Several Bangladeshi expatriates have been detained in Saudi Arabia for organizing political gatherings related to Bangladesh’s upcoming 13th national election without official permission. The Embassy of Bangladesh in Riyadh confirmed the arrests in a statement issued on Wednesday night, urging all expatriates to refrain from political activities in the kingdom.

According to the embassy, the detainees allegedly rented halls, restaurants, and private residences to hold meetings under the banners of unauthorized organizations. Saudi authorities acted after reports of group campaigning and the spread of misleading or criminal content on social media. The embassy reminded Bangladeshis to strictly follow Saudi laws and avoid any form of political assembly or online misinformation.

The incident highlights the sensitivity of political activities among expatriate communities in Saudi Arabia, where public gatherings and foreign political campaigns are tightly regulated. The embassy’s advisory aims to prevent further detentions and maintain compliance with local regulations ahead of Bangladesh’s election season.

An assassination attempt on Sharif Osman Hadi, convener of the Inquilab Mancha and a prominent youth leader of Bangladesh’s July uprising, has intensified political tensions in Dhaka. Hadi, known for his anti-fascist activism and cultural mobilization, was targeted in what observers describe as a politically motivated attack aimed at silencing dissenting voices and intimidating election candidates. The incident occurred shortly after the election schedule was announced, raising fears of renewed violence and instability.

Investigative outlet The Descent identified the attackers as members of the banned student wing linked to the former ruling Awami League. Reports suggest the assailants fled to India within 24 hours, fueling allegations of cross-border complicity. Critics accuse pro-Delhi networks of seeking to destabilize Bangladesh’s fragile post-Hasina transition and derail upcoming elections. Political parties have condemned the attack and discussed joint protests, though divisions remain over how to confront alleged external interference.

Analysts warn that failure to restore law enforcement credibility and political unity could embolden extremist elements. The attack underscores the volatile intersection of domestic power struggles and regional geopolitics shaping Bangladesh’s democratic trajectory.

A tweet by retired Indian Army officer Colonel (Retd.) Ajay K. Rayna has triggered widespread criticism and concern across social media in both India and Bangladesh. In his post, Rayna allegedly suggested that Bangladeshi political figure Hasnat Abdullah could be the next 'target' after Osman Hadi, a spokesperson of the Inquilab Mancha who was recently attacked. The tweet also contained violent language, which many interpreted as an explicit threat.

Following the post, Bangladeshi media personalities and commentators condemned the statement, calling it a direct incitement to violence against political actors in Bangladesh. Some analysts questioned whether the message was linked to the recent assault on Hadi. Despite the uproar, Rayna has not issued a formal clarification. In a brief media comment, he dismissed the controversy, saying people were being overly sensitive about social media posts and advised Bangladesh not to overreact to Indian security matters.

Observers warn that such rhetoric could strain diplomatic relations and fuel online hostility between the two neighboring countries if not addressed promptly.

Bangladesh’s interim government has firmly dismissed India’s recent comments on its upcoming national elections, saying Dhaka will not accept any ‘advice’ from New Delhi. Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossain stated that Bangladesh knows best how to conduct its own polls and criticized India for remaining silent during the previous 15 years of flawed elections. His remarks followed a series of diplomatic summons between the two neighbors, triggered by mutual concerns over security and political interference.

India summoned Bangladesh’s High Commissioner in New Delhi to express concern over what it described as a deteriorating security situation and threats to its missions in Dhaka. Earlier, Bangladesh had summoned the Indian envoy to protest alleged incitement by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who remains in India after being sentenced to death for war crimes. The closure of Indian visa centers in Dhaka and accusations of harboring extremists have further strained ties.

Observers note that the escalating rhetoric could complicate regional cooperation and election monitoring efforts. Both sides, however, have reiterated their commitment to maintaining diplomatic communication despite the current friction.

A violent altercation broke out in Mexico’s Congress during a heated session when lawmakers from the opposition National Action Party (PAN) and the ruling Morena party clashed over a proposed law. Video footage circulating on social media showed several female legislators shoving, pulling hair, and striking one another near the podium after PAN members refused to vacate it. The confrontation escalated despite attempts by some members to restore order.

According to reports, the dispute began when PAN lawmakers occupied the podium in protest against the proposed legislation, prompting Morena members to forcibly remove them. Both parties later condemned the violence while blaming each other for the incident. PAN spokesperson Andrés Atayde claimed his party had been demonstrating peacefully, while Morena’s Paulo García accused the opposition of avoiding debate and resorting to aggression.

