The National Citizens Party (NCP) has announced its preliminary list of candidates for 125 parliamentary constituencies as part of its first phase of nominations for Bangladesh’s upcoming 13th National Election. The announcement was made on Wednesday, December 10, by the party’s member secretary, Akhtar Hossain, who confirmed that the nomination paper distribution process had been completed and that the initial list was being made public.

Hossain stated that any allegations against the nominated candidates would be investigated and could lead to disqualification if proven. The list includes candidates across northern districts such as Panchagarh, Thakurgaon, Dinajpur, Nilphamari, Lalmonirhat, Rangpur, Kurigram, Gaibandha, Joypurhat, Bogura, Chapainawabganj, Naogaon, Natore, and Sirajganj. The announcement marks the NCP’s formal entry into the election race, signaling its intent to contest widely across the country.

Political observers note that the NCP’s early declaration may help it gain visibility and mobilize grassroots support ahead of the official campaign period. The party is expected to release additional candidate lists in subsequent phases as the election approaches.

Nepal’s Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) has filed a large-scale corruption case involving the Pokhara International Airport project, accusing 55 individuals and one company of inflating project costs and engaging in illicit financial transactions. The accused include five former ministers, ten former secretaries, and senior officials linked to the Chinese-funded infrastructure project. The case, lodged on Sunday, alleges that approximately USD 74.3 million (NPR 8.36 billion) was misappropriated through manipulated cost estimates and irregular tendering processes.

According to the CIAA, the project’s approved budget was deliberately revised with “malicious intent,” while Chinese firm China CAMC Engineering is accused of securing undue advantages through secret agreements and flawed feasibility studies. The project, initiated decades ago, has long faced controversy over transparency, political interference, and contract favoritism.

This is reportedly the largest corruption case ever submitted to Nepal’s Special Court. Analysts say the case could reshape public trust in foreign-funded infrastructure projects and intensify scrutiny of Chinese involvement in Nepal’s development sector.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has alleged that Indian citizens are being forcibly pushed into Bangladesh by the Border Security Force (BSF). Speaking at a meeting with local officials in Cooch Behar on Monday, Banerjee criticized what she described as 'excessive actions' along the India-Bangladesh border and urged state police to remain active and conduct more checkpoint operations.

Banerjee accused border authorities of harassing residents in the border district, emphasizing that linguistic identity should not be used to question citizenship. She stated that speaking Bengali does not make someone Bangladeshi, drawing parallels with Urdu and Punjabi speakers across India and neighboring countries. Her remarks come amid ongoing tensions between the state government and the BSF over jurisdiction and alleged overreach.

The comments are expected to heighten political friction between the Trinamool Congress and the central government. Analysts suggest the issue could influence border policy debates and community relations in sensitive frontier areas.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqul Rahman announced that his party would form a national government under three specific conditions if it comes to power. Speaking at an election campaign event in Mirpur’s Kafrul area on December 9, he said Jamaat aims to include all political forces in governance rather than exclude any group. He emphasized that the party’s vision centers on establishing a balanced social order and reducing economic inequality.

Rahman criticized the current state of corruption and political malpractice, claiming that extortion and tender manipulation have eroded public trust. He argued that the lack of a fair electoral system has contributed to rising crime and instability, urging for a fully transparent election to ensure genuine representation. He also reiterated Jamaat’s stance on implementing laws aligned with Islamic principles, calling on other parties to make their positions clear.

Analysts view his remarks as an attempt to reposition Jamaat as a reform-oriented party ahead of upcoming national elections, though skepticism remains about its broader political acceptance.

National Citizen Party (NCP) member secretary Akhtar Hossain stated that Bangladesh’s 2026 national election was never intended to be a mere transfer of power but a platform for structural reform. Speaking at the National Youth Power Representative Conference in Dhaka’s Shahbagh, he said the election has been turned into a political showdown rather than a movement for change.

Hossain emphasized that the NCP’s long-standing goal was to move beyond what he described as a ‘fascist framework’ and to establish a new political structure for Bangladesh. He criticized major parties, including the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami, for sidelining reform discussions and focusing solely on strategies for regaining or seizing power.

He further argued that both ruling and opposition groups are misleading the public with half-truths about governance experience and promises of change. Hossain urged citizens to recognize these patterns and to prioritize genuine reform in the upcoming election cycle.

