Amid growing tensions between Dhaka and Delhi, India, on Tuesday, summoned Bangladesh High Commissioner Riaz Hamidullah. This development came hours after the Bangladesh Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned its Indian counterpart Pranay Verma to express Dhaka’s "grave concern" over a series of incidents in India targeting Bangladeshi diplomatic missions. This is the second time the envoys to India and Bangladesh were summoned amid tense ties between the two countries following violent anti-India protests in several parts of Bangladesh. Meanwhile, India deployed 15,000 security forces in front of the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi.

Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (Ducsu) Vice-President Abu Shadik Kayem has declined government-provided gunman support, saying security should be ensured for all citizens, not just a few individuals. Following the fall of the Hasina government, Kayem said people expected visible and fair changes in the country’s overall security system. He said if law enforcement agencies were effectively activated and criminals brought to justice, public concern over security would not be so acute. “At the same time, there are proposals to provide gunmen for personal security. Kayem acknowledged that security is necessary for everyone but stressed that it should not be limited to select individuals or groups.

DHAKA, Dec 23, 2025 (BSS) – The government has launched a special initiative to collect precise information on waste burning, a major source of air pollution. To address this challenge, the government has undertaken strong measures to identify and control the sources of air pollution. In this connection, an initiative has been launched to collect precise information on locations where waste burning occurs. To engage commoners in efforts to curb air pollution, the government is requesting all citizens of Bangladesh to submit photographs of waste burning incidents. The government expects that active public participation in this initiative will play a significant role in controlling air pollution.

It’s a story built on multiple miracles and I succeeded in believing in them for a long time. Early civilizations performed near miracles by calculating the Earth’s path and fluctuations of daylight without advanced tools (or AI). Some see miracles in nearly everything associated with the ancient band known as the Beatles. Our greatest leaders, Gandhi, MLK JR., and Mandela, all believed in miracles, and succeeded in moving mountains. Allen Woods is a freelance writer, author of the Revolutionary-era historical fiction novel “The Sword and Scabbard,” and Greenfield resident.

“"Despite repeated calls from civil society, political parties and the media to take strict action against mob violence, the interim government has not taken any effective steps. To repair the shattered trust of citizens in security, a zero-tolerance policy must be adopted against all types of crimes, starting from mob violence. Dhaka TribuneThe Dhaka Tribune published a story on Monday documenting the events that led to the brutal mob lynching, which triggered a “nationwide outrage and renewed concern over mob violence fuelled by misinformation”. In its editorial , headlined, “Law and order remain lacking”, the daily remarked that the events of Thursday highlighted “the dismal state of our law and order”. Publications such as bdnews , Bangladesh Pratidin , a Bengali daily, and Daily Observer , an English daily, also published stories and articles analysing the brutal incident.

The inaugural Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) were held in Phnom Penh between Bangladesh and Cambodia in a cordial and constructive atmosphere. Photo : CollectedDHAKA, Dec 23, 2025 (BSS) - Cambodia has reaffirmed its support forBangladesh's bid to become an ASEAN Sectoral Dialogue Partner, underliningthe importance of sustained engagement with ASEAN during the first-everForeign Office Consultations between the two countries. The FOC was convened following the signing of a memorandum of understandingin 2020 during a bilateral Joint Commission meeting in Dhaka. Both sides noted steady growth in bilateral trade and agreed to deepenbusiness-to-business engagement, deciding to convene the first Joint TradeCouncil meeting in Phnom Penh next year. Bangladesh expressed interest in investment opportunities in rice and cashewnut processing in Cambodia under buy-back arrangements.

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UNITED NATIONS, United States, Dec 23, 2025 (BSS/AFP) - Sudan's prime minister on Monday called on the UN Security Council to stand "on the right side of history" by backing a peace plan for the war-torn country that calls for a ceasefire and global monitoring of the conflict. Since April 2023, Sudan's army has battled the paramilitary forces of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which controls the west and parts of the south, in fighting that has killed tens of thousands and displaced millions. Idris pledged to organize free elections following a transition period to allow for "inter-Sudanese dialogue." The Sudanese PM did not, however, meet with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, according to a UN spokesperson. In November, US President Donald Trump voiced willingness to help end the conflict, but talks led by the United States and other mediators of the so-called "Quad" -- Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates -- remain at an impasse.

Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed -File photoDHAKA, Dec 23, 2025 (BSS) – Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed today said that Bangladesh would import essentials such as rice from India if prices remain competitive, regardless of the prevailing political discourse between the two neighbouring countries. Dr Salehuddin stressed that Bangladesh has never pursued punitive trade measures against India for political reasons. On the broader state of Bangladesh–India relations, Dr Salehuddin acknowledged that political rhetoric, particularly during periods of heightened political activity, can sometimes appear strained. Dr Salehuddin also said the interim government has no desire to see tensions between neighbouring countries. Highlighting Bangladesh’s regional outlook, Dr Salehuddin said the country believes strongly in regionalism and constructive engagement with all neighbours.

