India has moved to strengthen its maritime posture in the northern Bay of Bengal by setting up a new naval base in West Bengal, amid rising Chinese naval activity and shifting regional security dynamics involving Bangladesh and Pakistan. India Today reported, citing top defence sources, that the Indian Navy will operate the facility as a naval “detachment”, primarily focused on deploying small warships for rapid-response operations. The base will make use of the existing Haldia dock complex, allowing the Navy to operationalise the facility quickly with minimal additional infrastructure, the New Delhi-based weekly said. Initial work will include the construction of a dedicated jetty and shore-support facilities, it added. As per the report, the Haldia base is expected to host Fast Interceptor Crafts (FICs) and 300 tonne New Water Jet Fast Attack Crafts (NWJFACs). These platforms can reach speeds of up to 40–45 knots and are designed for quick-response maritime missions. It noted that the vessels are armed with CRN-91 guns and are likely to be equipped with loitering munition capabilities such as the Nagastra system, enhancing both strike and surveillance roles. WHY THE NAVAL BASE IS IMPORTANT Experts cited by the magazine said the move is linked to several factors, including increased movements by the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) in the Indian Ocean Region, growing concerns over maritime infiltration, and incidents of illegal crossings from Bangladesh into India using sea routes. The shallow waters and dense maritime traffic near the India–Bangladesh coastline make fast and agile platforms particularly effective for deterrence and interception, India Today said. The base assumes added importance amid China’s expanding naval footprint in the Indian Ocean and Beijing’s deepening defence and infrastructure engagement with Bangladesh, alongside its long-standing military partnership with Pakistan, it added. 100 NAVY OFFICERS As per India Today, the base will be relatively compact, with an estimated strength of around 100 officers and sailors, indicating it will not function as a full-fledged command. Located about 100km from Kolkata, the site offers direct access to the Bay of Bengal while avoiding time-consuming transit through the River Hooghly. India currently operates major naval facilities on the eastern seaboard, including the Eastern Naval Command headquarters at Visakhapatnam and key bases in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Officials told the magazine that while land had earlier been earmarked for the Haldia base, construction had remained pending. The move also aligns with the Navy’s broader expansion plans. In 2024, the Defence Acquisition Council, chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, approved the procurement of 120 Fast Interceptor Crafts and 31 NWJFACs. These vessels, typically around 100 tonnes in displacement, can carry 10–12 personnel and are used for coastal patrol, anti-infiltration missions, harbour defence, and special operations. Experts said such naval posturing is critical for safeguarding sea lanes, monitoring regional developments, and reinforcing India’s role as a primary security provider in the region.

The Chittagong University (CU) administration on Saturday escorted Hasan Mohammad Roman, a teacher accused of being “pro-Awami League,” back to his residence after he had been held by student leaders for nearly nine hours, sparking tensions across the campus. The incident unfolded during the university’s admission examinations. Around noon, leaders of the Chittagong University Central Students’ Union (CUCSU) forcibly brought the assistant professor from the Law Department to the proctor’s office, reportedly over allegations linking him to the Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL), the student wing of the ruling Awami League, and supposed involvement in anti-student activities. Later in the evening, at 7pm, Prof Roman was taken to the office of the Pro-Vice Chancellor (Academic), Prof Mohammed Shamim Uddin Khan, for a meeting with the pro-vice chancellor, Proctor Hossain Shaid Shohrowardy, and CUCSU leaders. Despite attempts by CUCSU Assistant Welfare Secretary Jannatul Ferdous Rita to prevent his departure, the administration moved him safely to his residence at 9pm in a proctorial vehicle. Prof Roman strongly denied all allegations. “The screenshots shown about drugs are not mine,” he said. Responding to claims linking him with the BCL, he said, “They contacted me. I did not reach out to them myself. I was not involved in any activities against the July Uprising.” CUCSU leaders, however, defended their actions. Law and Human Rights Secretary Fazle Rabbi said they had attempted to file a case at Hathazari Police Station, but were told senior official approval was required. General Secretary Sayeed Bin Habib accused Prof Roman of historically bringing students into conflicts and filing cases against them during the previous government. Assistant General Secretary Ayyubur Rahman Toufiq noted that the incident “raises questions about sudden activism on Roman’s case, while other appointment irregularities went unchallenged.” The Hathazari Police Chief, Md Jahidur Rahman, confirmed that no case had been formally filed against Prof Roman. Proctor Shaid Shohrowardy, however, said that a case exists and emphasised, “We ensured his safety while letting him go, as the proctorial body cannot impose punishment.” The incident has drawn strong condemnation from outside the university. The Jahangirnagar University Nationalist Teachers’ Forum denounced the harassment, stating that “public humiliation, physical harassment, or creating an environment of fear for a teacher in a higher education institution directly undermines the country’s overall education system.” The forum called for disputes to be resolved “only through law, administrative investigation, and proper procedures,” warning that “mob justice” is never acceptable. Chittagong University has a long history of student activism, with campus politics often reflecting broader national tensions. Allegations against teachers perceived as aligned with political parties have occasionally led to confrontations with student bodies. In recent years, accusations of partisanship, irregular appointments, and links to student wings of political parties have intensified campus disputes, sometimes escalating into prolonged standoffs or legal actions. The case of Prof Roman reflects this volatile mix of politics, student activism, and administrative challenges, raising questions about the balance between student activism, teacher safety, and institutional governance. The incident highlights the persistent struggle at public universities in Bangladesh to maintain a safe and professional academic environment while navigating politically charged campus politics.

