Bangladesh’s Advisory Council, chaired by Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus, has given final approval to two major ordinances — the Enforced Disappearance Prevention and Remedy (Amendment) Ordinance 2025 and the Haor and Wetland Conservation Ordinance 2025. The decision came during the council’s weekly meeting on Thursday, which also discussed the critical health condition of July uprising leader Sharif Osman Hadi, currently under treatment in Singapore.

The disappearance ordinance allows a tribunal to officially declare a person “disappeared” after five years of absence and empowers victims’ families to manage property without prior approval. It also authorizes the appointment of public prosecutors for related tribunals. The wetland ordinance defines the jurisdiction of the Haor and Wetland Development Department, introduces legal protection for biodiversity, and criminalizes harmful activities in these ecosystems.

Additionally, the council approved establishing a new Bangladeshi embassy in Bern, Switzerland, to strengthen diplomatic and development ties. Officials said the move will enhance Bangladesh’s global representation and cooperation with Switzerland.

The Bangladesh Election Commission (EC) has decided to increase the number of closed-circuit cameras (CCTV) at polling centers ahead of the 13th National Parliamentary Election scheduled for February 12, 2026. The initiative aims to strengthen election security and transparency amid growing public and political concerns. The EC will not use its own funds for installation; instead, financing will come from city corporations, district and upazila councils, and administrative funds managed by divisional commissioners, deputy commissioners, and UNOs.

Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed confirmed that around 4,449 educational institutions already have CCTV systems, which will be utilized for polling. The EC has requested the education ministries to ensure these cameras are functional and to arrange temporary installations where needed. The move follows earlier dialogues where political parties and civil society urged for CCTV surveillance to prevent irregularities. Each installation is estimated to cost about BDT 4,000–4,500 per center.

Observers view the measure as a step to restore voter confidence and reduce fears of violence or fraud. The EC has also instructed local administrators to ensure accessibility and safety for all voters, including the elderly and persons with disabilities.

Hafez Tarek Reza, Joint Member Secretary of the National Citizen Party (NCP), announced on Thursday that Jannat Akter Rumi, the party’s Dhanmondi Thana Joint Coordinator, has died by suicide. In a Facebook post, Reza claimed that Rumi had been subjected to persistent cyberbullying, threats, and intimidation from individuals linked to the ruling Awami League over the past month.

Reza alleged that despite repeated appeals from Rumi’s family and friends, law enforcement authorities failed to provide adequate protection or intervention. He further stated that the incident should not be treated as a suicide but as a politically motivated killing, vowing to seek justice for his colleague. His post has sparked renewed debate about political harassment, online abuse, and the lack of institutional response in Bangladesh.

The case underscores growing concerns about cyber harassment targeting political activists and the perceived impunity surrounding such incidents. Authorities have yet to issue an official statement or confirm whether an investigation has been launched.

Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal-2 has issued arrest warrants against seven senior political figures, including Obaidul Quader, the suspended general secretary of the banned Awami League and former minister. The warrants relate to alleged crimes against humanity committed during the so-called July Revolution, a period marked by violent political unrest.

The other accused include Awami League joint general secretary A F M Bahauddin Nasim, former state minister for information Mohammad Ali Arafat, Jubo League president Sheikh Fazle Shams Parash, general secretary Mainul Hossain Khan Nikhil, and two leaders of the proscribed Chhatra League, Saddam Hossain and Wali Asif Inan. The tribunal’s decision follows formal charges submitted by the prosecution earlier this month.

Legal analysts say the move signals an intensified effort to address alleged atrocities tied to the July uprising. Party sources have not yet commented publicly, while human rights groups have urged transparency in the proceedings. The tribunal is expected to set hearing dates once the accused are taken into custody.

Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo has issued a formal apology to several Asian countries following a controversy involving racist social media posts by far-right members of Finland’s parliament. The posts, which included images mocking Asian facial features, sparked widespread criticism and were dubbed the 'slanted eyes' scandal by Finnish media. Orpo, who leads a four-party coalition government including the nationalist Finns Party, said the images do not reflect Finland’s values of equality and inclusion.

The incident began earlier this month when a friend of a former Miss Finland posted a photo imitating Asian eyes, captioned as dining with a Chinese person. Two Finns Party MPs and one European Parliament member later shared similar images. Finland’s national airline, Finnair, reported negative reactions in Asian markets, while the Finns Party said it would discuss the matter in its upcoming meeting.

This is not the first time Orpo’s government has faced racial controversy. In 2023, racist remarks by Finns Party ministers nearly triggered a no-confidence vote, raising questions about the coalition’s stability and Finland’s international image.

