Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has extended warm congratulations to the Election Commission of Bangladesh for announcing the schedule of the 13th National Parliamentary Election and the referendum on the July National Charter 2025. In his message, Yunus described the announcement as a significant milestone in the country’s democratic journey following the historic mass uprising.

He expressed confidence that the Election Commission would fulfill its constitutional duties independently, impartially, and with professionalism. The interim government, he said, would provide all necessary support to ensure a festive, participatory, and fair electoral process. Yunus called on political parties, candidates, the media, civil society, and citizens to treat the election and referendum as a national unity initiative.

The Chief Adviser emphasized that Bangladesh stands at the threshold of a new future, urging active and responsible participation from all stakeholders to build a modern, just, and prosperous state. The Election Commission has set February 12, 2026, as the date for both the parliamentary election and the referendum.

Bangladesh’s Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A.M.M. Nasir Uddin has announced that the 13th National Parliamentary Election will be held on February 12 next year, alongside a national referendum on the July Charter. In a televised address on December 11, the CEC confirmed that nomination papers for parliamentary candidates can be submitted from December 12 to December 29.

According to the schedule, scrutiny of nomination papers will take place from December 30 to January 4, while candidates will have until January 20 to withdraw their nominations. Election symbols will be allocated on January 21, giving candidates roughly 20 days for campaigning before the February 12 vote. The CEC described the upcoming election as a nationwide “festival of democracy.”

The announcement sets in motion Bangladesh’s formal electoral timeline, with political parties now preparing to finalize their candidate lists and campaign strategies. Observers expect heightened political activity and negotiations in the coming weeks as the country moves toward its next parliamentary term.

The Election Commission of Bangladesh has decided to assign at least two executive magistrates to every upazila or police station area during the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. According to an official letter signed by Deputy Secretary Mohammad Monir Hossain, the deployment will begin the day after the election schedule is announced and continue until two days after voting concludes.

The decision, taken under the Mobile Court Act 2009, aims to strictly enforce the electoral code of conduct and ensure discipline throughout the election period. Copies of the directive have been sent to the Cabinet Division, the Chief Adviser’s Office, the Police Headquarters, divisional commissioners, and deputy commissioners for necessary coordination.

Officials expect the magistrates’ presence to strengthen monitoring of campaign activities, prevent violations, and support law enforcement agencies in maintaining order. The move reflects the Election Commission’s effort to enhance transparency and fairness in the upcoming national polls.

Bangladesh’s Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A.M.M. Nasir Uddin has announced that the 13th National Parliamentary Election and a national referendum will be held simultaneously on February 12. The announcement, made in a televised address on December 11, ends months of speculation about the electoral timeline. Voting will take place from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with white-and-black ballots for the parliamentary race and pink ballots for the referendum.

Election Commissioner Abdur Rahmanel Masud stated that the Election Commission (EC) will begin enforcing electoral codes and related laws immediately after the schedule’s publication. Over 297,000 expatriates have registered online to vote via postal ballots. For the first time, some constituencies will have symbolic returning officers from within the EC, while district commissioners will serve in most others.

This will be the first election under the interim government led by Professor Muhammad Yunus, formed after the August 2024 mass uprising that ended the Awami League’s rule. The EC plans to issue circulars on campaign conduct, law enforcement, and government coordination as the country enters full election mode.

Bangladesh’s High Court has ruled that political parties forming alliances for the upcoming 13th national parliamentary election must contest under their respective party symbols. The verdict, delivered on Thursday by a bench comprising Justice Fatema Najib and Justice Fatema Anwar, dismissed a petition challenging the legality of this electoral provision.

The ruling clarifies that even within an electoral alliance, each constituent party must retain its own identity on the ballot. Historically, smaller parties in alliances often contested under the symbol of the leading party, a practice now deemed inconsistent with electoral law. Legal experts suggest the decision reinforces transparency and voter clarity, while some smaller parties express concern over potential disadvantages in campaign recognition.

The Election Commission is expected to issue updated guidelines reflecting the court’s decision ahead of the 13th parliamentary polls. Political analysts note that the ruling could reshape alliance strategies and negotiations in the coming months.

