain alert to prevent any conspiracy aimed at delaying or disrupting the upcoming election. Later, on behalf of BNP, Salahuddin along with party Vice Chairman Abdul Awal Mintoo, Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, and many other leaders and activists attended the janaza of martyr Osman Hadi. Hadi’s namaz-e-janaza was held at the South Plaza of Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban on Saturday afternoon. Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, advisers, leaders and activists of BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, Inquilab Moncho, National Citizens Party (NCP), and chiefs of the three services were, among others, present. Mirza Fakhrul falls ill Osman Hadi, also a prospective candidate for the Dhaka-8 constituency, was shot in the head on December 12 while travelling in a rickshaw on Culvert Road in Puratan Paltan. He was airlifted to Singapore for advanced treatment, where he succumbed to his injuries on the night of December 18.  

Inquilab Moncho leader Sharif Osman Hadi was laid to rest beside the grave of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam near the Dhaka University Central Mosque. Hadi was buried beside the mosque beside Kazi Nazrul Islam’s grave at around 3:30 pm. Read more: Hadi’s brother questions failure to arrest killers After the namaz-e-janaza at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad, his body was brought to Dhaka University in a procession for burial. For security reasons, all entry points to Dhaka University were kept closed.  

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir suddenly fell ill on Friday night and is currently receiving treatment at home. “The BNP Secretary General developed a viral infection (fever) late Friday night. Following doctors’ advice, he is receiving treatment at home,” BNP Media Cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan said on Saturday. He also said Fakhrul is resting as per his doctor’s instructions. BNP pays homage to Osman Hadi Fakhrul attended an emergency meeting of the party’s Standing Committee on Friday night and later briefed journalists on the decisions taken at the meeting at the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Saturday said martyr Sharif Osman Hadi would never be forgotten, stressing that he will remain alive through the lessons he left for the nation. “Dear Hadi, you wanted to take part in the election. In expressing your desire to contest, you also taught us how elections should be conducted. Let us all accept that process,” Prof Yunus said while speaking before the namaz-e-janaza of Hadi, spokesperson of Inquilab Moncho. He said Hadi demonstrated how to run an election campaign and how to connect closely with people. “By embracing the lessons you gave us, we ensure that you remain alive in our memories. Hadi, you will never be lost. No one will ever be able to forget you. You will remain with us for decades,” Prof Yunus added. The Chief Adviser also said they would continue walking on the path of national progress while remembering Hadi. Thousands of people from different walks of life joined the Janaza at Manik Mia Avenue near the Jatiya Sangsad. Many arrived in processions, chanting slogans demanding justice for Hadi and vowing that his death would not go in vain. Describing Hadi as a hero, Prof Yunus said they have not come here to bid him farewell. “You are in our hearts and as long as Bangladesh exists, you will remain in the hearts of all Bangladeshis. No one can remove this.” “We have not come to bid you farewell today, dear Hadi. We have come to promise you that we will be able to fulfill what you have said,” he added. Prof Yunus said the people of the country have praised Hadi’s political vision and it should always be awake in everyone’s mind so that everyone can follow it. The Chief Adviser also said that Hadi has given such a mantra to the ears, which the people of the country will never forget. “It will always ring in their ears. It will be connected to the nation as a big mantra. Hadi’s mantra was, ‘Chiro Unnoto Momo Shir’. That head will never bow. That mantra will be proven in all works. Bangladesh will continue to hold its head high to the world and will not bow its head to anyone. That mantra will be fulfilled,” Prof Yunus said. He said they will move forward with that mantra today. “I promise you on behalf of all of us ….we will always remember your words and continue on the path of progress of the nation.” Hadi died at Singapore General Hospital on Thursday night. He had sustained critical injuries after being shot on December 12 following his election campaign in the capital's Paltan area. The Chief Adviser, in his recent televised speech said, Hadi was an enemy of the defeated forces and fascist terrorists. “The evil attempt to intimidate revolutionaries by silencing his voice will be completely thwarted. No one can stop the journey to democracy of this country through fear, terror or bloodshed. Shaheed Hadi was an integral part of this process. His sole desire was to contest the upcoming elections and play an active role in the next phase of building a new Bangladesh,” he said. The Chief Adviser said the government will take responsibility for Hadi’s wife and his only child. The nation is observing a one-day state mourning today (Saturday) following Hadi’s death. On this occasion, the national flag was flown at half-mast at all government, semi-government and autonomous institutions, educational institutions, as well as government and private buildings across the country and at Bangladesh missions abroad. At the same time, special prayers and munajat were held at every mosque across the country after Jum’a prayers on Friday for the eternal peace of martyr Hadi. Expressing deep sorrow and grief at Hadi’s untimely death, Prof Yunus said the loss is irreparable for the country’s political and democratic landscape. “I pray for the eternal peace of his soul and express my deepest condolences to his bereaved wife, family members, relatives and colleagues,” he added.

The namaz-e-janaza of Inquilab Moncho spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi was held at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban on Saturday afternoon. Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, advisers and leaders and activists of BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, Inquilab Moncho, National Citizens Party (NCP) and the chiefs of the three services, among others, attended the namaz-e-janaza. Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, Religious Affairs Adviser AFM Khalid Hossain and an Inquilab Moncho leader spoke before the namaz-e-janaza. Amnesty urges accountability over Hadi murder, mob violence Hadi’s brother Abu Bakar Siddique administered the janaza around 2:30 pm. Earlier, thousands of people gathered at Manik Mia Avenue in small processions to attend the janaza. Mourners chanted various slogans, including “We will all be Hadi for ages, we will fight” and “We will not let Hadi Bhai’s blood go in vain.” Osman Hadi, also a prospective candidate for Dhaka-8, was shot in the head on December 12 while travelling in a rickshaw on Culvert Road in Puratan Paltan. For advanced treatment, he was airlifted to Singapore, where he succumbed to his injuries on the night of December 18. People from different parts of the capital were seen using the Metro Rail from early morning to reach the janaza venue, resulting in heavy passenger pressure at key stations. Thousands gather at Manik Mia Avenue to attend Hadi’s janaza Additional police personnel and members of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) have been deployed at key points in the capital to maintain law and order during the namaz-e-janaza. Police personnel equipped with around 1,000 body-worn cameras have been deployed to ensure overall security and prevent any untoward incident. Besides, 20 platoons of BGB have been deployed in and around important areas of the capital including the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban to strengthen security, said Shariful Islam, public relations officer of BGB. Hadi will be buried beside the grave of national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam on the Dhaka University campus in line with the wishes of his family, according to a Facebook post from Inquilab Moncho’s official page.  

Iran executed a man on Saturday who was convicted of spying for Israeli intelligence and military, state media reported. The executed individual, identified as 27-year-old Aghil Keshavarz, was accused of closely cooperating with Mossad and photographing Iranian military and security sites. He was arrested in May while taking pictures of a military headquarters in Urmia, about 600 kilometers northwest of Tehran. Authorities said he carried out more than 200 similar missions across Iran, including in the capital. Keshavarz was sentenced to death by a court ruling upheld by the Supreme Court. Reports indicate he had studied architecture. Since June, Iran has executed at least 11 people for espionage following a 12-day conflict with Israel that left nearly 1,100 dead in Iran and 28 in Israel. Trials of suspected spies in Iran are often conducted behind closed doors, with limited access to evidence for the accused.  