Image: Amnesty International CanadaGENEVA, Dec 23, 2025 (BSS/AFP) - More than 400 prominent women, includingfour Nobel laureates and several former presidents and prime ministers,demanded Tuesday that Iran immediately release engineer and activist ZahraTabari, fearing she faces imminent execution. There was no mention in Iranian official media about her case, norconfirmation that she had been sentenced to death. According to Norway-based Iran Human Rights (IHR), Iranian authorities haveexecuted more than 40 women this year alone. "We demand Zahra's immediate release, and we call on governments worldwide tostand with the women of Iran in their quest for democracy, equality, andfreedom." The appeal said Tabari stood accused of collaborating with the oppositionorganisation People's Mujahedin (PMOI, also known by the Persian acronymMEK), which is banned in Iran.

DHAKA, Dec 23, 2025 (BSS) - The government has approved a major energy sector proposal aimed at strengthening domestic gas exploration and enhancing long-term energy security, alongside endorsing a series of large-scale power distribution proposals in the Dhaka–Mymensingh region. The committee gave approval to an important proposal under the energy and mineral resources Division for drilling new gas wells in Bhola. The total estimated cost of the proposal stands at Taka 907.29 crore. Officials said the approval of this proposal will contribute significantly to increasing domestic gas production, reducing dependence on imported fuel and strengthening national energy security. Officials said the combined approval of the gas exploration and power distribution proposals reflects the government’s continued emphasis on strengthening the energy sector.

Photo: BSSDHAKA, Dec 23, 2025 (BSS) - Dhamrai Hardinge Government High School in boys'section and Hamida Afaz School in girls' section emerged champions in theVictory Day School Kabaddi competition that concluded at National KabaddiStadium in the capital today (Tuesday). Bangladesh Olympic Association (BOA) Secretary General Jubaidur Rahman Ranawas present as the chief guest in the ceremony and distributed the trophiesto the winners'. Bangladesh Kabaddi Federation (BKF) vice-president Abdullah Al Noman presidedover the prize distribution ceremony while its general secretary SM NewazSohag and joint secretary Abdul Haque were also present. Speaking as the chief guest on the occasion, Jubaidur Rahman Rana praised therecent activities of the Kabaddi Federation and said: "The Kabaddi Federationis doing very well. BKF general secretary SM Newaz Sohag said they would keep continuation of theSchool Kabaddi Tournament as they have plans to pick up talented players fromthis meet to bring them under long-term training.

Besides, in a move aimed at keeping edible oil prices stable during the holy month of Ramadan, the government has approved separate proposals to procure 4.75 crore litres of edible oil, including soybean oil and rice bran oil. Under the decisions, the government will procure 1 crore litres of refined rice bran oil locally while 3.75 crore litres of soybean oil from international sources under direct purchase methods. Officials said the procurement would help maintain adequate supply in the domestic market and prevent price hikes during Ramadan, when consumption of edible oil increases sharply. Officials said the procurement would help ensure adequate supply while keeping prices within affordable levels. The lentils will be procured in 50-kg bags and distributed through government channels to stabilise the market and support low and middle-income consumers.

DHAKA, Dec 23, 2025 (BSS) - Noakhali Express wicketkeeper-batter Mahidul Islam Ankon stressed the importance of playing as a unit to achieve the desired results in the upcoming Bangladesh Premier League (BPL). Speaking to reporters, Ankon emphasized that individual performances alone will not be enough in a tough tournament like the BPL. Ankon also expressed his eagerness to contribute as much as possible, particularly by batting at the top of the order. "In T20 cricket, the batting order—whether it's the middle or lower order—can change based on the match situation," he explained. "Nabi has been playing T20 cricket for years and has vast experience in the BPL.

Greenland PM says 'our decisions are made here'Greenland's prime minister Jens Frederik Nielsen. Photo: CollectedCOPENHAGEN, Dec 23, 2025 (BSS/AFP) - Greenland's prime minister on Tuesday stressed that decisions about the autonomous territory's future would be made on the island, after US President Donald Trump reiterated that the United States needed Greenland for "national security". Trump on Sunday appointed Louisiana governor Jeff Landry as special envoy to Greenland, prompting anger from Denmark, which summoned the US ambassador. That is not how we see ourselves, and that is not how we in Greenland can or should be described," Nielsen said. Leaders of both Denmark and Greenland have repeatedly insisted that the vast island is not for sale and that it will decide its own future.