Army Chief General Waker-uz-Zaman visited the Archbishop’s House in Kakrail, Dhaka, today to extend his wishes to the Christian community on the occasion of Christmas and the New Year celebrations. During the visit, General Waker-uz-Zaman conveyed his warm Christmas greetings to the Christian community. He said that all individuals, regardless of their faith, should be able to celebrate their religious festivals peacefully and with enthusiasm. He assured that the Army, along with other law enforcement agencies, is working tirelessly to ensure the safety and security of these celebrations. The Army Chief expressed his strong belief that people from all communities will extend their sincere cooperation in helping the Christian community celebrate Christmas and the New Year, fostering a spirit of peace and harmony. He called on everyone to unite and contribute towards building a prosperous, happy, and developed country, living together in peaceful coexistence.

Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus has sought cooperation from all to maintain religious harmony in the country, ignoring the identity of minority and majority. He made the call while exchanging greetings with representatives of the Christian community at the State Guesthouse Jamuna in Dhaka marking Christmas Day on Tuesday. "I am very glad to meet you all today. We seek religious harmony. We don’t want words like minority and majority. In this country, we are one family, and our dream is to live together as one. To make this dream a reality, everyone must come forward," he said. "We are all humans alike, and our identity as human beings should come before our religion. Every religion carries a message of peace. We must internalise that message of peace within ourselves. Only then will divisions be eliminated. If we can establish the message of peace within our hearts, we will find that peace in all religions, and there will be no divisions. Our children will have a beautiful childhood," he continued. Religious Affairs Adviser Dr AFM Khalid Hossain conducted the event, among others, attended by, Archbishop Vejoy N. D'Cruze, head of the Catholic Christian community in Bangladesh, Bishop Bejoy N D'Cruze, the head of the Catholic Christians of Bangladesh; Bishop Philip P. Adhikary, Chairman of National Christian Fellowship of Bangladesh; President of Bangladesh Christian Association Nirmal Rosario; Ignatius Hemant Corraya, secretary general of the Bangladesh Christian Association; and Daniel Nirmal D'Costa, President of Bangladesh Christian Mohajote. Assuring full cooperation, the Christian leaders expressed hope that under the leadership of the Chief Adviser, Bangladesh would foster generosity, communal harmony, and inclusivity. Addressing the event, Archbishop Bejoy N. D'Cruze referred to the life, ideals, and message of peace of Jesus Christ. He said, "The people’s mass uprising in Bangladesh has opened doors to new possibilities. Professor Yunus has taken on the difficult responsibility of leading the country. You are knowledgeable, honest, and a trusted figure for all in Bangladesh.” Read: Necessary security measures taken for Christmas: DMP The Christian leaders also thanked the interim government for the donation of Tk 2.5 crore to the Christian Religious Welfare Trust on the occasion of Christmas. This grant has been distributed to churches across the country.  

