The verification process for nomination papers in the Bagerhat-1 constituency has been completed, with a total of eleven candidates submitting their papers. Among them, three nominations have been canceled. The canceled candidates include Mojibur Rahman Shamim of Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis for loan default, independent candidate Mushfiqur Rahman due to voter mismatch, and Golam Sarwar of the Jatiya Party for being a loan defaulter.

According to the district correspondent, the scrutiny of nomination papers for the remaining three constituencies in Bagerhat district is still ongoing. The report did not mention any objections or appeals following the cancellations.

The completion of verification in Bagerhat-1 marks a key step in the electoral process for the constituency, while the ongoing scrutiny in other constituencies indicates that the overall nomination review process in the district is still in progress.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has appointed former secretary A B M Abdus Sattar as the private secretary to its acting chairman Tareq Rahman and former Dhaka Reporters Unity general secretary A A M Saleh (Saleh Shibli) as press secretary. The announcement was made on Saturday afternoon through a press release signed by BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi.

According to the release, Abdus Sattar, who previously served as private secretary to former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, will now assist Tareq Rahman in his official duties. Saleh Shibli, who has earlier worked as Tareq Rahman’s press secretary and held other key responsibilities within the party, recently returned to Bangladesh from the United Kingdom on December 25.

The appointments mark a continuation of experienced leadership within the BNP’s central operations, as both appointees have long-standing ties with the party’s top leadership.

On January 1, 2026, Zohraan Mamdani was sworn in as the new mayor of New York City in a special ceremony. Immediately after taking office, he signed an executive order canceling several directives issued by former mayor Eric Adams, including measures supporting Israel. According to the order, all directives signed on or after September 26, 2024, and effective through December 31, 2025, have been revoked, while earlier executive orders will remain in force until amended or withdrawn.

This decision effectively nullifies several of Adams’s policies, including one that prohibited New York City agencies from boycotting or disengaging from Israel. However, the Office for Combating Anti-Semitism, established under the previous administration, will continue to operate.

Following the announcement, Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs accused Mamdani on social media of inciting anti-Semitism, marking an early diplomatic tension in his tenure.

Nomination papers for the Nilphamari-4 (Kishoreganj-Saidpur) constituency were scrutinized on Friday afternoon ahead of Bangladesh’s upcoming 13th national parliamentary election. Out of 12 submitted nominations, eight were declared valid, while four independent candidates’ nominations were canceled due to inconsistencies in information and inaccuracies in the required one percent voter signatures. The verification was conducted at the conference room of the district administration and returning officer’s office, confirmed by Returning Officer and Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Nayiruzzaman.

The eight valid candidates represent various political parties, including Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, Bangladesh Nationalist Party, Islami Andolan Bangladesh, Jatiya Party, Bangladesh Socialist Party (Marxist), and Liberal Democratic Party. The four disqualified independent candidates are Jobaydor Rahman (Hira), Md. Riad Arfan Sarkar, S.M. Mamunur Rashid, and Md. Shahriar Ferdous. According to the returning officer, these candidates may appeal for validation of their nominations until January 9.

The decision finalizes the initial list of eligible contenders for Nilphamari-4, pending any appeals by the disqualified independents.

NCP Member Secretary Akhtar Hossain has objected to the validation of a Jatiya Party candidate’s nomination during the scrutiny process at the Rangpur DC office on January 2, 2026. He demanded that the Jatiya Party be declared ineligible for the upcoming national election, alleging that the party helped institutionalize fascism and supported authoritarian rule in Bangladesh. Akhtar claimed that despite his objections, the returning officer declared the nomination valid under legal technicalities.

Akhtar argued that the Jatiya Party’s actions over the past 16 years contributed to sustaining authoritarianism and that those who legitimized fascism should not be allowed to contest elections. He stated that the NCP would pursue legal action if necessary and criticized the authorities for not informing them earlier about the opportunity to submit written objections. He also mentioned that seat-sharing discussions between the NCP and Jamaat-e-Islami within their eight-party alliance were still ongoing.

In response, Mahbubur Rahman, the Jatiya Party candidate for Rangpur-4, said that relevant authorities had already given their considered opinion and that law enforcement agencies would investigate any allegations.

In the verification process for the 13th National Parliamentary Election, Islamic preacher Kamrul Islam Saeed Ansari’s nomination for the Madaripur-2 constituency was canceled. Another independent candidate, Md. Reyazul Islam, was also disqualified. The decision was made on Friday afternoon by Madaripur Deputy Commissioner and Returning Officer Jahangir Alam after reviewing the required documents of all ten candidates.

According to the returning officer, Ansari’s nomination was canceled because a mismatch was found between the national identity card and the name of one supporter listed in the one percent voter endorsement required for independent candidates. However, Ansari retains the right to appeal the decision. During the verification session, officials from the district administration, police, National Board of Revenue, rural electricity authority, and banks were present.