Taiwanese authorities said Saturday that the suspect behind knife and smoke-grenade attacks in Taipei, which killed three people and injured 11 others on Friday, had planned the assaults and set fires at multiple locations earlier in the day. The 27-year-old suspect, identified as Chang Wen, fell to his death from a department store building following the attacks. Taiwanese police said he began his assault at 3:40 p.m., setting fires to roads, vehicles, and his residence, and later targeting crowds with smoke grenades and a knife near Taipei Main metro station and outside the Eslite Spectrum Nanxi department store. Authorities said the suspect acted alone and purchased the smoke grenades online. Chang had previously served in the military but was discharged for drunk driving and had been wanted since July for failing to report to service. Investigators are still probing his motive. Six of the injured remain hospitalized, two in stable condition in intensive care. President Lai Ching-te has called for a full investigation into the suspect’s background, motives, and possible assistance.  

Eight people were killed and 27 injured in a Russian missile strike on port infrastructure in southern Ukraine’s Odesa late Friday, Ukraine’s Emergency Service reported Saturday. Some of the wounded were on a bus near the strike’s epicenter. Trucks and cars in the parking area were also damaged, and fires broke out, according to a Telegram post by the service. Odesa regional head Oleh Kiper confirmed the attack involved ballistic missiles. In a separate development, Ukraine said its forces targeted a Russian warship and other facilities using drones. The warship “Okhotnik” was patrolling near an oil and gas platform in the Caspian Sea, while a drilling platform at the Filanovsky oil and gas field operated by Russian company Lukoil was also struck. Ukrainian drones reportedly damaged a radar system in Crimea, which Russia annexed in 2014.  

Bondi Beach reopened on Friday as residents gathered to remember the 15 people killed in a mass shooting at a Hanukkah celebration earlier this month. Thousands of people formed a large circle in the ocean, observed a minute’s silence, and stood near remnants of the crime scene, paying tribute to the victims and those who helped during the attack. Armed officers were stationed at synagogues and mosques to ensure public safety. Life gradually returned to the beach and boardwalk as people walked, jogged, and surfed, while community members acknowledged acts of bravery, including that of Ahmed al Ahmed, who helped disarm one of the attackers despite being injured. A menorah was projected onto the Sydney Opera House, and record numbers of blood donations were reported. Authorities and community leaders continue to discuss ways to address antisemitism and prevent similar incidents in the future.  

A large number of mourners thronged the Metro Rail on Saturday to attend the namaz-e-janaza of Inquilab Moncho spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi. People from different parts of the capital were seen using the Metro Rail from early morning to reach the janaza venue, resulting in heavy passenger pressure at key stations. The namaz-e-janaza of Hadi will be held at 2 pm at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban. Hadi was shot in the head on December 12 while travelling in a rickshaw on Culvert Road in Puratan Paltan.He initially underwent surgery at Dhaka Medical College Hospital and was later admitted to Evercare Hospital. For advanced treatment, he was airlifted to Singapore, where he succumbed to his injuries on the night of December 18. His body arrived in Dhaka on Friday evening.  

Former Chief of Air Staff of Bangladesh Air Force, Air Vice Marshal AK Khandker (Bir Uttam), passed away on Saturday due to complications related to old age. He was 95. AK Khandker, who served as Deputy Chief of Staff of the Mukti Bahini during the Liberation War, breathed his last at around 10:35am, according to an ISPR press release.  

Former U.S. President Bill Clinton featured prominently in the first set of documents released Friday by the Justice Department from its investigation into convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The files include several photos of Clinton, some showing him on a private plane with a woman whose face was redacted, and others depicting him in a pool and a hot tub with Epstein associate Ghislaine Maxwell and unidentified individuals. The timing and location of the images remain unclear. Clinton, 79, has never been accused of wrongdoing in connection with Epstein. His spokesman, Angel Ureña, said the White House was attempting to deflect attention and stressed that the issue “is not about Bill Clinton.” Republicans have seized on Clinton’s association with Epstein. The House Oversight Committee had subpoenaed Bill and Hillary Clinton earlier this year, seeking depositions, but the couple offered written statements instead. Committee Chair Rep. James Comer has threatened contempt proceedings if they fail to testify in person. Clinton’s connections with Epstein, including multiple flights on Epstein’s private jet and White House visits during his presidency, have long been documented. The newly released files, part of hundreds of thousands tied to the investigation, underscore the complex network surrounding Epstein and Maxwell, complicating both Democratic and Republican narratives in the ongoing political debate.  

The United States military carried out strikes in Syria on Friday targeting Islamic State (IS) fighters and weapons sites in retaliation for an ambush that killed two American soldiers and a U.S. civilian interpreter last week. U.S. officials described the operation as “large-scale,” hitting around 70 IS targets across central Syria. More strikes are expected, they added. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said on social media that the action was “not the beginning of a war” but “a declaration of vengeance,” emphasizing that the U.S. would protect its personnel under President Donald Trump’s leadership. President Trump earlier pledged “very serious retaliation” and described the operation as a “massive strike” against IS fighters attempting to regroup in Syria. He also warned terrorists against attacking U.S. personnel again, saying they would face unprecedented consequences. The strikes involved F-15 Eagle jets, A-10 Thunderbolt attack aircraft, AH-64 Apache helicopters, F-16 jets from Jordan, and HIMARS rocket systems. U.S. Central Command said over 100 precision munitions were used against IS targets. Syria’s foreign ministry condemned last week’s attack, underlining the need for international cooperation against terrorism, and confirmed its commitment to continue fighting IS. Syrian state media reported that U.S. strikes hit IS facilities in Deir ez-Zor, Raqqa, and Jabal al-Amour near Palmyra. The ambush that prompted the retaliation killed Sgt. Edgar Brian Torres-Tovar, 25, Sgt. William Nathaniel Howard, 29, and U.S. civilian interpreter Ayad Mansoor Sakat. Three other American troops and Syrian security personnel were injured. The gunman, who had recently been reassigned as a security guard over suspected IS links, was killed during the attack. Trump met with the families of the slain Americans before attending the dignified transfer ceremony at Dover Air Force Base, honoring the fallen service members.  

People have started gathering at Manik Mia Avenue adjacent to the Jatiya Sangsad to attend the namaz-e-janaza of Inquilab Moncho spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi. People have been arriving on Manik Mia Avenue in small processions to attend the janaza. The namaz-e-janaza of Hadi will be held at 2 pm at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban. People were chanting slogans various slogans including “We will all be Hadi for ages, we will fight” and “We will not let Hadi Bhai’s blood go in vain.” Additional police personnel and members of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) have been deployed at key points in the capital to maintain law and order during the namaz-e-janaza. An adequate number of police personnel equipped with around 1,000 body-worn cameras have been deployed to ensure overall security and prevent any untoward incident, said DMP Deputy Commissioner (Media) Talebur Rahman. Besides, 20 platoons of BGB have been deployed in and around important areas of the capital including the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban to strengthen security, said Shariful Islam, public relations officer of BGB. The government has requested those wishing to attend the janaza not to carry any bags or heavy objects. It also said that flying drones in and around the parliament complex will remain strictly prohibited during the funeral prayers. Bangladesh mourns death of Osman Hadi Hadi will be buried beside grave of national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam on the Dhaka University campus in line with the wishes of his family, according to a Facebook post from Inquilab Moncho’s official page. Hadi was shot in the head on December 12 while travelling in a rickshaw on Culvert Road in Puratan Paltan. He initially underwent surgery at Dhaka Medical College Hospital and was later admitted to Evercare Hospital. For advanced treatment, he was airlifted to Singapore, where he succumbed to his injuries on the night of December 18. His body arrived in Dhaka on Friday evening.  