Bangladesh’s prosecution has formally filed charges against two senior leaders of the banned student organization Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) for alleged crimes against humanity committed during the July Revolution. The accused are BCL president Saddam Hossain and general secretary Sheikh Wali Asif Enan. Prosecutor Gazi M.H. Tamim confirmed the submission of the charges to the tribunal on Thursday.

In addition to the two student leaders, five other prominent political figures have also been charged, including former Awami League general secretary and ex-minister Obaidul Quader, joint general secretary A.F.M. Bahauddin Nasim, former state minister for information Mohammad Ali Arafat, Jubo League president Sheikh Fazle Shams Parash, and general secretary Mainul Hossain Khan Nikhil. Arrest warrants have reportedly been issued against all seven accused.

The tribunal’s move marks a significant escalation in post-revolution accountability efforts. Legal analysts suggest the proceedings could reshape Bangladesh’s political landscape, as several of the accused held top positions in now-banned organizations. The trial schedule is expected to be announced in the coming weeks.

Advocate Shaheenur Pasha, a long-time Islamist politician and current central Naib-e-Ameer of Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis, has re-emerged as a key contender in Sunamganj-3 constituency ahead of the 13th national election. Once part of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam, he later joined Trinamool BNP before contesting the controversial 2024 “dummy” election, losing his deposit. Now running under the rickshaw symbol, Pasha seeks nomination from the new eight-party Islamist alliance.

His repeated party switches and participation in the disputed election have drawn criticism within the alliance, which includes Jamaat-e-Islami, Islami Andolon Bangladesh, and others. Rival candidates Advocate Yasin Khan of Jamaat and Sheikh Mushtaq Ahmed of Khelafat Majlis UK chapter argue that only a “clean image” candidate can ensure victory in the religiously influential constituency. Local leaders warn that nominating a controversial figure could fracture grassroots unity.

The alliance leadership faces mounting pressure to balance internal lobbying with public sentiment. Observers say the final choice in Sunamganj-3 will signal whether the coalition prioritizes strategic unity or electoral credibility.

Bangladesh’s prosecution authority has formally submitted charges against Obaidul Quader, the banned Awami League’s general secretary and former bridges minister, along with six others, for alleged crimes against humanity committed during the July Revolution. Prosecutor Gazi M.H. Tamim confirmed the filing on Thursday, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing post-revolution accountability process.

The accused include senior political figures and leaders of affiliated organizations: Awami League joint general secretary A.F.M. Bahauddin Nasim, former state minister for information and broadcasting Mohammad Ali Arafat, Jubo League president Sheikh Fazle Shams Parash, general secretary Mainul Hossain Khan Nikhil, and the banned Chhatra League’s president Saddam Hossain and general secretary Wali Asif Enan. The tribunal is expected to review the charges and decide on issuing arrest warrants soon.

Legal analysts say the case could reshape Bangladesh’s political landscape, testing the judiciary’s independence amid heightened tensions following the July Revolution. The proceedings may also influence future reconciliation efforts and the banned party’s potential rehabilitation.

Imran Khan’s sons, Qasim and Suleman Khan, announced plans to visit Pakistan in January to meet their father, the jailed former prime minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder. In an interview with Sky News, the London-based brothers expressed grave concern over Khan’s health and alleged that he is being held in a ‘death cell’ under inhumane conditions, facing psychological torture and isolation.

Their remarks echo earlier allegations by Khan’s sister Uzma Khanum, who was recently allowed to visit him in Adiala Jail. The family claims that authorities have denied regular contact and that Khan’s confinement violates international standards. A UN special envoy has also warned that his treatment could amount to degrading or inhuman conditions.

The Pakistani government has rejected these accusations. Prime Minister’s spokesperson Mosharraf Zaidi stated that Khan is not in solitary confinement and is allowed weekly family visits. The controversy adds to ongoing political tensions as Khan remains imprisoned on multiple corruption and terrorism-related charges since his ouster in 2022.

Two Union Parishad chairmen and their relatives in Cumilla’s Titas upazila have been accused of illegally occupying land owned by the Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB) to construct a market. The disputed land, located near the Asmania Bazar area along the left bank of the Gumti River embankment, was originally acquired for flood protection projects. A local resident, Zainal Abedin, has filed a formal complaint demanding the removal of the illegal structures.

According to the complaint, the encroachers built multiple commercial establishments on about 15 decimals of BWDB land, renting them out for profit. Despite previous eviction notices in 2016 and 2020, enforcement was reportedly halted due to political interference. The accused chairmen, including Narandia Union’s current and former leaders, claim they will vacate the land only if BWDB conducts an official eviction.

BWDB Executive Engineer Mohammad Rashed Shahriar confirmed receiving the complaint and said a surveyor has been assigned to verify the land boundaries. The findings will determine subsequent legal and administrative actions.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jamaat-e-Islami have finalized their candidates for seven parliamentary constituencies in North Chattogram ahead of the 13th national election. Following the political collapse of the Awami League after the 2024 July uprising and the flight of its top leaders, the region’s political landscape has shifted sharply. BNP has nominated new faces in five constituencies, while all Jamaat candidates are newcomers, signaling a generational and strategic reset.

