The Bangladesh Election Commission (EC) has reinstated the registration of the Jatiya Ganatantrik Party–JAGPA and approved a new electoral symbol, the ‘glasses’. The party, originally registered in 2008, lost its registration in January 2021 for failing to meet EC requirements. Following a legal challenge by party president Tasmia Pradhan, the High Court ordered the restoration of the registration in March this year.

According to the gazette published on December 9, the EC confirmed that the party had now fulfilled the necessary conditions for registration. The commission also approved the party’s request to modify its name to ‘Jatiya Ganatantrik Party–JAGPA’ and replace its previous symbol, the ‘hookah’, with the ‘glasses’. Party officials welcomed the decision as a recognition of their compliance and political legitimacy.

The reinstatement allows JAGPA to contest future national and local elections under its new symbol. Political analysts note that the decision reflects the EC’s ongoing efforts to regularize party registrations ahead of the next general election cycle.

Hasnat Abdullah, the chief organizer of the National Citizen Party’s (NCP) southern region, alleged that the former Awami League government coerced the judiciary into validating unlawful decisions. He made the remarks while testifying before the International Crimes Tribunal-2 in the case concerning the killing of Abu Sayeed, a Begum Rokeya University student and the first martyr of the July Movement.

Abdullah claimed that during the Awami League’s tenure, intelligence officials dictated media narratives, and their statements were directly reflected in television news scrolls. His testimony was recorded before a three-member judicial panel led by Justice Nazrul Islam Chowdhury. The tribunal proceedings are part of ongoing investigations into political violence and alleged abuses of power.

The allegations add to a series of testimonies criticizing the previous administration’s handling of judicial independence. Legal analysts suggest the tribunal’s findings could influence future accountability measures and shape public discourse on the separation of powers in Bangladesh.

In northern Bangladesh’s Kurigram district, political tensions are rising ahead of the 13th National Election as the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) struggles with internal divisions across three of its four constituencies. Despite officially announcing its candidates, local factions within BNP remain at odds over nominations, particularly in Kurigram-1, -3, and -4, where rival groups have openly clashed. Meanwhile, Jamaat-e-Islami has launched a coordinated and disciplined campaign, positioning itself as a strong contender in several constituencies.

The fall of the Awami League-led government following the July uprising has reshaped the political landscape, leaving the once-dominant Jatiya Party weakened and unpopular. BNP’s internal disputes threaten to undermine its voter base, while Jamaat’s early organization and grassroots outreach have strengthened its prospects. Other smaller parties, including Islami Andolon, the National Citizen Party (NCP), and Gano Adhikar Parishad, are also active in the field.

Analysts suggest that Kurigram’s voters—long affected by river erosion, unemployment, and poor infrastructure—are seeking credible leadership capable of addressing local hardships. The outcome may hinge on which party can unite its ranks and present a coherent development vision.

On International Anti-Corruption Day, BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman highlighted Bangladesh’s ongoing struggle with corruption and the party’s historical efforts to curb it. In a Facebook post, he described how corruption affects citizens—from job seekers and farmers to patients and entrepreneurs—and linked rising food prices, poor education quality, and road insecurity to systemic corruption.

Rahman recalled that under President Ziaur Rahman and Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, the BNP government introduced administrative reforms, strict financial laws, and transparent procurement systems. He cited the 2004 establishment of the Anti-Corruption Commission as a milestone recognized by the World Bank and ADB, noting that surveys then showed declining public perception of corruption.

Looking ahead, Rahman proposed a seven-point plan emphasizing institutional independence, digital transparency, whistleblower protection, and ethics education. He acknowledged the challenges of reversing entrenched mismanagement but asserted that honest leadership and public support could restore accountability if BNP returns to power.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson Khaleda Zia will remain in Dhaka for continued treatment after her medical board deemed her unfit for a long flight to London. Despite earlier plans to fly her abroad for advanced care, the air ambulance scheduled for Tuesday has been canceled for the second time. Doctors at Evercare Hospital are providing advanced treatment as her condition remains stable but fragile.

Medical sources report that while some of Zia’s health parameters have improved, new complications continue to arise. Her liver condition has stabilized, but kidney issues persist, with creatinine levels exceeding safe limits. She requires regular dialysis, and recovery is slow due to age-related factors. The medical board, including specialists from the UK, US, and China, meets daily to adjust her treatment.

BNP leaders say any decision on foreign treatment will depend on medical advice. Family members, including her daughter-in-law Dr. Zubaida Rahman, are closely coordinating her care. Supporters continue to hold prayers for her recovery across the country.

