The Bangladesh Ansar and Village Defence Party (VDP) has rejected a report published by the online news outlet *Amar Desh*, which claimed that Ansar members were deployed to guard a statue of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. In a statement issued Friday evening, the paramilitary force described the report as entirely false and clarified that no Ansar personnel had been assigned to the site.

According to the official statement, neither district nor local Ansar authorities were aware of any such deployment, and no official order had been issued. The Ansar further explained that two night guards currently stationed at the location were appointed by the municipal authority and were not members of the Ansar VDP, nor did they wear its uniform. The clarification followed *Amar Desh*’s earlier claim that two Ansar members were specifically posted to protect the statue.

The dispute underscores ongoing tensions over misinformation in local media and the sensitivity surrounding symbols of national leadership. The Ansar’s denial aims to prevent reputational damage and ensure public trust in official communication channels.

Members of the Hindu community in Dohar upazila organized a special prayer and blessing ceremony on Friday evening for the recovery of BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia. The event took place at the Joypara Golabari Harisabha Temple, with Dhaka District BNP President Khandaker Abu Ashfaq attending as chief guest. The gathering was presided over by Advocate Ranjit Saha and conducted by Bikash Sarkar, senior joint convener of the Dohar Volunteer Team.

Several BNP and allied organization leaders, including Masud Parvez, Abul Hashem Bepari, and representatives from the Puja Celebration Council and Hindu Mahajot, were present. Meanwhile, a separate prayer event was held in Nawabganj after Friday prayers, organized by Dhaka North Chhatra Dal President Salahuddin Ahmed, where local BNP leaders also prayed for Khaleda Zia’s health.

These parallel events reflect cross-community concern for the former prime minister’s health and signal continued grassroots mobilization within the BNP network amid her prolonged illness and limited public appearances.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has expelled Ahmad Tayebur Rahman Hiron, convenor of the Gauripur Upazila unit in Mymensingh, citing violations of party discipline and involvement in organizational conflicts. In a press release signed by Mymensingh North District BNP convenor A.K.M. Enayet Ullah Kalam and joint convenor Motahar Hossain Talukder, the party announced that senior joint convenor Md. Habibul Islam Khan Shahid will serve as acting convenor.

According to party sources, the expulsion followed internal unrest after the BNP’s executive committee nominated engineer M. Iqbal Hossain as the preliminary candidate for the Mymensingh-3 (Gauripur) constituency. Supporters of Hiron reportedly protested the nomination decision, demanding a change, which intensified factional tensions within the local unit.

The leadership reshuffle underscores growing internal challenges for the BNP ahead of potential national political movements. Party insiders suggest that maintaining unity at the grassroots level will be crucial as the BNP prepares for upcoming electoral and organizational activities.

National Citizen Party (South) chief organizer Hasnat Abdullah announced he will contest the upcoming Comilla-4 (Debidwar) parliamentary election independently, even if he receives only ten votes. Speaking at a campaign rally in Rajamehar village, he rejected the idea of forming alliances, emphasizing loyalty to party principles over political expediency. Abdullah said his supporters include educated youth and university students who are actively engaging with his campaign.

He outlined a series of pledges focusing on women’s education, employment training, and empowerment, as well as initiatives for religious clerics to gain small business support through microcredit. Abdullah also proposed scholarship and monitoring programs for meritorious students and language training centers to prepare migrant workers for better opportunities abroad. He criticized false campaign promises about household gas supply, calling them misleading and economically unsustainable.

Abdullah’s independent stance highlights growing local-level political diversification in Bangladesh’s electoral landscape, where smaller parties seek to assert identity amid dominant alliances. His campaign themes reflect a focus on social reform and grassroots empowerment.

National Citizen Party (NCP) northern region chief organizer Sarjis Alam has indicated that his party is keeping the door open for forming an electoral alliance ahead of Bangladesh’s upcoming national elections. Speaking in Panchagarh on Thursday night, he said discussions are ongoing with like-minded centrist political groups to ensure that any coalition aligns with the country’s and people’s interests.

Sarjis emphasized that the NCP seeks partners who support reform, oppose external dominance, and uphold communal harmony in Bangladesh’s political landscape. He noted that while an earlier date had been set for announcing the alliance, the party decided to expand its framework to include more parties. The NCP leader also announced that the party’s first list of nominated candidates would be released within two days, with a goal to field candidates in all 300 constituencies by December.

