Dr. Muhammad Yunus, Chief Advisor of the interim government, stated that since independence, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has been serving as the "vigilant guards of the borders," safeguarding the country’s territorial integrity and sovereignty while preventing smuggling, drug trafficking, and human trafficking. He made these remarks on Friday (December 20) in a message marking “Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) Day.” Extending warm greetings and congratulations to all members of BGB, Dr. Yunus said, “BGB is a distinguished institution with a glorious legacy. Its role in our Liberation War is unforgettable. For their extraordinary bravery during the war, two members of BGB, Lance Naik Noor Mohammad Sheikh and Lance Naik Munshi Abdur Rouf, were awarded the highest honor of Bir Shreshtha, along with 119 others receiving gallantry titles. Additionally, 817 courageous members of BGB sacrificed their lives, adding to the illustrious history of the force.” He further noted the commendable role of BGB in maintaining law and order across the country, especially in border regions, following the nationwide student-worker-public uprising in July and August. BGB’s efforts in responding to the recent devastating floods in the southeastern region have also been widely praised. The Chief Advisor expressed his hope that BGB members would continue to uphold the country’s independence and sovereignty with the highest level of patriotism, dedication, sincerity, and professionalism. Concluding his message, Dr. Yunus wished for the overall success and continued prosperity of Border Guard Bangladesh.

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus today said Bangladesh endeavoured to advance D-8 cooperation under quite challenging circumstances since assumption of D-8 Chairmanship in April 2021.   "We first battled the limitations and constraints in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic; and then the poly crisis that afflicted many of our countries, in so many ways," he said in his opening speech at D-8 summit held at Egypt capital of Cairo, according to a message received here.    As the outgoing Chairmanship of Bangladesh, Prof Yunus welcomed you the leaders of the member states at the 11th D-8 Summit.    He expressed his warmest felicitation to the Incoming Chair and the Host, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi of the Arab Republic of Egypt, indeed for making the meticulous arrangements and gracious hospitality in the historic city of Cairo.   "I must complement the Government of Egypt for its unwavering commitment to the principles of the organisation in advancing our shared vision, for progress and cooperation," the chief adviser said.   During the Bangladesh' chairmanship of D-8, he said, establishment of the D-8 Youth Council, and ratification of D-8 Preferential Trade Agreement, during this time were particularly noteworthy.    Prof Yunus said this could not be accomplished with the member states' unwavering support, and understanding, of their collective interest.   He said Bangladesh is thankful to all the D-8 governments for the support extended throughout Bangladesh's Chairmanship, and the level of commitment shown in advancing our collective interests.    "While we officially hand over the Chairmanship to Egypt, I complement President El-Sisi for the theme of this Summit, "Investing in Youth and Supporting SMEs". It resonates aptly with our aspirations in D-8," he said.    The chief adviser said in times of changing world of work, the D-8 countries need to re-discover and re-position learning, regarding youth and work in the economy of tomorrow.    "Things often evolve too fast and gets difficult for governments to comprehend, and implement. But we must keep on recalibrating our efforts, to match the difficulties," he said.    Prof Yunus said, "As Bangladesh passes the baton to Egypt, let me affirm Bangladesh's unwavering support to the Egyptian Chairmanship in furtherance of our cooperative agenda."    He said Team Egypt, under wise leadership of President El-Sisi, can count on Bangladesh.    "May D-8 flourish, under Egypt's leadership, and help our countries accomplish greater freedom, stability, harmony and prosperity in an unpredictable world," Prof Yunus added. (Source: BSS)