Historically a BNP stronghold, North Chattogram now sees Jamaat gaining organizational strength through early campaigning and consistent grassroots presence. In contrast, BNP faces internal divisions and delayed candidate announcements, leading to factional disputes and even threats of rebel candidacies. Analysts note that the direction of former Awami League voters could decisively shape outcomes. Local observers describe competitive races in Mirsharai, Fatikchhari, Sandwip, Sitakunda, Hathazari, Raozan, and Rangunia, where Islamist alliances and Hefazat-linked networks may also influence results.

The evolving dynamics suggest a fragmented opposition contest, with Jamaat’s disciplined mobilization challenging BNP’s traditional dominance in the region.

Several Bangladeshi expatriates have been detained in Saudi Arabia for organizing political gatherings related to Bangladesh’s upcoming 13th national election without official permission. The Embassy of Bangladesh in Riyadh confirmed the arrests in a statement issued on Wednesday night, urging all expatriates to refrain from political activities in the kingdom.

According to the embassy, the detainees allegedly rented halls, restaurants, and private residences to hold meetings under the banners of unauthorized organizations. Saudi authorities acted after reports of group campaigning and the spread of misleading or criminal content on social media. The embassy reminded Bangladeshis to strictly follow Saudi laws and avoid any form of political assembly or online misinformation.

The incident highlights the sensitivity of political activities among expatriate communities in Saudi Arabia, where public gatherings and foreign political campaigns are tightly regulated. The embassy’s advisory aims to prevent further detentions and maintain compliance with local regulations ahead of Bangladesh’s election season.

An assassination attempt on Sharif Osman Hadi, convener of the Inquilab Mancha and a prominent youth leader of Bangladesh’s July uprising, has intensified political tensions in Dhaka. Hadi, known for his anti-fascist activism and cultural mobilization, was targeted in what observers describe as a politically motivated attack aimed at silencing dissenting voices and intimidating election candidates. The incident occurred shortly after the election schedule was announced, raising fears of renewed violence and instability.

Investigative outlet The Descent identified the attackers as members of the banned student wing linked to the former ruling Awami League. Reports suggest the assailants fled to India within 24 hours, fueling allegations of cross-border complicity. Critics accuse pro-Delhi networks of seeking to destabilize Bangladesh’s fragile post-Hasina transition and derail upcoming elections. Political parties have condemned the attack and discussed joint protests, though divisions remain over how to confront alleged external interference.

Analysts warn that failure to restore law enforcement credibility and political unity could embolden extremist elements. The attack underscores the volatile intersection of domestic power struggles and regional geopolitics shaping Bangladesh’s democratic trajectory.

A tweet by retired Indian Army officer Colonel (Retd.) Ajay K. Rayna has triggered widespread criticism and concern across social media in both India and Bangladesh. In his post, Rayna allegedly suggested that Bangladeshi political figure Hasnat Abdullah could be the next 'target' after Osman Hadi, a spokesperson of the Inquilab Mancha who was recently attacked. The tweet also contained violent language, which many interpreted as an explicit threat.

Following the post, Bangladeshi media personalities and commentators condemned the statement, calling it a direct incitement to violence against political actors in Bangladesh. Some analysts questioned whether the message was linked to the recent assault on Hadi. Despite the uproar, Rayna has not issued a formal clarification. In a brief media comment, he dismissed the controversy, saying people were being overly sensitive about social media posts and advised Bangladesh not to overreact to Indian security matters.

Observers warn that such rhetoric could strain diplomatic relations and fuel online hostility between the two neighboring countries if not addressed promptly.

Bangladesh’s interim government has firmly dismissed India’s recent comments on its upcoming national elections, saying Dhaka will not accept any ‘advice’ from New Delhi. Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossain stated that Bangladesh knows best how to conduct its own polls and criticized India for remaining silent during the previous 15 years of flawed elections. His remarks followed a series of diplomatic summons between the two neighbors, triggered by mutual concerns over security and political interference.

India summoned Bangladesh’s High Commissioner in New Delhi to express concern over what it described as a deteriorating security situation and threats to its missions in Dhaka. Earlier, Bangladesh had summoned the Indian envoy to protest alleged incitement by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who remains in India after being sentenced to death for war crimes. The closure of Indian visa centers in Dhaka and accusations of harboring extremists have further strained ties.

Observers note that the escalating rhetoric could complicate regional cooperation and election monitoring efforts. Both sides, however, have reiterated their commitment to maintaining diplomatic communication despite the current friction.