Political observers view the NCP’s approach as an attempt to broaden its influence and appeal to reform-minded voters seeking transparent and inclusive politics.

BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury announced that if the party forms the next government, it will introduce a new economic and financing model aimed at creating 10 million jobs within 18 months. Speaking at the National Youth Policy Dialogue in Dhaka, he said the BNP’s approach would eliminate the need to seek loans from multinational institutions such as the IMF and World Bank.

Khasru emphasized that the proposed model would focus on uninterrupted power supply and major investments in the information technology sector. He claimed that the plan is based on detailed research and sector-specific financing strategies, not political rhetoric. The event, jointly organized by Dhaka Forum Initiative (DFI) and Youth School for Social Entrepreneurs (YSSE), was attended by around 250 students, young professionals, and entrepreneurs.

His remarks come as Bangladesh continues to implement a $5.5 billion IMF loan program initiated in 2023. BNP’s proposed shift signals a potential departure from traditional external borrowing, raising questions about alternative funding sources and fiscal sustainability if the party returns to power.

Dhaka North BNP convener and Dhaka-16 candidate Aminul Haque has alleged that a few political parties in Bangladesh are misusing religion to deceive the public and gain political power. Speaking at a prayer and campaign rally in Rupnagar on Friday, he criticized these parties for not participating in people’s movements before August 5 and questioned their sudden religious positioning.

Haque specifically pointed to Jamaat-e-Islami’s past, recalling its controversial role during the 1971 Liberation War and accusing it of collaborating with Pakistani forces. He argued that those now presenting themselves as Islamic parties had remained inactive for years. The BNP leader also highlighted the contributions of party founder Ziaur Rahman and chairperson Khaleda Zia in uniting the nation and restoring democracy.

The event concluded with a procession supporting the BNP’s election symbol, the paddy sheaf, through Rupnagar and Eastern Housing areas, signaling the party’s intensified campaign efforts in Dhaka-16.

BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman has claimed that party chief Khaleda Zia’s health is in grave danger due to what he described as continued political repression under Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s rule. In a Facebook post on December 5, Rahman accused the government of subjecting Zia to imprisonment and harassment, saying her life now faces a critical stage.

Rahman’s statement coincided with the anniversary of the fall of military ruler Hussain Muhammad Ershad in 1990, which he recalled as a milestone in Bangladesh’s democratic struggle. He praised Khaleda Zia’s leadership during that period and alleged that the current Awami League government has again undermined democracy. Rahman urged opposition supporters to remain united to restore democratic values and resist what he called authoritarian governance.

The remarks come amid ongoing political tensions and concerns over Khaleda Zia’s deteriorating health. BNP leaders have repeatedly demanded her release for medical treatment abroad, while the government maintains that legal procedures must be followed.

BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman has donated financial aid to the Baitul Mamur Jame Mosque in Dhaka’s Korail slum, which was severely damaged in a recent fire. The donation was handed over on Friday by BNP Health Affairs Secretary Dr. Md. Rafiqul Islam on behalf of Rahman. Following the Friday prayers, a special prayer session was held seeking the recovery of BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia and the well-being of Tarique Rahman.

Several BNP-affiliated doctors and medical students attended the event, including Dr. S.M. Shahidul Hasan Babu and Dr. Zahidul Kabir. The fire, which broke out on November 25, destroyed parts of the slum and affected hundreds of residents. Under Rahman’s direction, BNP organized a two-day medical camp on November 27–28, providing healthcare to about 3,000 people.

The donation reflects BNP’s continued engagement in humanitarian relief efforts and community outreach following disasters. Party leaders indicated that mosque repairs would begin soon, with further assistance planned for affected residents.

The United States has reduced the validity period of Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) for refugees, asylum seekers, and certain other foreign nationals from five years to 18 months. The new rule, announced by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) under the Department of Homeland Security, will apply to 19 categories of foreign residents, including those protected from deportation.

The policy change follows a series of stricter immigration measures introduced by President Donald Trump’s administration since taking office in January 2024. Trump had pledged during his campaign to tighten both legal and illegal immigration. The administration previously raised H-1B visa fees and recently suspended immigration processes for citizens of 19 countries after a deadly incident involving an Afghan refugee in Washington, D.C.

Officials say the shorter renewal period will enhance background checks and monitoring, but immigrant advocacy groups warn it could increase administrative burdens and uncertainty for refugees seeking stability in the US.