Advocate Md. Shahjahan Mia, Jamaat-e-Islami’s nominated candidate for the Chandpur-3 constituency, intensified his election campaign ahead of Bangladesh’s upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. On December 9, he conducted day-long outreach across multiple villages and markets in Chandra Union, engaging directly with voters through rallies, yard meetings, and door-to-door visits.

During his campaign, Mia emphasized his vision for a just and responsible governance system, free from corruption and injustice. He pledged to strengthen state initiatives for women’s dignity, safety, and empowerment, and to ensure free education for meritorious students from underprivileged families. He also promised increased government incentives for farmers, improved access to quality seeds, fertilizers, and agricultural machinery.

Local Jamaat leaders and supporters joined the campaign, reporting growing enthusiasm among residents. Mia stated that if elected, he aims to build a modern and prosperous Chandpur, prioritizing citizens’ rights and social justice.

Local Government Adviser Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan has announced an urgent press conference amid growing speculation that he may contest in Bangladesh’s upcoming 13th national parliamentary election. The announcement comes as the Election Commission prepares to meet the President to finalize the election schedule. Mahmud, a key figure in the July student uprising that led to the fall of the Awami League government, currently serves as adviser to the Local Government and Youth and Sports ministries.

Public relations officials confirmed that the briefing will address current political issues, though no indication has been given regarding Mahmud’s resignation or candidacy. Previously, Mahmud stated his intention to run as an independent candidate from a Dhaka constituency, having transferred his voter registration from Comilla-3 to Dhaka. Election Commissioner Md. Anwarul Islam has clarified that advisers cannot contest while holding office.

The press conference is expected to clarify Mahmud’s political stance and potential resignation timeline, as the newly formed National Citizens Party prepares to release its candidate list on Wednesday.

The Ministry of Education in Bangladesh has introduced a new policy prohibiting teachers and employees under the Monthly Payment Order (MPO) scheme from holding multiple jobs or engaging in other profit-making professions, including journalism and law. Violation of this rule may result in the cancellation of MPO benefits. The 61-page policy also allows for the transfer of MPO-listed teachers to other institutions if vacancies exist and permits the appointment of BCS General Education Cadre officers as heads of MPO institutions on deputation.

The new framework outlines staffing structures, recruitment conditions, and benefit adjustments for private schools and colleges. Teachers have expressed mixed reactions—some welcome the reforms for improving discipline and transparency, while others fear certain provisions could create inequality. Over 600,000 teachers and staff currently receive MPO benefits, including basic salary and allowances.

Recently, the government also decided to raise the house rent allowance for MPO-listed teachers to 15% of their basic pay, implemented in two phases between 2025 and 2026, following sustained teacher protests.

BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman issued a personal apology to retired Major General Syed Fatemi Ahmed Rumi, former director general of the Special Security Force (SSF), during a virtual address at a meeting with retired military officers in Dhaka’s Gulshan on Tuesday night. The event, chaired by BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, brought together 101 retired officers from the army, navy, and air force.

Rahman recalled a past incident during a political procession where he had spoken harshly to Rumi and expressed regret for his behavior, saying he had long sought an opportunity to apologize. Rumi accepted the apology graciously. Rahman also spoke about his mother, Begum Khaleda Zia’s connection with the armed forces, emphasizing the family’s long-standing respect for defense personnel.

Mirza Fakhrul urged party unity ahead of the upcoming national election, warning against misinformation and calling for resilience in the face of political and cyber challenges. He dismissed speculation that India’s stance was preventing Tarique Rahman’s return to Bangladesh.

BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman issued a public apology to retired Major General Sadiq Hasan Rumi during a virtual meeting with over a hundred retired military officers on Tuesday night. The meeting, held at the BNP chairperson’s political office in Gulshan, was attended by senior party leaders including Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, who presided over the session.

Speaking from London, Rahman recalled an incident from a past political rally where he had behaved rudely toward Rumi, then serving as the Director General of the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI). Rahman expressed regret for his conduct and said he had long sought an opportunity to apologize. In response, Rumi thanked him and said he would remember the gesture.

The meeting was part of BNP’s broader outreach to retired armed forces personnel. Party insiders said such engagements aim to strengthen ties with former defense officials ahead of potential political mobilizations. Several senior BNP leaders and retired officers also delivered remarks emphasizing unity and national service.