Ansari stated that the supporter in question had been willing to appear in person, yet his nomination was still rejected. He announced his intention to appeal, expressing hope for justice in the next stage.

The Southern Transitional Council (STC), a separatist armed political group in Yemen, has announced plans to hold a referendum within two years to decide on the independence of South Yemen from the north. STC President Aidarous al-Zubaidi made the announcement in a televised speech on Friday, declaring the start of a two-year transitional period and urging the international community to sponsor dialogue between the northern and southern parties. He warned that if no dialogue occurs or if the south faces renewed attacks, the STC would immediately declare independence.

The announcement comes amid escalating tensions between Saudi-backed forces and the UAE-supported STC. Fighting broke out in Hadramaut province, near the Saudi border, between forces loyal to the Saudi-backed governor and STC fighters. STC commander Mohammed Abdul Malik reported that seven people were killed and more than 20 injured in seven airstrikes on an STC camp in Al-Khasha, carried out by Saudi Arabia.

The conflict follows years of instability since the Houthi takeover of Yemen’s capital in 2014, with the country divided between Houthi-controlled north and the Saudi-recognized Presidential Council in the south.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said the party will move forward following the ideals, commitments, and path shown by Begum Khaleda Zia. He made the remarks on Saturday, January 3, at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar’s Zia Udyan in Dhaka after the Jatiyatabadi Mohila Dal paid tribute at Khaleda Zia’s grave. Rizvi stated that Tarique Rahman would lead the country along the path shown by Ziaur Rahman and Khaleda Zia.

Rizvi described Begum Khaleda Zia as an unparalleled political figure who inspired the nation to fight against autocratic and fascist misrule for democracy. He said she demonstrated how to stand by the people even in times of crisis and never abandoned them. Rizvi alleged that Khaleda Zia was intentionally given wrong treatment in prison and that her death involved conspiracy and manipulation by malevolent forces.

He added that Khaleda Zia deeply loved the Jatiyatabadi Mohila Dal and built its current leadership. According to Rizvi, BNP and its affiliated organizations will continue to uphold her ideals, ethics, and commitments to preserve the nation’s democracy, independence, and sovereignty.

The district returning officer has declared the nomination of BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman valid for the Bogura-6 constituency in the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. The announcement was made on Saturday morning, confirming his candidacy under the party’s electoral symbol, the paddy sheaf.

According to the report, Tarique Rahman signed his nomination papers on December 28 as the BNP candidate for Bogura-6. Party leaders collected the nomination form from District Commissioner and Returning Officer Taufiqur Rahman on his behalf. The following day, on December 29 at around 2:30 p.m., Bogura District BNP President Rezaul Karim submitted the completed nomination papers to the returning officer on behalf of Tarique Rahman.

The validation of Tarique Rahman’s nomination formally secures his position as the BNP candidate for the Bogura-6 seat in the forthcoming national election.

Kazi Reha Kabir Sigma has emerged as the only independent female candidate among six constituencies in Kishoreganj for the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. She is contesting from Kishoreganj-4, which includes Austagram, Itna, and Mithamain upazilas. Sigma, originally from the remote haor area of Austagram, described herself in her affidavit as a researcher, entrepreneur, and long-time social worker. She declared an annual income of Tk 544,167 and total assets worth Tk 28.74 million, while her husband Sadequl Kabir reported assets of Tk 44.45 million.

According to her affidavit submitted to the returning officer, Sigma holds a postgraduate degree, runs a business, and has no criminal cases. She stated she is not a dual citizen and is over 48 years old, residing in Gulshan, Dhaka. Her declared assets include two apartments in Gulshan valued at Tk 15.5 million, gold jewelry, a jeep, and bank deposits. The Kishoreganj-4 constituency has nine candidates, including nominees from BNP, Jamaat, and other parties.

The district returning officer and deputy commissioner Mohammad Aslam Molla confirmed that nomination papers for Kishoreganj-4 were submitted by nine candidates and were scheduled for scrutiny on January 3.

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has intensified patrols and surveillance along the Lalmonirhat border ahead of the upcoming 13th national parliamentary election. Rangpur Battalion (51 BGB) Commander Lt. Colonel Selim Al Din confirmed that special patrols, strict monitoring, and enhanced intelligence activities are being conducted to ensure security in the border areas. Temporary checkpoints have also been set up at key points to strengthen inspection operations.

According to BGB, the measures aim to prevent illegal infiltration and drug smuggling by criminal groups during the election period. Regular and special patrols, including coordinated operations involving multiple Border Outposts (BOPs), are being carried out in Patgram upazila. Awareness meetings are also being organized among local residents to encourage cooperation with BGB and to prevent any criminal activity.