Mojibur Rahman Manju, the AB Party’s (Eagle symbol) candidate for the Feni Sadar constituency, announced his intention to pursue what he termed 'new politics' free from the divisive and corrupt practices of traditional politics. Speaking during a public outreach event in Kazirbag on Friday evening, Manju emphasized the need to move away from political jealousy, poster vandalism, and misuse of development funds by local musclemen.

He argued that the old political culture—marked by hostility between parties and misuse of public resources—has long hindered progress. Referring to his party’s role in the July mass uprising, Manju said that people now trust them to bring change. He also acknowledged the contributions of earlier political figures while urging collective efforts for reform.

The event was attended by several AB Party leaders from the Chattogram division and Feni district, signaling the party’s growing grassroots mobilization ahead of the upcoming national elections.

The Trump administration has issued a stark warning to Europe in its newly released National Security Strategy, claiming that the continent risks losing its 'Western identity' within two decades if current trends continue. The 33-page document outlines the United States’ global vision, military priorities, and political strategies, emphasizing concerns over immigration, declining birth rates, and restrictions on free speech as key threats to Europe’s stability.

European leaders have reacted sharply to the report, with Germany’s Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul rejecting the notion that Europe needs external advice on its social values. He reaffirmed the U.S. as a vital NATO ally but criticized the inclusion of cultural and ideological issues in a security strategy. European media outlets noted that the tone of the document echoes Trump’s earlier United Nations speech, where he criticized Western Europe’s immigration and energy policies.

The strategy also highlights the growing influence of nationalist movements in Europe, which Washington views favorably, and calls for deeper U.S. involvement in managing Europe’s relationship with Russia. Analysts suggest the document could shape future transatlantic relations and defense policies.

The National Citizens Party (NCP) has called for the election schedule to be announced only after all political parties are ready to participate. NCP convener Nahid Islam made the statement on Friday, December 5, during a discussion titled “The Future of Investment in Bangladesh” at Hotel Sheraton in Dhaka. He emphasized that the Election Commission (EC) will decide on the schedule, but political inclusiveness should be ensured first.

Nahid Islam clarified that the NCP is not against elections and wants to move forward through democratic participation. He dismissed speculation about hidden alliances, saying the party has neither formal nor informal agreements with any group. The NCP plans to announce its list of candidates soon and is continuing talks about forming a third political alliance.

He added that reforms must continue beyond the election and that the NCP seeks to build a new political culture. Nahid also noted that the current electoral environment is not fully conducive but expressed optimism if no internal or foreign interference occurs.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami chief Dr. Shafiqur Rahman on Friday declared that the future of Bangladesh would be guided by the Quran, emphasizing that his party seeks victory for the aspirations of 180 million citizens rather than for any specific political group. He made the remarks while addressing a divisional rally in Chattogram organized by an eight-party alliance demanding political reforms and justice for alleged past abuses.

Rahman accused the former Awami League government of corruption, repression, and misuse of national resources, alleging that the party ruled with ‘bloody hands’ and left the country in turmoil. He also claimed that despite the fall of the previous regime, fascism still lingers in the country and warned that no new form of authoritarianism would be tolerated.

The eight-party coalition continues to press its five-point demand, including a pre-election referendum, proportional representation in parliament, and trials for alleged atrocities and corruption. Rahman signaled that street protests would persist until these demands are met, hinting at renewed mass mobilization if necessary.

BNP Standing Committee member and Cox’s Bazar-1 candidate Salahuddin Ahmed pledged that no citizen would die without medical care if his party returns to power. Speaking at an election rally in Bahaddarkata Station, Chakaria, he reaffirmed BNP’s commitment to restoring democracy, rule of law, and citizens’ rights. Ahmed said the party’s mission is to build a Bangladesh where every person’s fundamental and human rights are protected.

He emphasized that the people of Bangladesh have regained their right to vote after years of struggle and urged them to exercise it in the upcoming national election. Ahmed also promised that under Tarique Rahman’s leadership, BNP would complete the unfinished work of late president Ziaur Rahman. His pledges included introducing agricultural cards, ensuring fair prices for farmers, and expanding social safety nets for poor families.

Local BNP leaders, including former MP Hasina Ahmed and several organizational secretaries, attended the event, signaling strong grassroots mobilization ahead of the election.