Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s Nayeb-e-Ameer, ATM Azharul Islam, stated that if his party secures a majority in the upcoming national election, it would govern the country based on Islamic principles. Speaking on Sunday, December 7, in Kishoreganj, Nilphamari, during a relief distribution event for 90 families affected by a recent cyclone, he said the current laws and constitution are man-made and not fully aligned with Islam.

The event was organized by the Kishoreganj Upazila unit of Jamaat-e-Islami and chaired by local party leader Abdur Rashid Shah. Several regional and district-level Jamaat leaders, including Muhammad Abdur Rashid, Maulana Abdus Sattar, Dr. Khairul Anam, Maulana Antajul Islam, and Hafiz Abdul Muntakim, were also present.

Azharul Islam’s remarks come at a time when Jamaat is seeking to reassert its political relevance ahead of national polls. His statement underscores the party’s long-standing ideological stance on establishing governance rooted in Islamic law, a position that has historically drawn both support and criticism within Bangladesh’s political landscape.

Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir has publicly clarified that it has not yet decided to nominate any of its members for the upcoming national election, countering media speculation about Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) Vice President Sadiq Kayem contesting from Dhaka-8 under the scale symbol. The clarification came from Shibir’s Central Publicity Secretary Azizur Rahman Azad, who posted on his verified Facebook account on Saturday night.

Azad stated that several journalists and supporters had inquired about the rumor, prompting the organization to reiterate that no official decision had been made. He added that any future decision regarding participation in the election would be formally announced by the central leadership. The statement followed reports citing Jamaat-e-Islami sources suggesting that the party might replace its current candidate, Advocate Dr. Helal Uddin, with Sadiq Kayem in Dhaka-8.

The clarification underscores internal deliberations within Jamaat and its affiliated student wing as the national election approaches, reflecting broader uncertainty over candidate selection in key constituencies.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) of Bangladesh has launched an inquiry into former president Abdul Hamid over allegations of embezzlement and illegal wealth accumulation. The probe centers on claims that Tk 240 million in state funds were misused under the guise of beautification and development works in the Nikunja-1 area of Dhaka.

ACC Director General (Prevention) Md Akhter Hossain confirmed the investigation on Sunday, emphasizing that the commission does not consider personal identity but focuses on the factual basis of complaints. Reports indicate that Hamid, who completed his presidential term in April 2023, resides with his family in a three-story duplex house on Lake Drive Road, Nikunja-1. Allegations include the construction of decorative decks, hanging bridges, and modern lamp posts that allegedly caused significant financial loss to the state.

The investigation marks a rare scrutiny of a former head of state by the ACC and could test the institution’s impartiality and political independence in handling high-profile corruption cases.

Students from several government colleges in Dhaka blocked the Shahbagh intersection on Sunday to protest the proposed schooling model in the draft Dhaka Central University Ordinance. The demonstration began around 11:30 a.m., halting traffic at one of the capital’s busiest junctions. After about 45 minutes, the students withdrew their blockade, and traffic flow returned to normal by 12:30 p.m.

Protesters argued that if the ordinance is enacted, it could jeopardize higher secondary education at the seven affiliated government colleges and undermine their longstanding academic traditions. Students from Dhaka College, Government Bangla College, Kabi Nazrul Government College, Shaheed Suhrawardy Government College, and Begum Badrunnesa Government Women’s College joined the protest march.

The brief but disruptive demonstration highlights growing student concern over education governance and institutional restructuring. Authorities have yet to issue an official response, but further dialogue between the education ministry and student representatives is expected in the coming days.

Pakistan’s federal authorities have imposed foreign travel bans on 132 senior leaders of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, citing their alleged involvement in the violent protests and vandalism that erupted on May 9, 2023. The decision, confirmed on Saturday, adds the names of several prominent figures to the Exit Control List (ECL), effectively preventing them from leaving the country.

Among those restricted are PTI founder Imran Khan, senior leaders Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Omar Ayub, Fawad Chaudhry, and Shibli Faraz. Former Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, Shehryar Afridi, Usman Dar, and female leaders Shireen Mazari, Zartaj Gul, Musarrat Cheema, and Kanwal Shauzab are also included. Officials said the Punjab Home Department had recommended the inclusion of 132 names.

The move reflects the government’s intensified scrutiny of PTI members accused of inciting political instability. Analysts suggest the bans could further strain relations between the ruling coalition and PTI supporters, potentially complicating efforts toward political reconciliation ahead of future elections.

Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary, Shafiqul Alam, has clarified his personal stance on the long-debated Phulbari coal mine issue following public discussion over his recent social media post. In a Facebook statement on December 7, Alam emphasized the importance of constructive criticism and democratic debate, distancing his personal views from any official government position. He reiterated his condemnation of the 2006 Phulbari killings, recalling his role as an AFP correspondent who first reported the incident internationally.

Alam explained that his recent reflections stemmed from 16 months of experience within the interim government, noting Bangladesh’s energy security challenges and dependence on costly LNG imports after the Ukraine war. He argued that not developing major coal reserves such as Phulbari, Dighipara, and Jamalganj was a strategic mistake, though he acknowledged flaws in past agreements. While welcoming thoughtful criticism from academics and analysts, he reaffirmed that his comments were personal and not indicative of any government initiative to revive the project.

His remarks have reignited debate over Bangladesh’s energy policy, balancing environmental concerns, economic realities, and the country’s development priorities.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has cautioned that certain groups are attempting to create divisions in Bangladesh under the guise of religion. Speaking at the inauguration of the party’s ‘Nation-Building Plan’ program at the Krishibid Institution auditorium on Sunday, he emphasized that while Bangladeshis are religious, they do not believe in dividing the state along religious lines. Fakhrul said the country now has an opportunity to restore democracy after 15 years, but obstacles and misinformation campaigns persist.

He accused the ruling Awami League of destroying national institutions and called for their reconstruction. Fakhrul urged party members to remain alert against cyberwarfare and propaganda, asserting that only the BNP can lead the nation forward. He also highlighted the changing mindset of youth and the need to modernize the party’s vision to align with a new Bangladesh. Addressing Khaleda Zia’s health, he said her treatment is being closely supervised by Tarique Rahman and a team of national and international specialists.

The remarks come as BNP seeks to reframe its political agenda ahead of potential national elections, focusing on unity, reform, and democratic revival.

More than 223,000 expatriate Bangladeshis have registered to vote in the upcoming 13th National Parliament election and referendum through the ‘Postal Vote BD’ mobile application, according to the Election Commission’s update on December 7. Among the registrants, 203,578 are men and 20,121 are women. Saudi Arabia leads with over 51,000 registered voters, followed by the United States, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates.

The Election Commission (EC) has urged expatriates to provide accurate local addresses while registering, emphasizing that workplace or acquaintances’ addresses may be used if necessary. The registration deadline has been extended until midnight on December 25, allowing global access to the app. EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed confirmed that in-country postal voting will also be introduced for government officials, detainees, and those working away from home.

The ‘Postal Vote BD’ app, launched on November 18, enables registration from 148 countries. The initiative marks Bangladesh’s first large-scale digital system for overseas postal voting, aiming to expand participation and transparency in the electoral process.

Bangladesh’s interim government has announced that individuals holding recognized Qawmi Madrasa degrees will now be eligible to serve as Nikah Registrars (Kazi). The decision was confirmed by Dr. Asif Nazrul, Adviser to the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, through a verified social media post on Sunday, December 7. Previously, only individuals with Alim-level certificates were permitted to apply for the registrar position.

Dr. Nazrul stated that the law ministry has amended the relevant legal provisions to expand eligibility, allowing those with Dawra-e-Hadith certificates from recognized Qawmi boards to apply. The move aims to create broader inclusion for religious scholars within the country’s official marriage registration process.

Legal experts and religious leaders have welcomed the change as a recognition of Qawmi education’s equivalence to mainstream Islamic studies. However, some observers note that the implementation process will require careful oversight to ensure uniform standards across different educational boards.

The medical board overseeing the treatment of BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia has decided to postpone her transfer abroad for advanced medical care. Doctors concluded that her current physical condition does not permit the stress of a long-haul flight, emphasizing that her safety and stability must come first. The decision was announced at a press briefing outside Dhaka’s Evercare Hospital by her personal physician and BNP Standing Committee member Dr. AZM Zahid Hossain.

The board, which includes specialists from the United States, the United Kingdom, China, and Bangladesh, continues to monitor her condition closely. Dr. Zobaida Rahman, Zia’s daughter-in-law, recently arrived in Dhaka to coordinate treatment, while acting BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman remains in contact from London. Doctors urged the public not to spread misinformation about her health on social media.

