Top 5 news to know today

Even though it is a Friday and is officially the weekend here in Bangladesh, that's not what it feels like in the newsroom. It is bustling with reporters, photographers and sub-editors—all trying to bring you the latest update of BNP's rally in Dhaka.

The saga over venue confirmation continued till this afternoon with only a day left before the big day. It's not all discussion of politics though, everyone is extremely excited over the big match between Croatia and Brazil this evening. For all this and more, keep reading.

BNP's rally at Golapbagh field?

The Dhaka Metropolitan Police gave BNP permission to hold its December 10 rally at the capital's Golapbagh field. They have also imposed 26 conditions on the party to hold the rally in that place. DMP had previously permitted BNP to hold their rally at Suhrawardy Udyan. But BNP leaders categorically refused to hold their rally at Suhrawardy and wanted permission for Nayapaltan in front of their party office. Now, there seems to more drama unfolding as one of the 26 conditions stipulates BNP needs permission from DSCC to hold the rally in Golapbagh field.

Dhaka-Aricha highway blocked by JU BCL

Leaders and activists of Jahangirnagar University unit of Chhatra League blocked the Dhaka-Aricha highway today, ahead of BNP's Dhaka rally tomorrow, protesting what they claimed to be the anarchy unleashed by BNP across the country. They blocked the highway near Sheikh Hasina Youth Development Institute from around 4:45pm to 7:15pm, creating a four-kilometre gridlock on both sides of the highway. Luckily today, news has been coming in from many parts of the country saying fewer long-route buses are plying on the highway.

Quader speaks on BNP rally venue, Haas' comments on PM

Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader today said, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will not listen to anyone's request and she is not afraid of anyone but God. He said this at the first preparatory meeting of the 22nd AL National Council at the party president's office in Dhanmondi this morning. Earlier, US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas expressed concerns over reports of intimidation and political violence in the Dhaka. He also urged the Government of Bangladesh to respect the rule of law. Meanwhile, Quader today also said BNP has already been halfway defeated by agreeing to hold their divisional rally at Golapbagh field instead of Nayapaltan tomorrow.

BNP top leaders Fakhrul, Abbas land in jail

With just a day left before the rally, a Dhaka court today sent BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and the party's Standing Committee Member Mirza Abbas to jail in a case filed over Wednesday's clashes between BNP men and police in the capital's Nayapaltan area. 

Brazil meets Croatia in quarter-final match

If there is anything that can both cut the tension and induce tension at the same time among Bangladeshis, it is either Brazil or Argentina playing a World Cup match. Today is no different. Brazil named an unchanged line-up from the last 16 for their World Cup quarter-final against Croatia on Friday, with first-choice left back Alex Sandro on the bench as he has not fully recovered from injury. Sandro was substituted in the 86th minute of Brazil's second Group G match against Switzerland with a muscle problem in his left hip. We predict the match will go in favour of Brazil 2-0. What's your prediction? For all the latest sports updates, follow our sports page.