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called for calm and urged all concerned in Bangladesh to refrain from violence, reduce tensions and exercise maximum restraint in order to preserve a peaceful electoral environment as the country heads to elections in February. The UN Secretary-General condemned the killing of Sharif Osman Bin Hadi and extended his condolences to his family. The UN Chief called on the authorities to conduct a prompt, impartial investigation, in line with international human rights standards. Amnesty urges accountability over Hadi murder, mob violence "I have been asked about the current situation in Bangladesh, and I can tell you that the Secretary-General condemns the killing of a youth protest leader, Sharif Osman Bin Hadi, and extends his condolences to his family," said Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-General, during a regular briefing at the UN Headquarters on December 19.

The National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA) on Saturday urged people to directly report social media posts that incite terrorism or violence through WhatsApp and email. It said such posts can be reported via WhatsApp at 01308332592 and by email to [email protected]. Complaints received through WhatsApp and email will be initially verified by the NCSA and then reported to the relevant platforms through the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC), according to a PID handout. The agency also called on people to refrain from using social media as a tool to create violence and to remain conscious about ensuring the safety of the country as well as the lives and property of citizens. According to the National Cyber Security Ordinance 2025, hate speech that directly causes violence or calls for violence is a punishable offence, it said. It said the government cannot directly take down social media posts but it can report posts related to violence to the concerned platforms by presenting logical and justified reasons.  

The Human Rights Watch (HRW) on Saturday said Bangladesh authorities should now take urgent steps to prevent the ‘mob attacks’ that have taken hold in the country since the Hasina government was ousted last August, and should ensure conditions for ‘free, fair, and participatory’ elections in February. "The attacks on the offices of Prothom Alo and The Daily Star are an alarming assault on freedom of expression," said Meenakshi Ganguly, deputy Asia director at Human Rights Watch. Ganguly said incitement to violence by some political actors, including on social media, is contributing to an environment in which journalists, political and social activists, and even artists and singers, are deliberately placed in danger. The attacks followed the killing of an election candidate, Sharif Osman Hadi, who came to prominence during the 2024 student movement that overthrew the previous authoritarian government in 2024, said the New York-based rights body. Bangladesh is engaged in a fraught struggle to re-establish democracy and respect for human rights after the autocratic rule of Sheikh Hasina, it said. The interim government has announced elections for February 12, 2026, but political violence and failures to uphold the rule of law severely threaten civic space and risk further rights abuses, said the HRW. "The assassination of the youth leader Osman Hadi was a terrible act," said Ganguly.

Miscreants set fire to the office of the Senior District Election Officer in Kushtia sadar upazila on Saturday morning. Office staff said the fire was set around 8:30 am by pouring inflammable materials through a rear window of the office building. On information, Deputy Commissioner Iqbal Hossain visited the election office around 9:30 am. He later held a closed-door meeting with the officers and employees at around 10:00 am. Election office security guard Razzak said, “Sensing smoke and the smell of fire, I rushed downstairs and saw the fire.” District Election Office accountant Md Asaduzzaman said the room where the fire broke out was the store room of the Sadar upazila election office where all voter-related information is kept. He said it was not immediately clear whether any documents or materials were damaged. Superintendent of Police Mohammad Jasim Uddin said police visited the spot. “We are investigating how the fire started and who might be behind it,” he said.  

Zubaida Rahman, wife of BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, left for London on Saturday morning (December 20, 2025), aiming to return to Bangladesh Thursday with her husband and daughter. BNP Media Cell member Atiqur Rahman Rumon said Zubaida departed Dhaka at 8:30am on Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight BG-201 from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. “She has gone back to London. InshaAllah, she will return to the country on Thursday with Tarique Rahman and their daughter Barrister Zaima Rahman,” Rumon said. Zubaida came to Dhaka on December 5 from London to stay beside BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia who has been undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital. Read more: Zubaida visits gun-attack victim Hadi's family As a member of Khaleda’s medical board, Zubaida remained at the hospital round the clock and supervised treatment activities. The BNP chief was admitted to Evercare Hospital on November 23 due to her deteriorating health. As her condition worsened, she was shifted to the Critical Care Unit under a medical board made up of local and foreign specialists, led by Professor Shahabuddin Talukder. Medical board member Dr AZM Zahid Hossain on Friday said Khaleda Zia’s physical condition became much more stable and expressed hope that she would gradually recover. Following the encouraging improvement in Khaleda’s condition, Zubaida has decided to return to London to prepare to come back to Bangladesh permanently with her family after 17 years abroad. Read more: Zubaida visits Evercare Hospital to monitor Khaleda’s condition On September 11, 2008, Zubaida travelled to London with her daughter Zaima to support Tarique Rahman’s advanced medical treatment abroad.

A seven-year-old girl was burned to death in a deliberate arson attack on the house of a local BNP leader in Bhabaniganj of Lakshmipur’s Sadar upazila, turning a quiet night into a scene of horror and loss. The deceased, Ayesha Begum, was the youngest daughter of Md Belal, assistant organising secretary of the Bhabaniganj union unit BNP. Three other members of the family sustained burn injuries in the attack. NDF president Anisul's house set on fire in Chattogram Police and family members said Belal was sleeping in the house with his wife and children when unidentified attackers locked the two doors from outside, poured petrol around the house and set it on fire. The flames spread quickly, leaving little chance to escape. Ayesha Begum Binti, 7, was burned to death on the spot. Belal and his two daughters—Smriti, 18, and Bithi, 13—suffered burn injuries. Neighbours rushed to the house and rescued the injured, taking them to Lakshmipur Sadar Hospital. As their condition deteriorated, Smriti and Bithi were later shifted to the Burn Institute in Dhaka. Smriti’s condition was reported to be critical. Belal is currently receiving treatment at Lakshmipur Sadar Hospital. Udichi central office set on fire Officer-in-charge of Lakshmipur Sadar Police Station Wahid Parvez said police visited the scene after being informed. “One child died and three others were injured in the fire. The incident is being investigated,” he said. Fire Service Sadar station official Ranjit Kumar Saha said firefighters rushed to the spot after receiving the information and brought the fire under control after about one hour of effort. The attack has left a family devastated and raised serious concerns over violence targeting homes at night, as investigators work to identify those responsible, locals said. Read more: Dhaka may see shift in crime patterns ahead of national election: DB

Additional police personnel and members of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) have been deployed at key points in the capital to maintain law and order during namaz-e-janaza of Inquilab Moncho spokesperson Osman Hadi. An adequate number of police personnel equipped with around 1,000 body-worn cameras have been deployed to ensure overall security and prevent any untoward incident, said DMP Deputy Commissioner (Media) Talebur Rahman. Besides, 20 platoons of BGB have been deployed in and around important areas of the capital including the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban to strengthen security, said Shariful Islam, public relations officer of BGB. The namaz-e-janaza of Hadi will be held at 2:00pm at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban. Read more: DU journalism students demand justice for Hadi, attacks on media The government has requested those wishing to attend the janaza not to carry any bags or heavy objects. It also said that flying drones in and around the parliament complex will remain strictly prohibited during the funeral prayers. Meanwhile, a decision has been taken to bury Hadi beside national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam on the Dhaka University campus in line with the wishes of his family, according to a Facebook post from Inquilab Moncho’s official page. Read more: Amnesty urges accountability over Hadi murder, mob violence Hadi was shot in the head on December 12 while travelling in a rickshaw on Culvert Road in Puratan Paltan. He initially underwent surgery at Dhaka Medical College Hospital and was later admitted to Evercare Hospital. For advanced treatment, he was airlifted to Singapore, where he succumbed to his injuries on the night of December 18. His body arrived in Dhaka on Friday evening. Read more: Bangladesh mourns death of Osman Hadi

Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) has detained seven suspects in connection with the lynching of a Hindu youth in Bhaluka upazila of Mymensingh,  said the Chief Adviser’s press wing. They are  Md Limon Sarker, 19, Md Tarek Hossain, 19, Md Manik Mia, 20, Ershad Ali, 39, Nijum Uddin, 20, Alamgir Hossain, 38, and Md Miraj Hossain Akon, 46. Members of RAB-14 detained the suspects during drives conducted in different areas in the district.

Bangladesh is observing the National Mourning Day on Saturday (December 20, 2025) over the death of Inquilab Moncho spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi. The national flag has been kept at half-mast at all government, semi-government and autonomous institutions, educational institutions, as well as government and private buildings across the country and at Bangladesh missions abroad. The namaz-e-janaza of Hadi will be held at 2:00pm on Saturday at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban. Amnesty urges accountability over Hadi murder, mob violence The government requested those wishing to attend the janaza not to carry any bags or heavy objects. It also said that flying drones in and around the parliament complex will remain completely restricted during the funeral prayers. Meanwhile, a decision has been taken to bury Hadi beside national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam on the Dhaka University campus, in line with the wishes of his family, said a separate Facebook post from Inquilab Moncho’s official page. Hadi was shot in the head on December 12 while travelling in a rickshaw on Culvert Road in Puratan Paltan. He initially underwent surgery at Dhaka Medical College Hospital and was later admitted to Evercare Hospital. Read more: Jamaat calls for restraint, unity after Hadi’s death For advanced treatment, he was airlifted to Singapore, where he succumbed to his injuries on the night of December 18. The body of Hadi arrived in Dhaka on Friday evening.

Miscreants set the house of Barrister Anisul Islam Mahmud, president of National Democratic Front (NDF), on fire in Hathazari upazila of Chattogram district on Friday night. Witnesses said some unidentified people swooped on the residence of Anisul around 11:40 pm and carried out vandalism. Later, they exploded crude bombs and set the house on fire. Meanwhile, the miscreants also set a private vehicle, owned by Akbar Haidar Chowdhury, paternal uncle of the NDF leader, on fire. On information, a firefighting unit rushed to the spot and extinguished the blaze. Kazi Md Tarek Aziz, additional superintendent (Hathazari circle) of Chattogram Police, said police are trying to arrest the arsonists. The fire gutted valuables including furniture, said Zahidul Islam, officer-in-charge of Hathazari Police Station.    

Each year, children call in with wide-ranging concerns: some hang up quickly after being reminded that Santa won’t arrive unless they’re asleep, while others worry whether he’ll be able to locate their homes. Plenty of adults also follow Santa’s progress, staying loyal to the legendary gift-giver said to travel the globe in a single night. For seven decades, the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD)—a joint U.S.-Canadian organization responsible for monitoring airspace threats—has upheld the annual tradition of tracking Santa on Christmas Eve. This year, more than 1,000 volunteers will answer calls to the NORAD Tracks Santa hotline, 1-877-HI-NORAD, from 4 a.m. until midnight Mountain Standard Time. For the first time, callers can also connect through the program’s website, a change designed to make access easier for people outside North America. The website allows users to follow Santa’s route in nine languages, including English and Japanese. Last Christmas Eve, roughly 380,000 calls poured into a festively decorated hangar at Peterson Space Force Base in Colorado Springs, where NORAD is headquartered. Although Santa poses no danger, NORAD can still track his travels using the same radar systems, satellites and fighter jets it relies on throughout the year, said Col. Kelly Frushour, a NORAD spokesperson. According to her, Rudolph’s glowing nose gives off a heat signature similar to that of a missile, which allows satellites to detect Santa’s sleigh. “Faster than starlight” Frushour recalled a call from last year in which a young girl became distressed after hearing Santa was headed toward the International Space Station, where two astronauts were stranded at the time. “By the end of the call, Santa had already moved on, and she was reassured that he wasn’t stuck in space and would still visit her home later that night,” Frushour said. Michelle Martin, a NORAD employee and Marine veteran, shared another memorable call from a man with special needs named Henry, who phones in every year. He once asked whether the jet escorting Santa could pass along a note saying he was already in bed and ready for Santa’s visit. Martin said she explained that Santa moves “faster than starlight,” making it impossible for the pilot to catch up. “He just waves as Santa zooms by,” she recalled telling him. A tradition born from a mistake The tradition began in 1955, during the Cold War, when NORAD’s predecessor—the Continental Air Defense Command (CONAD)—was focused on detecting potential nuclear attacks from the Soviet Union. According to NORAD, a child accidentally dialed the operations center and asked to speak with Santa Claus. Rather than disappointing the child, the commander on duty, Air Force Col. Harry Shoup, instructed his team to track Santa and answer children’s calls. The call may have been triggered by a misprinted or misdialed phone number in a Sears newspaper advertisement that encouraged children in Colorado Springs to call Santa. Over time, the story evolved, suggesting the call reached a top-secret hotline reserved for emergencies. However, in 2015, The Atlantic questioned that version, noting that a public number was more likely and pointing out Shoup’s reputation for embracing publicity. In a 1999 interview with The Associated Press, Shoup recalled going along with the situation once he realized what was happening. “Ho, ho, ho, I am Santa,” he told the first caller. “My crew thought I’d lost my mind,” he said, adding that he soon explained the situation and asked his staff to play along. The exact date of the first call remains uncertain, but by Dec. 23 of that year, the AP reported that CONAD was officially tracking Santa. CONAD later became NORAD and for years operated from the fortified Cheyenne Mountain complex, where tunnels carved into solid granite were designed to protect personnel in the event of a nuclear attack.