The incident has sparked public criticism and renewed debate about decorum and accountability in Mexico’s legislature. Analysts warn that repeated displays of hostility could further erode public trust in political institutions ahead of upcoming national elections.

Bangladesh’s main opposition party, the BNP, is grappling with internal unrest across more than 50 constituencies ahead of the upcoming national election. Following the announcement of 272 potential candidates, numerous nomination-deprived leaders have lodged formal complaints at the party’s central office, alleging favoritism toward inactive, elderly, or controversial figures over younger, active, and reform-minded members. Several local units have staged protests, road blockades, and human chains demanding candidate changes.

Party insiders report that dissatisfaction is particularly strong in constituencies such as Sirajganj-3, Chattogram-12, Dinajpur-2, and Brahmanbaria-4, where local leaders accuse nominees of corruption, extortion, or absenteeism. BNP’s Standing Committee member Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku stated that the nominations were based on field surveys and organizational feedback but admitted that adjustments may occur. He urged unity, warning that internal divisions could weaken the party’s electoral prospects.

Analysts suggest that persistent factionalism may undermine BNP’s campaign momentum and allow ruling party candidates to capitalize on the disarray. The party plans further consultations in Dhaka to address grievances and refine its election strategy.

The United States Senate has passed the $901 billion National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for fiscal year 2026 by a 77–20 vote, following earlier approval by the House of Representatives. The bill, now awaiting President Donald Trump’s signature, outlines defense spending priorities and policy frameworks for the coming year. It includes provisions to maintain congressional oversight over military operations and restrict troop reductions in Europe and South Korea without prior consultation.

The legislation allocates $800 million for the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, $1 billion for Taiwan’s defense cooperation, and $600 million for Israel’s missile defense programs, including Iron Dome. It also repeals outdated authorizations for the 1991 Gulf War and 2003 Iraq War to limit future unilateral military actions. Additionally, the bill cuts $1.6 billion from Pentagon climate programs and eliminates the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiative to save $40 million.

Analysts view the bill as a reflection of Washington’s intent to balance global commitments with domestic oversight amid rising tensions with China and Russia.

Students at Dhaka University held a late-night ‘Azadi’ rally on December 17, protesting what they described as interference by India’s High Commissioner in Bangladesh’s domestic politics. Organized under the banner of ‘Anti-Hegemony Students,’ the march began at Madhur Canteen and concluded with a brief gathering at the Raju Memorial sculpture, where participants chanted slogans rejecting foreign influence.

During the rally, Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) cultural secretary Mosaddeq Ali Ibn Mohammad cited an investigative report alleging that Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma had engaged with Bangladeshi authorities during the July uprising to shape state repression strategies. He called Verma’s actions a violation of diplomatic norms and urged the government to declare him persona non grata.

The protestors demanded stronger protection of national sovereignty and urged the Foreign Ministry to take diplomatic steps regarding former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s return from India. The demonstration highlights growing student sensitivity toward perceived external involvement in Bangladesh’s political processes.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has announced a new initiative titled 'People’s Manifesto' aimed at drafting a citizen-driven, accountable, and realistic election manifesto for the next national polls. Party Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar said the program will run from December 18 to 24, collecting public opinions through a dedicated website and mobile app. Citizens can submit written, audio, or video suggestions on national and local issues.

Porwar explained that the initiative is built on three pillars: direct citizen participation, data-driven online analysis of collected opinions, and a digital 'Promise Tracker' to monitor future implementation of manifesto commitments. The party plans to create both a national and constituency-level manifesto based on measurable and time-bound criteria.

He expressed hope that this participatory model will set a new precedent for transparency and accountability in Bangladesh’s political culture. The digital platform (www.janatarishtehar.org) will serve as the main hub for public engagement and information sharing throughout the process.

Bangladesh’s legal adviser Asif Nazrul has alleged that influential lawyers, many of whom are senior figures in major political parties, played a decisive role in securing bail for Faisal Karim Masud, accused of attempting to murder Osman Hadi. In a Facebook post on Wednesday night, Nazrul stated that such influence made bail in serious cases, including Masud’s earlier arms case, unusually easy to obtain.

Nazrul emphasized that the High Court operates independently of the Ministry of Law, but questioned whether judicial discretion was being properly exercised in certain bail decisions. He cited previous instances where hundreds of bail orders were issued within hours, prompting public concern. Nazrul also warned against what he termed a “bail trade,” urging lawyers to uphold judicial integrity.

