Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami chief Dr. Shafiqur Rahman stated that the upcoming national election will mark a new chapter in the country's political history. Speaking at the National Representative Conference of Mushlihin in Neserabad, Jhalakathi, he warned against any attempts at vote manipulation or polling center occupation, saying such actions would face strong resistance. Rahman emphasized continued struggle against oppression, fascism, and efforts to divide the nation, urging all Islamic forces to remain united for the cause of Islam. The event was attended by several Islamic and political leaders, including Charmonai Pir Mufti Syed Muhammad Rezaul Karim, who echoed the call for unity among Islamic parties to ensure electoral success. Thousands of devout Muslims participated in the gathering, which was presided over by Maulana Khalilur Rahman, Amir of Mushlihin.

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed has warned that those attempting to claim ownership of the spirit of the July 2024 student-led mass uprising for political purposes will face negative consequences. Speaking at a rally organized by the Bangladesh Nationalist Freedom Fighters’ Council at the Central Shaheed Minar, he emphasized that the uprising was the culmination of years of struggle, not merely a short-term movement. The 2024 uprising, which began with student protests demanding quota reform, led to the fall of the Awami League government and the exile of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Salahuddin accused the Awami League of monopolizing national ideals and warned that similar attempts to control the uprising’s legacy would fail. He reiterated that the movement’s spirit belongs to all pro-democracy citizens. Other BNP leaders, including Ishteak Aziz Ulfat, Abdus Salam, Zainul Abedin Faruk, and Ishraq Hossain, also attended the event.

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed declared that the death sentence of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina would be implemented, emphasizing that there is no place for dictatorship or fascism in Bangladesh. Speaking at a rally titled ‘Freedom Fighters and Generations Vigilant for Independence, Sovereignty and Democracy’ at the Central Shaheed Minar on Saturday, he accused the Awami League of being a mafia-fascist force operating under the guise of democracy. Salahuddin warned that failure to meet public aspirations could lead to the resurgence of fascist politics, urging all to uphold democratic practices. At the same event, BNP leader Ishraque Hossain alleged that Sheikh Hasina was using secret terrorists to obstruct elections and vowed that the Awami League would no longer be allowed to conduct politics in Bangladesh. The rally was presided over by Nationalist Freedom Fighters’ president Ishtiaq Aziz Ulfat and attended by several senior BNP leaders.

ATM Azharul Islam, Jamaat-e-Islami’s candidate for Rangpur-2 and a central executive member, declared that a national referendum is essential for protecting the country. Speaking during an election campaign rally in Rangpur on Saturday, he emphasized that all political parties had agreed to the idea of a referendum and questioned why it could not be held before the national election. Azharul Islam also highlighted his past work in local development, including road construction and education initiatives, and pledged to reopen a closed sugar mill and modernize hospitals if elected. He alleged that some local officials were biased toward a particular party but expressed confidence in achieving a level playing field. Claiming strong support from youth, women, and minority communities, he said he was confident of a decisive victory. The campaign event featured a large motorcycle procession with around 2,000 participants across several local areas.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir sharply criticized Jamaat-e-Islami for using religion to gain political advantage, questioning the notion that supporting Jamaat guarantees spiritual reward. Speaking at a discussion organized by the Islamic Foundation Caretaker Welfare Council in Dhaka, Fakhrul said religion should not be misused for political benefit. He recalled that former President Ziaur Rahman had given Jamaat the opportunity to re-enter politics, but lamented that the party has been inactive in anti-government movements over the past decade. Fakhrul also accused Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of undermining citizens’ rights, including voting and religious freedom, while falsely claiming to defend Islam. Citing Indonesia’s model of religious institutional consultation, he noted Bangladesh lacks such structures. He called for national unity to ensure a fair and credible election that would restore democracy and empower parliament to address national issues.

Salauddin Jamil Saurav, a central member of the National Citizen Party (NCP), has collected and submitted his nomination form to contest from the Dhaka-5 constituency. The constituency, officially numbered 171, covers densely populated areas such as Jatrabari, Donia, and Kajla under the Dhaka South City Corporation. Saurav collected the nomination form from the party’s temporary central office in Banglamotor on Tuesday and submitted it the same day. Speaking to reporters, he said he grew up witnessing the struggles and neglect faced by local residents and aims to ensure basic civic services through sincere effort, visionary planning, and transparent leadership. He emphasized that Bangladesh’s politics is at a turning point, and people now seek leaders who remain connected to citizens beyond power politics. The NCP, he added, is working to build such new leadership for the future.

Advocate Fazlur Rahman, the BNP-nominated candidate for Kishoreganj-4 constituency (Itna-Mithamain-Austagram), declared that he would take poison if Jamaat-e-Islami wins the election and forms a government. Speaking at a BNP workers’ rally in Itna on Friday night, Rahman criticized Jamaat members, calling them ungrateful and accusing them of betraying those who once saved them. He emphasized his ideological stance, stating he seeks votes only from supporters of the Liberation War, BNP, and its leaders, regardless of religion. Rahman also reiterated that Bangladesh’s independence was aimed at establishing a secular state. His remarks come amid heightened political tensions and renewed debates over the role of Jamaat in national politics. Local BNP leaders, including his wife Umme Kulsum Rekha and other party officials, were present at the event.