Janhvi Kapoor won the Female Actor of the Year award at the NDTV Indian of the Year ceremony held in New Delhi on Friday. Accepting the honour, Janhvi delivered an emotional and thoughtful speech, reflecting on her career journey, the influence of her film Homebound, and the growing sense of responsibility that comes with recognition and success. While acknowledging the film’s measurable achievements—such as awards, global attention and international exposure—Janhvi said its deeper impact on her personal and artistic growth mattered most to her. “There are visible milestones like awards, recognition and the incredible journey the film has taken,” she said. “But more importantly, it has helped me understand the kind of person and artist I want to be, and made me more aware of the fractures within our society.” “Extremely grateful,” says Janhvi She explained that working on the film sharpened her sensitivity to human emotions and contrasts. “It opened my eyes to the hope, goodness, beauty, fear, division and also the unity that exists in the world. For all these reasons, I feel deeply grateful to be part of this journey. I’m truly honoured,” she added. Praise for director Neeraj Ghaywan Janhvi expressed heartfelt appreciation for filmmaker Neeraj Ghaywan, thanking him for believing in her abilities. “I’m incredibly thankful to Neeraj sir for seeing potential in me that I often struggle to see in myself,” she said. According to her, the heart of the film lies in empathy and acknowledgment. “The film is about truly seeing people and feeling seen. That’s what we hope audiences take away from it—and that’s what it gave me as well,” she shared. On success and responsibility Speaking about the pressure that comes with being named Indian of the Year, Janhvi admitted that nervousness never really fades. “My hand is shaking while holding this mic because I’m surrounded by such inspiring people. The pressure never really goes away,” she said honestly. However, she noted that success has reshaped that pressure. “It’s turned into a sense of responsibility, and I’m much more aware of it now.” Lessons from her parents Janhvi also spoke about how her parents’ relationship influenced her values, emphasising respect, trust and personal freedom. “More than anything, it’s about respecting each other’s opinions, space and individuality—allowing people around you to grow without restricting them,” she said. She added that compassion plays a key role in personal growth. “When you’re surrounded by people who genuinely love and support you, you’re free to become your best self instead of being defined by others’ perceptions.” A lighter moment Bringing humour into the conversation, Janhvi joked about her lack of singing talent. “I was told everyone here has been singing—but that’s one thing I absolutely shouldn’t do. If I start singing, the hall will empty in seconds,” she quipped, drawing laughter. Reflecting on her childhood in a film family, she shared that performing came naturally to her. “I was very enterprising—I’d direct, act and organise little shows. People even had to pay to watch me perform,” she said with a grin, adding that they jokingly had to “pay to leave” as well. NDTV launched the Indian of the Year awards in 2003 to honour individuals who represent India’s progress and spirit. Through a rigorous selection process, the platform recognises excellence across 14 categories, including business, innovation, philanthropy, governance, sports, entertainment, culture and science.

A live video stream from a YouTube creator discussing investments briefly appeared on an official White House webpage, sparking uncertainty over whether the site had been compromised. For at least eight minutes late Thursday, the livestream was displayed on whitehouse.gov/live, a page typically reserved for live broadcasts of presidential remarks. It remains unclear whether the incident was the result of a cyber intrusion or a simple error linking the wrong video. In a statement, the White House said it was aware of the situation and was investigating the cause. The video shown on the site was part of a longer livestream by Matt Farley, known online as @RealMattMoney, during which he answered viewers’ questions about personal finance and investing. Farley told The Associated Press on Friday that he was surprised by the incident and only learned about it afterward. He said no one from the government had contacted him and that he had no explanation for how his content appeared on the White House website. Joking about the situation, Farley said he hoped President Donald Trump and his youngest son, Barron Trump, might have been tuning in and taking notes. “If I’d known it would be shown on the White House website, I probably would have chosen different topics than personal finance,” he said. Laughing when asked what else he might have discussed, Farley remarked that he is simply “a guy making YouTube videos about stocks” and questioned what anyone would talk about if given a few minutes of global attention. The incident comes amid a series of recent digital security issues affecting Trump’s administration and campaign. Earlier this year, officials launched an investigation after lawmakers, business leaders and other prominent individuals received calls and messages from someone posing as Susie Wiles, the president’s chief of staff. In a separate breach last year, hackers linked to Iran infiltrated Trump’s campaign, stealing and distributing internal documents, including background materials on Vice President JD Vance compiled before he was chosen as Trump’s running mate.

Amnesty International has said the interim government of Bangladesh must take immediate steps to hold perpetrators of acts of violence and killings accountable in a fair trial without recourse to the death penalty. It called on the interim government to ensure prompt, thorough, independent and impartial investigations into the killing of youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi, and the subsequent mob violence which led to the burning of the offices Prothom Alo and Daily Star and Chhayanaut, and the harassment of New Age editor Nurul Kabir. Osman Hadi's body arrives in Dhaka "Furthermore, we are alarmed by the lynching of Hindu garment worker Dipu Chandra Das following allegations of blasphemy," said the rights body in a statement. The Amnesty International condemned the mob violence which has resulted in injuries, destruction of property, and even death. Protests continue at Shahbagh demanding justice for Hadi’s killing

State lawmakers heading into next year’s legislative sessions will face a key decision: whether to exempt tips from taxation. The Trump administration is pressing states to mirror new federal tax reductions by approving a range of tax breaks for individuals and businesses. These include deductions for tips, overtime pay, interest on car loans, and purchases of business equipment. In some states, federal tax changes automatically flow through to state income taxes unless lawmakers choose to block them. In many others, however, state tax laws require legislatures to explicitly approve such changes before they appear on state tax returns. As a result, workers in states that do not adopt the new provisions could avoid federal taxes on tips or overtime pay but still owe state taxes on those earnings. States that fully align with Trump’s tax cuts could deliver hundreds of millions of dollars in yearly savings to residents and businesses. However, doing so could strain state budgets, particularly as states face rising expenses tied to new Medicaid and SNAP food assistance requirements included in the same federal law. Most state legislatures convene in January. To apply the tax changes retroactively to 2025, lawmakers would need to act quickly so tax forms can be updated in time for filing season. Alternatively, states could choose to implement the changes starting in 2026. So far, only a handful of states have taken action. “States are generally taking a cautious approach,” said Carl Davis of the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy. Treasury pushes for rapid compliance The tax legislation Trump signed on July 4 includes roughly $4.5 trillion in tax cuts spread over a decade. The law introduces temporary deductions for tips, overtime pay, and interest on loans for U.S.-assembled vehicles, expands tax breaks for older Americans, and raises the cap on state and local tax deductions from $10,000 to $40,000. It also offers businesses major incentives, such as allowing immediate deductions for the full cost of equipment and research. Individual income taxes are levied on wages and salaries in 41 states, while 44 states impose corporate income taxes. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has urged states to “immediately conform” to the federal changes, criticizing some Democratic-led states for what he described as political resistance. However, many Republican-led states also have yet to decide whether to adopt the tax breaks. Bessent argued that states declining to follow suit are leaving residents with higher tax bills and denying them meaningful financial relief, particularly for low- and middle-income households. Some experts say the decision is more complicated. For example, a proposed IRS rule would extend the tip tax break to nearly 70 occupations, but many low-wage workers would still be excluded, according to Jared Walczak of the Tax Foundation. Lawmakers, he said, must weigh whether the benefits justify the cost. Limited adoption of tip and overtime exemptions Under existing state tax laws, the federal exemptions for tips and overtime would have automatically applied in only seven states: Colorado, Idaho, Iowa, Montana, North Dakota, Oregon and South Carolina. Colorado, however, opted out of the overtime exemption before the federal law took effect. Michigan became the first—and so far only—state to approve the tip and overtime tax breaks through legislative action, with implementation set for 2026. State officials estimate the overtime exemption will cost nearly $113 million this budget year, while the tip exemption will cost about $45 million. To offset those losses, Michigan lawmakers rejected several federal corporate tax changes that the state treasury estimated would have reduced revenue by $540 million. Republican state Rep. Ann Bollin said Michigan could not afford to adopt all the federal tax cuts while still funding infrastructure, public safety and education. Arizona may be next to act. Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs has urged lawmakers to adopt tax breaks for tips, overtime, seniors and vehicle loans, as well as increase the state’s standard deduction. Republican leaders in the state House have said they are prepared to pass the measures when the session begins Jan. 12. Some states block corporate tax cuts Beyond Michigan, lawmakers in Delaware, Illinois, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island have moved to prevent some or all of the federal corporate tax changes from taking effect at the state level. In Illinois, a new law separating the state from part of the federal corporate tax provisions could save nearly $250 million, according to Democratic state Sen. Elgie Sims. He said the savings would help maintain funding for education, health care and other essential services. Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker cited similar budget concerns in opposing the corporate tax breaks, noting that states are already facing financial pressure from other elements of Trump’s legislation, including higher costs for administering food assistance programs. He said the decision to block the tax cuts was aimed at protecting state-funded programs amid what he described as growing financial demands from the federal government.

