A local BNP leader in Shariatpur’s Naria upazila, Motiur Rahman Sagar, has been accused of threatening voters not to support Jamaat-e-Islami candidates in the upcoming election. A video of his remarks, made during a meeting at the BNP office in Noadda Ghat, went viral on social media, sparking widespread criticism and concern among local residents. Sagar later claimed his comments were manipulated and circulated maliciously online.

Election officials confirmed they had received the video and said the remarks appeared to violate the electoral code of conduct, though no formal complaint had yet been filed. Naria Upazila BNP President Dadon Munshi stated that such comments were unacceptable and could harm the electoral environment. Jamaat leaders in the area condemned the statement, calling it an attempt to intimidate voters.

Authorities indicated that if a written complaint is submitted, the electoral committee will take appropriate action. The controversy comes as BNP and Jamaat candidates prepare to contest the Shariatpur-2 constituency, intensifying political tensions ahead of the polls.

Activist Mohiuddin Rony has stepped in to campaign for independent Dhaka-8 candidate Sharif Osman Hadi, who was critically injured by gunfire during electioneering last Friday. Hadi, a spokesperson for the Inqilab Mancha and a key figure in the July uprising, remains in critical condition and is being flown to Singapore for advanced treatment at the National Neuroscience Institute.

Rony began his campaign early Monday morning from Baitul Mukarram Mosque, urging voters to support Hadi and praying for his recovery. In a Facebook post, he shared that many citizens have expressed solidarity and are praying for Hadi’s health. His initiative has drawn attention to the emotional and political impact of the attack on Hadi’s campaign.

Observers note that Rony’s involvement may help sustain Hadi’s presence in the race despite his absence. The incident underscores ongoing concerns over political violence ahead of the polls, as authorities investigate the shooting and ensure candidate security.

Bangladesh’s prosecution is set to appeal for the death penalty against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in the July killings case, where she was earlier sentenced to life imprisonment for crimes against humanity. Prosecutor Gazi M.H. Tamim confirmed that the appeal would be filed on Monday before the Appellate Division, seeking to enhance the existing sentence.

The move follows the prosecution’s earlier announcement on November 27 that it intended to pursue a harsher sentence. The case, tied to the July killings incident, has drawn intense political and legal attention, given Hasina’s long tenure and subsequent removal from power. Officials stated that a detailed briefing would be held following the submission of the appeal.

Legal analysts note that the appeal could further polarize the political landscape, as supporters and opponents of the former leader remain deeply divided. The Appellate Division’s decision will be closely watched both domestically and internationally for its legal and political ramifications.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has pledged to introduce tougher gun laws following a deadly shooting at Sydney’s Bondi Beach that killed 16 people and injured 40 others. Albanese announced that he will present a proposal to the national cabinet to strengthen firearm regulations and licensing procedures.

The proposed reforms include limiting the number of licensed guns an individual can own, introducing periodic license reviews, and tightening overall control and oversight. Albanese emphasized that firearm licenses should not be permanent, citing the risk of individuals becoming radicalized over time. Australia already has some of the world’s strictest gun laws, introduced nearly three decades ago after a mass shooting in Port Arthur.

The Bondi attack has reignited national debate over gun safety and public security. Lawmakers and advocacy groups are urging swift action to prevent future tragedies. The government’s proposal is expected to be discussed in detail at the upcoming cabinet meeting, with potential legislative changes to follow.

A recent opinion piece by engineer Jalal Uddin Omar has urged that leaders of Bangladesh’s Jatiya Party face trial for their alleged complicity in what he describes as the Awami League’s ‘fascist’ governance. The article argues that the Jatiya Party repeatedly supported or partnered with the Awami League in key elections from 1996 through 2024, helping sustain its political dominance despite opposition boycotts and allegations of electoral manipulation.

Omar’s commentary recounts how the Jatiya Party alternated between being part of the ruling coalition and serving as the official opposition, while maintaining close ties with the government. He cites Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s February 2024 parliamentary statement that over eight thousand cases were filed against BNP-Jamaat members, with millions implicated. The author contends that such repression was enabled by the Jatiya Party’s cooperation.

Following the government’s May 2024 suspension of Awami League activities and registration pending trials for alleged crimes, Omar insists that Jatiya Party leaders should also be barred from politics and held accountable for aiding what he calls a repressive regime.

