The Election Commission (EC) of Bangladesh has formally requested additional police escorts for the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), four election commissioners, and the senior secretary of the EC Secretariat. The request, sent on December 13 to the Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner, follows the announcement of the 13th National Parliamentary Election schedule on December 11. The EC cited the need for heightened security during the election period to ensure uninterrupted and safe execution of official duties.

According to the letter, the CEC already receives a police escort, but an additional vehicle and security team have been sought for the election period. Similar arrangements have been requested for the commissioners and the EC secretary, covering their residences and offices in Dhaka. In separate communications, the EC instructed police commissioners in Dhaka, Chattogram, and Khulna to assign armed guards for regional and returning officers, and directed the Inspector General of Police to strengthen security at all election offices nationwide.

The move reflects growing caution within the EC as the country enters a politically sensitive election phase, aiming to prevent disruptions or threats to election officials’ safety.

The National Imams and Khatibs Association of Bangladesh has submitted a 10-point demand to the government, calling for improved financial, social, and legal support for religious leaders. The demands were announced on Saturday, December 13, during a national seminar at the National Press Club in Dhaka, led by the association’s president, Mufti Abu Taher Al Madani.

Key proposals include a unified national pay scale for imams, khatibs, and muezzins, interest-free housing loans, reduced utility bills for mosques, and free healthcare cards for religious leaders and their families. The association also urged the creation of a national imam database, a law to protect imams’ dignity and safety, and the establishment of a central Shura Board for Islamic research and social mediation.

The group further called for free Hajj opportunities for poor and elderly imams and legal safeguards against false cases or harassment. Religious and social observers noted that these demands highlight long-standing concerns over the welfare and recognition of mosque leaders in Bangladesh’s community structure.

Bangladesh’s Attorney General Mohammad Asaduzzaman has condemned the recent attack on Sharif Osman Hadi, an independent candidate for Dhaka-8 and convener of the Inquilab Mancha. Speaking to reporters in Jhenaidah’s Shailkupa upazila on Saturday, he described the incident as isolated and assured that those responsible would be brought to justice regardless of their influence or power.

Asaduzzaman emphasized that such sporadic incidents should not be interpreted as signs of government failure. He reiterated that both the government and the Election Commission are determined to ensure a peaceful and credible national election. The Attorney General added that the rule of law will prevail and legal processes will proceed independently against the perpetrators.

The remarks come amid heightened political tensions and sporadic violence ahead of the upcoming national polls, with authorities pledging to maintain order and public confidence in the electoral process.

India has granted citizenship to 36 Bangladeshi nationals under the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), marking one of the largest such approvals since the law’s implementation in March 2024. According to officials, 35 individuals in Odisha and one in Assam received citizenship certificates during a state-organized ceremony. Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi described the CAA as a symbol of protection and refuge for persecuted minorities.

The Hindu reported that the newly naturalized citizens are all Hindus who migrated from Bangladesh before December 31, 2014. With this, the total number of CAA beneficiaries in Odisha has risen to 51, while around 1,100 applications remain under review. In Assam, a 40-year-old Bangladeshi woman became the first to gain citizenship under the Act after marrying an Indian citizen and residing in India for over seven years.

The move underscores India’s gradual rollout of the CAA amid ongoing political debate and regional sensitivities, particularly in border states. Authorities expect further approvals as pending applications are processed in the coming months.

BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman has cautioned that the upcoming national election in Bangladesh will not be easy, alleging that conspiracies are still active. Speaking virtually at a BNP event titled “Plan to Build the Nation” in Dhaka, he referred to recent shootings targeting party figures in Chattogram and Dhaka as evidence of political unrest. Rahman called on party members and citizens to remain united and vigilant, warning that division could endanger the country’s stability.

He emphasized that Bangladesh has faced crises before but recovered under the leadership of Ziaur Rahman and Khaleda Zia. Urging supporters to prioritize national interest over personal gain, he said unity and courage are essential to counter threats and ensure a fair election. Senior BNP leaders, including Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, described Tarique as the “torchbearer of democracy” and announced his possible return to Bangladesh on December 25.

The remarks come amid heightened political tension and violence, with BNP leaders framing the election as a decisive moment for democratic restoration.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has strongly condemned comments made by Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, Senior Joint Secretary General of the BNP, regarding Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Sheikh Sajjat Ali. In a statement issued on Saturday, Jamaat’s Assistant Secretary General and head of its media department, Advocate Ehsanul Mahbub Zubair, described Rizvi’s remarks as 'false and baseless.'