The comments have reignited debate over the transparency of Bangladesh’s bail system and the role of political influence in judicial outcomes. Legal observers expect the issue to draw further scrutiny from the judiciary and civil society in the coming weeks.

India has summoned Bangladesh’s High Commissioner in New Delhi, M. Riaz Hamidullah, to express concern over the security of its diplomatic mission in Dhaka. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs stated that certain ‘extremist groups’ in Bangladesh have created a security threat around the Indian High Commission, prompting the formal meeting on Wednesday.

Officials in New Delhi indicated that the summons was also linked to recent anti-India remarks made by some Bangladeshi political figures, which India described as provocative. In its official statement, India rejected what it called a ‘false narrative’ being spread by radical elements in Bangladesh and expressed hope that the interim government would ensure the safety of all foreign missions in accordance with diplomatic norms.

The development comes amid heightened political tensions in Bangladesh and growing sensitivity in India over regional security. Observers suggest that both sides may need to engage in quiet diplomacy to prevent further strain in bilateral relations.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs summoned Bangladesh’s High Commissioner Riaz Hamidullah in New Delhi on Wednesday, citing security threats to its embassy in Dhaka and recent anti-India remarks by Bangladeshi politicians. The move came less than 12 hours after a high-profile Victory Day reception at the Bangladesh High Commission, where both nations celebrated their shared history and wartime alliance.

Officials in Delhi expressed concern over what they described as extremist groups in Bangladesh creating a ‘false narrative’ against India and warned of deteriorating security conditions. The summons followed a series of reciprocal diplomatic protests between the two neighbors, including Dhaka’s earlier summoning of India’s envoy over alleged interference in Bangladesh’s upcoming elections. Analysts note that the exchange underscores growing mistrust between the interim government in Dhaka and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration.

The episode highlights the fragility of bilateral ties despite deep historical links. Observers expect further diplomatic caution as both sides navigate sensitive political transitions and regional security anxieties ahead of Bangladesh’s national polls.

Bangladeshi activist and Inquilab Mancha spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi remains in critical condition while receiving medical treatment in Singapore, according to an official government statement released Wednesday night. Singapore’s Foreign Minister Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan visited Hadi at the hospital and later informed Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus about his deteriorating health. Dr. Balakrishnan conveyed that Hadi’s condition was extremely critical.

The Chief Adviser urged citizens to remain calm and pray for Hadi’s recovery. Sources close to the medical team reported that Hadi suffered a massive heart attack and that his condition has been complicated by a spreading infection. Hadi had been a leading figure in the July mass uprising, known for his fearless activism and leadership in the Inquilab Mancha movement.

Officials have not disclosed further medical details, but the situation has drawn widespread concern across Bangladesh. Observers note that Hadi’s health crisis could have emotional and political reverberations among his supporters and within the broader reform movement.

The Bangladesh Election Commission (EC) announced that registration for voters in legal custody wishing to vote by postal ballot in the 13th National Parliamentary Election and referendum will begin on December 21 and continue until December 24. Officials and election staff on duty may register from December 18 to 25, while general postal ballot registration, launched on November 19, will remain open until December 25.

According to the EC, 466,691 voters had registered as of Wednesday evening, with numbers rising steadily. Postal ballots will be mailed to registered voters’ addresses via the EC’s app, and completed ballots must be returned to returning officers by mail. The EC also instructed district election officers to submit final polling center lists by December 24, emphasizing accuracy in constituency names, voter counts, and polling station details.

The election schedule sets nomination submission until December 29, scrutiny from December 30 to January 4, and voting on February 12, 2026. The EC’s preparations underscore efforts to ensure inclusivity and transparency in the upcoming national vote.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman departed Dhaka on Wednesday morning for London to attend a pre-scheduled meeting with a delegation of the United Kingdom government. He boarded a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, accompanied by his personal secretary Nazrul Islam. Party leaders, including Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar and Assistant Secretary General Advocate Ehsanul Mahbub Zubair, were present at the airport to see him off.

According to party sources, Dr. Rahman’s visit is part of an official engagement with British officials, after which he is expected to travel to Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah. Zubair confirmed that the Jamaat chief is scheduled to return to Bangladesh on December 21, provided all goes as planned. When asked about a possible meeting with BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman in London, Zubair said he had no information on such an arrangement.

The visit comes amid heightened political attention on Jamaat’s international outreach and its evolving relations with Western governments.