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A M M Nasir Uddin has called for collective cooperation from all stakeholders to ensure a free, fair, and credible national election in Bangladesh. Speaking at a youth voter event in Gulshan, Dhaka, on Monday, he emphasized that the Election Commission alone cannot guarantee transparency and fairness without active participation from citizens, political parties, and law enforcement agencies.

The CEC highlighted the importance of youth engagement, describing young voters as symbols of courage and creativity essential for building the nation. He assured that the Election Commission is committed to ensuring every voter’s right to cast their ballot freely. Addressing recent concerns over political violence, Nasir Uddin termed the attack on Inqilab Mancha spokesperson Osman Hadi as an isolated incident and reaffirmed that law enforcement agencies are fully prepared to maintain order.

He urged citizens to remain confident and avoid unnecessary anxiety, reiterating that the upcoming polls will be transparent, peaceful, and inclusive, with youth participation at its core.

Inquilab Mancha has announced an all-party resistance rally in response to the recent attack on Osman Hadi. The gathering is scheduled for Monday at 3 p.m. at the Central Shaheed Minar in Dhaka, aiming to unite anti-fascist political groups under a common platform. The announcement was made Sunday night in front of Evercare Hospital by Abdullah Al Jaber, the member secretary of Inquilab Mancha.

Jaber stated that several opposition parties, including the BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, and NCP, are expected to join the rally. However, he clarified that no India-aligned groups were invited. The organizers said the rally would serve as a protest against what they described as Indian aggression and ruling party violence. They called on all “patriotic” political forces to participate in the movement.

The event comes amid heightened political tension and growing criticism of attacks on opposition figures. Observers say the rally could signal renewed coordination among anti-government groups ahead of potential nationwide protests.

Political tensions in Bangladesh have intensified ahead of the upcoming national election, with reports alleging that exiled figures linked to former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and foreign intelligence agencies are attempting to disrupt the electoral process. The recent shooting of political activist Sharif Osman Hadi has heightened fears of escalating violence and instability, as authorities struggle to maintain order despite the army’s nationwide deployment since September 2024.

Analysts and security officials suggest that remnants of the previous regime and external actors may be seeking to provoke unrest to delegitimize the government led by Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus. Critics argue that the administration has failed to remove key officials allegedly loyal to the former ruling party, undermining confidence in the promise of a free and fair election. Public concern is growing over the government’s apparent inaction against conspirators and the persistence of politically motivated violence.

Observers warn that without decisive measures to ensure security and transparency, the election could face severe credibility challenges, potentially threatening Bangladesh’s fragile political stability and international standing.

José Antonio Kast, a far-right politician, has been elected as Chile’s 38th president after securing 58 percent of the vote in a runoff election. His leftist rival, Communist Party member Jeanette Jara, conceded defeat and congratulated Kast, acknowledging the democratic outcome. Supporters celebrated in central Santiago with flags and car horns as Kast delivered a victory speech emphasizing national unity over partisan triumph.

Kast campaigned on promises to expel undocumented migrants, tighten border security, combat violent crime, and revive Chile’s sluggish economy. His victory marks another shift toward conservative politics in Latin America, following recent right-wing wins in Argentina, Bolivia, Honduras, El Salvador, and Ecuador. Chile, once one of the region’s most stable economies, has faced social unrest, pandemic-related challenges, and rising organized crime.

Analysts suggest Kast’s presidency could redefine Chile’s political trajectory, testing his ability to balance tough security measures with economic recovery and social cohesion. His administration is expected to take office amid high public expectations and regional scrutiny.

Bangladesh’s former army chief, General (Retd.) Moeen U Ahmed, told the National Independent Inquiry Commission that India had prepared for possible military intervention during the 2009 BDR mutiny if the Bangladeshi armed forces acted outside government orders. He said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, feeling insecure and uncertain of army support, had sought India’s security assistance. Indian paratroopers were reportedly on standby to secure key sites in Dhaka, including the Prime Minister’s residence.

The revelations, supported by research from Avinash Paliwal of SOAS, appear in his 2024 Oxford University Press book *India’s Near East: A New History*. Former foreign secretary Touhid Hossain confirmed that Moeen was instructed not to use force, as Indian troops could have entered Dhaka within an hour. The commission’s report, submitted on November 30, 2024, details these communications and India’s readiness.

Analysts suggest the episode underscores the fragility of Bangladesh’s civil-military relations at the time and India’s strategic vigilance in the region. The findings may influence future discussions on regional security cooperation and crisis management.