Zubair noted that the DMP Commissioner himself had clarified to the media that the statements attributed to him by Rizvi were completely fabricated. He criticized Rizvi’s comments as politically irresponsible and contrary to democratic norms, arguing that such actions risk misleading the public and undermining trust in key state institutions.

Jamaat urged Rizvi to withdraw his remarks immediately and called on all political actors to maintain responsibility and truthfulness in their public statements. The incident underscores ongoing tensions between opposition parties and state authorities ahead of Bangladesh’s politically sensitive period.

National Citizens Party (NCP) convener Nahid Islam has accused the banned Awami League and India of involvement in the recent shooting and attempted murder of Sharif Osman Hadi, a potential independent candidate for Dhaka-8. Speaking after a meeting with the chief adviser on December 13, Nahid claimed that the Awami League executes its political strategies with support from New Delhi and alleged that Indian authorities are aiding efforts to destabilize Bangladesh.

He urged the government to hold the Indian High Commission accountable and to take firm action against Awami League operatives allegedly embedded in the administration, police, and media. Nahid also called for unity among anti-fascist groups across political, academic, and cultural sectors to resist what he described as a coordinated attempt to rehabilitate the Awami League in national politics.

The NCP leader emphasized that ensuring the safety of political leaders and maintaining public confidence in the Election Commission are essential for a fair election. He demanded swift arrests of those involved in the attack and accountability for anyone linked to the broader conspiracy.

The Bangladesh Election Commission (EC) has issued letters to secretaries of various ministries and departments, including the Cabinet Secretary and the Chief Adviser’s Principal Secretary, urging them to encourage eligible individuals to register for postal voting ahead of the 13th National Parliamentary Election and referendum scheduled for February 12. The initiative aims to facilitate voting for expatriates, government employees residing outside their constituencies, election officials on duty, and individuals in legal custody.

According to the EC’s letter, signed by Additional Secretary K.M. Ali Newaz, eligible voters must register through the Postal Vote BD app by December 25, providing accurate mailing addresses to receive their ballots. Once registered, the EC will send ballots directly to the voters’ addresses. The commission has also requested ministries and departments to motivate their staff to complete registration and exercise their voting rights.

As of now, 344,233 expatriates have successfully registered through the Postal Vote BD app. The EC expects this number to rise as awareness efforts continue through official channels and digital platforms.

A mobile court in Chattogram fined BNP candidate Nazmul Mostafa Amin BDT 50,000 for violating the electoral code of conduct. The incident occurred on Saturday, December 13, when Amin was traveling with supporters to attend a prayer gathering for BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s recovery. The convoy reportedly caused traffic congestion on a major highway, prompting intervention by the authorities.

Executive Magistrate and Assistant Commissioner (Land) Mong Eshan led the operation, confirming that the candidate’s motorcycle showdown and public gathering breached election regulations announced after the official schedule was declared. The fine was imposed and collected on the spot.

The Election Commission has repeatedly warned candidates against processions and showdowns that disrupt public order. This enforcement action underscores the administration’s effort to ensure compliance with campaign rules ahead of the upcoming national polls.

Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir Secretary General Nurul Islam Saddam has alleged that Sharif Osman Hadi, a key figure in the so-called July Revolution, was attacked by a 'secret and banned force.' Speaking at a memorial discussion in Noakhali’s Companiganj on Saturday, Saddam said Hadi had long been a fearless voice against domination and oppression.

Saddam recalled that just days before Hadi was shot, he had expressed fears of a conspiracy to kill him. Despite repeated warnings to remain cautious, Hadi reportedly said that death was destined by divine will and that he preferred to die on the streets rather than inside his home. The Shibir leader prayed for Hadi’s recovery and vowed that the organization’s commitment to sacrifice and resistance would not weaken.

The event commemorated seven Shibir activists killed in a 2013 clash with police and ruling party members in Companiganj. Local Jamaat-e-Islami leaders and Shibir officials attended, reiterating their pledge to continue their movement despite past losses.

Bangladesh’s interim government has ordered maximum border vigilance following an armed attack on Sharif Osman Hadi, an independent parliamentary candidate for Dhaka-8. Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus directed security agencies to prevent the attackers from fleeing the country, prompting heightened surveillance at the Akhaura International Immigration Checkpost and along the Brahmanbaria and Cumilla frontiers.