Allies of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) are set to meet on Wednesday in Dhaka’s Paltan area amid growing unease over seat-sharing arrangements for the upcoming 13th national election. The meeting, to be held at the Nagorik Oikya office, will include leaders from Ganatantra Mancha, the 12-Party Alliance, Gana Odhikar Parishad, Jatiyatabadi Samomona Jote, Nezame Islami Party, and Gano Forum, among others.

The gathering follows BNP’s announcement of candidates for 272 parliamentary constituencies, leaving 28 seats unallocated, which the party says are mostly reserved for allies. However, several alliance members have expressed frustration, claiming BNP declared its candidate lists without prior consultation. Some unregistered allies reportedly sought nominations under BNP’s symbol but were excluded. BNP sources insist the party values its partners and aims to resolve the dispute while maintaining unity.

The Election Commission is expected to announce the official election schedule this week, intensifying political maneuvering among opposition blocs seeking to present a united front against the ruling Awami League.

National Citizen Party (NCP) northern chief organizer Sarjis Alam has questioned why BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman has not returned to Bangladesh more than a year after the political upheaval. Speaking at a party meeting in Thakurgaon, Alam said he believes Rahman would face no obstacles if he came back, and urged all political groups to ensure a competitive but peaceful election process.

Alam emphasized that the NCP supports holding elections on schedule under the interim government and seeks a level playing field for all parties. He announced the formation of a Democratic Reform Alliance, uniting several reform-minded groups under a single electoral symbol. Alam also criticized corruption within law enforcement and warned that any officer acting as a partisan agent would face consequences.

He argued that the upcoming election may break the traditional two-party dominance and that a third political force could influence the outcome. The NCP, he said, aims to position itself as a centrist alternative advocating reform and resistance to external interference.

Mufti Syed Muhammad Fayzul Karim, Nayeb-e-Ameer of Islami Andolon Bangladesh, has alleged that a conspiracy is underway to delay the country’s 13th national parliamentary election. Speaking at a campaign rally in Narayanganj on Tuesday, he warned that the people would not accept any attempt to postpone the election for the benefit of any individual or political group. He emphasized the need for a level playing field and a neutral interim government to ensure a credible vote early next February.

Karim cautioned that any use of muscle power, intimidation, or violence during the polls would be resisted. He said citizens no longer wish to support extortionists, terrorists, or corrupt figures, urging the government to guarantee an environment where voters can freely choose their preferred candidates. Senior party leaders, including Professor Mahbubur Rahman and Maulana Gazi Ataur Rahman, also addressed the gathering, attended by supporters who arrived in processions.

The remarks come amid growing political tension and uncertainty over the election schedule, with opposition parties demanding greater transparency and fairness in the electoral process.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has called for national unity to preserve and strengthen the achievements of the 2024 mass uprising. Speaking at the book unveiling ceremony of Professor Dr. Mahbub Ullah and his wife Salma Alo at the National Press Club on December 9, Fakhrul emphasized that differences among political parties must not undermine the movement’s sacrifices and outcomes.

He described Professor Mahbub Ullah as an extraordinary thinker and uncompromising advocate for citizens’ rights, voting rights, and economic justice. Fakhrul also paid tribute to Begum Rokeya on her birth anniversary, recognizing her role in women’s empowerment in South Asia. The event featured academics, journalists, and political figures including Dr. Hossain Zillur Rahman and Saiful Haque, who echoed calls for unity and democratic consolidation.

Analysts note that Fakhrul’s remarks come as Bangladesh’s opposition seeks to maintain momentum following the uprising, amid ongoing political uncertainty and calls for institutional reform.

Bangladesh’s Election Commission (EC) has announced that four political symbols, including the Awami League’s boat, will not appear on postal ballots for the upcoming 13th parliamentary elections. Election Commissioner Abdur Rahman El Mashud stated on Tuesday that symbols of parties whose registration has been suspended or cancelled will be excluded from the final postal ballot design.

Since party registration became mandatory in 2008, 59 political parties have been registered. The Awami League’s registration is currently suspended, while the Freedom Party (axe), United Citizens’ Movement (key), and PDP (tiger) have had their registrations cancelled. The EC clarified that symbols of deregistered parties remain under the commission’s authority and may still appear on ballots if necessary.

For this election, 118 symbols have been finalized. Postal ballots, which must be prepared and dispatched early, will include only symbols rather than candidate names. Voters will mark their chosen symbol after verifying candidate details through the EC’s app or website.