The Trump administration carried out military attacks in Syria on Friday, aiming to destroy Islamic State fighters and weapons facilities after an ambush last week killed two U.S. soldiers and an American civilian interpreter. U.S. officials said the operation was extensive, striking about 70 Islamic State targets across central Syria, including weapons depots and infrastructure. One official noted that additional strikes are likely in the coming days. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the action was not the start of a broader conflict but a forceful response meant to protect Americans, emphasizing that the U.S. would act decisively against threats to its personnel. The strikes come as the administration has emphasized shifting U.S. military attention closer to the Western Hemisphere, including expanded operations in the Caribbean and pressure on Venezuela. In line with that shift, significant military assets have been moved out of the Middle East, including the redeployment of an advanced aircraft carrier to South America. Trump promises strong response President Donald Trump vowed a “very serious retaliation” after the attack in the Syrian desert, which U.S. officials attributed to Islamic State. The victims were part of the U.S. military presence in eastern Syria supporting an international coalition against the militant group. Trump said the strikes targeted Islamic State strongholds and reiterated his support for Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa, stating that the Syrian leader backed the U.S. operation. He also issued a stark warning to Islamic State, threatening even harsher consequences for any future attacks on Americans. The operation involved F-15 and F-16 fighter jets, A-10 attack aircraft, AH-64 Apache helicopters, and HIMARS rocket artillery. U.S. Central Command said more than 100 precision-guided munitions were used. Syria’s reaction The strikes tested improving relations between Washington and Damascus following the removal of former president Bashar Assad a year ago. Trump said Syrian forces were cooperating closely with the U.S. and that President al-Sharaa was deeply angered by the attack on American troops. Syria’s foreign ministry said the incident highlighted the need for stronger international cooperation against terrorism and reaffirmed the country’s commitment to eliminating Islamic State and denying it safe havens. Syrian state media reported that the strikes hit locations in Deir ez-Zor, Raqqa, and areas near Palmyra, targeting weapons caches and command centers. Islamic State has not claimed responsibility for the attack on U.S. personnel but has acknowledged carrying out recent assaults on Syrian security forces. The group has condemned al-Sharaa’s government, despite his past ties to al-Qaida and long-standing hostility toward IS. Victims of the attack Trump met privately this week with the families of those killed at Dover Air Force Base, attending the dignified transfer ceremony honoring the fallen. The U.S. service members killed were Sgt. Edgar Brian Torres-Tovar, 25, of Des Moines, and Sgt. William Nathaniel Howard, 29, of Marshalltown. Ayad Mansoor Sakat, a civilian interpreter from Macomb, Michigan, also lost his life. The shooting near Palmyra injured three additional U.S. troops and members of Syrian security forces. The attacker, who was killed during the incident, had recently joined Syria’s internal security forces and was under suspicion of Islamic State ties. He opened fire during a joint meeting between U.S. and Syrian officials after a confrontation with Syrian guards.     

Dhaka has ranked sixth on the list of cities worldwide with the worst air quality with an AQI score of 202 at 8:54 am this morning. Dhaka’s air this morning was classified as 'unhealthy', according to the air quality index. Afghanistan’s Kabul, India’s Delhi, Bahrain’s Manama, India’s Kolkata and Pakistan’s Karachi occupied the first five spots in the list of cities with worst air quality with AQI scores of 495, 393, 264, 226 and 203 respectively. ‘Unhealthy’ air quality persists in densely populated Dhaka When the AQI value for particle pollution is between 50 and 100, air quality is considered ‘moderate’, between 101 and 150, air quality is considered ‘unhealthy for sensitive groups’, between 150 and 200 is ‘unhealthy’, between 201 and 300 is said to be 'very unhealthy', while a reading of 301+ is considered 'hazardous', posing serious health risks to residents. The AQI, an index for reporting daily air quality, informs people how clean or polluted the air of a certain city is and what associated health effects might be a concern for them. The AQI in Bangladesh is based on five pollutants: particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), NO2, CO, SO2, and ozone. No relief of Dhaka as air quality still ‘unhealthy’ Dhaka has long been grappling with air pollution issues. Its air quality usually turns unhealthy in winter and improves during the monsoon. As per World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution kills an estimated seven million people worldwide every year, mainly due to increased mortality from stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, and acute respiratory infections.      

As winter settles in Jashore, Gadkhali, Bangladesh’s flower capital, bursts into vibrant blooms, drawing visitors and boosting both the local economy and tourism. With the festive season approaching, including the New Year, flower growers and traders here are brimming with optimism for a flourishing season of sales. Nestled in Jhikargachha upazila, Gadkhali and its surrounding villages—Panisara, Navaran and nearby areas—are now carpeted with blossoms, heralding the start of a vibrant flower season. Business waiting to bloom in ‘Flower Capital’ Gadkhali Farmers have already begun harvesting a rainbow of blooms, while traders rush to dispatch them across the country. According to Agriculture Department officials, the region boasts around 7,000 flower growers cultivating approximately 1,200 hectares, of which nearly 650 hectares are dedicated to flowers. Eleven varieties thrive here, from the elegant gladiolus and fragrant tuberose to roses, gerbera, marigold, gypsy, rodstick, calendula and chrysanthemums.

Dhaka University Journalists’ Association (DUJA) has expressed deep concern, strong anger, and outrage over the attacks, vandalism, and arson at the offices of the national dailies Prothom Alo and The Daily Star in the capital, as well as the assault on New Age Editor Nurul Kabir. At the same time, the organization has demanded the swift identification, arrest, and exemplary punishment of those involved in these incidents. In a statement sent to the media on Friday, DUJA expressed its condemnation and anger. The statement said that the attacks on the offices of Prothom Alo and The Daily Star, and the assault on Editor Nurul Kabir, are blatant attacks on independent journalism. Those who fear the power of the pen resort to such acts of terror. The truth cannot be silenced by intimidating journalists. The statement further said that attacks on media offices and the physical harassment of a senior editor are not isolated incidents; rather, they constitute a direct and explicit assault on independent journalism, freedom of expression, and the public’s right to know. Such attacks aimed at silencing the media prove that the perpetrators are staunch enemies of democracy, transparency, and accountability. DUJA also said that newspaper offices can never be legitimate targets of attack. Ensuring the safety of journalists and editors is a fundamental responsibility of the state. Attacks on media houses and journalists with the intent to suppress dissent, stifle critical journalism, and create fear are an alarming sign that pushes society and the democratic system toward uncertainty.

