BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman has cautioned that the notion of portraying one leader as good and all others as bad poses a serious threat to democracy. Speaking virtually from London at a BNP event in Dhaka’s Krishibid Institution, he urged party members to uphold pluralism and accountability, emphasizing that democracy is the only path to restoring normalcy in Bangladesh’s governance.

Rahman criticized the current state of the nation, citing economic hardship, factory closures, poor healthcare, and insecurity as signs of systemic dysfunction. He reiterated that only a democratically elected government can ensure accountability and gradual improvement. Addressing BNP activists, he called for unity and grassroots engagement ahead of the next election, stressing that loyalty should be to the party and its symbol, not individual candidates.

He also pledged to revive the canal excavation program initiated by late President Ziaur Rahman, linking it to agricultural productivity and flood control. The BNP plans to continue policy workshops through mid-December, focusing on education, health, agriculture, and employment.

Shahadat Hossain Selim, chairman of the Bangladesh Liberal Democratic Party (BLDP), has formally joined the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) after dissolving his own party. The announcement was made on Monday at BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s political office in Gulshan, where Selim presented flowers to BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury. During the event, it was confirmed that Selim will contest the upcoming election from the Lakshmipur-1 constituency under the BNP’s ‘sheaf of paddy’ symbol.

Amir Khosru stated that Selim’s nomination recognizes his contributions to political movements and his long-standing association with nationalist politics. He emphasized the need for unity under Tarique Rahman’s leadership to ensure BNP’s electoral success. Selim, who began his political career in the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, said he always remained emotionally connected to the BNP despite earlier separation. Declaring the dissolution of BLDP, he described his return as a homecoming after 25 years and pledged to strengthen the party ahead of the national polls.

The Ministry of Education’s Secondary and Higher Education Division in Bangladesh has issued the MPO Policy 2025, prohibiting teachers and staff of MPO-listed non-government schools and colleges from holding any financially profitable positions. The directive, released Sunday, states that teachers cannot engage in other jobs or professions such as journalism, law, or employment in private organizations while receiving MPO benefits.

According to clause 11.17(a) of the policy, any teacher or employee found involved in multiple posts or profit-oriented roles may face cancellation of MPO benefits and disciplinary action. The policy defines ‘financially profitable positions’ as any role that provides salary, allowance, or honorarium from government or private institutions. It also outlines performance-based conditions for institutions to retain MPO eligibility, including minimum pass rates in public exams.

The policy further clarifies promotion criteria, stating that assistant teachers with ten years of satisfactory service will be promoted to senior teacher positions. However, library and information science teachers will receive financial benefits of higher grades without promotion. The reforms aim to ensure full-time dedication and accountability within the education sector.

A Dhaka court has ordered the imprisonment of Shawkat Mahmud, former president of the National Press Club and current secretary-general of Janata Party Bangladesh, in connection with a case filed under the Anti-Terrorism Act. Metropolitan Magistrate Jewel Rana issued the order on Monday after police sought a 10-day remand for Mahmud. The court set Thursday for the hearing on the remand petition.

Mahmud was arrested on Sunday in the same case that led to the detention of Bangladeshi-American Enayet Karim Chowdhury, who is accused of involvement in a conspiracy to overthrow the government. Following his arrest, Detective Branch (DB) police produced Mahmud before the court, requesting remand for further interrogation. However, the hearing was postponed due to the absence of the case’s main documents.

The case has drawn attention from political observers and media circles, as Mahmud is a well-known journalist and political figure. The outcome of Thursday’s hearing is expected to determine whether investigators will be allowed to question him in custody.

The National Citizens Party (NCP) has strongly criticized Jamaat-e-Islami, accusing the Islamist party of exploiting religion as a political tool to incite division, hatred, and violence. In a press release issued Monday, NCP rejected Jamaat’s recent statement against its member secretary Akhtar Hossain, calling it baseless and an attempt to mislead public opinion. NCP’s media cell editor Mushfiq us Salehin circulated the statement to the press.

The NCP cited a recent incident in Ishwardi, Pabna, where a Jamaat activist was allegedly involved in election-related violence, as confirmed by local intelligence police. The party argued that Jamaat’s denial of such facts reflects an effort to conceal the truth and evade responsibility. NCP urged Jamaat to embrace the post–August 5 political culture of peace and democratic values instead of reverting to old patterns of dominance and confrontation.