Allegations have been filed with the International Crimes Tribunal against 57 individuals, including then-Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and former Army Chief General Moeen U Ahmed, regarding the February 25, 2009, Pilkhana massacre. On Thursday (December 19) afternoon, family members of the martyred army officers submitted the allegations to the tribunal. Among those present were Barrister Rakin Ahmed, son of then-BDR Director General Major General Shakil Ahmed; Ferdousi, wife of Colonel Mujibul Haque; and Sakib Rahman, son of Colonel Kudrat Elahi, along with 15-20 family members of the victims. The government has also formed a National Independent Commission to uncover the true causes of the Pilkhana massacre. On December 2, the state informed a High Court bench led by Justice Farah Mahbub that the matter is currently under review by the Ministry of Law. However, the court expressed dissatisfaction and directed the state to provide complete information about the commission. Previously, a public interest writ petition was filed in the High Court by Supreme Court lawyers Md. Tanvir Ahmed and Biplob Kumar Poddar due to a lack of response to legal notices regarding the formation of the commission. On November 6, the High Court directed the Home Secretary to resolve the petition within ten days. The court also issued a rule questioning why the inaction in forming the National Independent Commission should not be declared illegal and why directives should not be issued for its formation. Additionally, it sought clarification on why February 25 should not be declared "Martyrs’ Day for Army Officers." Background: The Pilkhana massacre on February 25-26, 2009, resulted in the deaths of 74 people, including 57 army officers, at the then-BDR headquarters. On February 28 of the same year, two cases—one for murder and one under the Explosives Act—were filed at Lalbagh Police Station, later transferred to New Market Police Station. The trials took place at a temporary courtroom near Dhaka Central Jail. On November 5, 2013, Dhaka’s Third Special Court announced its verdict, sentencing 152 individuals, including former BDR DAD Towhid, to death. Additionally, 160 individuals, including deceased BNP lawmaker Nasiruddin Ahmed Pintu and local Awami League leader Torab Ali, received life imprisonment, while 256 others were sentenced to various terms. Another 277 individuals were acquitted due to insufficient evidence. The case filed under the Explosives Act remains pending in the lower courts.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has formed a five-member team to investigate corruption allegations against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, her sister Sheikh Rehana, her son Sajeeb Wazed Joy, and niece Tulip Siddiq, along with other family members. On Wednesday, December 18, senior ACC sources confirmed that the investigation team will be led by ACC Deputy Director Md. Salahuddin. Other members of the team include Deputy Director Md. Saiduzzaman, Assistant Director Afnan Jannat Keya, S.M. Rashedul Hasan, and A.K.M. Murtuza Ali Sagar. According to the ACC, the team will investigate allegations of corruption involving BDT21,000 crore across eight high-priority projects of the Awami League government. Additionally, it will look into alleged corruption of BDT59,000 crore in the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant project. Earlier, on December 15, the High Court issued a ruling questioning the ACC’s inaction regarding allegations of embezzlement of USD5 billion (approximately BDT60,000 crore) from the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant (RNPP) project through Malaysian bank accounts allegedly linked to Sheikh Hasina, her son Sajeeb Wazed Joy, and niece Tulip Siddiq. The ruling followed a writ petition filed on September 3 by Bobby Hajjaj, Chairman of the Nationalist Democratic Movement (NDM), which challenged the ACC's inactivity in probing these allegations. The petition also questioned the legality of the ACC's inaction and named the ACC Chairman and other relevant officials as respondents. On Tuesday, December 17, ACC Director General (Prevention) Akhtar Hossain confirmed the investigation into the allegations against Sheikh Hasina and her family members. The allegations first came to light in reports published on August 19, citing data from Global Defense Corporation, which investigates corruption in military and defense sectors. These reports claimed that former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, her son Sajeeb Wazed Joy, and niece Tulip Siddiq embezzled USD5 billion from the RNPP project through Malaysian bank accounts.

The passports of 20 government officials allegedly involved in enforced disappearances have been suspended. Additionally, steps have been requested to impose a travel ban on them. This information came to light on Wednesday, December 18. An order to this effect was issued in a notification signed by Deputy Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Md. Kamruzzaman, on Sunday. The notification instructed the Director General of the Department of Immigration and Passports and the Additional Inspector General of Police (Special Branch) to take the necessary measures. It has been reported that this step was taken based on allegations of involvement in enforced disappearances, and investigations against these officials are ongoing. The 20 officials named include: Former RAB Director Generals Mokhlesur Rahman, Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun, and Benazir Ahmed, Former RAB Additional DG Ziaul Ahsan (currently detained) and Colonel Tofayel Mustafa Sarwar, Former RAB-7 CO Lt. Colonel Mefta Uddin Ahmed, Former RAB COs Additional DIG Khondker Lutful Kabir (RAB-4) and Shahabuddin Khan (RAB-10), Former RAB Directors Lt. Colonel Mahbub Alam and Lt. Colonel Kamrul Hasan (RAB-11), Former RAB-1 CO Lt. Colonel Sarwar Bin Kashem, CTTC Chief and fugitive SB Chief Monirul Islam and DIG Md. Asaduzzaman, Former DB Chief of Dhaka Metropolitan Police Harun-or-Rashid, Former Additional Commissioner of DMP Sheikh Md. Maruf Hasan, Former DC of DB Moshiur Rahman, Former CTTC ADC Touhidul Islam, Former DGFI Director Brigadier General (Retd.) Abu Taher Mohammad Ibrahim, Major General (Retd.) Mohammad Touhidul Islam, Brigadier General Mahbubur Rahman Siddique. These actions mark an important step in addressing allegations related to enforced disappearances.