The directive came after an emergency meeting at the state guesthouse Jamuna, attended by key advisers and senior law enforcement and intelligence officials. Dr. Yunus described the attack as a deliberate assault on the nation’s democratic process and instructed authorities to ensure the perpetrators are swiftly apprehended. Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) units, particularly the 60th Battalion in Sultanpur, have intensified patrols, vehicle checks, and identity verifications to block any escape routes.

Officials confirmed that immigration police are scrutinizing all passport holders crossing through Akhaura. The government’s rapid response underscores its intent to maintain order and demonstrate zero tolerance for political violence ahead of the upcoming election period.

Inquilab Manch, a political platform led by Sharif Osman Hadi, organized a protest rally in Dhaka on Saturday following an armed attack on Hadi, an independent aspirant for the Dhaka-8 constituency in the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. The rally, titled 'Outraged Citizens’ Assembly and Mass Resistance,' took place in front of the National Museum at Shahbagh, drawing supporters and political activists demanding justice.

Speakers at the event, including AB Party’s General Secretary Barrister Asaduzzaman Fuad, NCP organizer Hasnat Abdullah, and journalist Mahmudur Rahman, condemned the attack and criticized mainstream political parties for fostering a culture of impunity. They called for unity against what they described as “cultural fascism” and external political influence. Dhaka University student leader Fatema Tasnim Juma urged continued resistance in defense of sovereignty and democracy.

Hadi was shot in the Bijoynagar area on Friday, a day after the election schedule was announced. He remains in critical condition at a private hospital in Dhaka. Police have yet to identify the assailants, and investigations are ongoing.

Dr. Mahmudur Rahman, editor of the Bangladeshi newspaper *Amar Desh*, has demanded the immediate arrest of those responsible for the recent attack on activist Hadi. Speaking at a rally organized by Inqilab Mancha in Dhaka’s Shahbagh on Saturday, Rahman said he had prayed for Hadi’s recovery, describing him as a symbol of the 'July Revolution.' He announced a nationwide protest on December 15 at the Central Shaheed Minar if the attackers are not apprehended within 48 hours.

Rahman accused the interim government of failing to protect July movement activists, alleging that prior warnings about threats to Hadi were ignored. He criticized what he called 'Indian hegemony' and 'Awami fascism,' urging an all-party alliance to resist such forces. Rahman also pledged to continue Hadi’s cultural initiatives, including a center promoting intellectual resistance among youth.

The upcoming December 15 rally is expected to set the tone for a renewed opposition movement ahead of Bangladesh’s Victory Day, with Rahman promising to announce a new phase of political mobilization.

Bangladesh Election Commissioner Abdur Rahmanel Mashud stated that the recent attack on Sharif Osman Hadi, a potential candidate for Dhaka-8 and convener of the Inquilab Manch, will not significantly influence the upcoming national elections. Speaking to Jamuna Television on Saturday, Mashud emphasized that isolated incidents should not undermine confidence in the electoral process and called for stronger law and order measures.

The commissioner noted that maintaining public trust is essential for credible results, urging security agencies to ensure a peaceful environment. The attack occurred on Friday in Bijoynagar, Dhaka, where unidentified assailants shot Hadi, leaving him critically injured. Doctors have placed him under intensive observation for 48 to 72 hours, and his condition remains unstable, according to hospital sources.

Authorities have yet to release detailed information about the investigation, but the Election Commission reiterated its commitment to ensuring fair and secure elections despite the incident.

Retired Major and former BNP lawmaker Akhtaruzzaman has formally joined Jamaat-e-Islami, describing the Islamist party as 'patriotic' and rejecting claims that it opposed Bangladesh’s 1971 Liberation War. The announcement came Saturday at Jamaat’s central office in Dhaka’s Moghbazar, where Akhtaruzzaman met party chief Shafiqur Rahman and completed membership formalities.

Once a vocal critic of Jamaat, Akhtaruzzaman said he left the BNP in protest against what he called Tarique Rahman’s false statements about Jamaat’s wartime role. He argued that the Liberation War was fought against Pakistani forces, not Jamaat, and accused BNP leaders of inconsistency and opportunism in their political alliances. He also alleged that Jamaat, like the BNP, has faced persecution under the Awami League government.

His defection highlights renewed political realignments following recent opposition setbacks. Analysts say Akhtaruzzaman’s move could signal attempts by Islamist and nationalist factions to rebuild alliances amid growing pressure on opposition parties after August 5 political developments.