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.

The Election Commission (EC) of Bangladesh has urged the public and media to avoid spreading unverified information regarding the schedule and date of the upcoming national parliamentary elections. Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed stated on Friday, December 5, that no final decision has yet been made on the announcement of the election timetable. He emphasized that any date being circulated is based on personal assumptions and not official confirmation.

Recent media reports have speculated that the election schedule might be announced on December 11, with voting possibly taking place in February. The EC is set to hold a formal meeting on Sunday to discuss the election schedule and has also requested a meeting with President Mohammed Shahabuddin to consult on the matter. According to sources, the President has agreed to meet the EC on December 10 at noon.

The EC’s caution highlights its efforts to maintain transparency and prevent misinformation as political parties and voters await the official election timeline.

Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) Vice President Abu Sadiq Kayem, also a central leader of Islami Chhatra Shibir, has called for a move away from what he described as India-oriented politics toward a Bangladesh-centered political approach. Speaking as the chief guest at a student and citizen rally organized by Jamaat-e-Islami in Chhatak, Sunamganj, on Friday, he warned that any attempt to govern the country in a 'fascist manner' would face strong public resistance.

Kayem emphasized that the youth must play a more conscious role in the current political climate, noting former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia’s historical role in anti-fascist movements and wishing her recovery from illness. Other speakers, including former principal Abdus Salam Al Madani and local Jamaat leaders, stressed the importance of democratic values, rule of law, and freedom of expression to overcome the nation’s political and social crises.

The hour-long rally concluded peacefully, with participants calling for justice, good governance, and a politics rooted in national interest rather than external influence.

President Mohammed Shahabuddin organized a special prayer gathering at Bangabhaban mosques on December 5, seeking the speedy recovery of BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia. The event followed Friday prayers and was attended by senior officials, family members, and staff of the presidential residence. The chief imam led prayers for Khaleda Zia’s health, longevity, and for the peace and prosperity of Bangladesh.

Khaleda Zia, aged 80, has been under treatment at Evercare Hospital’s coronary care unit since November 23. Her medical board, comprising local and foreign specialists, including doctors from the UK and China, has deemed her fit to travel abroad. She is expected to be flown to London soon aboard an air ambulance provided by Qatar’s Emir. Upon arrival, she will be admitted to London Bridge Hospital, where her son and acting BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman will receive her.

The development underscores the political and humanitarian attention surrounding the health of one of Bangladesh’s most senior political figures.

BNP’s acting chairperson Tarique Rahman’s wife, Zubaida Rahman, arrived in Dhaka from London on Friday morning and went directly to Evercare Hospital to visit her ailing mother-in-law, former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia. After spending over two and a half hours at the hospital, she left for her mother’s residence in Dhanmondi. Security was tightened around the hospital during her visit.

Zubaida’s visit comes as preparations continue to transfer Khaleda Zia to London for advanced treatment. The plan was delayed after a technical fault was detected in the air ambulance sent by the Emir of Qatar. BNP’s media cell said a replacement aircraft, made in Germany, may arrive in Dhaka by Saturday. Party Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir stated that if Khaleda’s condition allows and the medical board approves, she could fly to London on December 7.

Khaleda Zia has been under treatment at Evercare Hospital for 13 days due to lung infection and cardiac complications. Her condition remains critical but slightly improved in some areas, according to doctors.

Authorities in Keshabpur, Jesore, have stopped the construction of a market allegedly built on government and Waqf land by Abdus Salam Khan, vice president of the local Awami League unit. Assistant Commissioner (Land) Md. Sharif Newaz intervened on Thursday, ordering a halt to the ongoing construction of 16 new shops after reports surfaced that Salam Khan had already built and rented out 12 shops on the disputed land.

Officials said the land, located beside the Jessore–Satkhira highway, belongs to the district council and a Waqf estate. Salam Khan reportedly collected advance payments totaling nearly 48 lakh taka from tenants. Locals claim that the income from the Waqf property, meant for the upkeep of a community mosque, has been diverted for private gain.

The assistant commissioner confirmed that further legal action will follow pending instructions from the district administration. Residents have urged the government to recover the occupied Waqf property and ensure its proper management to prevent future encroachments.

The United States is preparing to significantly expand its travel ban list, potentially adding more than 30 countries, according to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. In an interview with Fox News, Noem declined to specify the exact number but confirmed that President Donald Trump is assessing multiple nations. The move follows a recent incident in Washington, D.C., where two National Guard members were killed by an Afghan immigrant, prompting the administration to tighten immigration policies. Trump previously imposed full travel bans on 12 countries and partial restrictions on seven others, citing national security concerns. The new expansion targets nations with unstable governments, weak identity verification systems, or limited cooperation with U.S. vetting processes. This initiative is part of a broader overhaul of immigration policy since Trump’s return to office, which includes stricter border enforcement, reassessment of asylum cases, and review of green card issuances for citizens of 19 countries.