Bangladesh is expecting a reply from India regarding its request for former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s extradition and will send a reminder after a certain period if no reply is received from New Delhi, said a spokesperson on Tuesday. “Surely, we will wait until a certain period. The diplomatic letter (note verbale) was handed over on Monday only. A reminder will be given writing again if no reply comes (from Indian side),” spokesperson at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mohammad Rafiqul Alam told reporters while responding to a question at the weekly briefing. He said the government will take the next step based on the reply from the Indian side. "At this moment we won’t make any comments as we will wait for the reply.” “If you look at the extradition treaty and so far I remember, there is no mention about time limit,” said the spokesperson, adding that they have not received any reply from the Indian side as of now. Dhaka seeks Hasina’s extradition, sends letter to Delhi   The spokesperson at India’s Ministry of External Affairs Randhir Jaiswal on Monday confirmed that they received the extradition request for Sheikh Hasina from the interim government of Bangladesh. "We confirm that we have received a Note Verbale from the Bangladesh High Commission today in connection with an extradition request," he said, adding that at this time, they have no comment to offer on this matter. Hasina is facing over 100 cases with a wide range of charges, including murder, genocide and crimes against humanity in charge of killings during the July uprising that led to make her flee to India on August 5. Bangladesh and India signed an extradition treaty in 2013, which was later amended in 2016, providing a legal framework for such requests. In July 2016, Bangladesh and India amended Article 10 (3) of their bilateral Extradition Treaty to facilitate the swift extradition of fugitive criminals between the two nations. On December 8, Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam said they would formally approach India seeking former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's extradition after completing the required legal procedures. "Our government's position on the extradition of Sheikh Hasina is very clear. We want to bring Sheikh Hasina back to the country to face the law," he said during a media briefing at the Foreign Service Academy. The interim government claims that Hasina was the key person who passed the order in the "massacre" that took place during her tenure, killing more than 1,500 people during the July-August period. ACC to reinvestigate Padma Bridge corruption case against Sheikh Hasina In September, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus said Hasina should be extradited and brought to justice if she committed crimes. "Why shouldn't she be? If she committed crimes, she should be extradited and brought to justice… she should be facing justice, too," he said while responding to a question at "The New York Times Climate Forward Event." On November 12, Chief Prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) Advocate Md Tajul Islam wrote to Inspector General of Police Md Moinul Islam, urging the issuance of a red notice through Interpol to secure the return of Sheikh Hasina and other fugitives. Earlier, on October 17, a three-member ICT bench led by its Chairman, Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mazumdar, issued arrest warrants for 46 people, including Sheikh Hasina and former minister Obaidul Quader, in separate cases.

An elderly man and a boy were burnt to death and 16 others burnt in a devastating fire in Kutupalong Rohingya camp in Ukhiya upazila of Cox’s Bazar on Tuesday. Moreover, 549 Rohingya houses (shanty) were completely burnt to ashes, 263 partially damaged and 197 infrastructures of several service providing organizations (NGO) damaged while six more houses were demolished to halt the speed of fire in the camp. The deceased were Abul Khayer, 60, son of Md Solaiman, and Russell, 7, son of Mostafizur Rahman of the Rohingya camp. The injured were undergoing treatment at several hospitals. Mizanur Rahman, commissioner at Refugee, Relief and Repatriation in Cox’s Bazar, said some 808 Rohingya families were damaged in the devastating fire. Read: Gazipur factory fire: Death toll rises to 3 He suspected that the fire might have originated from an electric short-circuit or leakage of a gas cylinder in one of the Rohingya houses. Ukhiya police station’s Officer-in-Charge Md Arif Hossain said the fire erupted around 12pm and engulfed the camp. Initially three firefighting units from Ukhiya fire station responded to the incident, later three more units engaged in the fire and brought the flame under control around 2:30pm, he said. Along with the firefighters, Army personnel and local volunteers worked to tame the fire, the OC added.

Summit Group has strongly refuted allegations of tax evasion made by the National Board of Revenue (NBR), describing recent media reports on the matter as "completely baseless and irresponsible." In a statement released on Tuesday, the conglomerate emphasized its adherence to Bangladeshi laws and commitment to transparency in its business operations. Summit Group also pointed out that neither the NBR nor the Central Intelligence Cell (CIC) has officially notified the company of any tax-related investigations or allegations. The group pointed out that recent media reports, citing an unnamed official, claimed that the CIC had found discriminatory tax exemptions granted to Summit Group. Allegedly, other power generation companies were not afforded similar benefits. Summit Corporation Limited—based in Bangladesh and controlled by Summit Power International Limited, which is registered in Singapore—has also been accused of failing to deduct tax at source while remitting dividends. Summit clarified that all its power plants and other infrastructure are located in Bangladesh and are owned and operated by Summit Corporation Limited. Summit Group issues clarification on allegations raised in White Paper “The accounts of Summit Corporation and Summit Power International are audited by reputable international auditors. Moreover, Summit is paying taxes with guidance from renowned Bangladeshi legal consulting firms such as Moudud Ahmed & Associates and Barrister Rokanuddin & Associates,” the statement said. Summit dismissed the allegations of tax evasion, asserting that tax exemptions are provided to the power and energy sectors of Bangladesh under the Rapid Increase in Supply of Power and Energy (Special Provisions) Act, 2010. So far, 104 projects have been included under this act, with only three being owned by Summit, the statement said. “As a responsible organization, Summit Group has a proven track record in power and energy supply in Bangladesh. Summit Group has always operated in Bangladesh (Summit Corporation) and Singapore (Summit Power International), adhering to the laws of both countries,” the statement added. Summit further expressed its commitment to contributing to the development and prosperity of Bangladesh, stressing that its operations in the country have always been in line with the law. The Group also expressed pride in maintaining the highest standards of integrity and corporate governance. The statement claimed that Summit Group has attracted significant foreign direct investment into Bangladesh and has made substantial contributions to the development of the country's power and energy infrastructure. “We urge the media and stakeholders to exercise more responsibility in providing important opinions, so that the law can take its course. Our responsibility will help maintain the confidence of international investors, which is essential for Bangladesh’s long-term development,” Summit said.

