Dr. Badiul Alam Majumdar, founder secretary of Citizens for Good Governance (SUJAN), has said that maintaining law and order will be the biggest challenge in ensuring a fair and credible national election in Bangladesh. Speaking at a mock parliament session organized by Debate for Democracy in Dhaka, he noted that while concerns remain about the electoral environment, unity among all political parties could help overcome these fears. He emphasized that although some members of the interim government may have personal loyalties, the administration as a whole remains neutral and committed to democratic transition.

Majumdar also warned that the misuse of social media could spread misinformation and rumors about election results, urging media outlets to strengthen fact-checking mechanisms. Debate for Democracy Chairman Hasan Ahmed Chowdhury Kiron, who presided over the event, alleged that recent attacks on political figures were part of attempts by domestic and foreign actors to derail the democratic process. The event concluded with a debate competition where Hazaribagh Government College emerged as the winner.

Observers say the remarks highlight growing concern over political violence, digital misinformation, and the need for institutional neutrality ahead of the polls.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Standing Committee member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury has said that the return of the party’s acting chairman, Tarique Rahman, will bring a new wave of political energy to Bangladesh. Speaking at a BNP-organized workshop in Dhaka’s Khamarbari on Saturday, he urged party leaders and activists to prepare for the upcoming national elections, calling the event part of the party’s broader nation-building vision.

Khosru described Tarique Rahman as a symbol of democratic struggle and expressed optimism that his arrival on June 25 would reinvigorate the movement for restoring democracy. He emphasized that the upcoming election would be a victory not just for the BNP but for democracy itself. Citing a foreign survey, he noted that respondents associated BNP leaders Ziaur Rahman, Khaleda Zia, and Tarique Rahman with democratic values.

The BNP leader also cautioned against divisive and disrespectful politics, urging members to remain committed to peaceful and tolerant political practices. Senior BNP figures Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, Habib-un-Nabi Khan Sohel, and others also addressed the event.

Independent candidate Sharif Osman Bin Hadi, convener of the Inquilab Mancha, was critically injured after being shot in Dhaka’s Bijoynagar area on Friday afternoon. Police said the attack occurred while Hadi was traveling in a battery-run rickshaw following a campaign event. A motorbike passenger fired a single bullet that struck Hadi in the head before fleeing. He underwent emergency surgery at Dhaka Medical College Hospital and was later transferred to Evercare Hospital, where his condition remains critical.

Authorities have yet to identify the assailants, though Hadi’s associates suspect individuals who had been accompanying him during campaign activities. Photos and CCTV footage are being analyzed, and police have urged the public to share any information. Veteran crime reporters described the shooting as the work of a professional marksman due to its precision from a moving vehicle.

The attack came a day after the national election schedule was announced for February 12. The Inquilab Mancha has blamed political rivals and demanded government accountability, warning that failure to ensure safety could undermine public trust ahead of the polls.

On the occasion of Martyred Intellectuals Day, BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman paid deep tribute to the teachers, doctors, writers, journalists, and artists killed on December 14, 1971, by the occupying forces and their collaborators. Rahman expressed prayers for their souls and emphasized their enduring inspiration for the nation.

He stated that the martyred intellectuals had taken up the pen in defense of freedom and justice, and their assassination was a calculated attempt to cripple Bangladesh’s intellectual foundation. Rahman lamented that even after more than fifty years, the vision of those martyrs remains unfulfilled, as democracy has repeatedly faced setbacks.

Calling for renewed commitment to the rule of law, an independent judiciary, and a pluralistic political system, Rahman urged citizens to work together to build the Bangladesh envisioned by the martyred intellectuals. He also extended condolences to the families of the martyrs, reaffirming BNP’s respect for their sacrifice.

Interim government legal adviser Asif Nazrul expressed deep emotion and optimism for the recovery of Osman Hadi, describing him as a courageous and patriotic individual. In a social media post on Saturday, December 13, Nazrul said he believed that with the prayers of so many people, Hadi would return to health. His message quickly drew attention for its heartfelt tone and personal reflections.

Nazrul recalled stories shared by Hadi’s colleagues, highlighting his humility and dedication. They said Hadi often slept on bare carpets with coworkers, gave up his pillow for others, and even washed colleagues’ clothes himself. Nazrul added that hearing these accounts, along with the cries of Hadi’s sister, deeply moved everyone present at Jamuna.

The message comes amid ongoing concern following an attack on Hadi, with authorities offering a reward for information about those involved. The incident has sparked widespread sympathy and calls for justice across Bangladesh.