The NCP emphasized that responsible behavior by all political parties is essential for national stability ahead of the upcoming general election, warning that continued provocation could endanger peace and public trust.

The Election Commission (EC) of Bangladesh has finalized the registration of 81 domestic election observer organizations ahead of the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. The announcement was made on December 8 by the EC’s public relations division, confirming that the registration process was completed in two phases following a review of applications and objections.

Initially, 73 local organizations were shortlisted in September, after which the EC invited public objections until October 20. Following the resolution of claims, 66 organizations were approved in the first phase, with registration valid from November 6, 2024, to November 5, 2030. Another 15 organizations received approval in the second phase, valid from December 4, 2024, to December 3, 2030.

The EC also noted that the registrations of 96 observer groups from the 12th parliamentary election were automatically canceled under the new Election Observation Policy 2025. Since the introduction of observer registration in 2008, the number of approved organizations has fluctuated, reflecting evolving oversight measures and transparency efforts in Bangladesh’s electoral process.

The High Court of Bangladesh has dismissed a writ petition that sought to suspend all activities related to the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. The bench, comprising Justice Shikdar Mahmudur Razi and Justice Riaz Uddin, ruled that the petition was not properly presented and noted that the nation is already election-focused, making such a request untimely.

The petition was filed on December 3 by Advocate Yarul Islam, Secretary General of the registered political party Bangladesh Congress. It challenged the legality of appointing election officials from the executive branch and requested the formation of an independent Electoral Service Commission. Following the court’s observation, the petitioner withdrew the case, citing national interest.

Legal experts say the ruling clears procedural uncertainty ahead of the polls. The Election Commission continues its preparations, including coordination with deputy commissioners and returning officers. The decision reinforces judicial reluctance to interfere with the electoral timeline unless clear constitutional violations are proven.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has indicated a shift in Washington’s stance on the Russia-Ukraine issue, suggesting that Europe should take primary responsibility for managing the conflict. In a newly released national security strategy document, Trump warned European nations that they risk losing their ‘Western identity’ if they fail to correct course. His comments follow continued criticism of Europe’s immigration and clean energy policies.

Former U.S. ambassador to the European Union Gordon Sondland told BBC Radio 4 that Trump views the Ukraine crisis as a European problem, with the U.S. serving only a supportive role. Sondland added that Trump wants to avoid repeating decades of direct U.S. engagement with Russia, which often left Washington bearing the burden of confrontation. Trump also expressed disappointment that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has not yet reviewed a U.S.-drafted peace proposal.

Analysts say Trump’s stance could reshape transatlantic security cooperation, potentially weakening NATO’s unified approach to Russia. European leaders are expected to discuss the evolving U.S. position during Zelensky’s ongoing diplomatic tour of London, Paris, and Berlin.

Jamaat-e-Islami has expressed confidence that the upcoming national election in Bangladesh will not be postponed. Following a meeting with the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and other commissioners on Monday, the party’s Secretary General, Mia Golam Porwar, stated that Jamaat does not foresee any risk of delay in the electoral schedule.

During the meeting, the six-member Jamaat delegation urged the Election Commission (EC) to install CCTV cameras at polling centers to ensure transparency and public confidence in the voting process. Porwar suggested that the EC could seek assistance from donor agencies to fund the initiative. The meeting followed similar consultations held earlier with representatives from the BNP, NCP, and the Bangladesh Administration Association.

Jamaat leaders also met with a European Union delegation, where party chief Dr. Shafiqur Rahman emphasized that Jamaat’s politics serve the people rather than any individual or group, and that while the party works with religious values, it does not exploit religion for political gain.

The Election Commission (EC) of Bangladesh has instructed Bangladesh Television (BTV) and Bangladesh Betar to prepare for recording the Chief Election Commissioner’s (CEC) address to the nation on December 10, when the schedule for the 13th National Parliamentary Election will be announced. The EC’s Public Relations Department confirmed the directive on December 8, noting that the CEC, A M M Nasir Uddin, will deliver a pre-recorded speech outlining the election timetable.

According to EC Secretary Akhtar Ahmed, the CEC and other commissioners will meet the President on the same day before the address is recorded. Officials indicated that the election schedule could be formally declared by December 11, with voting likely to occur between February 8 and 12. The EC emphasized its commitment to ensuring a free, fair, and neutral election process.

Unlike the previous election, when the CEC delivered the announcement live, this year’s address will be pre-recorded. The CEC is expected to urge citizens to participate in the election and call on candidates to uphold fairness throughout the process.