Khaleda Zia, 79, suffers from multiple chronic ailments, including arthritis, diabetes, and organ complications. Her transfer abroad will proceed only when the board deems her fit for air travel, with all preparations reportedly in place.

Dhaka South Chhatra Dal has expelled Nesar Uddin Rabbi, member secretary of Lalbagh Thana Chhatra Dal, and Adnan Ahmed Imon, president of Ward No. 24 Chhatra Dal, citing verified violations of organizational discipline. The decision was finalized after internal review procedures in accordance with the organization’s policies.

The expulsion order was jointly signed by Dhaka South Chhatra Dal President Shamim Mahmud and General Secretary Abdur Rahim Bhuiyan, and officially announced through a press release on Saturday, December 6. The statement confirmed that the disciplinary action would take immediate effect. The press release was distributed to the media by Amzad Hossain Mamun, the organization’s assistant office secretary.

The move underscores the organization’s emphasis on maintaining internal discipline amid broader efforts to strengthen its local units. No further details were provided about the specific nature of the disciplinary breaches or potential replacements for the expelled leaders.

Bangladesh’s law enforcement agencies are heightening security measures ahead of the 13th National Parliamentary Election as 1,340 looted firearms remain untraced from the July 2024 unrest. Out of 5,763 weapons stolen during that period, police have yet to recover a significant portion, raising concerns about potential election violence and criminal misuse. The Inspector General of Police (IGP) has ordered intensified recovery operations, including cash rewards of up to BDT 500,000 for information leading to retrieval.

Police officials fear that the missing weapons could fuel black money influence and underworld activity, destabilizing both the election and national security. Intelligence briefings have identified high-risk districts such as Chattogram, Dhaka, and Khulna, where additional forces will be deployed. The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and cyber units are also monitoring social media for misinformation and foreign propaganda.

Authorities plan a nationwide crackdown in late December to recover lost arms and prevent pre-poll violence. Candidates requesting extra protection will receive special security to ensure voter confidence and election integrity.

A high school headteacher in Ishwardi, Pabna, has drawn criticism after a video surfaced showing him chanting 'Joy Bangla'—a slogan historically linked to the ruling Awami League—while urging votes for the opposition BNP’s electoral symbol, the paddy sheaf. The incident occurred during a prayer gathering on Friday night for BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s recovery, where the teacher, Sirajul Islam, spoke as a guest.

Local residents and social media users reacted sharply after the video went viral, questioning the teacher’s political neutrality and professional ethics. Sirajul Islam, head of Laxmikunda Girls’ High School, later apologized, saying he mistakenly uttered the slogan and denied any political affiliation. The event’s organizers also claimed it was not an official BNP program. However, the Ishwardi Upazila Executive Officer stated that government employees are prohibited from participating in political activities.

The controversy highlights ongoing tensions between Bangladesh’s major political parties and raises concerns about political involvement by public servants ahead of the next election cycle.

Gana Odhikar Parishad President and former DUCSU VP Nurul Haque Nur announced that his party will contest all 300 parliamentary constituencies independently in Bangladesh’s upcoming 13th national election. Speaking at a public rally in Brahmanbaria’s Nabinagar on December 6, Nur said the party aims to build a corruption-free and just Bangladesh. He also introduced local leader Nazrul Islam (Nazu) as the official candidate for Brahmanbaria-5 under the party’s ‘Truck’ symbol.

Nur emphasized that the party is nominating candidates with strong public images across the country. Addressing the election timeline, he said that if former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia’s health affects the schedule, the Election Commission will decide accordingly. However, he expressed confidence that the polls would be held in February, adding that the party is prepared to field candidates even if the election is delayed until April.

Party General Secretary Rashed Khan also spoke at the event, reaffirming the party’s readiness for a nationwide contest and its commitment to political reform.

Former State Minister for Home Affairs and BNP candidate for Netrakona-4, Lutfozzaman Babar, called on citizens to take action against drug users and gamblers, saying they should be caught and punished before being handed over to authorities. Speaking at campaign rallies in Madan upazila on December 6, Babar emphasized that no one, including party members, would be exempt from this directive.

During his speech, Babar also highlighted the need to expand income sources, especially for women, and to promote self-reliance through skill-based work. He described development as a continuous process and pledged to address unemployment and improve living standards. Babar further praised BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, portraying her as a symbol of integrity and national interest.

Local BNP leaders and activists attended the events, which marked part of Babar’s campaign for the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. His remarks have drawn attention for their tough stance on social issues and emphasis on grassroots empowerment.