The government on Thursday clarified that the tragic murder incident that occurred in Pangsha police station area of Rajbari on Wednesday was not a communal attack, dismissing speculations and misinformation surrounding it. In a statement, the government said police information and preliminary investigations indicate that the violence stemmed from extortion demands and terrorist activities. The deceased, identified as top-listed terrorist Amrito Mondol alias Somrat, reportedly went to the area to collect extortion money and was killed during a clash with angry locals. Somrat was accused in several serious criminal cases, including murder and extortion filed in 2023, and an arrest warrant had been issued against him. Police arrested his associate Selim from the spot and recovered a foreign-made pistol and a pipe gun. Three cases have already been filed in connection with the incident. The government strongly condemned the killing and reiterated that it does not support any form of illegal activity, mob justice, or violence. Legal action will be taken against all those directly or indirectly involved, while law enforcement agencies continue their investigation, said the statement. The statement also expressed deep concern that certain groups are attempting to portray the incident as a communal attack by highlighting the religious identity of the deceased, calling such claims baseless and driven by malicious intent. “Such propaganda threatens social harmony and could destabilise law and order.” Calling upon all concerned to act responsibly, the government urged people to refrain from spreading misleading, provocative, or communal narratives. It reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the rule of law and justice, stressing that Bangladesh is a country of communal harmony and that any attempt to disrupt peace and stability will be dealt with firmly.

The Israeli military said on Thursday that its forces killed a member of Iran's Quds Force in Lebanon who had been involved in planning attacks from Syria and Lebanon. The military identified the man as Hussein Mahmoud Marshad al-Jawhari, calling him a key operative in the force's unit 840. He was assassinated in the area or Ansariyeh, the military added in a statement, without giving any further details of his death. Al-Jawhari "operated under the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and was involved in terror activities, directed by Iran, against the State of Israel and its security forces," the statement said. Israel and Iran fought a brief war in June and the Israeli military has been carrying out strikes in Lebanon on a near-daily basis, in what it says is an effort to stop Iranian-backed Lebanese group Hezbollah from rebuilding. A US-backed ceasefire agreed in November 2024 ended more than a year of fighting between Israel and Hezbollah and required the disarmament of the powerful armed group, beginning in areas south of the river adjacent to Israel. There was no immediate comment from Iran or Lebanon.

The Christmas Day commemorating the birthday of Jesus Christ was celebrated Thursday across the country as elsewhere in the world with religious faith and festivity. On the holy day, churches in the capital were illuminated while Christmas trees were set up and candles were lit at abodes and churches by the Christian community to celebrate the event amid religious fervor. Following the tradition, Santa Claus distributed sweets and gifts among children in churches on the occasion. This was a 'great day' for children in the Christian community as they got interesting gifts. Carolers sang Charismas carols praising Jesus Christ and God. Elderly people of the community, attired with the outfit of Santa Claus, usually had fun with children and distribute gifts among kids as part of a universal Christian practice. The Christmas Day was a public holiday. In separate messages, President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus extended their greetings to the Christian community on the occasion. They wished peace, welfare and prosperity for all citizens of the country, including members of the Christian community. President Shahabuddin, in his message, said Bangladesh is a country of communal harmony, where people of all faiths freely practice their religions and rituals. Christmas, the birthday of the great Jesus Christ, is the biggest religious festival of the Christian community. He urged all to further strengthen this communal harmony and join the journey of building a modern and developed Bangladesh. The President wished for peace, prosperity and well-being of all members of the Christian community. Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, in his message said, Jesus came into the world with the message of peace, justice and the liberation of humanity. Mentioning Bangladesh as a shining example of communal harmony, Prof Yunus said, "Since time immemorial, the people of this country have maintained cordial coexistence by respecting different religions, cultures and customs." He expressed hope that the celebration of Christmas with due dignity and enthusiasm would further strengthen this bond of harmony. The Chief Adviser called upon all Christians to come forward, inspired by patriotism and the great ideals of humanity, to help realise the dream of a new Bangladesh. He wished peace, prosperity and well-being to all, including the Christian community. Marking the day, 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. The President exchanged greetings with the leaders and representatives of Christian community joining the reception at 12 noon. Religious Affairs Adviser AFM Khalid Hossain was present. President flanked with the guests and 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. Senior officials of Bangabhaban were present.  Christmas Day was also celebrated in district towns and cities amid various religious programmes of the community. Marking the festival, the national dailies published special articles highlighting the importance of Christmas. Bangladesh Television, Bangladesh Betar, and private radio stations and TV channels aired special programmes marking the festival. Tight security measures were taken across the country for peaceful celebrations of the Christmas.