Barrister Asaduzzaman Fuad, General Secretary of the Amar Bangladesh (AB) Party, alleged that certain political factions are attempting to compromise Bangladesh’s sovereignty by aligning too closely with India. Speaking at a protest in Dhaka on December 13, Fuad claimed that if some parties return to power, they would again 'sell Bangladesh to Delhi,' undermining national independence and dignity.

Fuad criticized what he described as the moral decay of political leadership, saying that individuals driven by greed and opportunism have risen to prominence in major parties. He argued that these leaders fail to recognize the nation’s true adversaries and disregard the historical struggle for sovereignty. His remarks came during a demonstration organized by Inquilab Mancha, protesting an attack on its convener Sharif Osman Hadi.

The AB Party’s statement reflects growing nationalist rhetoric ahead of Bangladesh’s next election cycle. Political analysts note that such accusations underscore rising tensions over foreign influence and internal legitimacy, signaling a contentious political environment in the coming months.

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmad has called for a broad national unity against fascism and terrorism, describing it as the country’s greatest strength. Speaking to reporters on Saturday, December 13, after meeting Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus, he emphasized that only through such unity can Bangladesh confront its current political and security challenges.

Ahmad stated that democratic forces must remain united within democratic alliances to resist conspiracies by extremist or authoritarian groups, both domestic and foreign. He urged a fair investigation into recent incidents and called for coordinated action among the Home Ministry, law enforcement agencies, and political parties. He also expressed support for the Inquilab Mancha’s ongoing anti-fascism and anti-terrorism rallies, pledging BNP’s participation in upcoming demonstrations at Shahbagh or the Central Shaheed Minar.

Addressing possible threats to candidates, Ahmad said vigilance and cooperation among government bodies, political parties, and citizens are essential to prevent violence and maintain stability during this tense political period.

The Bangladesh government has announced a reward of Tk 5 million for information leading to the arrest of those involved in the assassination attempt on Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of Inquilab Moncho and an independent candidate for Dhaka-8. The announcement was made by Home Affairs Adviser Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury following a law and order committee meeting at the Secretariat on Saturday.

Chowdhury stated that the government is committed to apprehending the perpetrators swiftly and ensuring the safety of all election candidates. He also mentioned that, unlike before, election candidates will now be eligible to obtain firearm licenses for personal protection, and previously deposited weapons will be returned. Authorities have already identified one suspect involved in the shooting, according to the Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner.

The adviser emphasized that the government is determined to protect those who played key roles in the July uprising and that special security measures are being implemented. The investigation into the attack remains ongoing, with officials urging public cooperation to bring the assailants to justice.

Former BNP lawmaker and decorated freedom fighter Major (Retd.) Akhtaruzzaman has formally joined Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami after meeting the party’s Ameer, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, at the central office on Saturday, December 13. During the meeting, Akhtaruzzaman expressed his confidence in Jamaat’s ideology, patriotism, and its stance on protecting the country’s independence and sovereignty.

Jamaat’s Assistant Secretary General and head of media, Ehsanul Mahbub Zubair, confirmed the development. Akhtaruzzaman completed the party’s primary membership form and pledged to uphold Jamaat’s principles, discipline, and loyalty. He also vowed to dedicate the rest of his life to promoting Islamic values and national interests.

Akhtaruzzaman, a former president of Kishoreganj district BNP, was expelled from the BNP for alleged breach of party discipline. He previously served as a Member of Parliament for Kishoreganj-2 in 1991 and 1996, and contested again in 2018 but lost to Awami League candidate and former IGP Nur Mohammad.

Bangladesh’s Ambassador to Mexico, Mushfiqul Fazal Ansarey, has called for a transparent and impartial investigation into the brutal attack on Sharif Osman Hadi, an independent candidate for Dhaka-8 and spokesperson of the Inquilab Mancha. In a Facebook post on Friday night (Bangladesh time), the envoy condemned the assault as cowardly and barbaric, urging all sides to work together rather than engage in blame games.

Ansarey, a former journalist now serving as a senior secretary-level diplomat, emphasized that Hadi represents a promising generation of courage and struggle. He said ensuring Hadi’s safety is a moral duty and urged citizens to support his family during this critical time. The ambassador also called for collective efforts to identify and punish the real perpetrators, stressing that cooperation with the government is essential to uphold democracy, elections, and the rule of law.