The Council of Advisers, in its meeting on Tuesday, in principle approved the draft ‘Cyber Protection Ordinance, 2024’ placed by the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Division. Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus chaired the meeting that approved the draft ordinance subject to the vetting of the Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs Division. “The key purpose is to keep cyberspace safe for all,” said Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam while briefing the media at the Foreign Service Academy. Referring to the crimes committed on cyberspace including bullying, he said it is a responsibility of the government to keep the cyberspace safe for all. On December 17, Transparency International Bangladesh’s Executive Director Dr Iftekharuzzaman said the decision to repeal the Cyber Security Act, which was used as a tool to suppress dissent and silence the media, has brought relief to all citizens, which is one of the public welfare-oriented steps of the interim government. The Law and Rules Branch of the Information and Communication Technology Department prepared the draft of the "Cyber Protection Ordinance, 2024" by repealing the law that violates freedom of speech and expression. As per the discussion of the Council of Advisers, the proposal to establish the ‘July Mass Uprising Memorial Museum’ at Ganabhaban has been approved, said the Press Secretary. The Ministry of Cultural Affairs will implement this proposal. The proposal to implement the recommendations of the committee formed to address the deprivation of retired government officials who are deprived of promotion has been approved, subject to taking necessary actions as per the discussions of the Council of Advisers’ meeting.

Family members of the seven people  killed onboard a fertiliser-laden vessel on the Meghna River near Eshanbala Char in Chandpur's Haimchar Upazila on Tuesday claimed the killings as planned and demanded justice. They identified the bodies at Chandpur General Hospital morgue and those were handed over to them after postmortem this noon. On Monday afternoon Coast Guard and River Police recovered five bodies and rescued three injured victims from the vessel. Later, two of the injured succumbed to their injuries at the hospital. No case has been filed yet but preparations for filing a case are underway, said Chandpur’s Haimchar Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Mahiyuddin Suman The deceased were identified as Golam Kibria ,55, captain of the vessel hailed from Faridpur, his nephew Sheikh Sabuj,35, a sailor, Aminul Munshi, 40, helmsman from Narail district, Majedul,16, asailor from Magura Sajibul Islam ,26, sailor from Magura, Salahuddin,40, an engineer from Narail and Kazi Rana 24, its cook from Munshiganj. Sheikh Sabuj’s younger brother Sadikur Rahman said, “My brother recently spoke to me; he was a laskar (sailor) brought in by Captain Golam Kibria who is also our maternal uncle. This horrific incident must be thoroughly investigated, and justice must be ensured.” Read: Ministry of Industries shocked, forms probe body over MV Al Bakera incident in Chandpur Golam Kibria’s brother Awal Hossain broke down while describing his family’s anguish. “My brother was set to retire in January, but fate had other plans. He left behind two daughters and a son, with his elder daughter’s wedding planned for next month,” he lamented. Chandpur Deputy Commissioner (DC) Mohammad Mohsin Uddin said each victim’s family received Tk 25,000 in financial assistance. He assured that a case would be filed by the families.