A German-based operator has canceled the air ambulance flight that was scheduled to transport former Bangladeshi Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia from Dhaka to London for medical treatment. The Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) confirmed that the operator, FAI Aviation Group, formally withdrew its landing slot request through its local agent despite having prior approval for arrival on Tuesday morning.

According to CAAB officials, the air ambulance, a Bombardier Challenger 604 jet, had been arranged with support from the Qatari government. It was expected to land in Dhaka at 8 a.m. and depart for London at 9 p.m. with Khaleda Zia on board. However, the operator later submitted a formal request to cancel the slot, which CAAB has forwarded to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Neither the operator nor the BNP has provided an official explanation for the cancellation, leaving uncertainty over Khaleda Zia’s next medical transfer plan and her current treatment arrangements in Bangladesh.

A new political alliance named the National Democratic Front (NDF) was officially launched in Dhaka under the leadership of former Jatiya Party heavyweights Barrister Anisul Islam Mahmud and Anwar Hossain Manju. The announcement came during a press conference at the Jana Party Center in Gulshan, where leaders introduced a coalition of 20 parties, including the Jatiya Party (Manju), Jatiya Party (Anisul), Bangladesh National Party, Trinamool BNP, and several smaller groups.

NDF leaders said the alliance aims to uphold democratic continuity and protect citizens’ rights. They criticized the government’s approach to the upcoming election, calling for a truly participatory process. ABM Ruhul Amin Hawlader, a Jatiya Party faction leader, stressed that reforms cannot exclude the Jatiya Party and urged all parties to be given equal opportunity. Mahmud argued that the interim government’s stance on ensuring fair competition remains unclear and self-serving.

The coalition’s formation follows a November 30 consultation meeting where 16 parties initially joined, later expanding to 20. The NDF’s emergence signals renewed efforts to reshape Bangladesh’s opposition landscape before the next national polls.

Mahmudur Rahman Manna, president of Nagorik Oikya and former Daksu vice president, has cautioned that any delay in announcing Bangladesh’s election schedule will deepen public uncertainty. Speaking at the inauguration of his party’s district office in Kurigram on Sunday, he noted that the Election Commission had initially hinted at declaring the schedule earlier in the month but has since deferred the announcement. Manna reiterated his party’s stance that the election should be held before Ramadan to maintain public confidence.

He praised Begum Khaleda Zia’s contributions to democratic movements, expressing concern over her health and emphasizing the importance of her participation in the electoral process. Manna also said that Nagorik Oikya maintains communication with the BNP and other opposition groups but has yet to form any formal electoral alliance. Senior party leaders, including Shahidullah Kaiser and Major (Retd.) Abdus Salam, were present at the event.

Observers note that Manna’s remarks reflect growing anxiety among smaller political groups about election timing and opposition unity ahead of the national polls.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami chief Dr. Shafiqur Rahman stated that his party does not use religion for political gain, criticizing those who invoke religious symbols only during elections. Speaking to reporters after meeting ambassadors from eight European Union countries in Dhaka, he emphasized that Jamaat avoids mixing religion with politics or business.

Dr. Rahman warned that any delay in the upcoming February national election could push Bangladesh into a deep crisis, stressing that Jamaat wants the polls to proceed on time. He pledged that if the party came to power, it would build an inclusive government, ensure rule of law, and restore economic stability. He urged political actors to reject corruption and guarantee equal justice for all citizens.

Addressing concerns about BNP leader Khaleda Zia’s health, Rahman said political continuity should not depend on individual well-being. He also noted that holding two votes on the same day could raise logistical concerns, suggesting separate dates for elections and referendums.

Bangladesh’s Home Affairs Adviser, Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, stated that preparations for the upcoming national election are progressing well. Speaking after a meeting of the law and order advisory committee on December 8, he said all security forces are undergoing training expected to conclude by January. Measures are being taken to ensure a peaceful, fair, and festive election, including the use of body cameras by law enforcement and uninterrupted electricity at polling centers.

Chowdhury acknowledged that crimes and killings may not completely stop before the election, emphasizing that there is no 'magic switch' to eliminate all incidents instantly. Addressing political participation, he noted that all parties are active, though some prefer to remain indoors due to internal issues. He also mentioned strict instructions to identify and arrest those involved in the recent murder of a freedom fighter and his wife in Rangpur.

The adviser’s remarks reflect the government’s intent to project readiness and transparency ahead of a crucial national vote.