Christmas Day, commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, was celebrated across Bangladesh on Thursday with religious devotion, colourful festivities and renewed calls for peace, compassion and communal harmony. In Dhaka, the capital, the Christian community marked the public holiday with special church services, carol singing and festive gatherings. A special prayer attended by around 400 Catholic Christians was held at Saint Thomas Church in Narayantala, a border village. In Bandarban, Christmas was celebrated with religious fervour in a festive atmosphere that reflected the district’s tradition of communal harmony. Christmas was also celebrated with devotion and festivity in districts including Sherpur, Barguna, Natore, Rajshahi, Jhenaidah, Rangamati and elsewhere, underscoring Bangladesh’s enduring spirit of religious harmony and coexistence.

The mild cold wave sweeping across northern region of the country continued for the third consecutive day on Thursday, affecting normal life. While maximum temperatures rose slightly, minimum temperatures remained mostly unchanged, keeping the chill intact. The sky stayed partly cloudy and misty until noon, with cold winds blowing from the west and northwest. Officer-in-Charge of Rangpur Meteorological Office Md Mostafizar Rahman said the temperature gap widened slightly compared to the previous day, but the cold remained intense. Rangpur city recorded a minimum of 11.2°C and a maximum of 20°C, while other northern towns reported similar chilly conditions.

BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman will visit the grave of late president Ziaur Rahman in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar on Friday, on the second day after his return to the country, after the Jummah prayers. He will later travel to the National Martyrs’ Memorial in Savar to pay tribute to the martyrs of the Liberation War. The schedule for the first three days following Tarique Rahman’s return was announced to journalists on Wednesday at a press conference held at the BNP Chairperson’s political office in Gulshan. The information was shared by Salahuddin Ahmed, a member of the party’s Standing Committee.

Preparations are complete for BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman’s visit to the National Martyrs’ Memorial in Savar, on the outskirts of Dhaka, on Friday. Officials from the Public Works Department (PWD), the memorial administration, and the police said Tarique Rahman will pay tribute to the martyrs and those who sacrificed their lives during the Liberation War. Dhaka District Police will deploy more than a thousand personnel to ensure security. Anwar Hossain Khan Anu, in-charge of the National Martyrs’ Memorial and Sub-Assistant Engineer of the Savar PWD Division, said they were informed of Tarique Rahman’s visit following his return to the country after exile. Additional Superintendent of Police of Dhaka District (Crime, Operations, and Traffic – North), Arafatul Islam, said special arrangements have been made for Tarique Rahman’s safety.

Dhaka North BNP will remove all waste from the "July 36 Expressway" (300 Feet Road) following the reception held for the return of BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman. The information was shared with the media on Thursday evening by Professor Dr Moudud Hossain Alamgir Pavel, convener of the BNP’s media cell. According to him, Dhaka North BNP will begin a voluntary waste removal drive on Friday morning along 300 Feet Road, Airport Road and surrounding areas.

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman. Earlier, he was accorded warm reception and emotional greetings at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on arrival from London. Tarique Rahman also replied them with waiving hand on board the bus, making an extra-ordinary emotional scenario. Tarique Rahman finally returned to homeland as he arrived at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport here around 11.40am by a regular Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight. Tarique Rahman returned home after a long 17 years in exile in the UK.

Chief Advisor’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam has said the return of BNP leader Tarique Rahman will help fill a political “vacuum” in Bangladesh and make the country’s democratic transition “smoother”. He is the leader of Bangladesh’s largest party, and his return will have a positive impact. There is a genuine political vacuum in the country, and his arrival will help fill that. With a major election ahead and the country going through a democratic transition, we hope this transition will now be smoother,” he said on Thursday. Asked about Tarique’s security, Shafiqul said the BNP was overseeing it, adding that the government was providing all assistance requested.

Photo : BSSDHAKA, Dec 25, 2025 (BSS) - The Christmas Day commemorating the birthday of Jesus Christ was celebrated today with religious fervour and festivity across the country as elsewhere in the world. This was a 'great day' for children in the Christian community as they got interesting gifts. The Christmas Day was a public holiday. President flanked with the guests and cut a "Merry Christmas" cake while a cultural troupe performed Christmas carols. Christmas Day was also celebrated across the country including district towns and cities amid various religious programmes of the community.