Md Sarwar Alam, a former information cadre official, has assumed the role of Press Secretary to the President with the rank of Secretary on a two-year contract. Sarwar Alam, an officer from the 84th batch of the Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS), succeeds information cadre fellow Md Joynal Abedin. Joynal Abedin formally handed over the responsibilities to his successor at the Bangabhaban Press Wing on Tuesday noon. The government appointed Sarwar to the position for a two-year term starting from his joining date. The Ministry of Public Administration issued a notification in this regard on Monday. Sarwar Alam, who hails from Feni, completed his graduation and post-graduation in Geography and Environmental Science from Dhaka University. Read: National election by June 30, 2026: Press Secretary He joined the Bangladesh Civil Service through the BCS examination and has served in various capacities throughout his career. From 2006 to 2008, Sarwar served as Deputy Press Secretary to former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. He also worked as Deputy Press Secretary to former President Dr Iajuddin Ahmed and Chief Adviser of the then caretaker government of Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed. Sarwar Alam retired from government service in 2023 after being on post-retirement leave (LPR) since 2022. During the Awami League regime, he was kept on OSD for an extended period.

One  more death was reported from dengue in 24 hours till Tuesday morning, raising the number of fatalities from the mosquito-borne disease in Bangladesh to 565 this year. During the period, 125 more patients were hospitalised with viral fever, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). Of them, 28 dengue patients were admitted in hospital under Dhaka North City Corporation while 36 were hospitalized in Dhaka South City Corporation.  Some 946 patients are receiving treatment in different hospitals across the country. Read: Dengue: One more death reported in 24hrs A total of 100,491 dengue cases have been reported since January 1, 2024. Last year, 1,705 people lost their lives due to dengue, making it the deadliest year on record. The DGHS recorded 321,179 dengue cases and 3, 18,749 recoveries last year.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) on Tuesday decided to reinvestigate the Padma Bridge corruption and conspiracy case and the Bangabandhu Novo Theater corruption case against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. ACC Director General (Prevention) Akhter Hossain briefed the media on development of the investigation into the corruption involving Sheikh Hasina and her family members at Segunbagicha in the capital. The ACC investigation team said that a letter has been sent to the secretary of the Chief Adviser seeking information in the investigation into Sheikh Hasina's embezzlement of Tk 21,000 crore in mega eight projects. “An investigation team has been formed. The members of the investigation team are writing letters to various offices to collect documentary evidence,” the ACC Director General (Prevention) added. Saying that it is part of their investigation, he said after receiving the information, the members of the team will review it. Along with this, the supporting documents to prove the allegations and the people involved in the allegations will be questioned in this regard. Read: Tk 6,75,000 crore blackhole in banking: Enough to build 13 Dhaka Metros or 22 Padma Bridges Meanwhile, the ACC has written to the Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU) to summon all the documents of the domestic and foreign transactions of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, her son Sajeeb Wazed Joy, her sister Sheikh Rehana, and Rehana’s daughter and British minister Tulip Siddique. In the letter sent by the ACC head office today, the investigation team has asked for detailed information on all accounts, including offshore bank statements operated in the names of the suspects. In addition, the investigation team has summoned personal documents of the people involved in the allegations in the first phase and has summoned documents from the Election Commission, the Immigration and Passport Office. Soon, letters will be sent to some more government and private institutions, summoning documents. Earlier, on December 18, the ACC formed a five-member team to investigate the corruption allegations against Sheikh Hasina and her family members. The team to investigate the corruption involving Sheikh Hasina, her son Sajeeb Wazed, sister Sheikh Rehana, and Rehana’s daughter Tulip Siddique will be led by ACC Deputy Director Md Salahuddin while the other members of the team are Deputy Director Md. Saiduzzaman, Assistant Director Afnan Jannat Keya, S.M. Rashedul Hasan and AKM Mortuza Ali Sagar. Read more: Lawyer who threw eggs at Anisul Huq, Salman F Rahman dies in accident on Padma Bridge This ACC team is investigating allegations of corruption worth Tk 21,000 crore in eight special priority projects of the previous Awami League government while it will also investigate corruption worth Tk 59,000 crore in the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant project.