Senior Naib-e-Ameer of Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh and Director General of Hathazari Madrasa, Mufti Khalil Ahmad Quraishi Qasemi, emphasized that only qualified and ethical leadership can ensure a prosperous, peaceful, and education-friendly Hathazari. Speaking at a scholars’ conference supporting Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Bangladesh’s parliamentary candidate Maulana Nasir Uddin Munir, he said a learned Islamic leader can guide society with integrity and values.

At the event, senior madrasa teachers praised Munir’s record as Hathazari’s former vice-chairman, noting his corruption-free tenure and contributions to local development. Mufti Jasim Uddin, presiding over the conference, expressed confidence that an honest and experienced scholar like Munir could open a new chapter in the region’s progress.

Munir, describing himself as a trusted friend of Hathazari’s people, pledged to transform the constituency into a model township if elected in the upcoming 13th national election. The event saw participation from numerous madrasa heads and Islamic scholars across the region, reflecting growing clerical engagement in local politics.

At a discussion marking International Human Rights Day, prominent activist Sultana Kamal said that human rights are inherent and inalienable, and the state’s duty is to protect them, not to grant them. She expressed concern that fear and lack of accountability have eroded respect for fundamental rights in Bangladesh. The event, held at the Liberation War Museum in Dhaka, also featured remarks from trustee Dr. Sarwar Ali, who described a prevailing 'culture of fear' as the main obstacle to realizing human rights.

Speakers at the event emphasized that justice, freedom, and peace are essential conditions for ensuring human rights. Kamal drew historical parallels to the Magna Carta, noting that even after centuries, societies still struggle to uphold basic freedoms such as protection from arbitrary arrest and the right to free movement. She urged the creation of a culture of accountability at every level of society, warning that deviation from constitutional values of equality and justice inevitably leads to rights violations.

The discussion reflected growing civil society concern over shrinking civic space and the need for renewed commitment to human rights principles in Bangladesh.

A coalition of 29 allied political parties met in Dhaka on December 10 to express frustration over the Bangladesh Nationalist Party’s (BNP) unilateral seat announcements ahead of the upcoming national election. The meeting, held at the Nagorik Oikya office, included leaders from the Ganatantra Mancha, 12-Party Alliance, Gana Odhikar Parishad, Nationalist Likeminded Alliance, Nizam-e-Islami Party, and Gano Forum. Participants criticized the BNP for announcing candidates in 272 constituencies without prior consultation, calling the move a breach of trust.

Leaders such as Mahmudur Rahman Manna and Saiful Haque warned that BNP’s “go-it-alone” approach risks alienating long-time allies who had joined its anti-government movement. Several coalition leaders demanded an immediate dialogue with BNP to resolve the dispute, emphasizing respect and fairness in seat allocation. BNP sources, however, indicated that the party intends to preserve unity and will allocate remaining seats to partners.

The dispute underscores growing tension within the opposition alliance as the election nears, raising concerns about coordination and the opposition’s collective strength against the ruling Awami League.

Bangladesh’s Finance Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed was released from the Secretariat late Wednesday night after being confined for over six hours by non-cadre officials and employees demanding a 20% 'Secretariat allowance'. The standoff began around 2 p.m. and ended at 8:12 p.m. when police escorted the adviser out under tight security.

Protesters gathered outside the adviser's office, chanting slogans and rejecting assurances that a government notification would be issued next Monday to meet their demands. They insisted on immediate action, maintaining their blockade throughout the afternoon. As tensions escalated, a specialized police unit entered the Finance Ministry to restore order, leading to brief scuffles between officers and demonstrators.

The incident underscores rising discontent among government staff over pay disparities and delayed policy implementation. Authorities have yet to confirm whether the promised notification will be issued as scheduled, while unions warn of further protests if demands remain unmet.

BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman has called on party leaders and activists to work relentlessly for the victory of the party’s electoral symbol, the ‘Sheaf of Paddy,’ in the upcoming national election. Speaking at a BNP-organized discussion titled ‘Plan to Rebuild the Nation’ in Dhaka, he said that winning the election is essential to protect the country and implement the people’s development agenda.

Rahman outlined BNP’s socio-economic plans, including the introduction of ‘Family Cards’ for women’s empowerment, ‘Health Cards,’ and ‘Farmers’ Cards’ to support agriculture. He emphasized prioritizing education, healthcare, and human resource development over large infrastructure projects, pledging to recruit one million health workers, most of whom would be women. He also highlighted the need for population control, sports development, and urban planning.