The incident has sparked widespread concern among civic groups and political observers, who see it as a test of Bangladesh’s commitment to political tolerance and justice.

Sharif Osman Bin Hadi, spokesperson of Inquilab Moncho and independent candidate for Dhaka-8 constituency, remains in critical condition after being shot by unidentified assailants on Friday. He was first taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital and later transferred to Evercare Hospital, where he is currently on life support. Inquilab Moncho officials confirmed that Hadi is under 48-hour observation and has shown internal response but is still not out of danger.

Abdullah Al Jaber, the group’s member secretary, told reporters that doctors are carefully monitoring his condition. Fahim Faruqi, convener of Moncho 24, said Hadi is breathing and receiving blood transfusions, describing these as positive signs. The attack occurred in the Bijoynagar Kalvert Road area shortly after Friday prayers while Hadi was campaigning.

Authorities have yet to identify the attackers or determine the motive behind the shooting. Political observers warn the incident could heighten tensions ahead of the upcoming election and raise concerns about candidate safety in Dhaka’s competitive constituencies.

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus met with the family of Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of Inquilab Mancha and potential independent candidate for Dhaka-8, at the state guesthouse Jamuna on Saturday, December 13. Yunus assured the family that the government is taking all necessary steps to ensure Hadi receives the best possible medical treatment, including the option of treatment abroad if required.

During the meeting, Hadi’s sister described him as a lifelong patriot and revolutionary, emphasizing his importance to their family and the movement. Inquilab Mancha representatives urged the government to arrest the perpetrators swiftly and ensure the safety of July Revolution activists. They questioned how the suspected shooter had been released on bail earlier.

Yunus confirmed that law enforcement agencies are actively pursuing those responsible and that a full investigation has been ordered. Senior advisers on law, environment, industry, and national security were present at the meeting, signaling the government’s commitment to transparency and justice in the case.

Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) Vice President Sadiq Kayem has called on the interim government to immediately arrest those responsible for the shooting of political activist Sharif Osman Hadi. Speaking at an international Qur’an recitation conference in Pirojpur on Friday, Kayem described Hadi as a key ally in the July Revolution and a consistent voice against aggression and domination. He linked the attack to broader conspiracies emerging after the announcement of the national election schedule.

Kayem urged authorities to ensure citizens’ safety, calling it a core duty of the interim administration. He warned that continued insecurity would mark a major failure of the government. He also demanded that the state cover Hadi’s medical expenses. The event was attended by several Islamist leaders, including Jamaat-e-Islami figures, and invoked the legacy of Allama Delwar Hossain Sayeedi, portraying him as an inspiration for anti-oppression movements.

The remarks reflect growing political tension in Bangladesh’s southern districts ahead of the upcoming elections, with opposition-aligned groups alleging targeted violence and state negligence.

A new report by the Runnymede Trust and human rights group Reprieve warns that nearly nine million British Muslims—mostly of Bangladeshi, Indian, and Pakistani heritage—could lose their citizenship under the UK Home Office’s broad and secretive powers. The study claims that these powers, which allow the government to revoke citizenship if an individual is deemed eligible for another nationality, disproportionately endanger people linked to South Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.

The report argues that the policy has created a racial hierarchy in citizenship, where non-white Britons face conditional nationality. Reprieve’s Maya Foa criticized successive governments for expanding these powers for political gain, while Runnymede’s Shabna Begum described the trend as a “chilling current” within the Home Office. Data show that three in five non-white Britons are at risk, compared with one in twenty white citizens.

Analysts warn that the policy undermines equality before the law and could deepen mistrust among minority communities. The Home Office has not yet commented on the findings.

Bangladesh’s Election Commission has outlined who can and cannot participate as candidates or voters in the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election, scheduled for February 12. The announcement follows the political transition after the fall of the Awami League government and aims to ensure transparency and inclusivity in the electoral process. The Commission has invited all political parties and interested individuals to take part under the revised legal framework.

According to the Constitution and the Representation of the People Order (RPO) 1972, candidates must be Bangladeshi citizens aged at least 25. However, recent amendments have expanded disqualification criteria, including restrictions on dual citizens and individuals convicted of serious crimes. The updated voter list counts approximately 127.7 million eligible voters, including provisions for prisoners to vote under specific procedures.

For the first time, expatriate Bangladeshis will be allowed to vote via postal ballots if they retain citizenship and voter registration. Legal experts note that citizenship status, court rulings, and compliance with electoral laws will determine both voting rights and candidacy eligibility in this pivotal election.