A Vision of Non-Communal, Humane and Scientific Society
Today marks the 146th birth anniversary of Begum Rokeya Sakhawat Hossain (1880–1932), a pioneer of women’s awakening, an educationist, and a writer. The imagination of a non-communal, inclusive, and science-minded society that she presented a century ago remains equally relevant today.
Journalist Assaulted and Arrested in Late-Night Police Raid
Police in Tangail’s Kalihati upazila have been accused of breaking into a journalist’s home in the middle of the night, assaulting him, and arresting him in a false case following the publication of a news report. On Sunday (7 December) afternoon, journalist Jahangir Alam was sent to jail through the court.
TIB urges amendment to draft NHRC Ordinance 2025
Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has urged the government to urgently revise the draft National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Ordinance 2025, recently approved by the Advisory Council, warning that several provisions could create a discriminatory structure and weaken the commission’s independence and functional capacity.
Air Ambulance Meant to Take Khaleda Zia Will Not Be Coming
The air ambulance scheduled to transport BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia to London will not be arriving in Dhaka on Tuesday (9 December).
Death of Jubo League Leader in Police Custody After Arrest From Hospital
Rezaul Karim (36), a Jubo League leader and member of Ward No. 5 of Hnila Union Parishad in Teknaf upazila of Cox’s Bazar, has died while undergoing treatment in police custody. He passed away on Sunday (7 December) while receiving treatment at Cox’s Bazar Sadar Hospital.
The New Front: Bangladeshi Youth Joining Pakistan’s Militant Networks
Bangladeshi youths are being lured through online networks and false job promises to join militant groups in Pakistan. Authorities warn of a growing cross-border threat.
Rumours of a Private Meeting Between Putin and Sheikh Hasina
There are widespread rumours from various sources that former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina held a secret meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin during his visit to India.
Pakistan Navy Commodore Arrives in Dhaka on December 6, Travels to Chittagong Shortly After
Barely two weeks after the National Security Advisers of Bangladesh and India met in New Delhi, visits by senior Pakistani defence officials to Dhaka continue at an unusual pace.
Chattogram Dialogue Calls for Swift NHRC Operationalisation
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Bangladesh, in collaboration with the Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, hosted a regional dialogue in Chattogram on 6 December to advance the implementation of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Ordinance 2025. The newly introduced ordinance aims to reinforce the legal framework for safeguarding human rights in Bangladesh.
Former National Press Club President Shawkat Mahmud Detained
Former president of the National Press Club and the Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ), and Secretary General of Jonota Party Bangladesh, journalist Shawkat Mahmud, was detained on Sunday (7 December) by the Detective Branch (DB) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police. He was detained from in front of his residence in the capital.