BNP leaders including Ruhul Kabir Rizvi and Habib-un-Nabi Khan Sohel attended the event. Rahman urged activists to take the party’s plans door-to-door and mobilize citizens, warning that inaction could lead to national decline.

Two advisers to the interim government, Mahfuz Alam and Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan, have submitted their resignations to Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus. According to Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam, the resignations were handed in at the State Guest House Jamuna on Wednesday afternoon and formally accepted by the Chief Adviser.

The press secretary clarified that both resignations will take effect immediately after the Election Commission announces the schedule for the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election and referendum. The announcement is set for Thursday at 6 p.m., to be delivered by Chief Election Commissioner A.M.M. Nasir Uddin in a televised address to the nation.

Dr. Yunus has reportedly conveyed his best wishes to the departing student advisers for their future endeavors. The resignations come amid heightened political attention as the country prepares for the formal start of the election process, which will define the next phase of Bangladesh’s governance transition.

Masud Saeedi, Jamaat-e-Islami’s nominated candidate for Pirojpur-1 constituency and former upazila chairman, has pledged to transform Pirojpur into a clean and livable district. Speaking at a Victory Day–themed cleanliness and public awareness campaign organized by Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, Saeedi emphasized the importance of community participation in maintaining hygiene and environmental responsibility. The event, held at Pirojpur District Hospital, included sweeping, waste removal, and awareness activities.

Saeedi criticized past governance under the Awami League, alleging widespread corruption and administrative syndicates that hindered justice and development. He vowed to eliminate drug abuse, extortion, and terrorism through a “zero tolerance” approach, promising transparency and inclusive development in health, education, and employment sectors. Local officials, including the civil surgeon and party leaders, attended the event.

The campaign signals Jamaat’s attempt to reconnect with local voters through civic initiatives. Saeedi’s message of unity and reform aims to position him as a candidate of change ahead of the next parliamentary election.

Bangladesh’s Religious Affairs Adviser Dr. A F M Khalid Hossain has declared that anyone found involved in corruption within the Hajj management process will face legal consequences. Speaking at the inauguration of the Natore District Model Mosque and Islamic Cultural Center on Wednesday morning, he emphasized that Hajj is an act of worship, and the government is committed to ensuring transparency and efficiency in its management. He also assured that no syndicate will be allowed to exploit pilgrims.

The event, conducted by project director Shahidul Alam, was attended by senior local officials including the district commissioner, police superintendent, and civil surgeon. Dr. Hossain noted that increased awareness and vigilance have prevented syndicates from controlling the Hajj process, adding that last year the government refunded eight crore taka to pilgrims.

Three model mosques and cultural centers have been built in Natore district and its upazilas, costing between 14 and 17 crore taka each. These facilities include separate prayer spaces for men and women, accessibility for persons with disabilities, training centers, libraries, and residential quarters for mosque staff.

Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus has accepted the resignations of two members of the interim government’s advisory council, Mahfuz Alam and Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan. According to Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam, both advisers submitted their resignations in person at the state guesthouse Jamuna on Wednesday, December 10, at 5 p.m. Their resignations will take effect following the announcement of the election schedule, expected Thursday evening.

Mahfuz Alam, who oversaw the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, and Asif Mahmud, responsible for Local Government, Rural Development, Cooperatives, and Youth and Sports, were prominent student leaders during the July uprising. Accepting their resignations, Dr. Yunus praised their leadership in freeing the nation from authoritarian rule and expressed confidence in their continued contributions to democratic progress.

Calling the day “historic,” the Chief Adviser said the interim government would remember their service and urged them to use their governmental experience for the nation’s welfare. The resignations mark a symbolic transition as Bangladesh moves toward its next electoral phase.

Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus has accepted the resignations of Mahfuz Alam and Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan, two advisers to Bangladesh’s interim government. The announcement was confirmed by Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam during a briefing at the state guesthouse Jamuna on Wednesday evening. According to the statement, the resignations will take effect upon the declaration of the election schedule by the Election Commission.

Mahfuz Alam, who oversaw the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, and Asif Mahmud, responsible for Local Government, Rural Development, Cooperatives, and Youth and Sports, were key figures during the July mass uprising. The Chief Adviser extended his best wishes for their future endeavors after accepting their resignations.