Students of the Department of Mass Communication and Journalism at Dhaka University on Friday demanded exemplary punishment for those involved in the killing of Inqilab Moncho convenor Sharif Osman Hadi, attacks on the offices of Prothom Alo and The Daily Star, and the assault on New Age editor Nurul Kabir. In a statement, the students expressed deep concern and outrage over the incidents. They offered condolences to Hadi’s bereaved family, praying for his soul, and urged immediate arrest and legal action against the perpetrators. The statement highlighted that a vested extremist group exploited Hadi’s killing to carry out vandalism, arson, and looting at leading media outlets and the cultural institution Chhayanaut. The assault on Nurul Kabir was also strongly condemned. The students said such attacks directly threaten press freedom, freedom of expression, and are contrary to the spirit of the July uprising. They criticized the interim government, noting that nearly a week after Hadi was shot, the perpetrators have yet to be arrested, with reports suggesting they fled to India. The students called on citizens to maintain peaceful protests and avoid violence while urging the government to take strict and effective measures to ensure the safety of people, media, cultural institutions, and public and private property.

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and ARTICLE 19 have expressed grave concern over violent attacks on leading Bangladeshi media houses and cultural institutions following recent unrest in the capital. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) said it is alarmed by reports that crowds vandalised and set fire to the offices of Prothom Alo and The Daily Star, trapping journalists inside before they were rescued. In a statement on Friday, CPJ said it is monitoring the situation closely and urged Bangladeshi authorities to ensure the safety of journalists and news outlets and to hold those responsible accountable. CPJ also shared safety guidance for journalists covering political rallies and protests, outlining measures to reduce risks in situations involving crowd violence. Meanwhile, ARTICLE 19 strongly condemned the attacks on the offices of The Daily Star and Prothom Alo, the assault on New Age Editor and Editors’ Council President Nurul Kabir, and vandalism of the cultural institution Chhayanaut. ARTICLE 19 said the violence erupted on Thursday, December 18, in the aftermath of the death of Sharif Osman Hadi, a key figure of the July 2024 uprising and convenor of Inqilab Moncho. The organisation noted that both Prothom Alo and The Daily Star have faced sustained threats from extremist groups in recent times. According to multiple reports, mobs vandalised and torched the Prothom Alo building in Karwan Bazar before attacking the Daily Star office in Farmgate, where staff were trapped until firefighters and security personnel intervened. Both newspapers were forced to suspend their Friday print and online editions. ARTICLE 19 said the attacks reflect a growing climate of impunity and urged the interim government to ensure immediate protection for media and cultural institutions, deploy adequate security, and take swift legal action against the perpetrators to safeguard freedom of expression ahead of the 2026 national elections.

The half-decomposed body of a missing police constable, Akhtaruzzaman (46), a resident of Chougachha upazila in Jashore, was recovered from Panchagarh, police said. The body was found on Thursday, December 18 in a sugarcane field at the Nine Mile area of Satmora Union in Panchagarh Sadar upazila. Family members were informed of the recovery on Friday. Akhtaruzzaman had been missing for about 22 days. He was initially identified from police-logo underwear found on the body. Later, the victim’s wife identified him after being shown photographs of the clothes — trousers, shirt and shoes — he was wearing. According to police, local residents informed the authorities after a foul smell spread in the area. Police recovered the body and completed legal formalities. With no immediate identification available, investigators relied on the police-logo underwear as the first clue. Panchagarh Sadar Police Station Sub-Inspector Belal Hossain, the investigating officer, said the body has been kept at the police station and will be sent for autopsy once family members arrive, after which it will be handed over to them. Akhtaruzzaman’s brother-in-law Mamunur Rashid Mamun said the family left for Panchagarh on Friday night after receiving the news. Akhtaruzzaman was serving at Rampal Police Station in Bagerhat district under the Khulna Range (BP No. 8403024644). He was the son of late Anichur Biswas of Jamlata village under Singhojuli Union in Chougachha upazila. Family sources said he lived with his wife and children in a rented house in Ichhapur area of Chougachha town. His wife, Shahina Akhtar Shima, filed a general diary with Chougachha Police Station on November 30, stating that he had left home on November 27 saying he was going to Maheshpur. He left behind his two mobile phones at home and never returned. Chougachha Police Station Officer-in-Charge Rezaul Karim confirmed the recovery of the body.

The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) on Friday issued seven traffic directives ahead of the Janaza of Inqilab Moncho spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi, scheduled to be held on Saturday (Dec 20) after Zohr prayers at the South Plaza of the National Parliament. In a press release issued Friday night, DMP Deputy Commissioner (Media) Muhammad Talebur Rahman said a large gathering is expected, which will restrict vehicular movement on Manik Mia Avenue. For the convenience of the Janaza, traffic from Khejur Bagan Crossing to Manik Mia Avenue will remain closed during the event. To ensure smooth traffic management, city residents and drivers have been requested to follow the following alternative routes: Mirpur Road to Farmgate via Manik Mia Avenue: Vehicles coming from the north toward Farmgate or Sonargaon should proceed via Ganabhaban Crossing–Lake Road–Urojahaj Crossing–Bijoy Sarani Crossing, then turn right toward Farmgate. Farmgate to Manik Mia Avenue via Indira Road: Vehicles should move from Farmgate to Khejur Bagan Crossing, turn right toward Urojahaj Crossing, then turn left onto Lake Road and proceed toward Ganabhaban Crossing. Dhanmondi to Farmgate: Vehicles from Dhanmondi-27 should go via Asad Gate–Ganabhaban Crossing, make a U-turn to Lake Road–Urojahaj Crossing–Bijoy Sarani Crossing, then turn right toward Farmgate. Asad Gate to Farmgate Crossing: Vehicles should turn left at Asad Gate, then right at Ganabhaban Crossing, proceed via Lake Road–Urojahaj Crossing–Bijoy Sarani Crossing, and turn right toward Farmgate Crossing. Elevated Expressway or Indira Road to Dhanmondi: Vehicles should turn right at Khejur Bagan Crossing, proceed to Urojahaj Crossing, turn left to Lake Road, then left again at Asad Gate and continue toward Dhanmondi. Mirpur Road to Dhanmondi-27: As the blockade on Manik Mia Avenue will be lifted for this route, southbound vehicles from Mirpur Road should use Shyamoli–Shishu Mela–Ganabhaban–Asad Gate and proceed straight toward Dhanmondi-27. Vehicles using the Elevated Expressway: During the Janaza, vehicles are requested to use the FDC (Hatirjheel) exit ramp instead of the Farmgate exit ramp. The DMP has urged all drivers to avoid the Manik Mia Avenue area from Saturday morning until the completion of the Janaza and burial, and to strictly follow the prescribed traffic instructions. For security reasons and to avoid inconvenience, attendees have also been requested not to carry any bags or heavy items. The DMP sought the full cooperation of city residents to ensure orderly traffic management and overall security.

Jagannath University (JnU) authorities have arranged transportation for students, teachers, and all concerned to attend the funeral of martyred Sharif Osman Hadi. In a message sent by the university’s Public Relations, Information and Publication Office, it was stated that buses will depart from the Jagannath University campus to Manik Mia Avenue at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, December 20. Those wishing to attend the funeral have been requested to be present on campus on time. Earlier, on December 12 in the afternoon, Sharif Osman bin Hadi,an independent candidate from the Dhaka-8 constituency and spokesperson of the ‘Inqilab Mancha’ was seriously injured after being shot by assailants while returning from election campaigning. He was initially admitted to Dhaka Medical College Hospital and later transferred to Evercare Hospital for advanced treatment. As his condition deteriorated, he was flown by air ambulance to Singapore General Hospital on December 15. He passed away while undergoing treatment there yesterday, Thursday. His funeral will be held tomorrow at 2:00 p.m. at Manik Mia Avenue.