A complaint has been filed under Bangladesh’s Anti-Terrorism Act against journalist Anis Alamgir, actress Meher Afroz Shaon, and two others. The case was lodged Sunday night at Uttara West Police Station by Arian Ahmed, a central organizer of the July Revolutionary Alliance. The complaint alleges that the accused conspired to destabilize the state and promote banned organizations through social media and television appearances following the July 2024 student movement.

According to the complaint, the accused allegedly spread propaganda to revive outlawed groups such as the Awami League’s student and youth wings, inspiring followers to engage in anti-state activities. Following the filing, Dhaka Metropolitan Detective Police (DB) took Alamgir in for questioning Sunday night. DB officials confirmed his detention for interrogation but said further decisions would follow after questioning.

The incident has drawn attention from media and civil society, with observers noting the sensitivity of applying anti-terror laws to public figures. Authorities have not yet confirmed whether formal charges will proceed or if the accused will be released after questioning.

Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) Liberation War and Democratic Movement Secretary Fatima Tasnim Juma has called on all citizens to join an all-party resistance rally scheduled for Monday afternoon at the Central Shaheed Minar. The rally is being organized to protest the recent shooting of activist Sharif Osman Hadi. Juma made the appeal through a Facebook post late Sunday night, expressing deep emotion and solidarity with Hadi and his supporters.

In her post, Juma described Hadi as a selfless leader devoted to his comrades and the nation, recalling his dedication and personal sacrifices. She criticized the state for failing to protect what she called one of its most patriotic citizens and vowed that those responsible for the attack would be held accountable. The post also carried a strong nationalist tone, pledging to resist external cultural and political dominance.

The rally is expected to draw participants from various political and student groups. Observers note that the event could become a focal point for renewed student activism and broader political mobilization in Dhaka.

Abdullah Al Jaber, member secretary of Inqilab Mancha, issued a stern warning to Bangladesh’s interim government on Sunday night, saying the administration would face its 'last day' if Osman Hadi, who was recently shot, suffers further harm. Speaking at an emergency press briefing outside Evercare Hospital in Dhaka, Jaber criticized authorities for failing to arrest those responsible within the 48-hour deadline previously set by the group.

He accused the government of negligence and warned that the nation’s stability could be at risk if justice is not served swiftly. Jaber also condemned certain lawyers for allegedly prioritizing money over justice, questioning how a suspect in a weapons case could be granted bail. Addressing the media, he urged journalists to avoid giving platforms to individuals who, in his view, celebrate violence or undermine national unity.

The statement reflects rising political tension surrounding the attack on Hadi, with Inqilab Mancha positioning itself as a vocal critic of the interim administration’s handling of the case.

Sharif Osman Bin Hadi, an independent candidate hopeful for Dhaka-8 and convener of the Inqilab Manch, was critically injured after being shot on Friday, December 12. He is currently receiving treatment at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka, where doctors report that bullet fragments remain lodged in his head. The attack has sparked widespread condemnation across Bangladesh’s political spectrum, with parties and government officials denouncing the violence.

However, the reaction across the border in India has taken a disturbing turn. Several Indian social media activists and accounts have celebrated the attack, spreading false claims that Hadi sought to annex India’s northeastern region to form a so-called “Greater Bangladesh.” Retired Indian Army officer Major Madhan Kumar and BJP-linked campaigners such as Dr. Rajesh Patil amplified these narratives, using hashtags like #Dhurandar to praise the attackers. Analysts from The Descent found that many of these posts originated from coordinated pro-BJP networks.

The incident underscores rising cross-border disinformation and political polarization online, raising concerns about digital extremism and its potential to inflame regional tensions.

The Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) has announced a protest program to surround the Home Affairs Adviser’s office, demanding the arrest of those involved in the shooting of student leader Osman Hadi. The announcement was made late Sunday by DUCSU Vice President Abu Sadiq Kayem through a Facebook post, calling for a nationwide crackdown on illegal firearms and banned militant groups.

According to the declaration, students will gather at the DUCSU premises at noon on Monday before marching toward the adviser’s office. The call for action follows growing student unrest after the attack on Hadi, which has raised concerns about campus security and political violence. DUCSU Social Welfare Secretary A.B. Zubair also expressed alarm on social media, warning of potential instability and foreign interference.

The protest underscores rising tensions within student politics and broader anxieties about law enforcement and governance. Authorities have yet to respond formally to DUCSU’s demands, but security measures are expected to be tightened around the adviser’s office during the demonstration.