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Tuesday (December 18) urged his party leaders and workers to respond to their oppressors by making the party's 31-point proposal a success rather than resorting to reprisal and revenge. Speaking via video conference at an event in Tangail titled "31-Point State Structure Reform Proposal and Public Engagement." It was organised by the BNP Training Affairs Committee in Narayanganj, Gazipur cities and Tangail district. Tarique Rahman said, "We will not respond in their way. We will answer by ensuring the people's right to vote. False and fabricated cases have been filed against our leaders and activists. Many have had to attend their parents' funeral prayers while wearing handcuffs. The autocratic government has harassed our leaders and activists in various ways—some have been killed, others injured, and some economically ruined by destroying their businesses. These grievances will be addressed through the implementation of the 31-point proposal." Warning party members, he said, "You must monitor your subordinates to ensure they do not engage in any wrongdoing because BNP is your family. Each of you holds an equally important responsibility. Everyone must be cautious to prevent any actions by members that could tarnish the party's reputation." As part of the central program, the district BNP organized a day-long workshop. BNP's Publicity Secretary Sultan Salahuddin Tuku delivered the opening speech, while Media Cell Convener Maudud Hossain Alamgir Pavel highlighted various aspects of the proposed 31-point proposal. The workshop, chaired by District BNP President Hasanuzzaman Shahin, featured speeches by BNP's Child Affairs Secretary Abul Kalam Azad, Dhaka Divisional Assistant Organizational Secretary Benazir Ahmed Titu, Assistant Cultural Affairs Secretary Saeed Sorhab, Assistant Training Affairs Secretary Rehena Akter Ranu, Executive Committee Member Obaidul Haque Nasir, Bithika Binte Hossain, and District BNP General Secretary Advocate Farhad Iqbal, among others. A prayer session was held at the workshop seeking the well-being of the nation. Approximately 1,500 BNP leaders and activists participated in the event.  

Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury vowed that those responsible for the killing of four Tabligh followers at the Biswa Ijtema ground early Wednesday would not be spared. He came up with the warning while speaking to reporters after two separate meetings with the followers of Maulana Saad and Maulana Zubayer at the Ministry of Home's conference room on Wednesday. "My brothers (victims) filed cases today. We will ensure that the real culprits are brought to justice," said the adviser. He added that discussions between the two groups were going on, and if an agreement is reached, the government will take a decision. Chowdhury also mentioned that the government is prepared to provide medical assistance to the injured, if necessary. Earlier, a delegation from the Saad group held a meeting with the five advisers led by Jahangir Alam, followed by a meeting with the opposing group. Following the government's previous decision, the first phase of Biswa Ijtema, organised by Zubair's followers, will be held from January 31 to February 2, while the second phase, led by Saad’s followers, is scheduled from February 7 to 9. Although the government has allowed Saad's group to host the first phase, the opposing faction has refused to accept the decision, escalating tensions between the two groups. Ahead of their 'Jor Ijtema,' set to take place from December 20 to 24, Saad’s followers began entering the ground. However, sensing their presence, Zubair's followers reportedly attacked them around 3 am. In retaliation, Saad's supporters, attempting to gain access to the ground, launched a counter-attack. The clash resulted in four fatalities and multiple injuries. Locals have claimed that as Saad's supporters entered the ground, the police stationed at the Ijtema site withdrew, positioning themselves on the Dhaka-Mymensingh Highway to the east. Officer-in-charge of Tongi West Police Station Iskandar Habibur Rahman confirmed the deaths, saying that several injured people were transferred to Dhaka Medical College Hospital.