In a historic and warmly charged gathering, editors of Bangladesh’s leading newspapers and CEOs of top television channels met BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Saturday, expressing hope that his “plan” for the nation will be realised through bold strategies and decisive action. Speaking at his first public engagement since being elected BNP chairman, Tarique exchanged greetings with senior editors at a Dhaka hotel, cautioning against allowing political differences to descend into conflict. “Differences of opinion must never escalate into conflict,” he said, recalling the nation’s recent experiences of violence and division. During the session, editors outlined their expectations, stressing the need for democracy, independent journalism, and good governance. They urged measures to curb financial irregularities in banks, keep commodity prices within reach of ordinary citizens, and transform the police into an ethical, service-oriented institution. Toufique Imrose Khalidi, editor-in-chief of bdnews24.com, reflected on Tarique’s 17-year self-imposed exile. “Spending so many years abroad, unable even to return for a day or two, is a severe trial. Yet he has returned with a vision and a plan. I hope it is fully realised,” Khalidi said. Strategic, Ethical Reforms to Tackle National Challenges Faruk Ahmed, Editor of The Bangladesh Express, stressed the urgency of innovative strategies, carefully designed policy blueprints, and prudent institutional mechanisms to confront the nation’s deep-rooted problems. “As the next Prime Minister, you will face formidable challenges—entrenched corruption, weakened governance, soaring inflation, low investment, rent-seeking and widespread money laundering. These challenges could be further aggravated by political instability, as newly empowered actors may attempt to obstruct your vision,” he warned. Noting that meaningful reform is rarely easy, Faruk Ahmed emphasised sustained political resolve. “Ethical, results-driven programmes, modelled on countries like Singapore, Bhutan and Malaysia—which achieved transformative change within a decade—must be carefully adapted and pursued with determination,” he said. Return from Exile, Vision for the Nation Tarique arrived in Bangladesh on 25 December, concluding over 17 years of exile. On arrival, he shared his vision succinctly: “I have a plan.” Reflecting on this, Khalidi said: “You have returned, you have a vision, you have spoken of a plan. I hope it is realised.” Veteran Jaijaidin editor Shafik Rehman, addressing the gathering with his trademark wit, noted that Tarique remains largely unaware of the fervour he commands. Drawing parallels to the public adulation at the funerals of Ziaur Rahman and Khaleda Zia, Rehman said the leader’s transformation during his years abroad, including exposure to Western time discipline and governance practices, bodes well for the country. He urged Tarique to end looting of banks, keep commodity prices affordable, and rebuild the police as a service-oriented institution. Expectations from Media and Governance Mahfuz Anam, editor of The Daily Star, congratulated Tarique and emphasised democracy, independent journalism, and good governance as priorities. Highlighting climate change and water management as urgent national concerns, he urged the BNP chairman to treat them as top priorities. Matiur Rahman of Manab Zamin recalled his first interview with Tarique 23 years ago, noting a radical transformation in the leader. He warned of rising extremism and declared that Tarique currently offers the nation the only credible path forward. New Age editor Nurul Kabir stressed that democratic politics must be accompanied by a democratic environment for journalism. He warned that unless the injustices of the past government were prevented from recurring, the state would fail to ensure fair treatment of journalists and media workers. The event was attended by a broad spectrum of editors and media executives from print, television, online, and international outlets, alongside senior BNP leaders, party office-bearers, and Media Cell members. The programme was conducted by Prof Moudud Hossain Alamgir Pavel, Media Cell Convener, and Saleh Shibli, Chairman’s Press Secretary. Saturday’s gathering reflected a rare convergence of political leadership and media voices, united in their hopes that ethical governance, strategic reforms, and a free, responsible press will guide Bangladesh towards a stable and prosperous future.