The National Citizens Party (NCP) has announced a 67-member convening committee for its Feni district unit. Zahidul Islam Saikat has been appointed as the convener, while Shah Wali Ullah Manik will serve as the member secretary. The committee was approved through an official statement signed by central member secretary Akhtar Hossain and chief organizer (southern region) Hasnat Abdullah on Thursday, December 4. Senior Joint Convener Advocate Abdullah Al Monsur and several joint conveners, including Professor Ferdous Anwar and Emdadul Haque Rajib, were also named. Mohaymin Tajim was appointed as Senior Joint Member Secretary. The committee includes various organizational secretaries and members representing different professional and social backgrounds. Party leaders hope the new committee will strengthen the NCP’s organizational activities in the Feni region and enhance its grassroots presence ahead of future political programs.

Ahead of Bangladesh’s 13th national parliamentary election, Jamaat-e-Islami is reportedly set to drop between 80 and 100 candidates from its previously announced list. The move comes as part of seat-sharing arrangements with seven allied parties participating in a joint movement based on five-point demands. Reliable sources indicate that candidate reshuffling is being guided by field-level popularity assessments and professional representation. Jamaat leader Advocate Ehsanul Mahbub Zobayer stated that the main criterion for selection is the likelihood of victory rather than the number of candidates. The eight-party alliance, which includes Jamaat, Islami Andolon, Khelafat Andolon, Khelafat Majlis, Nezame Islam Party, JAGPA, and BDPO, is working toward finalizing single candidates per constituency. Jamaat’s top leaders, including Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, are expected to contest from Dhaka, while candidates from minority and indigenous communities are also under consideration. New candidates have already been finalized in constituencies such as Habiganj-4 and Kurigram.

The Pakistani government has suspended the visitation rights of former Prime Minister and PTI founder Imran Khan’s sister, Uzma Khan, after she allegedly engaged in political discussions during a recent prison visit. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar announced that any visitor who discusses politics with the jailed leader will lose visitation privileges, citing prison regulations that prohibit such conversations. Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar emphasized that these restrictions have long existed under prison law and apply equally to all convicts. He added that Adiala Jail, where Khan is held, operates under Punjab’s jurisdiction, and that meetings must be supervised, limited to six visitors once a week, and free of political content. The ministers also warned that anyone violating prison rules or causing unrest outside the facility would face strict action. The government reiterated that Khan, as a convicted prisoner, cannot hold unsupervised meetings or communicate politically from jail.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi announced that the party has completed all necessary preparations to participate in the upcoming national election, expected to be held in February before Ramadan, provided no major crisis arises. Speaking to journalists after Friday prayers in Kurigram, Rizvi emphasized that BNP is ready for the polls as per the government’s schedule. He also commented on the possible return of the party’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman, saying he would come back at an appropriate time considering his mother Khaleda Zia’s illness and family matters. Addressing internal disputes over nominations, Rizvi assured that once the election process begins, all party members will unite under the BNP’s electoral symbol, the paddy sheaf. Earlier, BNP leaders and activists held a prayer session for the recovery of party chairperson Khaleda Zia.

The Qatari government is sending an air ambulance from Germany to Dhaka to transport former Bangladeshi Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia to London for advanced medical treatment. The aircraft, arranged under the direction of Qatar’s royal family, is scheduled to arrive in Dhaka at 5 p.m. on Saturday. According to BNP media cell member Shayrul Kabir Khan, the initial Qatari air ambulance faced technical issues, prompting the Emir of Qatar to dispatch another one as promised. The replacement aircraft, also a Qatari air ambulance built by a German company, will handle the transfer. Meanwhile, Dr. Zubaida Rahman, wife of BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman, has returned to Bangladesh and visited Evercare Hospital to assess Khaleda Zia’s condition. BNP sources stated that if the medical board deems her fit for travel, Khaleda Zia is expected to leave for London on Sunday, December 7, for further treatment.

Hasnat Abdullah, chief organizer of the National Citizens Party (NCP) for the southern region, emphasized the importance of women's votes and their social empowerment during a rally and courtyard meeting in Cumilla’s Debidwar upazila. Speaking on December 5, he said that although women play a major role in building a prosperous and educated nation, they remain socially and culturally disadvantaged. Abdullah pledged to prioritize women’s education and social dignity if elected, promising scholarship programs to prevent girls from dropping out of school. He also called for societal and cultural recognition of women’s contributions and for strengthening moral values through religious awareness. Referring to past movements for change, Abdullah urged voters to support transformation in the upcoming election and warned against the resurgence of authoritarianism. The event included public interactions in several local areas, accompanied by local NCP leaders.