Strongly denouncing the wave of violent attacks at different parts of the the country, including those targeting media houses, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Friday night alleged that a long-identified vested quarter is deliberately trying to push Bangladesh into chaos to establish 'a new form of fascism'. Speaking at a press conference after an emergency meeting of the BNP Standing Committee at the party chairperson’s Gulshan office, he also condemned the killing of Inquilab Moncho spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi and urged the pace-loving political and social forces to unite to foil all attempts to obstruct the democratic transition. “Inquilab Moncho Chief Sharif Osman Hadi died prematurely while undergoing medical treatment in Singapore. We strongly condemn and express our deep abhorrence over this cowardly killing. We once again demand the immediate arrest of the perpetrators and that they be brought to justice without delay,” Fakhrul said. Following this tragic death, Fakhrul said, a group of unruly people carried out arson attacks late last night on the offices of several newspapers, including Prothom Alo and the English daily The Daily Star. The BNP leader said these attacks seriously endangered the lives of journalists who were on duty at the two newspaper offices. He also said an attack was carried out on Nurul Kabir, editor of New Age and president of the Editors’ Council, describing him as a prominent and courageous journalist involved in the anti-fascist July movement and other democratic movements in the country. Besides, Fakhrul said, various cultural institutions, including Chhayanaut, were also attacked. “We strongly condemn and express our deep hatred for these heinous acts. These incidents prove that a long-identified vested quarter wants to push the country towards anarchy in a planned manner. They are trying to create a new form of fascism by destroying our voting and democratic rights earned through immense bloodshed,” he said. Fakhrul lamented that these activities are being carried out openly, right under the nose of the government. “People also believe that the government’s role has not been satisfactory. As a result, the country’s image abroad is being damaged,” he said. The BNP leader said almost all political parties have protested against Hadi’s killing and are putting pressure on the government to arrest the killers and ensure justice. “In this situation, we believe that these disgraceful attacks are part of a conspiracy to create uncertainty around the upcoming national election and to obstruct the process of democratic transition,” Fakhrul said. On behalf of the peace-loving people of the country, he said BNP wants to warn those despicable conspirators that it will not allow anyone to destroy the country won at the cost of so much blood. The BNP leader urged all democratic, political and social forces to remain united against anarchy created by vested quarter. “This evil force must be resisted through unity. There is no alternative now but for all political and social forces opposed to chaos to unite in order to resist this conspiracy. Through such unity, we ensured the fall of fascism and secured an interim government and a national election. In continuation of that struggle, we once again call upon all patriotic forces to unite,” he said. Fakhrul cited a series of violent incidents following Hadi’s death, including attacks on the Indian High Commission office and its staff residences in Khulna and Chattogram, arson and vandalism at Prothom Alo and The Daily Star offices in Dhaka and Rajshahi, vandalism and arson at Dhanmondi 32, the Chhayanaut office and the Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre, the destruction of shops in Uttara, attacks on the house of an Awami League leader, the killing of a Hindu youth in Mymensingh over allegations of religious desecration, vandalism and arson at the residence of late Chattogram mayor Mohiuddin Chowdhury and the house of former minister Bir Bahadur, and the attack on New Age Editor Nurul Kabir. Hadi, a prospective candidate for the upcoming 13th national parliamentary election from the Dhaka-8 constituency, was shot in the head on December 12 while travelling in a rickshaw on Culvert Road in Puratan Paltan, Dhaka. He initially underwent surgery at Dhaka Medical College Hospital and was later admitted to Evercare Hospital. For advanced treatment, he was airlifted to Singapore, where he passed away on Thursday night.

The Editors’ Council and the Newspaper Owners’ Association of Bangladesh (NOAB) on Friday expressed deep concern and strong condemnation over attacks, vandalism, and arson at the offices of leading dailies Prothom Alo and The Daily Star. In a joint statement, Editors’ Council President Nurul Kabir and NOAB President A.K. Azad said the attacks are not just assaults on the media but on society and democratic values. They noted that significant infrastructure was damaged and journalists’ lives were put at risk. The statement said the incidents are part of a disturbing trend of mob violence, reflecting the interim government’s failure to maintain law and order. Law enforcement agencies failed to act effectively to prevent the crime. Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus called Prothom Alo editor Matiur Rahman and The Daily Star editor Mahfuz Anam, assuring them of their safety. The Editors’ Council and NOAB, however, held the government responsible for failing to control the situation. The bodies demanded the perpetrators be swiftly identified, arrested, and punished as an example. They also called on professionals, business leaders, civil society, political parties, and journalists’ organizations to stand in solidarity.

Former organizational secretary of Mymensingh Metropolitan Awami League, Kazi Manzur Morshed Raju, died Friday afternoon after sustaining critical injuries while trying to evade arrest by jumping from the second floor of his house. The incident occurred Thursday around 8:00 pm when a team from Kotwali Police Station visited Raju’s residence looking for him. Sensing the police presence, he attempted to escape by jumping from the balcony but struck an adjoining boundary wall, suffering severe head and body injuries. Locals later found him unconscious and bleeding and informed his family. He was admitted to a private hospital in Charpara, where he underwent brain surgery but was pronounced dead at 3:30 pm on Friday. Following the killing of Osman Hadi, Mymensingh police launched an operation targeting Awami League leaders and activists, including Raju. Police said he was not involved in any recent criminal cases and had not been active in politics for the past 8–10 years. Kotwali Model Police Station Officer-in-Charge Nazmus Sakib said police regularly conduct arrest operations. He added that the police team left the scene after Raju did not open the gate, and they are unaware of what occurred afterward. Raju’s wife, Sathi, confirmed that he had been living a normal life since August 5 and had no pending legal cases.

Sylhet Metropolitan Police (SMP) recovered 422 stolen mobile phones during raids at Karimullah Market and other locations in the city, arresting four individuals allegedly involved in mobile phone theft. The operations were conducted throughout Thursday, Dec 18, by the SMP Detective Branch (DB), said Sylhet Metropolitan Police Commissioner Abdul Quddus Chowdhury at a press conference on Friday afternoon. He identified the four arrested as key figures in the city’s mobile phone theft network. During the raids, police recovered 38 phones from Tanvir’s residence in Mominkhala, South Surma. Tanvir and several others fled, but one suspect, Md. Sujjad, was later apprehended. Another major operation at Abdus Shahid’s house in Jainpur, South Surma, yielded 204 stolen phones, while 154 more phones were recovered from a smartphone gallery on the third floor of Karimullah Market. The Commissioner said the recovered phones included various smartphone brands, many of which had their IMEI numbers altered for illegal resale. Preliminary interrogations revealed the suspects had been collecting stolen phones from different areas of Sylhet for resale, supplying them to other districts. Along with the phones, police seized accessories, technical equipment, pen drives, and DSLR cameras. Abdus Shahid, the mastermind of the network, faces eight cases, including murder. The other three arrested are Md. Ayub Ali (Shahid’s father-in-law), Akram Ali (his nephew), and Md. Sujjad from Mominkhala. Authorities are verifying IMEI numbers to identify the phones’ rightful owners. Legal actions have been taken against the suspects, and further operations are ongoing to apprehend others involved in the theft ring.