Police detained at least four non-cadre officials from Bangladesh’s Secretariat on Thursday afternoon as protests escalated over a demand for a 20% ‘Secretariat allowance’. The detainees include Badiul Kabir, president of one faction of the Secretariat Officers’ Association, and Shahin Golam Rabbani, vice president of the same group, along with two others from the Health Ministry. They were taken into custody around 4 p.m. and transported in a prison van.

The detentions followed a tense standoff the previous day, when protesters held the finance adviser confined for nearly six hours, pressing for a government order to implement the allowance. Although officials had promised to issue the order by Monday, demonstrators continued their sit-in after the commitment was not fulfilled. Police have since reinforced security across the Secretariat compound.

The incident underscores growing frustration among non-cadre government employees over pay disparities and delayed administrative reforms. Authorities have yet to confirm whether disciplinary or legal actions will follow, while unions warn that further detentions could intensify the standoff.

Non-cadre officers and employees working at Bangladesh’s Secretariat have intensified their protest demanding a 20 percent 'Secretariat Allowance'. Despite assurances, the government has yet to issue an official order, prompting renewed demonstrations on Thursday. Protesters gathered outside the Secretariat, chanting slogans and warning that they would begin a complete work stoppage next week if the order is not released by the end of the day.

The movement escalated after protesters confined the Finance Adviser for nearly six hours on Wednesday, demanding immediate action. Police later intervened to free him amid tense confrontations. Officials had earlier indicated that a formal notification might be issued by Monday, but demonstrators rejected the delay, insisting on immediate implementation.

The standoff underscores growing frustration among government staff over pay disparities and delayed administrative decisions. If the strike proceeds, it could disrupt key bureaucratic functions, putting pressure on the Finance Ministry to resolve the issue swiftly.

The Ministry of Public Administration has issued a notification withdrawing Dr. Mohammad Mohibul Hasan from his position as Director at the Chief Adviser’s Office. According to the circular released on Wednesday, December 10, the order was signed by Joint Secretary Abul Hayat Md. Rafiq under the authority of the President. Dr. Hasan has been instructed to return to his original cadre organization under the Health Education and Family Welfare Division.

The notification stated that the decision was made in the public interest and will take immediate effect. No specific reason for the reassignment was disclosed. Such administrative reshuffles are common in Bangladesh’s civil service, often reflecting internal restructuring or policy adjustments within the government.

Observers note that the move may be part of broader efforts to streamline administrative functions under the caretaker government framework. Further appointments or transfers in related departments may follow in the coming weeks.

The High Court of Bangladesh has ruled that all marriages and divorces must be registered through a mandatory digital system. The verdict, delivered on December 11 by a bench comprising Justice Fahmida Kader and Justice Md Asif Hasan, directs authorities to establish a secure, centralized government database for recording marital information. The decision follows a 2021 writ petition seeking digitalization of marriage and divorce records.

According to petitioner’s counsel Ishrat Hasan, the initiative aims to prevent data concealment, secret marriages, and disputes over divorce authenticity. She emphasized that digital registration will enhance citizens’ social protection, ensure justice, and rebuild trust within society. The court’s directive is expected to significantly reduce administrative complications and fraudulent practices.

Authorities are now required to implement the digital system nationwide, marking a major step toward modernizing Bangladesh’s civil registration framework. Implementation details and timelines are yet to be announced, but the ruling signals a shift toward greater transparency and accountability in personal status documentation.

At a campaign rally in Pennsylvania, U.S. President Donald Trump sparked discussion by making personal remarks about White House Press Secretary Caroline Leavitt. While promoting his administration’s economic record, Trump digressed to praise the 28-year-old official’s appearance, calling her a ‘superstar’ and comparing her lips to a ‘small machine gun’ when she speaks on television.

The comments drew mixed reactions, with supporters cheering during the event while critics accused Trump of objectifying a female staff member. Trump also used the occasion to highlight his administration’s stance on gender and immigration, contrasting his policies with those of his political opponents. This is not the first time Trump has made similar remarks about Leavitt; he previously used comparable language in a 2023 interview with Newsmax.

Leavitt, who served as assistant press secretary during Trump’s first term, has not publicly commented on the latest remarks. Observers note that such statements may reignite debates over Trump’s rhetoric and treatment of women as he seeks to consolidate support ahead of the upcoming election season.