A large motor rally was held in Faridganj, Chandpur-4 constituency, in support of Jamaat-e-Islami’s nominated parliamentary candidate and district Amir, Maulana Billal Hossain Miahji. Hundreds of motorcycles and vehicles joined the procession, which began from the Faridganj bus stand and paraded through key roads in the upazila. During the rally, Miahji urged voters to support the 'scale' election symbol, pledging to build a peaceful and terrorism-free Bangladesh. He dismissed rumors that Jamaat restricts women’s freedom, asserting the party’s commitment to women’s rights, employment, and empowerment. Miahji emphasized that Jamaat aims to serve the people rather than rule over them. Several local leaders, including Upazila Amir Maulana Yunus Helal, General Secretary Sakhawat Hossain, and other party representatives, participated in the event, which showcased strong organizational discipline and enthusiasm among supporters ahead of the upcoming election.

BNP’s Dhaka-6 parliamentary candidate Ishraq Hossain has declared that the ruling Awami League will no longer be allowed to engage in politics in Bangladesh. Speaking at a rally of freedom fighters and their descendants at the Central Shaheed Minar on Saturday, Ishraq accused Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of using secret militants to obstruct elections. He urged opposition groups to overcome internal divisions and unite under the spirit of the July movement, warning that disunity could weaken the nation and make it vulnerable to external domination. Ishraq emphasized that Bangladesh must not become a tributary state and called for collective action to protect national sovereignty. His remarks reflect the ongoing political tension between the BNP and the Awami League ahead of potential electoral confrontations.

A large nurses’ rally in Dhaka on Saturday caused severe traffic disruptions as major roads near the National Press Club were closed from 10 a.m. onward. The demonstration, organized by thousands of nurses, led to the shutdown of Topkhana Road between Paltan intersection and Kadam Fountain, forcing vehicles to be diverted through Bijoynagar and Kakrail. The diversion resulted in heavy congestion and long delays, leaving commuters frustrated. Many passengers criticized the lack of prior notice and urged authorities to reconsider the practice of blocking roads for rallies. The nurses gathered to protest against the alleged attempt to dissolve the Directorate of Nursing and Midwifery and demanded the formation of a National Nursing Commission. Police officials said the rally was expected to end by early afternoon, after which normal traffic flow would resume.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has announced that the party will transform the Islamic Foundation into a full-fledged state institution if it comes to power. Speaking at a discussion with mosque-based education caretakers in Dhaka, he criticized widespread corruption, moral decline, and politicization of public institutions under the Awami League government. Fakhrul questioned why moral values have weakened despite the presence of numerous mosques and madrasas in Bangladesh. Citing Indonesia as an example, he emphasized the need for institutional religious consultation in governance. He accused the current administration of undermining democracy, religious freedom, and merit-based appointments. Fakhrul also called for strengthening moral education in families, schools, and madrasas to curb crime and social decay. He reiterated BNP’s commitment to democratic values and institutional reform to restore accountability and ethical governance.

The National Citizen Party (NCP) has announced a mass rally in Dhaka on Saturday afternoon demanding that the Awami League be tried as a political party for alleged involvement in the July massacre. According to a press release signed by NCP Joint Member Secretary and Media Cell Editor Mushfiq Us Salehin, the rally will begin at 3:30 p.m. from Banglamotor intersection. NCP Dhaka Metropolitan Unit is organizing the event, with Convener Nahid Islam expected to attend. The party plans to call for the implementation of verdicts against those responsible for the July killings and to demand justice for the Awami League and its coalition partners. Nahid Islam first raised the demand for Awami League’s trial following the death sentence verdict against Sheikh Hasina on November 17. Previously, the NCP had led protests seeking to ban the Awami League, which was later followed by an interim government decision to suspend the party’s activities.

Pakistan has described the death sentence handed to former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina as an internal matter of Bangladesh. During a weekly press briefing on November 21, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Tahir Andarabi stated that the people of Bangladesh are capable of resolving their issues through democratic and constitutional means. The comment came after an international crimes tribunal sentenced Hasina to death for allegedly ordering lethal force against student-led protests during the July uprising that toppled her government. The verdict, seen as politically significant ahead of Bangladesh’s national elections scheduled for early February, has drawn attention from neighboring countries. Bangladesh has urged India to extradite Hasina, who fled there after being ousted, citing an existing extradition treaty. However, New Delhi has not agreed, emphasizing its commitment to peace, democracy, and stability in Bangladesh. Pakistan’s cautious stance reflects its intent to avoid involvement in Bangladesh’s internal judicial and political developments.

BNP central sports secretary and Dhaka North convenor Aminul Haque has assured that no extortion will be allowed from rickshaw and autorickshaw drivers in Dhaka. Speaking at a meeting with drivers in Pallabi, he said that for the past 17 years, a syndicate had been collecting illegal fees from them. Haque promised that under a future BNP government, all such syndicates would be dismantled. He also warned that any party member found involved in extortion would face legal action. Additionally, he urged autorickshaw drivers to follow traffic laws, emphasizing that adherence to rules could prevent accidents and reduce traffic congestion. His remarks come as part of his campaign as the BNP candidate for the Dhaka-16 constituency, pledging reforms to protect low-income transport workers from exploitation.

US President Donald Trump met with New York City’s newly elected mayor, Zohran Mamdani, at the White House on Friday, marking their first face-to-face encounter after months of political hostility. Despite previous clashes—where Trump had threatened Mamdani with deportation and labeled him a ‘communist,’ while Mamdani accused Trump of acting like a dictator—the meeting ended on a conciliatory note. Trump told reporters that he would be happy to see Mamdani succeed and promised federal support for his initiatives. He also noted that many of Mamdani’s ideas align with his own. Mamdani, who will assume office on January 1, expressed eagerness to work with the president to make New York more affordable and livable. Both leaders emphasized cooperation on urban development, public services, and improving residents’ quality of life, signaling a surprising thaw in their previously strained relationship.