The National Citizen Party (NCP) has finalized its candidates for 100 constituencies ahead of Bangladesh’s upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. Joint Convener Sarowar Tushar confirmed that the initial list is ready and will be officially announced today, barring any last-minute changes. The remaining seats will be settled later this month through alliance-based negotiations.

Party insiders said the selection process prioritized professionals and young reform-minded individuals over family-based leadership. NCP sold 1,484 nomination forms between November 6 and 20. However, internal dissatisfaction has surfaced, with some leaders alleging interference by senior advisers and favoritism toward family members in seat allocation.

Key figures such as Convener Nahid Islam, Member Secretary Akhter Hossain, and several regional organizers are among the confirmed candidates. The party recently formed the ‘Democratic Reform Alliance’ with Nahid Islam as spokesperson, signaling its broader reformist agenda ahead of the election.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan has firmly dismissed the idea of excluding party founder Imran Khan from Pakistan’s political landscape. In an interview with Geo News outside the Parliament in Islamabad, Gohar stated that Imran remains the leader of a major political force supported by the people and cannot be 'minus-ed' from the political equation. He urged political leaders to adopt democratic and constructive thinking.

Gohar also called on authorities to arrange a meeting between Imran Khan, his wife Bushra Bibi, and their family, suggesting that positive outcomes could emerge from dialogue rather than negative rhetoric. He criticized ongoing political commentary and press briefings, warning that such discussions only serve Pakistan’s adversaries. Gohar expressed concern that public confidence in leadership is fading amid confusion and division.

The statement comes as political tensions escalate following remarks by ISPR Director General Lt. Gen. Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, who labeled Imran Khan a national security threat. Government ministers have since ruled out talks with PTI unless Imran is excluded.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in Ramgati, Lakshmipur, has alleged that 22 of its activists were injured and three local offices vandalized in an attack reportedly carried out by supporters linked to Awami League leader Sharaf Uddin Azad Sohel. The incident occurred on Monday evening during a rally supporting Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD) candidate Tania Rob. BNP leaders claimed that banners and posters featuring Khaleda Zia, Tarique Rahman, and former MP Ashraf Uddin Nizan were torn down.

At a press conference held later that night, local BNP leaders accused Sohel of orchestrating the assault using hired groups from nearby areas. They alleged that the attack followed their earlier objection to Sohel’s participation in the JSD rally. The BNP leadership demanded Sohel’s arrest within 24 hours, warning of tougher political action if authorities fail to respond.

The incident underscores rising political tensions in Lakshmipur ahead of national elections, with both major parties trading accusations of violence and intimidation.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister’s adviser on political and public affairs, Rana Sanaullah, has claimed that Imran Khan, founder of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), is on the verge of losing his political influence. Speaking at a rally in Gujranwala, Sanaullah sharply criticized Khan’s tenure, his strained relations with the military establishment, and the internal disarray within PTI.

Sanaullah alleged that Khan’s government brought destruction during its rule and partly blamed former army chief General Qamar Bajwa for key decisions of that period. He contrasted Khan’s confrontational approach with Nawaz Sharif’s restraint toward state institutions. According to Sanaullah, Khan’s conflict with the establishment began when he sought to use it against political rivals and later attempted to blackmail it for personal political gain.

The adviser further claimed that around 85% of PTI members no longer align with Khan’s political direction, warning that the party’s tactics resemble those of controversial past movements. Analysts view these remarks as part of the ruling coalition’s effort to weaken PTI ahead of Pakistan’s evolving political landscape.

National Citizen Party (NCP) South Region chief organizer Hasanat Abdullah is scheduled to testify today before International Crimes Tribunal-2 in the case concerning the killing of Begum Rokeya University student Abu Sayeed, the first martyr of the July uprising. The three-member tribunal, chaired by Justice Nazrul Islam Chowdhury, will hear his testimony as the 22nd witness in the case against 30 accused, including the university’s former vice-chancellor Hasibur Rashid.

According to the prosecution, six of the accused are currently in custody, while 24 remain absconding. The tribunal has been hearing witness statements since August, with testimonies from police officers, students, and eyewitnesses describing the events of July 16 last year. The case formally began on August 27 following the submission of the investigation report and formation of charges in June.

Legal analysts note that Abdullah’s testimony may provide key insights into the chain of command and accountability during the violence. Further hearings are expected to continue in the coming weeks as the tribunal moves toward concluding witness examinations.

BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman has reminded student leaders that the party’s electoral symbol, the ‘sheaf of paddy,’ should take precedence over individual candidates in the upcoming national election. Speaking at a Dhaka event titled ‘Plan to Build the Nation,’ he emphasized that loyalty to the party and its ideals must guide campaign efforts, regardless of personal preferences for particular nominees.

Addressing over a thousand Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal leaders from 75 units across Bangladesh, Rahman called for grassroots mobilization around BNP’s development agenda. He outlined plans focusing on environmental protection, waste management, sports, education, healthcare, and unemployment reduction. He urged activists to engage local communities and secure public support for these initiatives.

Rahman further stated that the next two months would be dedicated to connecting citizens with BNP’s vision for national reconstruction. His remarks come as the party intensifies its organizational activities ahead of the parliamentary elections, seeking to unify supporters under its electoral symbol rather than individual personalities.

Gono Odhikar Parishad’s central general secretary Rashed Khan has alleged that a plan is underway to assassinate 50 election candidates in an attempt to derail the upcoming national polls in Bangladesh. Speaking at a campaign rally in Jhenaidah’s Goalpra Bazar on December 8, Khan claimed that the ruling Awami League is behind the alleged conspiracy to carry out targeted killings aimed at sabotaging the February elections.

Khan emphasized that ensuring the safety of all candidates is the government’s responsibility and warned that any attack on contestants would be the government’s liability. He further stated that BNP leader Tarique Rahman is expected to return to Bangladesh after the election schedule is announced, asserting that his security is of national importance. Responding to questions about the purchase of a bulletproof vehicle for Rahman, Khan defended the move as a necessary precaution.

The allegations have sparked political tension ahead of the polls, with opposition parties demanding stronger security measures. Authorities have not yet issued an official response to Khan’s claims.

Pirojpur-1 constituency Jamaat-e-Islami nominated MP candidate and former upazila chairman Masud Saeedi has emphasized the need for better working conditions for teachers to create an enlightened and progressive society. Speaking at a discussion meeting with teachers and local dignitaries at Pirojpur Government Suhrawardy College, he stated that education is the driving force of national progress, and teachers are its foundation.

Saeedi pledged that, if elected, he would prioritize improving the education system, ensuring a safe, supportive, and corruption-free environment for teachers and students. He also promised to introduce modern, technology-based learning tools and training programs to enhance teaching quality. Addressing the broader national context, he criticized persistent corruption as a major obstacle to Bangladesh’s development, vowing to work toward its eradication.

Local educators and community leaders attended the meeting, expressing support for initiatives that would enhance teacher dignity and student safety. Saeedi’s remarks reflect growing public discourse on education reform and governance accountability ahead of the upcoming election.

Bangladesh’s interim government adviser on labour and shipping, Brigadier General (Retd.) Dr. M Sakhawat Hossain, stated that the interim administration was not given any specific mandate or deadline to hold national elections. Speaking at a press conference on December 8 at the Secretariat, he clarified that when the interim government assumed office on August 8, 2024, no instruction or timeframe was set for conducting elections. He added that the government itself had expressed the intention to hold elections, and political parties’ subsequent activities were beyond government control.

Hossain emphasized that the interim government believes elections should take place in due time to restore democratic governance and global democratic norms, which he said had been absent for nearly two decades. Drawing on his experience as a former election commissioner, he declined to comment on whether the current political environment is ready for elections, saying that only the Election Commission could assess that.

He further noted that political parties currently appear uncertain about their strategies and future, suggesting that political instability would arise only if the government and parties move in opposite directions.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) acting chairman Tarique Rahman has announced that his party will restart the canal excavation project if given the opportunity to govern after the upcoming national election. Speaking virtually from London at an event in Dhaka’s Krishibid Institution, Rahman said the initiative, originally launched by late President Ziaur Rahman, had helped control floods and improve irrigation, leading to food self-sufficiency in the past.

He emphasized that the BNP’s development agenda would focus on environmental restoration, waste management, and air pollution control. Rahman also discussed plans to enhance remittance inflows by providing skills training to migrant workers and to support digital content creators through partnerships with global financial platforms such as PayPal, Google, and Meta. He urged party activists to prioritize the BNP’s electoral symbol over individual candidates and to engage citizens in implementing the party’s national rebuilding plans.

The speech, delivered during the “Plan to Build the Nation” program, was attended by over a thousand student leaders. Rahman called on the youth to unite for Bangladesh’s future, warning that inaction could lead to national setbacks.