BGB has maintained coordination with India’s Border Security Force (BSF) through flag meetings, pledging joint efforts to curb cross-border crimes. The force stated that patrols, intelligence surveillance, and public awareness programs will continue to ensure stability and peaceful elections in the border region.

The nomination of Jatiya Party candidate Anisul Islam Mahmud Chowdhury for the Chattogram-5 (Hathazari) constituency was canceled on Saturday afternoon. The decision was made by Divisional Commissioner and Returning Officer Dr. Zia Uddin at the Chattogram Divisional Commissioner’s Office. Shortly after the announcement, police detained Mahmud’s proposer, Md. Salauddin, for questioning. The reason for the cancellation was not immediately disclosed.

Earlier in the day, a hearing for the constituency began at noon, during which more than a hundred students under the banner of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement staged a protest outside the office. They chanted slogans demanding the cancellation of Mahmud’s nomination and later chased his proposer, who was then handed over to police. Salauddin was taken into custody by a team from Kotwali Police Station.

Chattogram North District Chhatra Dal president Takibul Hasan Chowdhury Taki alleged that Mahmud, though a Jatiya Party leader, had previously acted in favor of the Awami League and was responsible for repression in Hathazari. Authorities confirmed that Mahmud’s nomination had been officially canceled.

Abul Basar Khan, a central leader of the banned Awami League and a fugitive accused in the July Revolution murder case, has submitted his nomination papers to contest as an independent candidate from Faridpur-1 constituency. Following the announcement, he has become visibly active in the area, accompanied by a large motorcade. On November 28, he declared his candidacy at his own Razzak Jute Mill hall in Madhukhali, hosting over a thousand guests including two hundred journalists.

According to case documents, Basar is the 27th accused among 95 individuals named in a case filed at Mirpur Model Police Station, with Sheikh Hasina listed as the prime accused. The case, now under investigation, alleges brutal attacks on students and civilians during the July movement. Basar remains neither arrested nor on bail. He holds positions in the Awami League’s central subcommittee and Madhukhali Upazila advisory council.

Local voters have labeled him a “guest bird” for his sudden reappearance, while activists from the anti-discrimination student movement in Faridpur described his candidacy as a rehabilitation of fascism.

Jamaat-e-Islami has declared its readiness to challenge the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in multiple constituencies of Cox’s Bazar ahead of the upcoming 13th national election. The coastal district, known for its long beach and tourism, has four parliamentary seats across nine upazilas. Campaigns are intensifying as BNP, Jamaat, and several smaller parties, including the National Citizen Party (NCP), Amar Bangladesh (AB) Party, and others, engage in day-and-night electioneering. Historically, the region’s voters have leaned toward Islamist and nationalist parties, giving BNP and Jamaat a strong base.

In Cox’s Bazar-1, BNP’s Salahuddin Ahmed faces Jamaat’s Abdullah Al Faruk, while in Cox’s Bazar-2, Jamaat’s Hamidur Rahman Azad’s nomination was canceled over legal issues. BNP’s internal divisions have surfaced in several seats, with multiple factions demanding candidate changes. In Cox’s Bazar-3 and 4, both parties have fielded strong contenders, including Jamaat’s Shahidul Alam Bahadur and Nur Ahmed Anwari. Jamaat leaders believe their organizational strength and renewed public confidence since the “July Revolution” will make them formidable rivals to BNP.

The contests in Cox’s Bazar are expected to be closely fought, with BNP’s dominance facing its strongest challenge in years from Jamaat’s mobilized grassroots network.

The nomination scrutiny for the Sylhet-2 (Osmaninagar-Bishwanath) constituency in the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election has been completed. Out of nine candidates, six were declared valid, two were rejected, and one was kept pending. The verification took place on Saturday at the conference room of the Sylhet District Commissioner, who also serves as the district returning officer.

According to the returning officer, valid nominations include those of BNP candidate Tahsina Rushdir Luna, Jamaat-e-Islami’s Professor Abdul Hannan, Khelafat Majlish’s Mohammad Muntasir Ali, Jatiya Party’s Mahbubur Rahman Chowdhury, Islami Andolan’s Maulana Amir Uddin, and Gano Forum’s Supreme Court lawyer Md. Mujibul Haque. Independent candidates Abrar Ilyas and Abdus Shahid had their nominations canceled due to irregularities, while Gano Odhikar Parishad’s Zaman Ahmad Siddique’s nomination was suspended for absence during scrutiny.

As per the Election Commission’s schedule, the 13th National Parliamentary Election is set for February 12, 2026. Candidates whose nominations were canceled or suspended may appeal within the stipulated timeframe.