A Dhaka court has granted a five-day remand for Shawkat Mahmud, former president of the National Press Club and current secretary-general of Janata Party Bangladesh, in a case filed under the Anti-Terrorism Act. The case accuses him of conspiring to overthrow the interim government and collaborating with foreign agents. Metropolitan Magistrate Fahmida Khandaker Anna approved the remand after a hearing on Thursday.

Mahmud was arrested last Sunday in Dhaka’s Malibagh area by the Detective Branch (DB) police, following the earlier arrest of US citizen of Bangladeshi origin, Enayet Karim Chowdhury, who is accused in the same case. Investigators claim Mahmud and others held secret meetings with political and business figures to destabilize Bangladesh’s political and economic environment. Authorities say interrogation is needed to uncover his alleged connections with foreign entities.

The case has drawn attention due to its political sensitivity and the involvement of several figures from different parties. Other accused individuals remain in custody as the investigation continues under the Anti-Terrorism Act.

The Appellate Division of Bangladesh’s Supreme Court has announced that the final hearing on the appeal against the High Court verdict regarding the 15th Amendment to the Constitution will take place after the upcoming 13th parliamentary election. Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed’s bench scheduled March 5 as the date for the hearing, effectively placing the matter beyond the election period.

Attorney General Mohammad Asaduzzaman told the court that certain aspects of the 15th Amendment should be left for the next parliament to decide, emphasizing the need to avoid any ruling that could invite controversy. Lawyers representing the BNP argued that with national elections only two months away, repealing the amendment now could complicate future constitutional reforms.

Barrister Sara Hossain stressed that any future constitutional amendment must preserve the core principles of the Liberation War. The decision to delay the hearing underscores the judiciary’s cautious approach amid heightened political sensitivity ahead of the polls.

Israel’s military is facing a wave of resignations as around 600 officers and non-commissioned officers have submitted their resignations following a Supreme Court decision to suspend a long-standing financial benefit known as the “Chief of Staff Increase.” The suspended allowance had been a key incentive for career officers, and its sudden halt has triggered widespread discontent within the ranks.

According to Israeli daily *Israel Hayom*, most of the officers resigning are over 42 years old and intend to leave before the end of the month, when the suspension becomes effective. The dispute stems from a stalled agreement between the Finance and Defense Ministries, blocked in the Knesset’s Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee due to objections from MK Amit Halevi. The deadlock has intensified frustration among soldiers who have long relied on financial perks to maintain loyalty.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is reportedly considering convening a meeting to assess the operational impact on the army amid ongoing conflict in Gaza. Military leadership, initially reluctant to intervene, is now lobbying for a rapid legal resolution as manpower shortages threaten operational readiness.

More than 307,000 Bangladeshi expatriates have registered to vote in the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election through the ‘Postal Vote BD’ app, according to the Election Commission (EC). As of Thursday morning, 284,173 men and 23,219 women had completed registration. The EC began dispatching ballot papers to registered expatriates on Tuesday, marking the first time Bangladesh has introduced an IT-supported postal voting system.

The initiative allows expatriates, individuals in legal custody, and election officials on duty to cast their votes remotely. Registration, which opened on November 19, will continue until December 25. Eligible voters from countries including South Korea, Japan, the United States, Saudi Arabia, Australia, and several African nations are participating. The EC aims to engage up to five million expatriate voters through this system.

Officials say the postal ballots will be sent to voters’ registered addresses, and completed ballots must be mailed back to returning officers. The EC is preparing to hold the election in the first half of February, viewing this digital voting expansion as a milestone in inclusive electoral participation.

India’s Home Minister Amit Shah sparked uproar in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday by calling the Nehru-Gandhi family the country’s first ‘vote thieves’. The remark came during a debate on electoral reforms, where Shah accused the Congress of hypocrisy over objections to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process meant to update voter rolls. His comments triggered a sharp exchange with Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi, who challenged Shah to a public debate on election integrity.

Shah alleged that the first instance of ‘vote theft’ occurred when Jawaharlal Nehru became India’s first Prime Minister despite Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel receiving more provincial votes. He further cited Indira Gandhi’s 1975 election annulment and Sonia Gandhi’s alleged early voting as examples of Congress malpractice. Congress MPs protested, calling the allegations baseless and politically motivated.

The confrontation underscores rising tensions between the ruling BJP and Congress ahead of upcoming state elections. Analysts say the exchange reflects deepening polarization over electoral credibility and institutional trust, issues likely to dominate India’s political discourse in the coming months.