Sources indicate that both advisers had been advised to step down by mid-September but sought additional time. Their departure marks a notable shift in the interim administration’s composition as Bangladesh moves closer to national elections.

Environment, Forest and Climate Change and Water Resources Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan has emphasized that a meaningful national election in February is essential for Bangladesh’s democratic and institutional progress. Speaking at the Friends of the Earth International biennial general meeting in Savar, she highlighted the need for justice for victims of political violence and urged participation from all sections of society.

Hasan noted that Bangladesh’s administrative and legal frameworks are undergoing reform, but real transformation will require time, consistency, and political stability. She acknowledged that the country, currently ranked near the bottom of global environmental indices, cannot achieve rapid improvement overnight. However, she expressed optimism that sustained efforts over five to seven years could yield significant progress.

The adviser also cited recent legislative advances, including two landmark forest protection laws and an upcoming wetland conservation act. She added that polluting industries are being relocated and that workers will be re-employed in agriculture-related sectors. Hasan concluded that improved urban governance and transparency have already lifted Bangladesh from the lowest ranks of environmental performance.

Two student representatives serving as advisers in Bangladesh’s interim government, Mahfuz Alam and Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan, have resigned from their posts. Mahfuz Alam was responsible for the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, while Asif Mahmud oversaw the Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives, and Youth and Sports ministries. Their resignations were submitted to Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus during a meeting on December 10, according to government sources.

Officials confirmed that a press briefing has been scheduled for the evening to address the resignations. The move follows weeks of internal discussions within the advisory council, where senior members reportedly urged both advisers to step down as early as mid-September. Despite earlier resistance, both eventually agreed to resign. The interim government, formed under Yunus’s leadership after the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s administration in August 2023, had included three student leaders from the July uprising.

The dual resignations may signal internal realignments within the transitional administration as it prepares for the next phase of political stabilization and possible elections.

Bangladesh and the United States have launched their 12th Defense Dialogue in Dhaka, aiming to deepen bilateral military cooperation. The two-day meeting, which began on Wednesday at the Armed Forces Division headquarters, brings together senior military and government officials from both nations. The dialogue, first initiated in 2012, serves as a key platform for strategic discussions on defense and security collaboration.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the dialogue will cover a wide range of topics including regional and global security, defense technology, disaster response, peacekeeping operations, training, joint exercises, and workshops. The Bangladeshi delegation is led by Brigadier General Muhammad Ali Haider Siddiqui, while the U.S. side is headed by Brigadier General Sarah Russ. Officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Border Guard Bangladesh, and the Coast Guard are also participating.

Observers note that the dialogue could further enhance mutual trust and operational coordination between the two countries, reinforcing Bangladesh’s role in regional stability and peacekeeping initiatives.

Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Adviser Dr. Asif Nazrul emphasized the need to preserve the reforms introduced by the interim government, stating that Bangladesh’s future progress must be built upon these achievements. Speaking at an event marking International Human Rights Day in Dhaka, he highlighted that the caretaker government system and the establishment of the Supreme Court Secretariat are two reforms that will remain protected.

Nazrul explained that the caretaker system has been secured through a Supreme Court ruling, making its reversal highly unlikely. He added that the Supreme Court itself will act as the guardian of its secretariat, ensuring judicial independence. He expressed confidence that no future government would attempt to roll back these reforms, calling them fundamental to human rights advancement.

He further noted that several less controversial laws enacted by the interim government are already benefiting citizens. Nazrul urged the public to recognize the progress achieved so far and to understand the limitations behind unfinished reforms, stressing that continued oversight and accountability will strengthen institutional transparency.

Bangladesh’s Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A M M Nasir Uddin will address the nation on Thursday, December 11, to announce the schedule for the 13th National Parliamentary Election and a national referendum. The announcement, set for 6 p.m., was confirmed by Election Commission Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed. The CEC pre-recorded his speech at the Election Commission headquarters in Agargaon on Wednesday afternoon, followed by a meeting with other commissioners to finalize details.

According to officials, both the parliamentary election and the referendum will be held on the same day, with voters receiving two differently colored ballots. The simultaneous arrangement has prompted the Election Commission to undertake additional logistical and administrative preparations. Following the schedule announcement, the interim government has urged all political groups and citizens to refrain from unauthorized gatherings or movements that could disrupt the electoral process.

Observers note that this election marks a significant test for the Election Commission’s capacity to manage dual national votes under tight timelines and heightened political sensitivity.