Who did know that this problem would spark a business venture that would not only change her life but also create employment to hundreds of people? Encouraged by her newfound confidence, Rakhi shared her idea with her younger brother, Victor Saha, a graduate in Computer Science from the American International University in Dhaka. By 2025, 'Naturals by Rakhi' had expanded its product line beyond hair oil to include shampoo, scalp serum, hair serum and even skin care products. Looking ahead, Rakhi envisions 'Naturals by Rakhi' as an internationally recognized brand that will continue to create employment opportunities for thousands of people, especially women. "Our dream is to establish 'Naturals by Rakhi' as a trusted brand, reaching every corner of the customers," says Rakhi.

Photo: BSSGAIBANDHA, Dec 25, 2025 (BSS)- Palki, a sale center of agricultural products grown by the char farmers here, was separately opened at Hajirhaat(Kani-charitabari) under Horipur union of Sundarganj upazila and Guyabari char under Holdia union of Saghata upazila in the district on Wednesday amid much enthusiasm to the char inhabitants. Sundarganj Upazila Project Implementation Officer Md. Mashiar Rahman and Saghata Upazila Project Implementation Officer Md. Taking the matter into cognizance, CARE Bangladesh develops the idea to make such centres where the char farmers could sell their agro-produces at fair prices. A large number of char farmers, public representatives and invited people including the media men attended the inaugural ceremonies of the centers.

Ziaur Rahman actively participated in the Liberation War, led Z Force, and received recognition for bravery for his role. A strong narrative was built against the BNP, especially targeting and victimizing Tarique Rahman, the successor of Ziaur Rahman and Khaleda Zia. As a result, Tarique Rahman was arrested, imprisoned, tortured, and eventually forced to leave the country. Everyone knows that like his father Shaheed Ziaur Rahman, Tarique Rahman speaks less and works more. Even before his return to the country, Tarique Rahman has emerged as a figure of growing public confidence.

TEGUCIGALPA, Dec 25, 2025 (BSS/AFP) - Nasry Asfura, a conservative businessman backed by US President Donald Trump, was declared winner of the Honduran presidential vote Wednesday, weeks after a razor-thin election marred by delays and allegations of fraud. It also aligns Honduras with a rise of conservative governments in the region following shifts in Chile, Bolivia, Peru and Argentina. I won't let you down," Asfura posted to X after the win was declared, thanking election officials for validating his victory. Within minutes of the result declaration, the United States welcomed the election of Asfura, saying it would help stop illegal immigration. Argentina's President Javier Milei, a Trump ally, said on X that the Honduras vote amounted to "a resounding defeat of narco-socialism."

President Mohammed Shahabuddin. File PhotoDHAKA, Dec 25, 2025 (BSS)- President Mohammed Shahabuddin and his spouse Dr Rebeka Sultana today hosted a reception for members of the Christian community at the Durbar Hall of Bangabhaban marking Christmas Day, the biggest religious festival of the Christian community. The President exchanged greetings with the leaders and representatives of Christian community joined the reception began at 12 noon. President flanked with the guests also cut a “Merry Christmas” cake while a cultural troupe performed Christmas carols. Archbishop Bejoy Nicephorus D’Cruze, Bangladesh Christian Association President Nirmal Rozario, Father Albert Rozario, Reverend Martha Das, foreign diplomats and representatives of various foreign missions, distinguished members of the Christian community joined the reception.

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has expressed gratitude to Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus. During their conversation, Tarique Rahman expressed gratitude to the Chief Adviser for the arrangement taken for his security and overall management of his homecoming events. Specially, my sincere gratitude for the measures taken for my security,” Tarique Rahman was saying. Tarique Rahman returned to his homeland after 17 years in exile. A Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight carrying Tarique Rahman from London landed at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka at 11:40 am via Sylhet.

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman today addressed a historic mammoth gathering at July 36 Expressway in the capital. Photo: CollectedDHAKA, Dec 25, 2025 (BSS) – BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman today said he has a plan for the people of the country to build a prosperous and safe Bangladesh, seeking cooperation from all to translate his dreamed plan into reality. Referring to the famous quote of American civil rights activist Martin Luther King, “I have a dream”, he said, “Martin Luther King — have you heard the name? Tarique Rahman sought people’s cooperation to realize his plan to change the fortune of the countrymen. The day’s historic address by Tarique Rahman coincides with the famous speech of Martin Luther King as both the speeches spanned around 17 minutes.